#34 | Taiwan Travel Guide | Kaohsiung

Well hello there! It's been a long long while. Japan guides are underway and will be up real soon after the Taiwan series - As I have friends who are going to Taiwan soon and are asking me about my itinerary and recommendations. So I have decided to put this up earlier than the Japan Guides. Without further or do, let's dive right into it! :)

As you may or may not know, I have just returned from my 10 days trip to Taiwan with one of my best friend, May. And we went to mainly KaoHsiung, TaiChung and Taipei City. We have both been to Taipei a few times and wanted to explore more of the other counties and try something new. We decided to start our trip from Kaohsiung and slowly make our way up north to Taipei. 

As Taiwan is after all a Hokkien / Mandarin speaking country, it would be to your advantage if you are able to read and speak their language. Taiwanese tend to speak really fast in their native language, even for my standards (Average level of Mandarin and Hokkien). It would be advantageous for you to be able to speak at least some basic mandarin. As you go about, there will be English translation on their street signs and stations, especially in the more touristy areas.

I have broken down the cities I am introducing into 2 sections - Sightseeing and Shopping. For this post, it will be KSH focused. The other guides for Taichung and Taipei will be posted up soon. Let's begin!

KSH is more known for being a harbour or a port as it is surrounded by the South China Sea, When you are there, it would be a great opportunity to try out their seafood as it is at a cheaper price as compared to other parts of Taiwan - fresh and affordable. It is a newly developed city with clean streets and  a convenient transportation system in place ranging from buses to trains. However do note that their train system is not as extensive as Taipei's but it is good enough to get you to the main attractions and the places that I would be recommeding! Also, since the place is not yet thronged with tourist, it would be an ideal vacation destination if you're not into commercialised tourist attractions.

S I M  C A R D  A N D  G E T T I N G  A R O U N D

We landed in Kao Hsiung International Airport and made our way out to get our sim cards - just right outside the arrival hall. I read up online and they said that getting your sim cards at the airport is advisable as the deals are specially set for tourist. You might not be able to get the same prices if you get the sim cards from retail stores outside. Because we were here in Taiwan for exactly 10 days, we got the 10 days unlimited data package for only 500NT! Here are the other packages they offer.




So note that you will need to produce your Passport and another verification card with your picture and details on it, such as your driving license, your NRIC. However they lady said that Singaporean passports do not need to flash the additional card.. But just bring one in case!

Like how Hong Kong have their octopus card and Singapore have our Ez-link card, Kao Hsiung have their iPass card. Although the rest of Taiwan is using Easycard, Kao Hsiung is the only city that uses a different company's card. But fret not, there's good news for you! Just recently in early 2016, the 2 companies came into an agreement, iPass can now be used all over Taiwan too. But it can be a bit of a hassle as in the other counties, whereonly one gantry will allow you to use your iPass. I am sure they will soon be integrating their systems and allow both cards to be used on all gantries like Japan's Cosmo and Suica card.

A non-refundable 100NT is to be made when purchasing your iPass card. The best part is that there will be a few designs and cartoons for you to choose from! May went with Doremon and I went with Moomin :)

(A) S I G H T S E E I N G  I N  K A O H S I U N G

P I E R  2  A R T  C E N T E R 

Address: No. 1, Dayong Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803

Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm

Train Station: Orange Line - Station 02 Yan Cheng Pu Station

Getting there: Take exit 1 and turn right, walk straight down along Dayong Road until you reach Pier 2 art district. It would be about a 5 minutes walk.

Time to Spend There: 1 to 2 hours

This was our first stop after checking into our hotel and being free from our luggage. This is a very artsy place with interesting mural paintings and artifacts that mimics the trick eye museum sorts. There also a lot of arty farty shops and cafes that sells quirky little trinkets that you can buy back as souvenirs. Who would have thought that they used to be abandoned warehouses?

If you would like to explore more of the place, it would be easier and better to explore it on a bike! As the place is rather big, it was hard for us to cover the pier by foot. We only realise the bike rental points after covering half of the pier, by then it was getting a bit dark and we wanted to head to our next destination. 

There are occasionally some unusual exhibitions there. The one we saw was some Robot and Us in the future or something. As train seems to be the theme of the area, there is a cute mini train ride where both adults and children can sit on. 

But our favourite part of the Art Center has got to be the big open land with eye catching art installations.There were just so many things for us to take photos of. There is even a cute kite shop for you to relieve your old childhood days - that's if you were born in the 90's like me!

C I  J I N  I S L A N D

Address: No. 10號, Hai'an Rd, Qijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 805

Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm

Train Station: Orange Line - Station 01 Si Zi Hwan

Getting there: Take exit 1 and turn left and go straight, walk about 8 minutes to the habour to Gu Shan Ferry Pier (located at the intersection of BinHai 2nd and BinHai 1st Road) Then take a 5 minutes ferry ride to Ci Jin Island. - Ferry cost 30NT (there will be additional cost if you want to transport up your own scooter or bicycle)

Time to Spend There: 3 to 5 hours

Unfortunately, because of our flight delay and late check into our hotel on our first day, we did not have sufficient time to explore this amazing island that I have heard so many great things about. Apparently, seafood here would be the best place to try, especially items like squid ink sausage or octopus sausage - food you do not commonly see else where. There are many attractions on the island that is worth going for, think of it like the Jeju Island of Korea. here are my list of things to see:

1. Ci Jin Rainbow Church

2. Starlight Tunnel - would be the sea at the other end

3. Ci Hou Fort - overlooks the whole town, while be a bit of a hike to get up there

4. Tian Hou Temple - KSH oldest temple that was build in 1673. There are a lot of food stalls here

5. Ci Hou Lighthouse

6. Ci Jin Seashore Park

I would say give it a visit if time permits for you! And as what I have gathered, the best way to get around the island is also by biking. I am sure that you should be able to find rental shops near the pier upon your arrival on the island. 

X I A O  L I U  Q I U  I S L A N D

Train Station: Red Line - Station 11 KaoHsiung Main Station *Need to take bus

Getting there: Walk from the Main Station to Kuo Kuang Motor Transportation Bus Service. Take wither 9117 (longer route) or 9127 to Dong Gang Town - Bus Tickets are 189NT for return tickets. From Dong Gang, you will alight at a 7- Eleven, which is actually a bus terminal at the back. You will then need to enter the 7-Eleven to the counter at the corner and buy the private ferry tickets for your ferry ride to Xiao Liu Qiu - Ferry Tickets are 410NT and bus ride to the ferry terminal at 23NT. Alternatively, you may choose to sit the public ferry at 380NT - but it runs at longer frequencies, and tickets have to be bought on your own at the ferry terminal.

To go back, you will have to take a cab back from the ferry to the 7-Eleven above (which was also the bus terminal that you boarded the shuttle bus to the ferry) Then across the road and you will see the above bus stop sign. Take either 9117 or 9127 back to Kao Hsiung City.

Time to Spend There: 3 to 6 hours

Xiao Liu Qiu - or also little known as Crystal island, like Ci Jin Island are beautiful places to visit if the weather is kind and good. Tucked in the Northern part of Taiwan, this is a favourite destination for the locals during summer holidays! There are many things you can do here, snorkel among the corals, do water sports, catch seafood with the aunties, visit temples and interesting rock formations created by nature. You'll like this place if you like nature.

If you would like to fully explore the island, it would definitely take more than my recommended time, so...why not consider staying on the island? You can get to witness a gorgeous view of sun set and rise, as if you were in Bali instead! There are many special Min Su there, like staying in a caravan. One of the more famous villa would be Star Moon Villa. It looks like it's a underwater castle from Little Mermaid. See this website to book for your stay in Xiao Liu Qiu.



It was pouring for all the days that we were there, making it hard to enjoy our travels.. But we tried to not get our mood dampened. (pun intended) We did come to this island, and the bus ride there was about an hour, followed by a bearable wait in the queue for the ferry. It was a roller coaster ride (literally) getting there, thanks to the wet weather, we had to witness, listen and smell the guy behind us suffering from sea/motion sickness for a good 20 minutes. For a moment I feared my fate would end up like Titanic. But thankfully, we reached land and explore the area a little bit for until the weather got better. The best way to get around the island would be riding a scooter like the locals, unlike Ci Jin Island, there were no bicycle rental shops in sight at the jetty.



Here are a list of things to see and do:
1. Flower Vase Rock
2. Beauty Cave
3. Black Devil Cave
4. White Light House
5. Sunset Avenue - Sunset Pavilion *only if you're staying over, otherwise too late for ferry
6. Hongfan and Guanyin Rock
7. Bamboo Ecological Pond with Bi Yun Temple
8. Lobster Cave
9. Buy Flavoured Fried Dough Sticks - about 50NT a pack, its real good!
10. Buy Dried Seafood - like squid and cuttlefish
11. Chill at a local food outlet eating Taiwan Snow Shaved Ice or Mini Steamboats

L O T U S  L A K E  P A V I L L O N

Address: No. 110, Sheng Li Rd, Zuoying District, Kao Hsiung City 813, Taiwan (R.O.C)

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm

Train Station: Red Line - Station 15 Ecological District

Getting there: Take Exit 2, turn right upon exiting and you will see a small bus stop up ahead. There you can take 52 or 35 and alight at Lotus Lake about 15 minutes later. There will be an announcement on the bus

Time to Spend There: 1 hour

I am proud of my Chinese heritage, and somehow whenever I see temples or something related to my culture overseas, it gives me a sense of security. Maybe because they look so tranquil, like nothing in the world can ever disrupt the peace there. Not to mention, the lake that was filled with lotus plants was a sight to be behold. I have never seen that much lotus plants in my life, it was almost like a scene from those ancient historical Chinese dramas that my mum love to watch.

There's nothing much to do here honestly other than taking photos and exploring the area a bit. However there is one thing that you must do - Running into the Dragon's mouth and out from the Tiger's mouth! It is said that you can reverse any bad luck that you have. There are a few things that you should try there too if you get the chance to find it:

1. Fire Lion Cake (with red bean and lotus)
2. "Da Dao Gong" Peace Cake
3. Ben Beef Noodles
4. Fen Yang Wonton 

B O N U S: F O  G U A N G  S H A N  B U D D H A  M E M O R I A L  C E N T R E

Address: No. 153, Xing Tian Rd. Da Shu District, Kao Hsiung City Taiwan 840

Opening Hours: 9am - 7pm (Weekdays), 9am - 8pm (Weekends), 9am - 10pm (Special Festivals)

Train Station: Red Line - Station 16 Zuo Ying Station

Getting there: Take Exit 1 and there will be a shuttle bus you can take outside the station's bus stop. Alight about 20 minutes later

Time to Spend There: 1 hour

We did not have the time to explore the temple. However, despite being a traditional place rich in culture, it is one of the few temples in the world that embraces technology. This modern temple make use of digital panels and LED lights to convey teachings and even allow you to send your wishes and messages to god - almost like instant messaging, LOL!

The grounds of the temple is huge too, and there are a few photo taking spots especially near the Great Path of Buddha-hood where the magnificent 36metres Buddha stands tall. (Tip, go there during sunset or sunrise can capture a celestial photo - imagine the warm hues of light flooding the sky with that 36metres golden buddha in the background) Do explore the sacred grounds as from the research that I have done, there were many places that gave me vibes I got from Kyoto, Japan due to the monuments and well groomed zen-looking gardens.

What is famous there is to be blessed with the digital "Good luck" from Buddha inside the memorial hall. Definitely a must do when you visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Hall.

 

*Source

* There is also the Unconditional Love River, Dome of Light (at Formosa Station) to visit if you are interested. 

(B) S H O P P I N G  I N  K A O H S I U N G

R U I  F E N G  N I G H T  M A R K E T

Address: Yucheng Rd. Zuo Ying District, Kao Hsiung, Taiwan

Opening Hours: 6pm - 11pm

Train Station: Red Line - Station 14 Kao Hsiung Arena Station

Getting there: Take Exit 1 and turn right. Walk straight passing by a school for about 5 minutes and you will soon spot Adidas and Nike on your left and the Night market's entrance in front of you.

Time to Spend There: 1 - 2 hours

I'm putting this up first because this was my favourite night market out of my whole trip. There is a good mix of shopping and food places despite being an average size market. Most of the food that you crave from Taiwan would be found here. Some of the must try food are the Wanguo Steak, Teppanyaki, Brown Sugar Bubble Tea, Papaya Milk Tea, Fried Cuttlefish and Mushrooms.

There are also many typical night market games you will find there. Laser gun games, toss the ring, pin ball etc. The long rows of colourful soft toys as prizes makes everyone's heart itchy to play at least once! Haha 

L I U  H E  N I G H T  M A R K E T 

Address: Liu He 2nd Rd, Xinxing District,  Kao Hsiung City, Taiwan

Opening Hours: 6pm - 11pm

Train Station: Red Line - Station 10 Formosa Station

Getting there: Take Exit 11 and upon exit, on your left would be the night market.

Time to Spend There: 1 hour

When you exit Formosa station, it would be impossible to miss the world largest public glass installation. You would just wanna lie there and stare at the ceiling with your mouth hanging open or probably be like us and take pictures non-stop. Haha and if you are lucky, you might be able to catch the light shows that are displayed at certain timings of the day.

Lie He Night Market is supposedly the more touristy night market that was highly recommended. There isn't much shopping to do here, but if you are in for a Taiwan food journey, you'll be in for a treat! It was so hard to pick what to eat, as we were 2 girls with limited stomach space..

Choosing from the string of mouth-watering food wagons, we went with fried squid and fried soft shell crabs at only 100NT each! Really worth the price. There were many (smelly) fermented tou fu stalls there too if you would like to give it a shot - which I failed once again, because the smell is too pungent for my liking. There are also a few nougat stalls which we manage to get some there, the lady boss even gave me some extras because I look like one of her employees - she showed me the picture, but I thought that we looked nothing alike. Haha

X I N  J U E  J I A N G  S H O P P I N G  D I S T R I C T

Address: Wu Fu 2nd Rd, Kao Hsiung City, Taiwan

Opening Hours: 12pm - 11pm

Train Station: Red Line - Station 09 Central Park Station

Getting there: Take Exit 2 and you be outside President complex - lots of shops inside too!

Time to Spend There: 3 - 5 hour

We came here because we got bored of sight seeing for 3 days, and we are girl with needs - shopping needs. We also needed some retail therapy because of the consistent bad weather. We spent good time in the President Shopping Complex, mainly to seek shelter from the rain and well.. to shop :)



We went for this Japanese steamboat buffet on level 2 or 3, opposite Daiso (everything for 39NT!). The buffet was 560NT per person, however it is worth it because you are getting good quality pork belly meat and fresh vegetables. It was sooo good for that price paid - a price you will never be paying for any quality buffet in Singapore. We ate our hearts out and had refills. It. was. good. AWESOME!

When the sun was out, we went to Xin Jue Jiang Shopping district to lose the calories that we have just gained. It is almost similar to Xi Men Ding in Taipei in terms of the items offered. Occasionally some streets reminded us of the shopping districts near Ewha University in Seoul. We bought quite a number of items here because shopping in Kao Hsiung is slightly cheaper than shopping in Taipei.There were many shoes, clothes and hats shop. A few unique indie boutiques were available as well - which I adore so so much.

*We also went to JinZuan Night Market and Kaisyuan night market, however due to the rainy season, only a small portion of the market was opened - only the food section. I wouldn't recommend going there because the market required a long walk from the train station, about 15 minutes - as they no longer provide free shuttle bus service since feb 2016.


That's quite about it for Kao Hsiung, considering that I spent a short 3 days there, it was a fruitful and fun stay if I do say so myself. Maybe except for the fact that we stayed at Kiwi Express Hotel (near Kao Hsiung Main Station - it was decently price for the room they provided, only thing that we didn't like would be the boring breakfast buffet we had every morning) but we still had to take at least a 1km walk to and fro to the station. It was a bit of a walk and hassle especially with our luggage and the rain. But I enjoyed our stay there due to the availability of food choices and convenience stores in the vicinity of the hotel. Staff were also friendly and helpful.

So with that I shall end of my Kao Hsiung Travel Guide, give me a bit of time for the Taichung, Taipei and Japan Travel Guides will be up soon! A bit of life update, I've manage to find a full time job for this 4 months summer vacation. School is about to start in 5 weeks, and I am kind of excited! Hehe

With that, take care my friends. Leave me a comment below if you ever need more information on anything. I'll do my best to help!

Love yourself and others,
Sharleen x