Taiwan has always been on my Top 10 List of Countries that I want to travel since I was in Highschool. This desire was inspired by the original F4 in Meteor Garden especially San Chai and Dao Ming Si. ( I know you know them. Ha!) They were part of my fun high school memory and so I want to see firsthand what their country look like and how it feels to be in Taiwan.
Then, Kaohsiung happens.
Kaohsiung is a city in the southwest of Taiwan. Oftentimes, visitors in Taiwan would overlook it over Taipei, the capital city. Despite its inferiority, Kaohsiung will surprise its guests with its own beauty and uniqueness. It has a deep history and a calm, relaxing ambiance. Not to mention that most of the must-to-go places in Kaohsiung are free.
Day 1
We arrived at Kaohsiung International Airport at 1.00 PM. We reached our hotel at 2.30 PM. It was a long tiring flight because we had a layover at Kuala Lumpur for 6 hours. So, the first thing we needed to do was rest and sleep.
But later that night, we strolled around the streets near our hotel while looking for someplace to eat.
Strolling the streets of Kaohsiung
Everything looks different but very interesting to see.
First meal in Taiwan is ramen. Yum!
Day 2
1 Lotus Pond
Lotus Pond is one of the popular tourist destinations in Kaohsiung. It is known because of the lotus flowers found in the lake and the temples around it. These include the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Pei Chi Pavillion, Chi Ming Palace, Tianfu Temple, God Temple, and Confucian Temple.
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
Enter through the mouth of the dragon…
Exit through the tiger’s mouth…It is believed to change your luck from bad to good.
It was really hot in April so don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella. Luckily, we found a shop selling umbrellas for only 100 NTD (106 THB, 176 PHP). It was very useful for walking around without getting sunburn. And don’t forget to hydrate.
Map of the Lotus Pond. Aside from walking, you can also rent a bike.
Pei Chi Pavilion
Beautiful lotus flowers surrounding the Lotus Pond.
How to get to Lotus Pond: Take Kaohsiung KRT –Red Line to Zuoying Station. Look for Exit 1 and take Bus 301 to Lotus Pond.
2 Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
It’s previously known as the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center. The museum was only opened to the public in December 2011. Upon entering, you’ll be welcomed by the eight pagodas, representing different ideas or precepts. In the center is the Fo Guang Big Buddha. The Buddha used a total of 1,800 tons of metal and was completed in 2011. It measures 40 meters high while the seat is 10 meters high.
Inside is a Buddha museum with a worship area. It’s amazing and a mind-opening experience for me to see how people with different belief pray and worship.
Map of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Tip: If you want to achieve a no-photobomber shot, go there in the middle of the day when it’s the hottest because most people don’t want that.
In order to get this photo,…
I had to get my bottoms wet. ( That’s for not checking where you sit. But, that’s me!=) )
Inside the museum
How to get to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: Take Kaohsiung KRT –Red Line to Zuoying Station. Go to Exit 2 and take Bus 8501 to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center.
3 Dome of Light
Dome of Light is located in the MRT Formosa Boulevard station. It’s the largest glass work in the world designed by an Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata. It took him four years to complete. It is said that the dome of light tells a story of human life in four different themes: water, earth, light, and fire.
How to get to the Dome of Light: Take Kaohsiung MRT –Orange Line to Formosa Boulevard station. Follow Exit to the Dome of Light.
4. Liuhe Night Market
Kaohsiung has numerous night markets that you can go to. One famous market is the Liuhe Night Market. You will see vendors selling food especially seafood, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
It’s a must to try their local food and drinks.
LiuHe Night Market
We found this local fruit smoothie booth where a line of people waited for their turn to buy. We tried it too and it tasted good.
Tried this fish noodles just because we never had this before. Nice to try new food at a new place.
How to get to the Liuhe Night Market: Take Kaohsiung MRT –Orange Line to Formosa Boulevard station. Go to Exit 11 toLiuhe Night Market.
Next up: 5-Day Itinerary in Kaohsiung, Taiwan Part 2 (Moon World, Dream Mall)
Have you been to Taiwan? Which city would you like to visit?
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