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  • The Port City of Kaohsiung

    The Port City of Kaohsiung

    We were kinda reluctant to leave Kenting for Kaohsiung the next day. The feeling is like leaving Mother Nature and heading back to the concrete jungle. Then again, we only have one day in Taiwan’s second largest city, which is sadly not enough time for me to wander around. I would love to return to southern Taiwan again in future for some extended wandering.

    Our first stop in Kaohsiung was E-Da Outlet Mall which carries many famous international brands. Time for retail therapy and wow… the mall is huge! The whole place is so expansive that I got tired just by walking around. Is it worth it then? Not sure about the street prices but it’s definitely not as cheap compared to the outlet malls in Europe or US…

    E-Da Outlet Mall

    Eventually gave up and decided to look for food instead LOL. I came across this funny bakery that makes a crazily huge loaf of bread. Gosh, look at the size!! How can someone finish eating that?

    Giant breads at E-Da Outlet Mall

    Giant bread at E-Da Outlet Mall

    It was already quite late when the rest are done with their only major shopping throughout the trip. So we left promptly to the hotel after our very late lunch. We heard people screaming while walking to the carpark and it was from those who were on this ride at the theme park…woohoo!!

    Ride at E-Da Theme Park

    Sizihwan sunset and dinner at Cijin Island

    After check-in, we proceed to Sizihwan (西子灣), a popular sunset-viewing place in Kaohsiung. The best way to view the sunset is by climbing up the steps leading up to the building of Former British Consulate (打狗英国领事馆). However, let me warn you in advance that this place is seriously packed during sunset hours and have to squeeze your way through.

    But the effort is truly worth it as the sunset here is truly beautiful…if only I had captured better shots, oh well.

    Sunset at Sizihwan

    Dinner’s next and we proceed to the nearby Gushan ferry terminal (鼓山渡轮站) to board the next ferry bound for Cijin Island (旗津岛). The longish island is less than 10-minute ride away and known for their seafood. A short walk from the pier brought us to the seafood street where we were spoiled for choices for dinner.

    Ci jin seafood street

    We finally settled for this restaurant and had a delicious seafood dinner here at Cijin Island.

    Seafood restaurant at ci jin

    Cijin Tianhou Temple (旗津天后宫), and its neat rows of red lanterns.

    Cijin tianhou temple

    Lanterns at ci jin tianhou temple

    Night stroll along Love River

    Before heading back to the hotel, I took a stroll along Love River (爱河). Love River splits the city area into two distinct sections and has atmospheric lights that illuminate the path along the river. It isn’t exactly the most exciting spot to visit but it does offer nice views of Kaohsiung skyline and a nice place for lazy night stroll especially for couples.

    Love Pier

    Love pier

    Love pier

    Love-river

    Crossing the bridge to another side of the river…

    Bridge across Love-river

    Along love-river

    I decided to turn back to the hotel because the strong winter wind became unbearable and saw this interesting building nearby.

    Interesting building

    STAY: Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung review

    The short stay at Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung (高雄福容大飯店) was very comfortable and our room came with a nice view of Love River. Clean large room, comfy bed plus a well-equipped bathroom. It’s easy to walk over to the Love River for a late night stroll like what I did and enjoyed. Can’t comment on the amenities though as I didn’t explore the surrounding of the hotel.

    Maybe I will, during my next trip here?

    Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung

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  • One awesome day along Kenting Coast

    One awesome day along Kenting Coast

    And now it’s time to check out what Kenting (墾丁) is famous for. The popular beach destination is known for its sunny weather, blue skies, sandy beaches and gorgeous coastlines. I can attest to all of that especially the sunny part – get ready your sunblock. The ocean and landscape here in Kenting are 100% breathtaking!

    From our hotel, we travelled along the southernmost road in Taiwan and the first beach we visited was Shadao Eco-Protection Area (砂岛生态保护区). Come to think of it, I don’t remember seeing that many public buses or taxis around. With Kenting National Park is spread out across the southern tip of Taiwan, it would be challenging to move around without some mode of transport.

    Shadao info

    Shadao carpark

    At Shadao, a part of the shore here is being cordoned off, to protect the beach filled with ‘shell sand’ (贝壳砂). The rare sand is formed naturally from the debris of seashells caused by powerful waves and erosion over a long period of time. It’s a pity that we cannot get close to the ‘shell sand’ beach, but at least the measure ensures that it will be well preserved. For those who want to see and touch the rare sand can proceed to the exhibition room next to the preserved beach.

    Shadao Eco-Protection Area

    The rest of the beach is open to public and the reef rocks are amazingly beautiful. Just remember not to wander into the protected area else there will be a fine imposed. Anyway, just look at the gorgeous views here!!

    Scenic Shadao

    Sha dao

    Ship afar

    Sha dao

    Eluanbi Lighthouse

    Moving along the coastal road and we arrived at Eluanbi Park (鹅銮鼻公园). The most well-known landmark here is none other than Taiwan’s southernmost lighthouse – Eluanbi Lighthouse.

    Eluanbi national park

    Eluanbi lighthouse

    Other than that, there isn’t really much to see around the park. So we took a stroll along the seashore path which leads to nice coastal views and kissing rock formation.

    Sea shore Path at Eluanbi national park

    Seashore Path at Eluanbi national park

    Kissing rock of Eluanbi national park

    There’s this nice pavilion (沧海亭) which is a great place to take shelter from the bright sun while enjoying the amazing Pacific ocean view.

    Pavilion at Eluanbi

    Before going for lunch, we stopped by one random beach. No wonder Kenting is a paradise for those who love the sea and into water sports, the beaches here are absolutely beautiful.

    Beach

    Jia Le Shui

    The last coastal stop for us is Jia Le Shui (佳乐水) known as one of the two best-surfing meccas in Taiwan (the other is in Taitung). But we are here during the winter month which means the beaches are virtually empty. That’s not too bad too since we have almost the whole beach to ourselves. But if you are here for surfing hunks and bikini babes, do choose the correct months to come ya.

    Jialeshui rock

    Another reason people come here is to see its unique rock formation, caused by the sea erosion and strong winds. Somewhat similar to those in Yehliu Geopark. We took a tour bus ride (included in the entrance fee) which brought us along one stretch of the road beside the rock formation.

    Jialeshui tour bus

    The driver will stop briefly each time and point out the unique rock shapes. Rabbit rock, frog rock, beehive rock, Taiwan rock and some other names which I cannot remember. Actually, how the rocks resemble are totally up to one’s imagination lah.

    Jia le shui shores

    Jia le shui rock formation

    This is the so-called Taiwan rock at Jia Le Shui.

    Jialeshui rock formation

    We are free to roam around at the last stop where more interesting rock formations can be found. Those who want to stay longer can board the next round trip bus. Truly, a scenic place which I think it’s a must visit when coming to Kenting National Park.

    Beautiful Jialeshui

    Jialeshui rock formation

    Jialeshui rock formation

    Jialeshui rock formation

    Was told that Guanshan (关山) is a great place to watch the sunset in Kenting and so we went. But sadly, we were greeted by cloudy skies before it started pouring cats and dogs. We ended up spending our last night in Kenting back at Howard Beach Resort and looking forward to Kaohsiung next.

    Guanshan in Kenting

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    What are your thoughts about Kenting? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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