This is a free and easy trip. I spent 2N at Kenting and 4N at Taipei. At Kenting, I spent more on transportation
Stayed: 3-5May2015 Price: SG$208.74 The guest house is normal, nothing very fantasy. I selected this guest house was because of its theme. The owner is friendly. The place is quite and clean. The location is convenient (near Kenting street, nearest beach is XiaoWan) The breakfast is simple Just 3 selections of sandwich filling and milk tea or red tea. If you are not picky about the breakfast, the guest house is actually alright Taipei: Space InnStayed: 4 Nights Price: NT$607.5/ $26.6 Merit
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Direction (search for the direction before you set off) You need to remember that Space Inn is at B1 hence you will not be able to find it by just walking along the shops. You need to look for sign board. Walk along the Hengyang Road, till you saw a big signage 51 above the ceiling then turn left, you will see a building, that is where the inn is located. View Inside the LadiesTaoyuan Airport to Kenting (as on May2015) Taoyuan Airport >> Taoyuan HSR (UBus, NT$40 per pax) Taoyuan HSR >> ZuoYing HSR (High Speed Rail, NT$1460 one way)(price vary according to time) ZuoYing HRS >> Kenting (4 pax share cab @ NT$350 per pax ) Kenting to Taipei Kenting >> ZuoYing (Kenting Express Bus) ZuoYing HSR >> Taipei HSR (High Speed Rail, @ NT$1630 one way) Note: HRS price vary according to timing The journey to Kenting was not as tiresome as I expected. I reached Taoyuan Aiport at about 5.50am Then I took the shuttle bus, Ubus at B1 to Taoyuan HSR (<15min, @NT$40 per ride) When I reached the HSR, I bought the train ticket to Zuo Ying on the spot. HSR Taoyuan to ZuoYing @ NT$1455, 9.36am, 1hr35min (Note:The price vary according to the time) FoodIf I did not remember wrongly there are only two F&B outlet at HSR, 7Eleven and the other is burger king. I bought my breakfast at 7Eleven (there was a wide selection of lunch boxes) A cup of cappuccino and curry rice @ NT$55 and NT$65 each (Note: I advise to eat something that does not have liquid. My curry rice leaked and caused me some problem) At Zuo Ying HRS Circle = Entrance to the HSR, lockers are located at there too Straight Arrow = To Taixi Stand Left Arrow= Rainbow Bazaar, Kenting Express Bus, Share cab (usually the driver will walk around looking for tourists.) When I reached Zuo Ying, a cab driver came to me and asked whether I wanted to share cab. I took the offer and I waited for about 15-20min before he found another couple. The journey to Kenting was alright. The couple were friendly and we had some pleasant conversation during the journey. I think I was lucky that I took a cab because the driver sent me directly to my accommodation so I saved the time on searching it. My accommodation was actually easy to find but to a tourist it might still be a challenge. Return: Kenting to TaipeiI took the express bus from Kenting to Zuo Ying HSR station. Note: I did not pay that price printed on the receipt. When I took the share cab to Kenting, the driver offered me the price for the share cab and a return bus ticket at NT$630 (2pax) I just gave the bus uncle the tickets which the cab driver gave me and the he gave me the bus ticket (picture above) The bus journey to Zou Ying HRS was about 3hours. The journey was smooth, I slept through it. Locker For Big Luggage As I did not want to reach Taipei too early, so I decided to go to Kaohsiung Sandou Shopping Centre. I put my things in the locker @ NT$50 for 3hours. One thing I like about Taiwan is that you can find big luggage lockers at major train stations. You can find cheaper locker in this building (picture above) It is located next to Zuo Ying HSR, connected by a bridge. Zuo Ying HSR is located on the left hand side. I took the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC) which is located at the same location as Zuo Ying HSR Currently KRTC does not accept Taiwan Easycard so I purchased the normal ticket (comes in a coin form) at NT$30 per ride. Sanduo Shopping District It is one of the popular shopping centre at Kaohsiung. It has about 17 level (if I did not remember wrongly, highest shopping mall I have seen) but the area in each level is very small. I feel that the shopping mall is boring. Things sold at there did not caught my attention. I did not stay there for long. I think it is not worth going HSR Ticket from Zuoying to Taipei @ NT$1630, 6.30pm
Taiwan, Kenting: Brittany HotelStayed: 3-5May2015 Price: SG$208.74 The guest house is normal, nothing very fantasy. I selected this guest house was because of its theme. The owner is friendly. The hostel is quiet and Clean The location is convenient (near Kenting street, nearest beach is XiaoWan) The breakfast is simple. Just 3 selections of sandwich filling and milk tea or red tea. If you are not picky about the breakfast, the guest house is actually alright We started our activity after we settled our things. Our first destination was Elunanbi Light house. From my research, I learnt that most tourists travel around Kenting through electrical bike. However We did not hire any because my sister was skeptical about riding a electrical motor. So we were silly enough to think that we could travel to the sightseeing area by our foot. Although it was not impossible but it will take us hours to reach the place. Later I realised that the distance from our starting point to Elunanbi Light house is 10km away! Again, we were lucky enough to meet a uncle who was driving back to his house at Elunabi park (Note, it is not advisable to board a stranger's car...but we did :P) In the car, the uncle introduced himself, saying that his was a tour guide. He just sent off a group of tourist and he was heading back to his home at Elunanbi park. He also offered us a full day and half day trip at TWD3000 and TWD2000 respectively. In the end we took up the half day tour. When the uncle drove us around Kenting, I realised that traveling by foot around Kenting was impossible because the distance between each attraction is far. My Overview To me, the attractions are a bit boring. But at least I can say that I had been to the major attraction sights. Instead of 7pm, our tour end at 7.30pm and the uncle did not charge us extra. My sister and I were exhausted at the end of the day. I even fall a sleep in the car while we were traveling to the other attractions. My Advice Each attraction is far from each other. So it is better to rent/hire a transportation. In my opinion, I think it is better to hire a driver (our driver contact detail- see picture above.), because the driver usually have a better knowledge about each attractions (Do be aware of any dishonest drivers) You need not waste time on searching the destination. You can just sit in the car, relax, enjoy the air-condition and let the driver drive you to the destination. If you travel with a few friends, it will be a more economical choice. The uncle brought us to:
It has a big grassland. To me, there is nothing much to see expect the light house, sand, grass and trees
The place has a extended bridge, small yet full of tourists. I hardly can take a picture without capturing them.
I think this is the only place you can capture the beauty of the sea. The scenery is beautiful too. My camera does not do justice to this place, you have to come here personally to see the beauty of it.
To me it is just a ordinary rock. Shadao Ecological Reserve There is a small museum displaying a collection of different type of sand. Eluanbi Lighthouse When I first stepped into the place, it gave me a feeling that I was in a golf course. It has a big grassland. To me, there is nothing much to see expect the light house, sand, grass and trees Southern Most Point It is a point where two sea meet; Pacific Ocean and Bashi Channel between Taiwan and Philippine. The place has a extended bridge, small yet full of tourists. I hardly can take a picture without capturing them. Longpan Park This is the place I like the most. I think this is the only place you can capture the beauty of the sea. The scenery is beautiful too. My camera did not do justice to this place, you have to come here personally to see the beauty of it. Maobitou I do not understand it. To me it is just a ordinary rock. Kenting Bai Sha Bay (White Sand Bay) I finally understood what the bloggers meant about this place (I come across during my research) This place was really crowded with people. Camps were set up near the beach. Watch Sunset Then the uncle took us to view sunset. Henchun Chuhuo (Eternal Flame) This was our last destination. What so special about this place is that the fire is lighted naturally. It is caused by the natural gas leaked to the surface and ignites Driver's Name Card If you want to hire a driver, here is an option for you. For the price, i think it can be negotiate More about Kenting Attraction
http://www.travelking.com.tw/eng/tourguide/kenting/attractions.asp?Page=1 The next day, we spent our morning at the beach. Actually I wanted to go to NanWan, but as it was too far from our accommodation, we went to XiaoWan. We played some of the activities which were really fun. We ride on the equipments (3rd picture) which were pulled by the Jet Ski. 3 activities/equipment @ NT$500 The staff was very evil. He drove the Jet Ski in such a way that we fall into the water. I fall into the sea twice!. My sister said the guy pushed her into the sea using his butt ! O.O We had our lunch in one of the restaurant, along the road side. I do like the staff who served us, very straight forward. I told her my order and she told me, very frankly, 'that dish is not delicious at all'. I was surprised by her outspokenness. In the end I ordered her recommendation. Kenting Street After that we had our lunch, we went around exploring Kenting Street. Kenting Night Market During our 3D2N stay at Kenting, our dinner were settled in the night market.
I did try out some of the food and there was this particular stall (2nd last picture) which I wanted to recommend, selling fried squid. The squid was very crispy and the seasoning made it very delicious (NT$90 each) I wanted to buy the squid the next night, but it was closed on that day:'( After we check in our hotel, we went to XiMenDing (walking distance) to have our dinner.
From the pictures there are three food which I recommend. The drink is known as Ai Yu (爱玉 @ NT$45) (Note: It has nothing related to toad) It tasted sour and sweet. It is a refreshing drink. Remember to ask the person to add lime juice in it (if not it will taste ordinary) Ah Zhong Mian Xian (Vermicelli noodle) NT$50 No need me to introduce, this name has appeared on many tour books and blogs. Jia Xiang Ji (家香鸡) NT$60 The stall was located at the entrance of XiMenDing street There are a few outlets in Taipei. With the seasoning/marinating use, the chicken tasted delicious. It is a popular snack in Taipei Direction to Dan Shui Old Street Tamsui (Dan Shui) Old Street We spent half of our day at DanShui/Tamsui I did not expect we will stay more than 3hours in the area. We walked around the same place a few time and got lose in one of the street. Ah Po Iron Egg Tamsui is popular for its iron egg. In fact it is actually braised egg. The brand, Ah Po iron egg was recommended on some tour books. But after I tried the iron egg, I found that it was dry and I do not like it. I think the iron egg I bought at the Airport is much nicer than this. Ah Gei Shop In this place, there are many shop named Ah Gei. And we chose the one, shown on picture. We tried their fishball soup and toufu whic were stuff with vermicelli noodle. The food tasted all right. Shi Lin Night Market @ Jian Tan Station Then we went to ShiLin Night market for dinner. I did not take many picture at there. Food pictures that I shared are all right (not strongly recommend) Stinky Toufu/ Fermented Beancurd My sister wanted to try stinky tofu, so I recommended her to try the fried tofu as the smell is less pungent. As expected, she was not able to take the smell, hence we did not finished it.
So if you have never tried stinky tofu, you may put this food in your list. But I have to say, it is either you hate it or love it. Direction to Jiu FenDirection Taipei Railway >> Rui Fang Railway >> Jiu Fen Rui fang Railway >> Song Shan Railway>> Wu Fen Pu, Rou He Night Market To go to Rui Fang, you must take the railway. The train reached promptly. It took us about 51min to reach Rui Fang After you exit from Rui Fang Railway station, walk straight to the bus stop to Jiu Fen (follow the arrow on the picture, or you can just follow the crowd ;)) This is the bus stop where it will bring you to Jiu Feng So after we alighted from the bus, we needed to walk a little bit before we reached the Old Street. Pictures at Jiu FenThe old street is vibrant and buzzing with people. The surrounding has an old street ambiance and terrain is suitable for picture taking. At the place you can find shops selling food and souvenirs which are more toward catering tourists. One of the attractions at Jiu Fen that all tourists cannot miss is the steep stairs. And I have to say don't underestimate it. You will be perspiring and panting after climbing it. If you are interested to spend a night at Jiu Fen, guest houses are available. We tried one of their dessert shop which is call 赖阿婆芋圆 (NT$45, directly translate to English, it means Grandma's Lai Yam Ball) The soup is sweet In the soup there are many ingredients like red date, red bean, green bean, yam and potato made from glutinous rice flour (if I am not wrong) To me, it just taste like 汤圆 (Tang Yuan, a Chinese dessert we eat during special occasion) Direction to Return BusRed arrow is the direction to take the return bus My overall opinion JiuFen is very pretty. It has a old street ambiance. For first timer, Jiu Fen is worth to come. But there are too many tourists. While I was in the bus traveling down the hill to Rui Fang, I counted that there were at least 10 tour bus driving passed me! Wu Fen Pu (a shopping area)Red Circle is where the railway station is located. Arrow toward you is the direction to WuFenPu. Arrow toward the railway station is the direction to RaoHe Night Market. Later we had some shopping at We Fen Pu As expected I did not buy anything. The last time I went to WuFenPu, it gave me an impression that things are expensive (it also gave my an impression that the owner will charge you a higher price if they know you are not local) One of the strategy I used while shopping in WuFenPu is only look at the clothes with price tag on. RouHe Night MarketRaoHe Night Market is not very big, it just occupied two lane. We had our dinner at RaoHe Night Market.
I have been wanting to eat braised rice since the day I reached Taiwan. I managed to find two but both do not taste like the one I had when I first came to Taiwan. But this braised rice (NT$25) tasted not bad The pork rib soup (NT$70) tasted like Bak Kut Teh (a hebal pork soup, popular in Malaysia and Singapore) or in a understandable term, it tasted like pepper soup. If you do come do Taiwan, I do recommend you guys try out both dishes. Right after I walked into Taipei101 I saw DingTai Feng restaurant. I had read about the restaurant in many blogs and tour books, so even if I already had my breakfast an hour ago, I decided to have my lunch at 11am. Because I was sure that if I went in later, there was going to be a crowd. I have to say the service was really professional and excellent. The staff went even further by helping us to mix the sauce for the dumpling,. I also noticed that some of the staffs know how to speak Japanese!! Lunch crowd outside Ting Tai Feng when we were leaving the restaurant After our lunch, we explored the building a little. We did not go up to the observatory which I thiought was not worth it, spending big bucks just to see the skyscraper. Eslite book store Whenever I visit Taipei, I will want to visit the Eslite book store. Firstly the bookstore has 7 level, it is bigger than a regular bookstore. Secondly it opens for 24hours, so i can come here any time. I am not sure do the points I mentioned above applied to all branches. In the past, I had bought a few useful language books from the store which were difficult to find in Malaysia and Singapore. Xin Yi Shopping DistrictI did not shop at Xin Yi as most items sold are high-end which I can easily find in Singapore. So I had some shave ice @ NT$220 in Breeze shopping mall. A shop which requires min. spending per pax. ShiDa Night MarketLater we spent our night at ShiDa Night Market.
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