Travel
A Trip of a Lifetime – The 2013 Maldives Dream Vacation (Part 2)
The next day, I woke up really early (around 6 AM), not awakened by birdsong but by the loud sound of the waves. Wrapping myself in a bathrobe, I stepped out of the room to greet the morning sun, which is how this photo was taken. Since I had signed up for an 8:30 AM yoga session, we headed to the Longitude Restaurant when it started serving breakfast at 7.
Now is the perfect time to visit Nepal and climb your dream Himalayas
From September to November, when the autumn air is crisp and clear, uncover the breathtaking beauty of Nepal — home to some of the world’s most dramatic and rugged mountain landscapes, as well as deeply traditional cultural heritage. And now is the ideal time for hiking and mountaineering.
Feeling blue in autumn? Creative fruit dishes offer a “dietary therapy” to soothe the mood.
What kind of cuisine would result from combining the four elements of “food, fortune-telling, psychology, and tarot”? A unique studio tucked away in a building in Ximending develops à la carte private meals tailored to guests’ needs, emphasizing that what you eat can heal your body, mind, and soul. This mysterious studio comes entirely from a boss with integrated marketing concepts and a chef who blends dietary therapy with creative cooking.
A Japanese-style hidden paradise！A scenic restaurant in Hsinchu surrounded by a heart-shaped pond and a forest of bald cypress trees
Hsinchu has a new scenic restaurant！Netizen Chen Keren shared on the “Travel is Super Fun!” community group that the newly opened “Daleiyezhi Scenic Restaurant” at the end of this year not only boasts a tranquil, idyllic environment but also features a huge heart-shaped pond surrounded by the most beautiful bald cypress trees in winter. The serene atmosphere made netizens say, “It even calms your heart！”
Dual winter snow country light sculpture experiences—visit Japan’s Mitsui Outlet Park and enjoy it all in one trip
Dual winter snow country light sculpture experiences—visit Japan’s Mitsui Outlet Park and enjoy it all in one trip
Palace of Justice Transforms into a Romantic Projection Castle: Malaysia’s Light Festival Opens Free Exhibition on the 28th
Dazzling Christmas lights are the most romantic little joy of winter each year, and cities across the globe show their creativity to give visitors an unforgettable holiday experience. In Putrajaya, Malaysia, the annual Light and Motion Putrajaya (LAMPU) festival—now in its fifth year—will shine brightly for four consecutive nights starting December 28. With a blend of projections, lights, sound effects, and music, it promises a romantic night for all.
The Yuansheng Beikangxi Atayal Hot Springs feature crystal-clear, weakly alkaline carbonated cold spring water.
The Yuansheng Beikangxi Atayal Hot Springs feature crystal-clear, weakly alkaline carbonated cold spring water.
Pink Slides, Adorable Christmas Reindeer & Goofy Penguins – 4 Must-Try Activities at Kaohsiung’s Inflatable Zoo
This adorable inflatable zoo is a hit not just with kids but also with adults. Created by the Singaporean art team behind Art-Zoo, this artistic animal-themed attraction officially arrived in Taiwan in December. Boasting 13 massive inflatables, it claims to be Asia’s largest inflatable theme park, breaking the stereotype that bounce houses are just for children. The team has specially designed oversized inflatables so that grown-ups can rediscover their inner child. Let’s take a look at the highlights you shouldn’t miss!
No category restrictions！Japan’s ¥5,000 tax exemption threshold to take effect next July
The number of inbound travelers to Japan has been increasing year by year. To encourage more spending, the Japanese government recently announced further relaxation of tax exemption conditions. Regardless of product category, shoppers can enjoy tax-free benefits as long as their total purchase amount reaches ¥5,000. This policy will officially take effect on July 1, 2018.
News Flash / Get a Sneak Peek First！The Yellow Rubber Duck Inflates and Conducts Trial Sailing at Kaohsiung Port on the 13th
The Yellow Rubber Duck, soon to be displayed at Kaohsiung Harbor, makes its first public appearance！Following yesterday’s water towing test of the duck platform and positioning, today the Yellow Rubber Duck was assembled with the platform for inflation, trial sailing, and securing tests. Although today’s test was not open to the public, many people gathered outside the barriers eager for a first look.
The Olympic flame returns to Tokyo after 56 years as Japan hosts a spectacular light show
After 56 years, the Olympic flame will once again ignite in Tokyo in 2020. The news that Tokyo successfully secured the bid to host the 2020 Olympics filled the nation with joy, with many people hugging and even crying tears of happiness. In celebration, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government organized dazzling light shows at major tourist attractions across the city.
Travel Taipei with AKB48 – The New Japanese “Girls’ Gathering” Trend!
To promote Taipei, the Taipei City Tourism Bureau attended the “2013 Tokyo World Travel Fair” in Japan and specially invited the popular Japanese idol group AKB48 to appear at a press conference held on the 12th at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Members introduced smart new ways to enjoy the “Chic (Stylish & Cute) Girls’ Gathering &TAIPEI” concept, which was inspired by the rising trend of “girls’ gatherings” in Japan in recent years, aiming to attract more Japanese tourists to visit Taipei following in the footsteps of AKB48.
Burger Guide 101: Uncle Raymond's Mega Big Mac at Xingtian Temple MRT Station in Taipei
Just the beef patty and chicken cutlet alone come served on three separate small plates (left photo)—wow!! Just looking at them is incredibly satisfying!! Next up, let’s take a look at the flavor and texture of the beef patty. Overall, it’s seasoned, slightly more compact in texture—not the kind that’s thick and hollow with juices bursting out—but it still has a salty kick, with both juiciness and meat quality at a decent level. Taking a big bite of the two layers is genuinely very enjoyable.
For authentic pasta, head to YanShui — Atong Pasta has been serving classic Taiwanese flavors for 50 years unchanged.
Aside from the internationally renowned Lantern Festival Beehive Fireworks in Tainan’s YanShui, pasta is another iconic Taiwanese street food. Many long-established shops with over 50 years of history are clustered around “DianXin City” at the intersection of KangLe Road and ZhongShan Road, as well as its vicinity. Locals say the earliest pasta in YanShui is said to have originated from Chen Family Pasta, which was learned from Fuzhou people during the Japanese colonial period. After decades of passing down the recipe, the most famous pasta shops in YanShui today are Atong, Asan, and Aji — all of which trace their roots back to the Chen family.
A Fairyland on Earth – Shanlinxi: Waterfalls, Springs, and Millennium Sacred Trees
Stepping into Nantou’s Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area feels like entering a fairyland. Hear the cascading waters of the Songlongyan Waterfall, surrounded by the sounds of insects and birds. Look up to witness nature’s masterpieces and down to admire the beauty of the ecosystem. It’s a favorite spot for hikers and a perfect place to unwind and de-stress.
The Romantic Pomegranate City – A Honeymoon Journey to Side, Turkey
Located 75 kilometers southeast of Antalya, Turkey, Side is a port city on the Mediterranean coast and a famous paradise-like tourist destination. With its white sandy beaches, ancient Roman ruins, resort centers, and Mediterranean cuisine, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Legend has it that this was also the place where the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony met, and this romance has made it a popular honeymoon choice for many newlyweds.
No worries about no transportation late at night when heading home – Seoul launches late-night “Owl Buses”
Recently, Seoul introduced “Owl Buses” to serve residents returning home late at night. Originally, there were only two routes, N26 and N37. After a successful trial operation, the service expanded on the 12th with seven additional routes to accommodate more late-night commuters.
2018 Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Winter Illumination — A Seasonal Event Limited to Just Four Days
As children, we’ve all dreamed of living in a fairy-tale world. Now, you have the chance to make that dream come true. In the secluded Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, a place seemingly untouched by time, magical illuminations will appear on the rooftops of the unique gassho-style houses. It’s an experience you simply can’t miss. Plus, the annual winter illumination event in this snow-covered wonderland is back for a limited time only.
Explore Osaka and Kyoto’s Top Cherry Blossom Spots & Stay at a Seaside Hot Spring Ryokan
Before you know it, a new year is upon us, and soon the slumbering spring goddess will slowly awaken, bringing vitality to the earth. Spring is the season of blooming flowers, with pink and yellow blossoms adorning the world in vibrant hues. Especially during Japan’s cherry blossom season, it attracts countless domestic and international tourists eager to witness the beauty of sakura. Among the many cherry blossom viewing spots in Kansai, which ones are must-sees?
Cat lovers, this one’s for you: Double cat-hunting guides in Okayama
Are you a cat lover who has visited Manabe Island and the Maneki-neko Art Museum in Okayama? Manabe Island is home to countless adorable cats, earning it the nickname “Cat Island.” Meanwhile, the Maneki-neko Art Museum houses hundreds of fortune cats for you to admire, along with uniquely designed cat-themed souvenirs. Cat enthusiasts, don’t hesitate—plan a trip and embark on a purr-fect adventure chasing cats today!