Travel
Southern Taiwan’s paradise is here — Kenting’s hidden gem feels just like Bali
A secret spot untold, with world-class滩岩 landscapes, bizarre coral reefs of curious rocks, a serene turquoise lake untouched by waves, a dreamlike shell-sand beach — Kenting’s little Bali hidden corner, far from the hustle and bustle.
Michelin “Hunky Chef” Matteo Rizzo Comes to Taiwan to Showcase His Culinary Skills
From the evening of March 13 to March 15, the afternoon and evening dining periods at Sheraton Taipei’s Anton Dining Room will exclusively feature the “Shining Stars 36” menu. For this special occasion, they have invited the dashing male chef Matteo Rizzo, who has consecutively held two Michelin stars since 1997 and earned 36 stars for his IL Desco restaurant, to demonstrate his skills in Taiwan.
Pink rays adorn the mountaintops — the cherry blossom forest is as enchanting as a hidden paradise.
Dazhong’s Zhusui Alley, a cherry blossom secret spot that has gained popularity in recent years, was somewhere I finally made time to visit on its very first opening day this year. The weather during the Lunar New Year was quite nice, but it started to turn this past week. Yesterday morning, I woke up an hour earlier than usual, just to take advantage of the still-decent weather — at least it wasn’t raining — and head out quickly.
Keeping an Eye on Asia-Pacific Cruise Trends, Star Cruises Orders a Massive 150,000-Ton Ship
On the 17th, Star Cruises announced the order of another massive cruise ship with a total displacement of 150,000 tons. This marks the group’s second contract signing with German shipyard Meyer Werft within a four-month period. The new vessel is expected to be launched in autumn 2017, bringing Star Cruises’ Asia fleet to a total of nine ships.
YU SUSHI: Aussie wagyu, Hokkaido scallops, ultra-fresh sashimi all in one
“Australian wagyu” is grain-fed for over 450 days, making it the safest, most premium, and valuable choice of beef. From March to the end of April, YU SUSHI, an exquisite Japanese restaurant located in the Tianmu area of the Grand Hyatt Taipei, presents the “Australian Wagyu Chef’s Set Menu,” crafted by the chef using expert techniques to combine “Australian wagyu” with a variety of seasonal ingredients. Additionally, the “Tempura Set Meal” is also available, featuring a selection of fresh, seasonal ingredients carefully chosen by the chef.
The southern runway at Taoyuan Airport to close for a year for renovation; upgrades will enable A380 operations
From February 19 to January 15, 2015, Taoyuan International Airport will close the southern runway (05R/23L) for construction to enhance runway functionality, during which single-runway operations will be implemented. Taoyuan Airport Corporation also noted that during the runway construction phase, the airport will operate with a single runway. Based on the current flight schedule, peak-hour takeoffs and landings reach 36 per hour, while the single-runway capacity is 30 per hour. Therefore, flight delays are expected during peak hours under single-runway operations.
Stay at Victoria Hotel and enjoy Michelin-starred breakfast and pineapple cakes
Located in the only five-star Victoria Hotel in Dazhi Neihu, from March 1 to May 31, the spring domestic guest stay package is launched. For a two-day-one-night stay in a deluxe room for two, enjoy breakfast for two at the la FESTA Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, plus a box of "Wangma Yingchun Macaron Pineapple Cakes".
The colorful and romantic Yuejin Harbor — a myriad of enchanting lights and water reflections at night
After the Spring Festival holiday comes the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar month, which also happens to be Valentine’s Day in the Western calendar. Every year during the Lantern Festival, colorful lanterns are displayed in dazzling brilliance across the country. But how about seeing something truly unique?
Huge deal alert: Tigerair Taiwan and V Air to offer rock-bottom 0 and 1 TWD tickets starting September
Travel just got more affordable! V Air, a budget airline under China Airlines subsidiary FLYR, and Tigerair Taiwan, a joint venture between China Airlines, Singapore-based Tigerair, and other partners, will officially launch in September and November 1 respectively. Both low-cost carriers will soon roll out ultra-cheap 0 and 1 TWD tickets for customers to snag.
“Thank you, girl I’ve never met” – The warmth of Taiwanese in Kathmandu
I called my bank in Taiwan to tell them that my ATM card had somehow been swallowed by a local machine. I only had a small amount of cash on me, hadn’t even booked a flight back to Taiwan yet, and couldn’t be sure when I’d return. I asked them to send me a new card. But they said I had to come in person to Taiwan to apply for one.
"This is what bothers me most about traveling in Japan" — Tourists cite lack of foreign-language services as top issue
Japan’s attentive and polite service, convenient facilities, and efficient transportation are among the most memorable aspects of visiting the country for many travelers. However, there are also some minor drawbacks. A recent survey by Japanese media outlet Nikkei MJ asked 100 foreign tourists about the most frustrating issues they encountered in Japan and what they hope could be improved. The lack of foreign-language services and inadequate free Wi-Fi infrastructure topped the list as the first and second biggest concerns.
Take the bus for a "light travel" experience – Explore the old city of Tainan with Liu Kexiang
There's a new way to appreciate the beauty of Tainan. The Tainan City Government has launched the "Bus Light Travel" program, integrating the city’s six major bus trunk lines and 74 branch lines. Renowned writers such as Liu Kexiang and Wang Haoyi serve as "celebrity guides," introducing the natural features and cultural landscapes along the six trunk routes. Going forward, visitors to Tainan can enjoy a fulfilling trip without needing a car. The city government has compiled this information into a booklet, which is now available for free to the public.
A gathering of master chefs with exquisite culinary skills that even impressed the President of the United States
Regent Hotels & Resorts, headquartered globally in Taipei, will host a gourmet event titled
70th Anniversary of Missouri Battleship Launch – Hawaiian Airlines Passengers Enjoy 50% Off Missouri Memorial Ticket Packages
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the launch of the USS Missouri, and Hawaiian Airlines has partnered with the battleship, now docked at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, to launch a new promotional offer. From now until July 31, passengers traveling to Hawaii with Hawaiian Airlines can receive a discount coupon. This coupon entitles the bearer to a 50% discount on a Missouri Battleship double ticket (valued at $25 USD), valid until August 15.
Independent travel is booming as Chinese low-cost carrier Spring Airlines competes to launch direct flights to Hualien
Mainland China's Spring Airlines plans to open a new Shanghai Pudong–Hualien route, offering direct flights between the two cities. Hualien County Magistrate Fu Kun-chi expressed optimism about the plan and suggested bundling attractions such as Taroko Gorge and Qixingtan Beach into travel packages.
Get married in the sky—hot air balloon weddings take off in Taitung starting May
What kind of wedding leaves the most lasting impression? The Taitung County Government will host a hot air balloon wedding event in May, inviting 30 couples to wear wedding attire, take a free hot air balloon flight, soar over the Taitung Valley, and land in Chishang Township, surrounded by vast green rice fields. The county government noted that the wedding package costs NT$6,000, with the requirement that at least one partner must be registered as a resident of Taitung County. Selected couples will also receive a sweet gift.
"My Love from the Star" Sweeps Asia, Sparking "Fried Chicken and Beer" Craze in Mainland China
"It's snowing, how can there not be fried chicken and beer?" Remember this iconic line from Jun Ji-hyun in "My Love from the Star"? The craze for the Korean drama continues to sweep across Asia, with everything from the fashion worn in the show to its filming locations becoming must-follow trends among fans or must-visit spots for travelers heading to Korea. The scene where characters enjoy "fried chicken and beer" while it's snowing has also recently become the hottest meal trend in mainland China.
Cycle along the North Cross-Island Highway to admire cherry blossoms & earn the "Cherry Blossom Warrior Completion Certificate"
Despite fluctuating temperatures, the cherry blossoms along the North Cross-Island Highway are still blooming beautifully. On the 23rd, Taoyuan County hosted a free cycling event to enjoy the cherry blossoms on the North Cross-Island route. In addition to taking in the cherry blossom tunnels and scenic views along the way, participants who complete the full 42.9-kilometer ride will receive a "Completion Certificate" and a special gift.
Climb the Burj Khalifa to admire the breathtaking night view & explore the dazzling Desert Star – Dubai
Early in the morning, I took a ride to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to wait for the free shuttle bus to Dubai operated by Etihad Airways. I met a pair of trendy Middle Eastern sisters with stylish hairstyles. After getting their mom’s permission, I asked to take a photo with them. Though we weren’t very familiar at the time and their faces looked a bit... squishy? (lol), they kept stealing glances at me after we got on the bus. Stop being so shy and childish, okay? (Pfft, they’re just little kids XD)!
Admire White Cherry Blossoms at Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple – Pure White “Sakura” Beauty Is Surprisingly Approachable, Visible Just by Looking Up
Ninna-ji Temple, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto known for having the latest cherry blossom season, typically blooms about 10 days to two weeks later than other cherry blossoms in the city. This means when the blossoms at Kiyomizu-dera have fallen, those at Ninna-ji are just starting to flourish.