Travel
Stargazing & Crab Feasting: Li Xiu-yuan & Zhang Yueli’s Singapore–Indonesia Twin-Island Getaway
Traveling abroad is a great choice for many to unwind. Recently, Singapore and Indonesia jointly launched a luxury island-hopping tour. Renowned TV travel host Li Xiu-yuan was invited to be the first to experience it, and she also brought along her entertainment industry friend Zhang Yueli for a five-day, four-night twin-island adventure.
Recommended by Korean netizens: Rice cakes and pork ribs get a magical makeover as "Cosmic Pot Sun Fried Rice"
This GOGO Pork Ribs (translated by Korean Nest as "Tall Tall Pork Ribs") has been super popular online lately. We kept seeing Korean netizens sharing this place, so we decided to go with two friends. As expected, the business was booming—we had to wait in line when we arrived. It's really popular, and it’s even been featured on a food TV show before.
Online shopping forces closure of Chiayi bookstore “Book Lovers” — but relief is in sight as Y.C. Group steps in
The Chiayi bookstore “Book Lovers,” which decided to close due to the rise of online shopping, shut its doors at the end of last month. Now comes good news: recently, a notice was put up in front of the store officially announcing that it will be taken over by “Y.C. Cultural Tourism.” The new venture will continue the spirit of Book Lovers under a fresh identity, “Y.C. Book Lovers,” and is expected to reopen as early as the end of this year.
How to Travel Around Central and Hokuriku Japan on a Budget? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide
The Central and Hokuriku regions of Japan cover a wide area. To start, decide which cities and attractions you most want to visit. When planning your itinerary, gather information through local tourism board websites, read relevant travel guidebooks, ask friends or family who have been there, or learn from valuable online experiences. Even if you’re joining a tour group, it’s important to understand the destination’s highlights and basic info to fully enjoy your trip. If your vacation schedule requires traveling during peak tourist seasons, unless booked through a travel agency, you should reserve flights and accommodations 3–4 months in advance to get the best value for your budget.
A Popular Parent-Child Restaurant in Tainan — Little Ones’ Favorite Space Shuttles and Cars on the Menu
Bringing kids to Tainan? If they’re not into historical sites or the city’s old-style cafes, and lining up for local street food with toddlers isn’t ideal, then a parent-child restaurant is definitely the best choice. For us, Dili Lechu Parent-Child Restaurant has been nothing short of a blessing. Unlike most parent-child eateries that focus only on space but neglect the food, this place offers a wide variety of delicious meals that really impressed us!!
The Harvest Festival of the Indigenous Peoples in Pingtung Kicks Off Today – Enjoy the Celebrations for Three Consecutive Days
The Harvest Festival events in eight indigenous townships across Pingtung County kicked off on the 13th in Majia Township, following traditional tribal ceremonies. Pingtung County Magistrate Pan Meng-an specially attended the event wearing a traditional Paiwan outfit in the morning and joined the locals in the thousand-person celebration dance, experiencing together what has been the most magnificent Harvest Festival in the township since its retrocession.
News Flash / Taipei’s “Dadaocheng Music Valentine’s Day” Postponed!
The originally scheduled Taipei “Dadaocheng Music Valentine’s Day” event on August 15 will now be postponed. The Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism stated that due to the impact of Typhoon Soudelor and recent heavy rainfall, the Dadaocheng Wharf has accumulated a large amount of silt, and the site has not been cleared in time. Therefore, the decision has been made to postpone the event, though the new date has not yet been determined.
Just one minute from the MRT exit — check into a youth hostel that tells Taiwan’s stories
1949 Cultural and Creative Cafe is a design-filled youth hostel, with interiors crafted from handmade Taiwanese furniture and installation art. Every design element is inspired by the theme of “Taiwanese history and culture.” One of the founders, Grace, says: “1949 is a youth hostel that tells stories.”
Binchotan charcoal plus a century-old sauce – a must-visit Kyoto eel rice restaurant in travel guides
I’ve always had a soft spot for Japanese eel rice, especially the highly recommended Hiroshige eel rice in Kyoto. This was my third trip to Kyoto, but since my itinerary didn’t include Arashiyama and going out of the way would take too much time, I had to give it up reluctantly. However, one morning after strolling through Nishiki Market and pondering what to have for lunch, I checked travel guides and Google, only to discover a nearby century-old eel rice restaurant called “Kyogoku Kaneyo.” Since it was right around the corner, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try it.
Tokyo’s specialty hamburger steak shop “My Tonkatsu Yamamoto” opens in Taiwan; Taipei branch to debut on September 1
Unlike American-style hamburgers, Japanese hamburger steaks are uniquely distinctive and considered an everyday dish in many Japanese households, making them one of the country’s national foods. The renowned hamburger steak specialty shop “My Tonkatsu Yamamoto,” which already has six branches in Tokyo, is also coming to Taiwan. It is expected to open its doors in Taipei’s East District on September 1.
Kaga Hotel’s Biggest Discount Ever – Only ¥5,555 per Person for One Night with Two Meals
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Beitou Nikko Kaga Hotel is offering its biggest limited-time discount since opening. From August 15 to September 15, 2015, the price for one night with two meals starts at just ¥5,555 per person. The promotion lasts for one month only, with a limit of five rooms available per day.
Handmade, small-scale farmers + indie bands: Kenting Creative Market Debuts at Dawan on August 15
The Kenting handmade street market is coming to the weekend scene. For the first time, the Kenting National Park Administration will host a market at the Dawan Visitor Center on August 15 and 16 this year. Centered around eco-friendly practices, ecotourism, environmental protection, and community industries, the event invites ecotourism-focused community tribes, small-scale farmers, and vendors offering handmade crafts and second-hand goods. There will also be two consecutive days of performances by indie bands, collectively named the “Kenting Market.”
Can you still travel to Japan if your passport is valid for less than two months? Japan: Just don't let it expire.
Whether travelers holding a Republic of China passport can enter Japan with less than six months of validity on their passport has sparked online discussion. In response, the Interchange Association, Japan clarified that there is no official regulation, but having more than 91 days of validity is relatively safer.
82 budget hotels under NT$2,000—capsule stays and shell pods make the cut
When traveling, be sure to choose legal accommodations. Zhang Kunhai, head of the Industry Division at Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism, stated that in 2015, 26 new hotels were established in Taipei, bringing the city’s total number of hotels to 480, with over 30,000 rooms. Zhang urged the public to check the hotel license number when booking to avoid staying in illegal establishments and potential disputes. In addition, Taipei’s hotel industry can meet diverse traveler needs—from budget-friendly options emphasizing cleanliness and convenient transportation to five-star hotels offering top-tier services.
China Airlines launches Kaohsiung–Changzhou route on Sept. 16, operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays
China Airlines will launch the Kaohsiung–Changzhou route starting September 16, operating twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The inaugural flight will be operated by a Boeing B737-800 aircraft, offering 8 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. Passengers can combine their itinerary with entries or exits via Kaohsiung–Pudong or Kaohsiung–Hangzhou for more flexible travel options. Interested travelers can check it out.
Sheraton Revives Old Hong Kong Flavors – Century-Old Dish Honey-Glazed Money Chicken Makes a Comeback
What does old Hong Kong taste like? Three chefs—Li Haosheng, Yang Huaguang, and Liang Hongbin—who grew up in Hong Kong at the Sheraton Taipei’s “Chen Garden” returned to the city to rediscover their childhood memories of classic Hong Kong flavors. Through their culinary skills, they have recreated several traditional dishes, among which the century-old “Honey-Glazed Money Chicken” has become extremely rare on the market due to its complex preparation process.
The nemesis of chicken? Taipei’s izakaya specializes in chicken skewers — must-try: soy-braised chicken liver
Ji-dori, a highly recommended yakitori izakaya by friends, has only been open for a few months. Arriving in the evening at a dimly lit spot in the alleys of Lin Sen North Road, you’ll find an elegant wooden storefront with a sign in Chinese characters: "纪どり烧鸟居酒屋鸟居酒屋." Stepping inside, there aren’t many customers — almost all Japanese — but luckily there’s a Taiwanese female server.
Maokong Gondola: We're back in service on the 15th!
Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report The Maokong Gondola in Taipei was damaged by Typhoon Soudelor and is expected to resume operations at 8:30 AM on the 15th. The public is welcome to come and ride.
The Curious Case of Gluttonous Ghost Yunyun’s Hotel Adventure: Someone Was Calling Her Name in the Middle of the Night!
With Ghost Month upon us, it’s wise to do some research when choosing a hotel while traveling to avoid ending up in a “special” place. Renowned blogger Gluttonous Ghost Yunyun shared two stories based on her own lodging experiences— one from her personal encounter and another heard from a friend.
Hidden Gems in Singapore: The Rainbow Haji Lane That Captivates at First Sight
In the Arab Quarter around Kampong Glam in Singapore, there’s a new hidden gem — “Haji Lane.” Rows of vibrantly colored low-rise houses sit side by side, resembling a fairytale alleyway in Europe, instantly winning hearts and becoming a popular spot among local youths.