Travel
Vanilla Air to Increase Flights from Kaohsiung to Tokyo Starting Next Year, Starting at NT$1,998 One-Way
Travelers in southern Taiwan are in luck. Vanilla Air has announced that starting from the end of January 2016, it will increase flights on the “Kaohsiung–Tokyo (Narita)” route, with one flight departing for Tokyo in the morning and another in the afternoon every day, making it more convenient for travelers from southern Taiwan to visit Japan. Tickets for the new flights are now available for purchase, with one-way fares starting as low as NT$1,998 (excluding tax).
Japanese 4.5 cm hornets are super terrifying—bugs and animals you must watch out for when traveling
Besides worrying about theft, the next biggest concern while traveling is getting sick or injured. Once your health is compromised, the whole trip can easily be ruined. In fact, many attractions hide potential dangers, such as dangerous animals or insects. If you plan to go into the wild, you should be even more cautious. The UK’s Daily Mail has compiled a list of toxic and dangerous animals around the world. This article highlights several regions frequently visited by Taiwanese travelers—upcoming travelers, please pay extra attention.
A Michelin one-star chef brings his entire team to Taiwan — the restaurant even closes for three days
In recent years, it’s common for Michelin-starred chefs to make guest appearances in Taiwan, but it’s rare for a visiting chef to not only bring their in-house head chef team from their own restaurant, but also to shut down their two restaurants for three days just to pursue quality.
"JR West" Station 1195 Bans Selfie Sticks Starting Today
Following the announcement by many theme parks banning "selfie sticks" within their premises, Japanese railway company JR West has also declared that starting from the 19th, selfie sticks will be prohibited on all platforms at its 1195 stations. Not only will informational posters be used for reminders, but platform staff will also approach and advise passengers seen using them.
Tourism Bureaus of Four Countries Seek “Super Bloggers” for 20-Day Free Island-Hopping Adventure
The “Super Blogger” campaign, jointly organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Department of Tourism Philippines, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Malaysian Tourism Board, is now open for applications again. Anyone aged 18 or above who loves to travel, enjoys discovering new experiences, and is passionate about creating content can apply before September 25 to win a chance to explore four stunning island destinations—Tinian Island in the U.S., Koh Chang in Thailand, Coron in the Philippines, and Tioman Island in Malaysia—for free over 20 days.
The Howard Plaza Hotel Hsinchu also introduces dry-aged ribeye steak: A supersized 28-ounce portion
Dry-aged ribeye steak is considered a top-tier delicacy by many, but outside the Greater Taipei area, there are not many restaurants that offer it. However, foodies in Hsinchu are in for a treat — the Leroom Restaurant at Howard Plaza Hotel Hsinchu has newly launched a dry-aged ribeye steak, featuring a generous 28-ounce portion and made from premium bone-in U.S. PRIME-grade ribeye. The price starts at NT$3,999 for two people to share. Until October 31, diners who order the dry-aged ribeye steak will also receive a complimentary bottle of selected Spanish AMORA red wine.
Kids can enter E-DA World for just NT$10 this Mid-Autumn holiday!
The Mid-Autumn long weekend (9/26–28) is almost here. Have you planned how to spend your three-day, two-night vacation yet? To encourage more people to travel via public transportation, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has partnered with 13 theme parks across Taiwan and local public transport operators to offer discounted or special admission tickets for those using public transit to reach the parks. Among them, E-DA World is even offering kids' park entry tickets for just NT$10—that’s a deal worth considering for your holiday getaway.
Is Tokyo’s popular ramen shop Menya Itto expanding to Taiwan? Official website hints at local franchise authorization
Japanese ramen has always been one of Taiwan’s favorite Japanese cuisines. In recent years, many popular ramen brands have entered the Taiwanese market through agency (joint venture) or direct operations, often attracting large crowds of curious diners upon opening, such as Hokkaido’s Ichigen Ramen, which just launched recently. In fact, there are many delicious ramen shops in Japan, such as Rokurinsha at Tokyo Station and Mujirushi in Ikebukuro. Recently, there have been rumors that another popular ramen shop, “Menya Itto,” might also be coming to Taiwan.
Taiwan Railways and Keikyu Electric Railway join forces to create the "Taiwan-Japan Railway Tourism Friendship Gallery"
Passengers simply need to walk through the west corridor of Taipei Main Station to admire comic-style panels designed by Keikyu Electric Railway. Based on a "Friendship Story," the displays depict travelers from Taiwan and Japan meeting and forming bonds of friendship, symbolizing the amicable ties between the two nations.
Hong Kong’s Halloween Carnival Month Kicks Off in 2015 – Get Ready for a Frightening Good Time
In October, Hong Kong launches its “Halloween Carnival Month,” where popular attractions such as Hong Kong Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, and malls citywide will host spooky-themed events. Expect to see costumed ghosts and ghouls roaming the streets of Lan Kwai Fong for an ultra-realistic, thrilling, and surprising experience. Travel agencies are also offering exclusive private events at Hong Kong Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland, giving Taiwanese travelers a first taste of Hong Kong’s Halloween fun.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all covered here at East District's Café Bistro — a place to while away your whole day in laid-back comfort.
Nestled quietly within a lane on Dunhua North Road, the Day & Date Time bistro lives up to its name with versatile comfort. Whether you're in the mood for coffee and light bites or lavish, hearty European-style gourmet cuisine, everything is expertly executed. Having tried many a delicacy and visited countless design-forward, character-rich restaurants, every different stimulus and twist still manages to dazzle.
Legalizing homestays in 12 remote townships of Nantou County is promising; 621 legal homestays to be guided
To promote rural tourism, the Nantou County Government stated that it will re-identify and announce the areas originally designated in 2009 (the 98th year of the Republic of China), covering the other 12 townships besides Nantou City. Regardless of whether they are within urban planning zones, these areas are now considered remote regions, and the regulations allowing homestay applications will be reinstated.
A blend of grass and vegetables with rivers woven in—Shetou Island’s installation art “Edible Landscape Creation”!
With crisp autumn air, this weekend is the perfect time to visit Shetou Island. On Saturday, September 19th, the Taipei City Government Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Water Resources is hosting the “Edible Landscape Creation” event at Shetou Island Head Park. The activity runs from 12 noon to 4 pm and invites the public to gather in groups for fun.
Exaggerated！Kicking down doors, putting slippers in the fridge—3 outrageous hotel guest antics
Online artist Kayo recently shared illustrations on her personal Kayo. Carefree Life fan page, depicting hotel scenes such as kicking down doors, putting slippers in the fridge, and beds being mysteriously relocated. Interestingly, these are all backed by photographic evidence—most of which Kayo encountered during her daily work in hotels. She collected numerous bizarre guest behaviors and illustrated three of the most striking cases to share on her fan page, leaving netizens amazed.
It’s not the toilet, not the seatbelt – the dirtiest spot on a plane is…
Travelers can hardly contain their excitement, and many meticulous flyers, once aboard, are so busy taking photos that they often forget the bustling cabin isn’t as clean as they imagine. So where is the dirtiest place on a plane? Would you believe it if we told you it’s not the toilet, not the seatbelt, and not even the air vent?
See two exhibitions with one ticket: Pre-sale tickets for the Taipei International Travel Fair go on limited release on the 21st!
The 2015 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair will take place from November 6 to 9 at Taipei World Trade Center Halls 1 and 3. There will be a total of 1,450 booths on-site. The Taiwan Visitors Association is also launching early-bird tickets on the 21st, available for a limited time at 7-Eleven stores across Taiwan. Each ticket is priced at NT$150, with only 3,000 available.
Breakfast Spot for Night Owls Only—Egg Crepes, Toast, and Burgers Even Late at Night!
There must be quite a few night owls in Kaohsiung, as more and more small shops are opening late at night. Night Owl Toast is run by a young couple who have only been in business for a few months but have slowly built up a steady stream of late-night snack customers. With no background in the food industry, they simply relied on their love for eating and solid knowledge of food to open their own shop. All items on the menu were developed by the couple themselves, and they’re very confident in their products—definitely worth introducing to everyone.
Solo female travel — my "thrilling" experiences meeting strangers!
I love traveling alone — going wherever I want, doing whatever I want, without having to compromise with anyone. It's carefree and light, with no burdens. But at the same time, I haven’t ignored the odds of danger that solo female travelers often face. Around every corner, what greets you might be luck… or a major crisis.
Recommended by Foodie Paradise too！ A high-value fried chicken stall in the dusk market
Wen De Fried Chicken is located in the dusk market at Lane 66, Wen De Road, Neihu District. Old K often shops here at this dusk market！ He’s seen this fried chicken stall before but never bought from it because he’s not that into fried food at night. But after Foodie Paradise featured it recently, it seemed really delicious！ However, the weather has been so hot！ So he kept putting it off until now XD
At Liushi Mountain, there is a homestay that sells Hualien agricultural specialties and r pork rice.
The Royal Rice Mountain Feast Homestay is located at the foot of Liushi Mountain in Fuli. With its beige exterior, it is a rare homestay that offers dining, lodging, and souvenir shopping all under one roof. The first floor houses a specialty center featuring a variety of locally produced Hualien farm goods as well as Hakka floral fabric products. The homestay also serves its signature r pork rice, providing everything from food and accommodation to shopping in one place.