Travel
Living under bridge piers for years + enduring mental stress — these 3 types of elephants in Thailand are the most heartbreaking
Doris Lee, a Taiwanese girl, volunteered with elephants in Thailand last month and witnessed the “most heartrending dents” on their backs; in addition, she revealed that there are three types of working elephants in the area that are the most pitiable: those in the logging industry, street begging elephants, and ride elephants. Among them, begging elephants live under bridge piers year-round, usually wandering the streets where the asphalt can easily harm the soles of their feet, and the constant noise of the city causes immense mental stress, resulting in a very poor quality of life.
Scoot launches 3 new routes to India; one-way fares from Taipei start at NT$4,626 including taxes and fees
Scoot will launch flights from Singapore to Chennai and Amritsar in India on May 24, and to Jaipur on October 2. In October, it will also increase flights between Taipei and Singapore, allowing travelers to plan a Taipei–Singapore–India itinerary.
Picnic Dishes from the Man’s Kitchen: Make Your Own “Japanese-Style Rice Burgers” Just Like Fast Food Chains
Rice burgers have always been a popular item at fast food restaurants. They may look complicated and hard to make, but in fact, with just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up incredibly delicious rice burgers yourself. Today, let’s share how you can easily make them at home whenever you’re craving one.
Only 210 units per day available nationwide—the only “cake” vending machine in Taiwan is in Kaohsiung
Taiwan is swept up in a vending machine craze, but who says vending machines can only dispense drinks? Now, you can even buy cakes from them—how cool is that? Taiwan’s very first after-hours tea-time vending machine has made its debut in Kaohsiung. This machine offers daily limited-edition canned mousse cakes such as matcha red bean, berry chocolate, and creamy taro, along with aromatic lattes. It gets restocked three times a day, and some people even queue for 2 to 3 hours just to try this ultra-trendy vending machine afternoon tea.
The Summer Travel Expo is about to kick off – enjoy up to 35% off at Grand Hyatt Taipei’s Café Kaffe
The Taipei International Travel Expo will be held from May 20 to 23 at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall. This year, Grand Hyatt Taipei has gathered seven of its on-site restaurants—including the buffet “Café Kaffe,” the refined Japanese cuisine of “Sai Japanese Restaurant,” the European flavors of “Le Bistro,” and the weekend light brunch option “Cheers”—to jointly launch 10 special meal vouchers with discounts starting from as low as 35%. A great chance to dine well and save money, you definitely shouldn’t miss out.
Beware of this dessert in Taichung — it’ll make you puff out white smoke from your mouth after eating it!
Fidèle, an American-style seafood restaurant in Taichung, is known for its wide variety of seafood dishes. But beyond the main courses, its desserts hold a surprising secret. The “Sweet Potato & Taro Smoke Bomb,” made with local Taiwanese ingredients — Jinshan sweet potato and Dajia taro — and inspired by Western culinary aesthetics, creates a dramatic effect. When it melts in your mouth, gas is released, causing you to exhale white vapor, making you look like a monster straight out of an animation. It’s quite the startling experience.
Hot air balloon flower viewing! Taitung Luming Hotel pioneers nationwide high-altitude peach blossom experience
Located in Taitung, Luming Hot Spring Hotel is the only hotel in the country with direct hot air balloon launches. Recently, the peach blossoms in the resort have been in full bloom, attracting many visitors with their beautiful pink floral seas. Even those passing by Provincial Highway 9 often make a detour to take photos. Guests staying at the hotel can also opt to ride a hot air balloon and admire the vast sea of flowers from high above, offering a truly unique flower-viewing experience.
The Yuanshan Steakhouse officially opened on April 28th. Enjoy a 10% discount when dining and checking in before the end of May.
Taiwan’s first five-star hotel steakhouse, Yuanshan Steakhouse, opened today (28th)! Distinguished guests including Qian Fu, Chairman of the Cathay Charity Foundation; Zhao Shoubuo, Presidential Office Adviser; Huang Zhaosong, National Policy Advisor; Ouyang Honglian, President of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Association of Foreign Relations; Chang Hsueh-liao, Honorary President of the Taiwan Tourism Association; Yu Fan-ying, Chairman of the Yu Chi Chung Cultural and Educational Foundation; renowned TV host Chen Hong; and food critic Fei Qi, all attended the opening event.
Laying a Colorful Carpet on the Hills: Wutong and Daylily Flowers Bloom in Succession at Hengshanping Park in Chiayi
As we approach May, the lush green treetops and trails in the mountains are dotted with snow-white blossoms—it’s now the peak of the wutong flower season. The Hengshanping Leisure Park in Meishan Township, Chiayi County, is currently in full bloom with wutong flowers, their white petals scattering across the ground like a snowy carpet. Park officials noted that aside from the wutong flowers, due to the cold snap earlier this year, the daylilies are expected to bloom around mid-May.
Kushikatsu Daruma introduces two new lunch sets: fried steak and sauce pork cutlet
Kushikatsu Daruma, known for its skewered deep-fried items, will start offering two new lunch sets from April 29: the Fried Steak Set and the Sauce Pork Cutlet N< Set. Both are affordably priced, with the Fried Steak Set at NT$200 and the Sauce Pork Cutlet N< Set at just NT$140. Each set is limited to 30 servings per day (only 15 available on April 29). For the best experience, Kushikatsu Daruma recommends dipping the fried steak in Daruma sauce or sprinkling it with rose salt, while those who find the Sauce Pork Cutlet N< lacking in flavor can add more Daruma sauce.
Stargazing & Giving Hermit Crabs a Home: Taitung’s Free Nighttime Ecology Tour at Little Yehliu
The "Night Visit to Little Yehliu" event, organized by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (referred to as the East Coast Administration), is set to kick off on May 1st of this year (2016). Last year’s popular activity, "Giving Hermit Crabs a Home," will continue, inviting everyone to take action in caring for Earth’s ecology. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own shells for hermit crabs to move into.
Overlooking Kaohsiung from the clouds – The “Gangshan Eye” Skywalk Opens in 2017
Greater and Lesser Gangshan Mountains and Agongdian Reservoir are popular spots for locals to engage in exercise, hiking, and leisure. To boost local tourism, the Kaohsiung City Government will build an 88-meter-long skywalk called the “Gangshan Eye,” which is expected to be completed and open to the public in July 2017.
A Must-Try Queued Breakfast Spot in Nagoya: Lyon – Get Breakfast with Coffee Before 6 PM
Nagoya residents take breakfast very seriously, which has led to the development of a unique breakfast culture. Simply order a coffee or tea, and you’ll get a free breakfast. However, the breakfast offerings vary by shop, with most including toast with a boiled egg and Kuromame (sweet black bean) toast. Located right next to Nagoya Station, モ0?衰螗俺圆?リヨン is an extremely popular café offering all-day breakfast until it closes at 6 PM.
Mother’s Day is here: 4 Key Travel Tips for Going Abroad with Mom — Red-eye Flights Are a Must
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Have you prepared to take Mom on an “overseas trip”? According to observations from an international hotel booking website, traveling abroad has become the Mother’s Day gift that Taiwanese moms most hope to receive. However, there are many details to be mindful of when seniors travel, from choosing accommodations to planning itineraries — all need careful design. The 4 key “tips” cover flights, accommodations, and transportation, providing a reference for travelers planning their first “parental appreciation trip.”
A Korean-run barbecue joint that’s the real deal—crispy, fragrant pork belly that sizzles to perfection!
Here come the Korea lovers again！Recently, a bunch of new Korean restaurants have opened in Taichung, bringing a full-on wave of Korean vibes. As someone who’s totally into Korean food, this is absolutely fantastic—especially this Hongdafu Korean BBQ spot tucked away in the alleys of Jingming Second Street and the Jingcheng commercial district. It’s always bustling with shoppers, and there’s a huge parking lot nearby, making it the perfect spot to refuel after a day of retail therapy.
Pop it open and it oozes deliciousness — Hokkaido’s ultra-popular semi-soft cheese tarts are coming to Taiwan in June
Another must-queue Japanese food item is making its way to Taiwan. Capitalizing on the enduring popularity of cheese tarts in Taiwan, the renowned long-established chain from Hokkaido, “Bake Cheese Tart,” will bring its wildly popular cheese tarts to Taiwan, with plans to open its first Taiwanese store in mid-June in Zhongshan District, Taipei City.
Lady M is a huge hit！Regent Taipei adds 2,000 more classic mille crêpes cakes
The pop-up event exclusively collaborated between Regent Taipei and Lady M sold out 2,000 cakes within just two hours after going on sale at midnight on April 28. Due to overwhelming popularity, and in an effort to meet the enthusiastic support from Taiwanese consumers, Regent Taipei coordinated with Lady M’s headquarters to secure an additional 2,000 classic mille crêpes cakes and 230 Earl Grey flavored ones.
From quirky and fun to cute and healing — seven popular themed drinks in Tainan
Did you know? Tainan is hiding plenty of unique and lesser-known specialty drinks. From the super trendy "Little Fresh Meat" milk tea to lightbulb-shaped milk tea and more, these adorable designs paired with delicious beverages have left a deep impression on consumers. ETToday has specially compiled a list of seven uniquely shaped drinks in Tainan — see how many you recognize.
Essentials for First-Time Campers: What Basic Gear Must You Buy?
This article is written for those who will one day fondly recall their adventures in the great outdoors, as well as for you who are now ready to step into the world of camping.
Ghost-faced Taiko Drums Scare Kids in Seconds, But the Terrifying Oni Are Actually Super Sweet Guys
The 440-year-old "Gojinmuyou Taiko" from Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, will perform for three consecutive days starting today (April 29) at the Kagaya in Beitou. Recognized as an intangible cultural asset, the Gojinmuyou Taiko was originally used to intimidate enemies on the battlefield. So when performers wearing terrifying masks strike their drums today, the sound immediately draws cries of fright from children—eliciting bursts of laughter and showcasing the sheer power of the ghost-faced drums.