Some other places in Kaohsiung. Buddha Memorial Center, Gangshan Mountain, Moonworld & E-Da World, Qiaotou 桥头花海

Kaohsiung is actually bigger than I thought. Didn't manage to really tour around despite staying at Sizihwan most of the time. But here's some interesting places at outskirts of Kaohsiung city. In fact most of these places can be accessed via South Gangshan 南岡山 MRT station.  

1. Buddha Memorial Center 佛陀纪念馆 

Situated at 佛光山 Foguangshan, this is sort of like a museum for Buddhism, built right next to a Buddhist temple. 

So. Freaking. Massive.

was all I can think when I first stepped into the massive open space, 

My mouth fell opened and took me some time to close it as I didn't expect a temple to be of this size. But after checking out the whole place, I realized it's not just a temple for worshiping, but more like a museum/monument dedicated to spread the teachings of Buddhism. The grand pagodas, the wide and spacious walkway and the huge Buddha statue standing high and dignified up there is like a warm welcome to guests with open arms. Truly portrays the religion's long lived history and its important and majestic position in its follower's hearts.

At the main centre, there's various exhibition halls that showcases history of Buddhism and its movement in Taiwan.

At the exhibition hall that talks about the founding of FoGuangShan temple. 

Exhibition that tells the story of Buddha, which was really something I've always wanted to know. 

see the majestic Buddha statue up close, against the vast blue skies. 

2. Gangshan Scenic Area 岡山风景区

This might not be a mainstream tourist area, but Gangshan Mountain has the weather of Genting, but a more laid back and countryside vibe. Without fancy resorts and entertainment hubs, Mount Gangshan is just a place with plenty of temples, simple restaurants and shops selling local produce. Kinda idyllic. Then there's this temple built on the slopes of the mountain, overlooking the vast fields.

超峰寺 Chaofeng Temple

May not look like the most majestic temple, but it's actually pretty big, There are several sub temples for different Gods and Goddesses, and facilities like the dining hall and classrooms for learning. 

The best part of exploring the temple would be this. 

At 观风听月 

a cafe with an outdoor balcony with the view of the fields and farms in Gangshan 

It's just a minute away from Chaofeng Temple's entrance. A place to sit back, and enjoy the view of wide and clear skies here

Waffles were so so, but the pumpkin milkshake is gooood!

Address: Kaohsiung City, Alian District, Gangshan No.5-1. 崗山里5-1號

3. Tianliao Moonworld 田寮月世界

Not a mainstream tourist site but it certainly offers a raresight! I would say this was one of my favorite places that I have discovered. The place just looks like its out of this world.

I swear everything looked so bizarre. 

Some people call it Martian earth lol

#verydry

Caterpillars everywhere... 

They look like pokemon to me haha 

No filter seriously....and I don't even wanna put my watermark to destroy the picture haha

With those barren mountains and lakes with that color...Looks like a mystic kingdom from a storybook.

Another lake, but this is on top of the mountains. 

4. E-da World 義大世界

It's Genting in the middle of no where. There's hotel, shopping mall and also a themepark. I wanted to visit this place because the whole resort has an ancient Greek theme. Well i end up spending too much time in the mall and did not explore the exterior of the resort. Shopping in the mall was a pain for me, because i did not bring enough money!! The mall has many factory outlets of branded stores, therefore the items are all at a discount. Damnnn i really wanted to buy those Timberland shoes haha.

How to get there: There are many buses that goes to E-Da world. Check out this website

This part of the mall reminds me of the mall in Master's Sun 主君的太阳

The outdoor area with a Greek streets vibe.

And they have their own Ferris Wheel as well.

Next! Foodie time! 

Okay i swear this was one of my best meals in Taiwan. I rarely have a chance to eat 煮炒 . Thanks to the bunch, we've decided to splurge abit. This was a restaurant at the roadside of Gangshan. Effing noisy but it was a familiar feeling, just like how we have 大排档。And sure enough, roadside restaurant is damnn good. 

I can't recall the name of this restaurant, but it's right opposite the Gangshan Train station @ Zhongshan South Road. 

Check out the portion! 

The mutton strips on the top left was FOC! It's not my first time getting foc food in Taiwan. Taiwanese are pretty generous even though we know it very well they want to get rid of their ingredients. 

Brunch at Mr. Potato@Zuoying area

Traveled all the way here for affordable brunch. It's affordable but compared to Weike, it's still a world apart. But it's not too bad lar, given the price. 

Address: No. 175, Lida Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City

Extra: Qiaotou Flower Fest 桥头花海

This is seasonal, every year, flower fest happen at many places in Taiwan, depending on the type of flower in season. The most well known one would be the Xinshe Flower Fest in Taichung (新社花海) which is super massive. Taichung was kinda far from where I stay and there wasn't much time left for traveling(damn those effing hard final exams). Glad that Kaohsiung has something like this, though not quite the scale, but it's still something you can rarely see back in home. So do keep an eye on flower fests when you plan your visit in Taiwan. With the vast fields of flowers, street food and activities, it would be fun to visit one. 

Though the scale of the event was not what I imagined, it's still pretty pleasant to have a look at all these beautiful colors. 

After visiting the flower fest, you may visit this pretty Mediterranean themed restaurant in Qiaotou

The food here was just okay, but it's definitely one of my favorite dining experience 

Small 萱

Address: No. 11-5, Shude Rd, Qiaotou District, Kaohsiung City

Warm and cosy interior, awesome service from the crew

and the  best most interesting part, you see the red curtains on the left? They actually had a fortuneteller over there to do Tarot Card reading for every customer LOLLL 

All the blue and whites, super in love with the little details. 

The food was actually not bad, but nothing exciting though. I had a Fried Fish Risotto (bottom-right), with mushroom soup and caramel milk tea. 

End of Travel Diaries

That's pretty much with all the places in Kaohsiung! In fact, i guess i have come to the end of introducing all the places I've been in Taiwan. Penning down all these places was really a joy for me and i was persistent to talk about every place i had been despite my friends telling me that I'm writing way too slow. I know it's almost half a year since i returned from Taiwan, the memories might not be as vivid but I want to remember whatever that's left. 

So... bear with me, Im gonna talk more haha

And you'll find out what's next soon! 

Kaohsiung 高雄 Diaries: Places to go in Kaohsiung

Next up, gonna introduce you guys to some of my favorite places in Kaohsiung city and also some sightseeing-worthy landmarks. Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second most populated city after Taipei. Similar to Taipei, they have their own MRT system, loads of night markets. But I guess because of the weather here, people and things here are warm and vibrant!

1. 瑞豊夜市吃天使鸡排

Must try the Angel's Deep Fried Chicken at Rui Feng Market

Street food is almost everywhere in Kaohsiung but night markets are still the best place to find them. Rui feng Night Market was introduced to us by a local when we first reached Kaohsiung. It's the night market where locals go, unlike other tourist-loaded night markets.

If you are in Kaohsiung, you should definitely try the Angel Fried Chicken (天使鸡排) which is so different from the XXL Chicken you buy at Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks outlets. The thick chicken chop is crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside. It tastes almost like nugget but, tender and well seasoned. You don't need other food really, this one thing is good enough to feed you up while you enjoy shopping and playing arcade games in night market.

FYI, there's LiuHe 六合 Night Market, Kaisyuan 凯旋 and Jinzhuan 金钻 Night Markets as well. 

Stinky Tofu is nice! Deep fried oyster mushrooms are awesome as well. 

2. 去新崛江商圈血拼

Shop at Kaohsiung's version of Ximending: Sinkuchan Shopping District

I use to think that shopping must be done at Taipei's Ximending, but actually, at Taiwan, shopping can be pretty much done at every neighborhood. Kaohsiung's Sinkuchan shopping district isn't far different from Ximending in my opinion. Not only there's local boutiques and well known brands' store, there's also plenty of malls around that sells pretty much everything from budget apparels to medium priced items from established brands. Even if you are not in the mood of shopping, this is one place for youngsters to hang out, eat some street food, some arcade games and there's also a movie theater, and I mean those independent ones unlike the ones in malls.  Personally I enjoy shopping for beauty products at POYA, BG Shop or 86 小铺 haha.

I can tell you, I've never escaped this place with my hands empty.

The vibrant and young street of Sinkuchan 

Urban Spotlight Arcade 城市光廊 

an area with special illuminations, which is nearby Sinkuchan shopping area. 

This is 大立精品 Star Place mall

which houses many luxury brands

always mesmerized by the exterior of the mall

3. 高雄大遠百的成品书店当文青

Bookstore that makes you proud of being a bookworm at Eslite Bookshop

I've only been to this mall for once, but it was my first time experiencing Taiwan's idea of departmental store. The mall itself is "de" departmental store. Unlike our malls in MY and SG where we usually refer departmental store as AEON, PARKSON and ROBINSONS which are anchor stores in massive malls. The amazing part is, the departmental store spans over more than 10 floors, by area I suppose this is MEGA size compared to our departmental stores which are usually 3-5 floors (enlighten me if I'm wrong). All brands that you see aren't operating separately like an independent store, but they are all under the management of the departmental store. So you can imagine how many brands and products are there and the best part comes where you get more promotions/special discounts since you can buy almost everything here. God knows how long will it take to browse every floor. Anyways, Eslite bookstore is also housed in this mall and it also changed my impression of bookstores. Just when I thought Kinokuniya should be the prettiest bookstore I've ever seen, Eslite's interior took it to another level. Again it's huge, elegant and the best part, spacious. I swear it will trigger your inner bookworm.  

This is just the main area, there's one more area on the right. 

4. 到梦时代和梦幻缤纷的摩天轮拍照，顺便血拼

Shopping mall with their very own rooftop Ferris Wheel and theme park.

Another massive shopping mall in Kaohsiung which has a ferris wheel as their landmark. I thought this was the mall in many Taiwanese Idol Drama like 真命天女 and 换换爱 but those are in Taipei haha. But my inner kid can't help but to have a glimpse at the colorful and fantasy-like Ferris Wheel.

The Merry Go Round at the rooftop amusement park. 

5.到曾经是工厂的台鋁电影院看戏吃饭

Watch a movie at a ex-aluminium factory: MLD Cinemas

This is a recently opened cinema (can't really classify this as a mall I suppose) with plenty of restaurants and cafes. The building was once a factory and hence the movie theaters and restaurants have a rather industrial and old-skul interior. I like this place coz it is not too huge and it's a cinema in nature, so you won't have boutiques or some retail outlets around. I'm not sure how to describe but it just feels much more "focused" and exclusive.

They have their own supermarket as well. 

btw for those who don't know

Watching movies in Taiwan is expensive! Usually tickets are priced around 270TWD (RM30++). Even if you have student discounts, it will still be around 230TWD. which is why I only watched one movie in Taiwan haha. I was pretty much promoting Malaysia's cinema to my Taiwanese friends, they could have done a cinema marathon over here.   

Old Skul American Diner kinda meal at MLD

6. 到鹽埕埔批发商买可爱的袜子，还有寻美食

Food hunt and Shop for accessories at wholesalers in Yanchengpu

It's the neighboring district to Sizihwan. Which I do visit quite often as well. There's loads of wholesalers over here, and most of them wholesale accessories like socks, bags, scarves, necklaces and much more. Wholesaler simply means...there's a whole LOT of CHOICES! I think the socks are the best thing. Well many of the socks are imported from Korea, but after visiting Korea, I realize they sell it much cheaper over here.

Not to forget, this district is also full of yummy treats.

omgggggggg

I couldn't leave without bagging this set haha 

米糕城 Mi Gao Cheng 

Apparently one of Kaohsiung's must try snack is this 米糕 which is glutinous rice if I'm not wrong. Oh well I can still remember the taste clearly despite this being one of the first few things I tried in Taiwan. The chewy but not too sticky glutinous rice, with insanely fragrant minced pork 肉燥 and meat flosses. Simple stuff but the flavor is just too awesome.  

Address: No. 107, Daren Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City 107 高雄市鹽埕區大仁路107號

Left: 米糕 (glutinous rice) and Right: 肉燥饭 Minced Pork Rice

阿婆冰 A-Po Desserts

Kaohsiung's weather never gets cold, icy desserts are must haves. This shop has a long history and it was recommended by locals as well. The desserts are truly authentic in flavor, with coarsely shaved ice, real fruits and homecooked red beans and pearls.For some reason even the ice cream's taste like childhood haha. Nothing artificial here, just truly refreshing taste. Time to get a break from all the crazy flavored toppings that we're so used to.  

Address: No. 150, Qixian 3rd Road, Yancheng District 高雄市鹽埕區七賢三路150號

樺達奶茶 鹽程總店 (Hua Da Milk Tea)

Milk Tea is pretty much everywhere in Taiwan. This outlet happens to be a very famous one in Yancheng district. I was just wandering around the area and found this shop. Personally I think the best part about Taiwan's milk tea is that they use fresh milk instead or milk powder or sweeteners. Love the milky aroma and it's not too sweet. Best thirst quencher. 

Address: No.99, Xin Le Street, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City 高雄市鹽埕區新樂街99號

Their specialty is 樺達奶茶. Which is just milk and black tea. 

7.  和高捷少女搭捷运，顺便参观美丽的捷运站

Experience Kaohsiung's MRT and their beautiful train stations

Not like we don't have MRT here, but some of the stations are pretty here. I know SG MRT has their mascots but Kaohsiung's MRT mascots are anime girls haha. As a young adult, how to not like you tell me? I like how they have special trains with the anime characters in them.

The beautiful Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station I swear standing there in person gives an instant majestic vibe.

Central Park station

Special trains with the MRT's mascots

Each character has their own name, and they are people from the MRT company.

Got ticket seller, technician and captain haha.

Love this anime campaign, makes taking MRT such a cool thing.  

8. 高雄市立图书馆也太美了，附近还有博览会，星光码头和85大楼

Kaohsiung's sophisticated public library and other landmarks at Shijia Station.

The Library is still one of the most impressive thing I've seen in Taiwan. I didn't know it was a library in the first place. I thought it's some shopping mall. Another regret for me that I didn't explore this library in depth, I was only there for a short while. As you can see here, it's all floor length windows and brightly lit. The interiors uses mainly light colors that gives a simplistic feel. Definitely gonna visit there again.

高雄市立图书馆总馆 Kaohsiung's Main Library

This is the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center which is just around the corner.

XinGuang Ferry Wharf which leads to Love River

Kaohsiung city at night. 

9. 服务超棒的神采飞扬KTV狂欢

Sing your hearts out at Karaoke outlets with awesome service.

Karaoke is a whole new level over here. It's not just renting the mic, it's service yo! There were people greeting you at the entrance. There's a manager that hosts you with awesome hospitality. We are actually allowed to bring outside food and the manager was kind enough to provide snacks for us at FOC as well! The manager truly gives a personal touch to the whole experience.  Other than that, sound system was great, the rooms are adequately sized (unlike TeoHeng's bathroom-sized rooms haha) and the best part.... there's a toilet in the room, so you don't have to go out!!!! Yes I am going to say, that whole experience was like going to a Hotel to "open room"  haha. Price, I don't really remember but I am sure that it's reasonably priced, less than 200twd per pax.  

this was the building, see the door? Hotel-like

just to show you, there's a washroom there. The layout is just like a hotel room haha. 

at the lobby with pretty chandelier, just like a hotel haha. 

10. 爱河也不错美哦

Kaohsiung's pulse: Love River

One of Kaohsiung's representative icon. Cycle and observe Kaohsiung's cityscape. There's plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade. You can have a river cruise as well.

101. 西子湾和旗津 看夕阳

Mesmerizing sunset at Sizihwan and Cijin!!!

Still the best part of Kaohsiung. Seaside fun at Sizihwan and Cijin Island with loads to do and see. Check out my long post exclusively for this area. 

Go Have Your Journey at Kaohsiung!