Regardless of how old we are, family time is always, always important. But with the busyness of work life and hectic schedules, time with family is often not our priority. In fact, the older we get, the less time we spend with them, and this shouldn’t be the case!
Well, one good way to ensure you spend time with family is by planning long holidays together. It’s the perfect way to escape from work and stressful deadlines and just be surrounded by family for a while. Well, if you’re searching for the best spot for a family getaway–whether with young kids, millennials, or elderly parents–here’s why Taiwan should be top of your list, specifically locations such as Taipei and Kaohsiung:
1. You can visit an amusement park located on the roof of East Asia’s largest mall
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Known as Dream Mall, this is the perfect place to bring both the adults and the younger ones to relive your childhood days while getting the best view of the city skyline.
What to do here:
- Ride in the 160ft-tall Kaohsiung Eye ferris wheel and get a view of both the city as well as the nearby ocean
- Release your inner child as you venture through the rest of the park and ride the many rides in the Dinosaur-themed park
- If you get bored or need to chill, head back into the mall and cool off or go shopping and grab a bite in the many eateries available
Price: RM20 for ferris wheel ride + amusement park entry (150NT$)
2. For colourful murals and unique sculptures, drop by the Pier 2 district
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What was once an abandoned warehouse at the end of Kaohsiung harbour has been turned into an art hub for all things artsy fartsy.
What to do here:
- Let your kids roam free to explore the brightly painted walls as well as the life-sized cartoon sculptures
- If you have elderly parents with you, you can opt to bring them on a stroll along the harbour and enjoy some fresh ocean breeze
- Understand Kaohsiung’s history and culture through the carefully curated murals
Fun fact: The group of artists behind the beautiful displays here are the same individuals who lobbied for this space when it was set to ruin.
Location: 1 Dayong Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City
3. Be mesmerized by the World’s Largest Public Glass Installation
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Located in their MRT, or Formosa Boulevard station to be exact, the Dome of Light is a larger than life ceiling made completely of stained glass that will surely give you a morning commute to remember.
What to expect:
- 4,500 panels which are divided into four colours, each symbolising the different elements: earth, water, fire, and light
- There are five to 10-minute light shows every day at 11am, 3pm, and, 8pm (plus additional showtimes over the weekends)
- Take as many photos as you can amidst the ever-changing backdrop and bring out the child in you and your parents as you stand amazed by the light show
Location: Formosa Boulevard Interchange Station, KRT, Kaohsiung City
4. For unique and authentic Taiwanese street food, visit the Tonghua Night Market
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Not as huge (or as crowded) as the Shilin Night Market, but definitely a great place for Malaysians to explore and try unique, local (and affordable) foods from Taiwan. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, crispy, soft and juicy, or fried and oily, there’s something for everyone here.
What to try here:
- Stinky tofu, obviously – Drop by the Ya Kou stall for arguably the best stinky tofu you’ll find in Taipei. Crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, you must give this a try
- Braised pork rice (lu rou fan) – A bowl of white rice topped with fatty pieces of pork packed full of flavour.
- Taiwanese steamed bun sandwiches (Gua Boa) – Commonly known as pork belly sliders as well, this dish is basically a soft, fluffy steamed bun stuffed with a mix of fatty and lean pork belly slices, sweet peanut crumble, pickled mustard greens, cilantro and more.
Location: Alley 1, Lane 40, Linjiang Street, Taipei City
5. For a breath of fresh air, check out the Yangmingshan National Park
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Complete with volcanoes, hot springs, sulfur pits, and more, you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a bit and let the older ones in the family rest among the green fields while your kids tire themselves out as they run around the vast open space.
What to expect:
- Hike to the highest peak of Mount Qixing in the park and soak in the natural hot springs located all over
- Cross the Jingshan Suspension Bridge as you catch a glimpse of the ‘Milk Lake’
- Walk through scenic grasslands and spot water buffalos and other animals in the area
Location: Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei
6. Not sleepy? Visit this 24-hour bookstore
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Already way past your bedtime but still feel like going on an adventure that isn’t too crazy? Then make sure you drop by the Eslite bookstore (Dunnan branch) where kids and adults alike will be able to find something to read.
What to expect:
- Over 250,000 books are available for you to pick and read from; expect plenty of story books for the kids, magazines and novels for the adults, and maybe some Feng Shui books for the older parents
- 10pm to 2am is the book store’s busiest time
Location: 245, Section 1, Dunhua South Road, Da’an District, Taipei
How aesthetic and exciting do these places in Taiwan look? Taiwan obviously has much to offer and it’s the perfect place for families with young or even grown-up children. Even young and elderly parents alike will be able to find something to do here! From scrumptious food to exciting locations, Taiwan has something for everyone!
Most of these locations also won’t cost you much and in fact, most of them don’t require any entry fees! So if you want to plan an affordable yet unforgettable getaway with your young, old or middle-aged family, you know where to go! What’s more, Taipei and Kaohsiung are just nearby so be sure to make the most of your travel and make a road trip around.
Also, to make your travel even more budget-friendly, you’ll be glad to know AirAsia is currently running a promo for flights to Taiwan! Promo deets below:
From Kuala Lumpur to Taipei: From RM229 (BIG members)
From Kuala Lumpur to Kaohsiung: From RM219 (BIG members)
Booking period: Now until 5 May 2019
Travel period: Now until 30 Sept 2019
So if you’re interested and you’d like to make a trip there soon, make sure you check out AirAsia’s website!
