Taiwan2011 Day 1 - 141211

Day 1 - Singapore > Taiwan > Kaohsiung

0100Hrs - We boarded the SIA plane towards Taoyuan Airport.
0600Hrs - Reached Taoyuan International Airport.

Was very impressed with Terminal 2 as it looks like it is comparable to our Changi International Airport!  There were many signs (English and Chinese) around so that you would not get too lost in the airport.  We saw the "Taoyuan HSR Bus" directional sign and proceed to the ticketing counter to buy our bus tickets to Taoyuan HSR station (NT$30/ticket, 15-20min).

The bus was comfortable and we reached Taoyuan HSR station shortly.

0757Hrs - Very excited when we reached Taoyuan HSR as we were first timers and we bought tickets at the counter (~NT$1330/ticket, 1h30m).  We had problems with entering the platform as we din't know how to use the ticket.  However the service personnel there were very patient and friendly, they helped us in and we boarded the HSR train on time.  As we boarded the midnight flight to Taiwan, we were very tired by the time we boarded the HSR train.  So we took a short nap and we reached Zuoying HSR Station.  The average speed of the HSR train was around 297km/h (damn fast but the ride was very comfortable, even btr than the flight)

1000Hrs - Walked around and reached Zuoying MRT Station and took some time to figure out how to buy the one-way coin and getting past the gate.  Very interesting and amused as we struggled to figure out how to scan the coin at the gate!  Once again, the MRT service personnel helped us. (cant emphasize enough on how friendly and helpful the service sector of Taiwan is!)




1100Hrs - Arrived at Kaohsiung Main Station and walked around 5min before reaching ShihZhiWan Hotel but we could not check in as it was too early.  Hence, we left our luggage with the counter and left for SanDuo Shopping District for lunch.

1200Hrs - Reached Sanduo Shopping District by MRT and had beef noodles for lunch.  Wasn't fanstatic but was still quite okay.  We then walked around the area but it was a very quiet and empty city.  Perhaps that day was a weekday and there wasn't anyone around that area.  There is SOGO departmental store which sells very high-end goods which doesn't attract us and we soon left Sanduo.

1300Hrs - We returned to ShihZhiWan Hotel and the counter allowed us to check in before 3pm which is their official check-in time.  Very grateful of them as we were damn tired and wanted to just sleep and relax before we head for our first Taiwan night market.

The hotel room took us a surprise as we did not expect it to be so big.  We booked a room for 4 for NT$3000 reasonable price.  The toilet was the highlight of the room.  It was very spacious and they even had a Jacuzzi inside.  What's more is a TV screen in front of the Jacuzzi! We took turn to bathe and I was the slowest as I took my time to enjoy the Jacuzzi and the TV in the toilet!  The beds were very comfy and the room was very spacious.  Highly recommend ShihZhiWan Hotel to you guys who will be touring around in Kaohsiung!  One area which they could improve on is their command of English.  They have difficulties handling English-speaking guests as I called them for reservation before our trip
and they could not understand or speak English. I had
 to change to Mandarin then they could understand.

1800Hrs - Woke up and we set off for the famous Liu Ho Night Market.  It was a distance of 10min walk from our hotel but you can take the MRT to Formosa Boulevard Station and it is just there.  Liu Ho NM is just a stretch of Liu Ho Road with food stalls at both sides of the road.  There were only food stalls so if you are more of a gourmet person, this is the place for you.  My favourite dish is the Shan Yu Noodle (Noodles with eel). We also tried the fried chicken but it was not good.

Damn lot of people!

Not nice...Try the one in Shilin NM!

Pepper bun. long queue here but even longer in Rao He!

My favourite! - Noodles with eel!

Yummy!

Oyster Egg - I prefer the Singaporean style though.

Taipei btr!

A very refreshing dessert!

Still alot people

2100Hrs - We returned to the hotel and enjoyed the Jacuzzi again!  We also packed our luggage as we were checking out the next morning before heading to Fo Guang Shan and Meinong.