Wandering Fel

Showing posts with label Kaohsiung Travel. Show all posts

A European Shopping Complex in Kaohsiung, E-da World

E-da World is the biggest complex in all Taiwan which contains leisure, holiday, health-care, education, art, culture, shopping and real-estate development. It is located right beside Quan-Yi mountain, a scenic area in Kaohsiung City. There is also a university here, I-Shou University. The whole complex are designed like a European city and that's why E-da World is also known as a European shopping complex in Kaohsiung.

We totally did not feel we were in Taiwan when we entered the complex. Oh there is a ferris wheel here too. Taiwanese shopping mall often has ferris wheels at the top of the shopping mall's building. This is the 3rd shopping mall's ferris wheel which I spotted during my stay in Taiwan. The first was at Miramar Entertainment Park in Taipei while the second was at another big shopping mall in Kaohsiung, Dream Mall.

E-Da World Shopping Complex in Kaohsiung

I have been to the theme park section, E-da Theme Park before. It is a great theme park and its design is based on the ancient city of the Greek. It also has a Greek village which looks like Santorini because the houses inside the village are painted in white and blue, which is somewhat the "official" color of Santorini.

We saw that there is a Go Kart ride which is available near E-da Theme Park too. But since it is located outside the theme park, you don't have to pay the entrance fee to the theme park to play go-kart.

Getting to E-da World:

E-Da World is located in the outskirt of Kaohsiung city but E-da World has provided E-da buses from a lot of locations in Kaohsiung's city centre. We took the bus from Zuoying THSR Line (Fo Guang Shan Station). There is usually a queue for the bus so we just asked around and joined the queue.

Smokey's Joe Rib House and Pub in Kaohsiung

Smokey Joe's Rib House and Pub is a well known Western joint in Kaohsiung and its vicinity. The restaurant also serves as a pub. At every dining time, Smokey's Joe Rib House and Pub is filled to the max. There must be a reason behind this popularity. Let's find out more, shall we?

When you walk into Smokey's Joe Rib House and Pub, you will feel that you are no longer in Taiwan anymore. The whole place looks like a typical diner in America where rock and roll music is blasting from the speaker, a lot of typical American rocker posters hanged on the wall and a bar area. Thankfully, there is a separate smoking area for those diners who'd like to smoke.

Let's start with a starter and...a jug of strawberry frozen margarita yeehaa! The food served at Smokey's Joe is actually pretty much international. They have Mexican, Italian, the usual Western and even Chinese food at some branches. We had some hash browns to start our yummy dinner. I really love the frozen margarita although as far as I know, a lot of people do like drinking margarita.

Starter and frozen margarita at Smokey's Joe Kaohsiung

When all our dishes have arrived, it is started to look like a Mexican party. Nachos are a must for a Mexican party. But wait, this is not over yet...

Nachos Party at Smokey's Joe Rib House and Pub Kaohsiung

We still have a big size of pulled pork burger and a little bit of greens at the side with salsa and a few bits of olives. We are officially having a "balanced" diet in a twisted way. Since the portion of the food is pretty big, it is recommended to share among a group of people. By the way, I don't know why but it seems that the greens are actually only one kind, lettuce? Hahaha.

Pulled pork burger and salad at Smokey's Joe Rib House and Pub

Where is Smokey's Joe Rib House and Pub located?

No. 318, Zihyou 2nd Rd., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung.

Taiwan Travel: A Clear Blue Sky at Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center, Kaohsiung

It does feel amazing to be able to see a clear blue sky. I really appreciate this kind of view especially because Singapore is filled with haze now. This feeling brought me back to that day when I visited Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center with my family. I actually had just visited Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center with my friend 3 months before. But the weather was so bad that time so it's really nice to be able to see clear weather when I visited Fo Guang Shan for the 2nd time.

Another thing, the wall which was previously still under renovation is now opened for public's viewing. What's so special about the wall surrounding Fo Guang Shan? Well, for a start, the wall has mural painting painted over it telling us about the stories of the Buddha.

Stories of the Buddha at Fo Guang Shan Kaohsiung

The story is painted beautifully on the wall. It makes reading the story more enjoyable. If you don't understand the Chinese characters, you don't have to worry.

Wall Mural at Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center Kaohsiung

There is an English inscription right below the painting. Woot!

English inscription for wall painting at Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center Kaohsiung

Even the Big Buddha looks more shining under the clear blue sky. =)

The Big Buddha at Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center Kaohsiung

I visited Fo Guang Shan for the second time sometime in August. It could get pretty hot but at least, it's not raining. Be aware of the typhoon though if you decide to visit Taiwan in August.

Taiwan Travel: The Great Buddha at Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center, Kaohsiung

One bus stop away from Fo Guang Shan Monastery lies the Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center. This place is always crowded everyday with both local and foreign visitors. Most tour operators around the world will include Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center as one of the destination to go in the tour itinerary.

Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center Main Entrance Kaohsiung

If you think Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center is gonna be like those old or ancient places, well, you are going to be surprised looking at the inside of the memorial center. It looks so modern it even has Starbucks inside the memorial center hall. There is also a vegetarian restaurant inside the hall.

Starbucks inside Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center Kaohsiung

There are a total of 8 pagodas located at the front complex with a giant bronze Buddha statue located at the end of the complex. It was raining that day and hence, we did not see anyone roaming around the complex.

Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center Complex Kaohsiung Taiwan

Thankfully, there is a sheltered pathway leading to the Front Hall where the Big Buddha status is sitting on. When we were nearer to the Front Hall, the rain has cleared up so we were able to roam around the area in front of the hall.

The Big Buddha at Fo Guang Shan Memorial Center Kaohsiung Taiwan

There is no photography allowed inside the hall beneath the Big Buddha because it is a sacred place. Visitors are allowed to pray inside too.

Having spent a few hours here, I guess I did not regret coming to Fo Guang Shan at all, despite the pouring rain.

Taiwan Travel: Candy Exhibition at E-da Theme Park, Kaohsiung

When I visited E-da Theme Park two years back, it happened to have Candy Exhibition inside its souvenir store (which looks like a house in Santorini from outside). We were welcomed by the ginger breadman.

Anyone wanna ride this candy truck with me? I could not fit inside though. Hahaha.

Candy Truck at E-da Theme Park Kaohsiung

Inside a candy house belongs to the mascot of E-da Theme Park. I am still wishing for my own place here in real life.

Seats from biscuit or pineapple tarts, maybe?

Biscuit seats in E-da Theme Park Candy Exhibition

And here lies the classic candies from my childhood. I love this bubble gum! There are 4 small chewing gum balls inside each box. I think I love the grape one the most. And my younger brother swallowed one of the bubble gum and cried afterward. Good thing, the gum did not stuck anywhere inside him and went out safely...to the loo. XD

Classic Bubble Gum in E-da Theme World Candy Exhibition

Chocolate Bar station. It's not real though. Too bad. I would not mind making my own chocolate. Hehe.

The Candy Exhibition is free of charge. I love the fact that Taiwan has so many cute exhibitions (although not all of them are free) like 100 Years of Doraemon and Robot Kitty.

Find perfect hotel deals in Kaohsiung here.

Taiwan Travel: Little Greek Souvenir Shop at E-da Theme Park, Kaohsiung

My adventure at the Greek Village at E-da Theme Park did not end without a trip to its souvenir store. Especially when the souvenir store looks like a quaint cafe at Santorini in Greece.

Iniside the souvenir store, you can find all kind of merchandises from fridge magnet, keychains to cutleries from E-da Theme Park.

Souvenir Store in E-da Theme Park Kaohsiung

The setting of the souvenir store looks nice to look at as well. Just like the outer appearance, the store is set like a Greek harbor. In Santorinish kind of design.

At the other section of the building though, the atmosphere got kinda dark. We did not really know what's kept here but our curiosity kept us going.

Pirate Horror House in E-da World Kaohsiung Taiwan

Until one of the theme park staff told us that this path led to a horror house (in a piratey kind of way). Means, there will be no ghosts but a lot of staffs are working inside to surprise you from the entrance to the exit. Oh my goodness. Our hearts are not strong enough for this kind of activity so we quickly withdrew ourselves from this section. #scaredycats

Entrance to pirate horror house at E-da World Kaohsiung

If you are also a scaredycat like, no worry. There are other sections of the building that we can explore without getting a heart attack. Hehe.

Find perfect hotel deal in Kaohsiung here.

Taiwan Travel: The Greek Village at E-da Theme Park, Kaohsiung

After shouting our lungs out by riding some thrilling rides at outdoor section of E-da Theme Park, we were in the mood of...just walking around, doing nothing. So we decided to explore the section which lies directly beneath the monorail track, the Greek Village.

Monorail at E-da Theme Park Kaohsiung Taiwan

E-da Theme Park is basically designed in Greek style. At one glance, you may think that we have been transported to...Santorini? Hahaha. Okay, I've never been to Greece so I don't know how it looks like in real life but that the impression which I got when I see this kind of houses. =P

The Greek Village at E-da Theme Park, Kaohsiung

There is no additional admission charged to explored this Greek Village but some buildings are just decoration, just like this yellow house. You can't enter the house. Hahaha.

You will see all the blue and white houses, totally look like Santorini, right? Hehe. Smaller and cheaper version of Santorini, it is. =P

Mini Santorini at E-da Theme Park Kaohsiung Taiwan

On the way back to the entrance, we feel like we have reached Athens. LOL. I mean, just look at that building! Oh well, since I won't be able to visit Greece in near future, I suppose this will do.

Find great hotel deals in Kaohsiung here!

Taiwan Travel: All the Rides at E-da Theme Park, Kaohsiung

Similar to Lotte World in Seoul, E-da Theme Park has both indoor and outdoor attractions. If you are a thrill-seeker, you should make your way to the outdoor part of the theme park. For instance, you will be welcomed by this big swing. If you are wondering how high can this swing go...

...well let's just say it can go pretty high up to the sky. Swoosh!

Deeper into the theme park, there are more and more attractions which are suited to adrenaline junkie. Like this green roller coaster.

Green roller coaster at E-da Theme Park Kaohsiung

If the green roller coaster does not satisfy you, there is a white roller coaster exactly at the opposite side. This one goes up at high speed and then making its way back down at higher speed. Crazy, I must say.

The 90 degrees roller coaster at E-da Theme Park Kaohsiung

My theme park buddy is, well, the opposite of adrenaline junkie. So she prefers this type of ride. You will be wet if there are naughty bystanders spraying you from the top. #warned

If you don't like thrilling rides and don't like to get wet, maybe this next ride is for you. But, you have to make sure you are not afraid of height. Haha.

E-da Theme Park is the second theme park that I went to. The first theme park (although they call it a cultural park) is Formosa Cultural Aboriginal Park at Nantou. Comparing the two, if you like riding attractions like roller coaster, you should probably go to E-da Theme Park because there are more type of roller coaster here. But if you are a fan of One Piece, Formosa Cultural Aboriginal Park is basically designed for One Piece lover. So, probably it's best to visit both if you have the time. #bestconclusion

Find great hotel deals in Kaohsiung here!

Taiwan Travel: Meinong Paper Umbrella Culture Village, Kaohsiung

During my trip to Kaohsiung with my family, we had the chance to visit Meinong Paper Umbrella Culture Village. It's rare for us to visit this kind of place because as city dwellers, we are usually more interested in cafe or shopping malls. But since we had travelled all the way to Kaohsiung, we decided to...open our eyes to the cultural side of the city. Hehehe. #suddenwisdom

In front of the culture village lies the...store. Hahaha I suppose this is how a culture village earns their income from. But anyway, the store looks quite fascinating as the entrance is decorated with so many pretty paper umbrellas.

Meinong Paper Umbrella Store in Kaohsiung Taiwan

There is a unique tool that kinda piqued our curiousity. This tool was placed near the entrance. Kinda wondering what it is for but I guess the tool is definitely related to the making of the paper umbrella.

Paper umbrella making tool in Meinong Culture Village Kaohsiung

Can you believe that all of these umbrellas are made from papers? They look not only sturdy and strong but also beautiful. If you are wearing a traditional cheong sam (re: Chinese traditional dress) or kimono or hanbok, you will surely look like that you have been transported to the past.

The umbrellas are not easy to carry around though due to its materials. If you don't feel like buying the umbrellas, there are options to buy a paper fan. Like those used by the Chinese aristocrats in the old days.

Taiwanese Paper Fan at Meinong Culture Village Kaohsiung

It is probably a good idea to visit Meinong Cultural Village after your morning excursion at Central Park or Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Why? Because the store is fully air-conditioned and you can hang out here after your having your lunch. #summertoohot

Taiwan Travel: A Hot Day at Kaohsiung Central Park

Taiwan has so many parks all around its cities. I quite enjoy walking in the park although I admit I seldom do that in Jakarta, my hometown city (gosh, is that even safe?) and Singapore, the city where I'm currently working at (uhh, by the time I finish my work, I don't even think about park). So I tried to enjoy this activity as much as possible when I was studying in Taiwan.

Kaohsiung has a major park called Central Park (oh hey, NY, you have a competitor here). The park is so big, it even has its own subway station, Central Park KRT Station. Cute mascots welcomed us at the exit of the KRT station (no idea who these mascots are though).

First thing we did when we came out from the exit is checking out the drink vending machine. The weather was so hot, we literally started sweating without doing so much rigorous activity. The fact that you are walking normally under the sun in summer day is enough to drench your body with sweat.

Vending machine at Central Park Kaohsiung KRT Station

I bought a box of grape juice for 25NTD. I like it! =)

After getting refreshed by a box of grape juice, I was ready to explore the park. The elevator outside the exit lead us immediately to the park entrance.

Kaohsiung Central Park Entrance in Taiwan

There is a welcome board and an explanation of what kind of plantation are planted in Central Park. No sunflower spotted though despite the decoration. XD

Just like in New York, Kaohsiung version of Central Park is also build in the middle of corporate jungle. I suppose the park is popular with office worker on a weekday but since we came on a Saturday early morning, not many people was spotted inside the park. Taiwan is really not a morning country.

If you are a park person, you don't have to go all the way to Kaohsiung to experience walking in a park. Taipei has a number of parks too like 1914 Huashan Creative Park and Taipei Hakka Cultural Park.

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