- Kota Kinabalu to Taipei: from RM216*
- KL to Taipei: from RM266*
- KL to Kaohsiung: from RM236*
- Take AirAsia’s morning flight and land in Kaohsiung by lunchtime. For maximum comfort, take advantage of the inflight amenities available for purchase, such as the Premium Flatbed that allows you to recline the spacious seat into a full flatbed, as well as a meal from their Santan inflight menu to stave off any hunger pangs.
- For a value-for-money option, add on the Value Pack when booking your flight! The Value Pack includes 20kg baggage allowance, a Standard Seat, a meal and even travel insurance, so you’ll be all set for a smooth flight. Pay for your booking with BigPay to enjoy zero processing fees ?
- It’s time to start your Taiwan adventure! Once you’ve collected your bags, it’s time to head to Kaohsiung city. An easy (and cheap!) way to do this is by taking the train, which conveniently has a station right at the international terminal of the airport. The city is only about 20 minutes away!
Credit: CitySuites
- Check-in to your hotel, CitySuites Kaohsiung Pier2 Hotel. Centrally located in the city, only a 6-minute walk away from Yanchengpu MRT station and close to attractions like the Pier-2 Art Centre, it’s an ideal spot to stay during the Kaohsiung leg of your trip.
- Be charmed by the chic interior of the rooms, with red brick feature walls and contemporary furnishings. Freshen up and perform your prayers before heading out.
Credit: @andrewwu0806 on Instagram
- It’s time to start exploring, but not before you get a bite to eat! Chen Lili is an Indonesian eatery within walking distance from the hotel that offers dishes like beef satay, beef bakso and nasi ayam goreng.
Halal status: Halal-certified by the Kaohsiung Mosque
Average price per meal: NTD250 (MYR34)
Opening hours: Tue - Sun, 10.30am - 2pm; 4.30pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Address: No. 276號, Wufu 4th Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803 Contact no: +886 7 521 3138
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Admire the Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station
Credit: @mammouet on Instagram
- Admire the world's largest public art installation made from individual pieces of coloured glass in Formosa Boulevard Station.
- Created by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, the dome comprises of 4,500 glass panels, stretching 30 meters in diameter and covering an area of 660 square meters, making for a colourful, unmissable sight.
Credit: AirAsia
- Taiwan is renowned for its night markets and street food, so it’s the perfect way to spend your first night in Kaohsiung! Ruifeng Night Market is considered one of the best ones in the city.
- Wander around the night market that spans over 3,000 square meters, filled with stalls selling food, toys, souvenirs, and much more.
- Look out for Muslim-friendly options such as mochi, fried ice cream and sweet potato balls (though please note that as these stores are not halal-certified, we advise that you double-check with stall-owners that the ingredients are suitable for consumption and recommend that you dine at your own discretion).
- Begin your day by going to nearby Cijin Island! This island right off the coast of Kaohsiung city is known for its black sand beaches, historical landmarks, and picturesque walking and cycling paths.
Credit: @mermaidlisa on Instagram
- You’ll need to take a quick ferry ride (about 10 minutes) to get to the island (fare: NTD15 or MYR1.95 per person one-way).
Credit: @john3sixteen on Instagram
- On the island, walk along the Qi Jin Old Street (Miaoqian Road) towards the beach. Once there, you’ll see the amazing view of the black sands of Cijin beach.
- Take some snapshots at Cijin Seaside Park, which has interesting and colourful art installations like the Rainbow Church.
Credit: @loganwuj on Instagram
- Once you’re done taking in the views of the beach, head towards the cliffside, where you’ll find the start of a walking trail heading towards Cihou Fort and Cihou Lighthouse.
Credit: @black780920 on Instagram
- Walk through the Cijin Star Tunnel, a former military tunnel built during the Japanese occupation which goes under Mount Cihou. Nowadays, the tunnel has a plank walkway and is decorated with pretty glow-in-the-dark paintings of 12 constellations. The end of the tunnel opens up to a walking path with a view of Kaohsiung Harbour.
Credit: AirAsia
- Follow the path and head up the steps towards Cihou Lighthouse (also known as the Kaohsiung Lighthouse).
- See the 15 meter-high lighthouse which was built by the British in 1883, with the additional octagonal-domed brick tower beside it added in 1918 by the Japanese. The beautiful white buildings with black accents make for a striking view against blue skies.
Credit: @janmigwen on Instagram
- After seeing the lighthouse, carry on along the path and make your way to Cihou Fort. This fort dates back to the 19th century was formerly used to guard the northern entrance of Kaohsiung Harbour.
- The red brick structure of the fort makes for amazing pictures, and you’ll also be rewarded with stunning views of Cijin town and the beach.
Credit: @rebecca.wu29 on Instagram
- Once you’re done exploring the fort and seeing the amazing views, make your way back to the entrance and walk back to the ferry station. Catch the ferry back to the Gushan Ferry Pier (NTD15 or MYR1.95).
Credit: @abdullah_masaki231 on Instagram
- You’ll probably have worked up an appetite by this time, so head to Kaohsiung Mosque, which happens to be the second mosque to be built in Taiwan after Taipei Mosque.
Credit: @fania_bellina on Instagram
- Head to the restaurant located right by the mosque for lunch (Restoran Indonesia Food). Owned by an Indonesian lady named Aling, this restaurant serves mainly Indonesian fare such as Nasi Goreng, satay and bakso. Once you’ve eaten, you can conveniently head over to the mosque to perform your prayers before continuing to explore!
- It’s time to visit one of Kaohsiung’s most popular attractions! Even though it’s called a pond, Lotus Pond is actually a huge man-made lake, with around 20 temples picturesquely dotted about it.
- Make sure to visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas which is easily the most recognisable temple at Lotus Pond. Built in 1976, these twin pagodas have a striking red and yellow exterior, with the respective animals serving as the entrance you have to walk through for each pagoda.
- Next, walk along the road towards the Spring & Autumn Pavilions, another notable temple. Built in 1953, the temple comprises two octagonal pavilions that are connected by a bridge.
- Standing in the middle of the bridge between the two pavilions is a popular spot for pictures!
Entrance fee: Free
Address: Lotus Pond, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Directions: From Kaohsiung Mosque, walk to Weiwuying station and take the MRT (going towards Sizihwan) to Formosa Boulevard Station. From there, switch to the Red MRT line and take the MRT (going towards Gangshan South) to Zuoying station. Take the bus (Red Line #35) to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (fare: NTD 12 or MYR3.90).
Have Dinner at Pamukkale
Credit: @adiroyder on Instagram
- Owned by a Turkish-Taiwanese couple, the restaurant serves up Turkish dishes such as roasted meats, kebabs and pide. Try the cheese pide for a savoury, cheesy treat!
Credit: @weichen0409 on Instagram
- After dinner, take a stroll along Love River, the 12km-long river that winds through the city. The river has walking paths on either side, with green stretches and park areas at intervals on the riverbank. At night, the river is lit up with colourful lights along the paths.
- Walk by the river along Hedi South Road until you reach Heart of Lover River, the park area near Bo'ai 1st Road and Tongmeng 1st Road. The park is a popular recreational spot which also serves as a reservoir.
- Once you’re done taking in the surrounds, you can walk to Houyi MRT station and take the train back to your hotel (fare: NTD20 or MYR2.60).
- Rise and shine! It’s your last day in Kaohsiung. Check out of your hotel and leave your bags there while you go explore Pier-2 Art Center nearby (just a 6-minute walk away!)
Credit: @heidy_imt on Instagram
- It’s time to up your Instagram game at this former warehouse district that’s been turned into an art hub and exhibition area, with many outdoor installations to be found.
- While the area was originally abandoned as Kaohsiung’s economy moved away from industrial sectors to more service-based ones, a group of local artists decided to revive the area by using it as a place to showcase art in all mediums. As a result, it has become a lively and vibrant area, with many restaurants, cafes and shops.
Credit: @freelancerallent on Instagram
- Entrance to the area is free, though do note there are certain exhibitions that require payment.
- It’s time to say goodbye to Kaohsiung and head to Taipei! Get your bags and take the train to Zuoying/TSHR station (fare: NTD30 or MYR3.90).
- Depart to Taipei via high-speed rail train - it’ll only take about 90 minutes to reach Taipei station. Trains usually run every 25 minutes (check here for the schedule) and cost around NTD1,500 (MYR200) per person for a Standard seat.
- You’ll reach Taipei around lunchtime and what better meal to have than some hearty Taiwanese beef noodles?
- Just an 11-minute walk away from Taipei station, Muslim Beef Noodles serves bowls of beef noodle soup that includes thin slices of stewed beef and richly-flavoured broth.
- Check-in to your hotel for the next three nights, Hotel Papa Whale. This chic hotel has a great location, being only a short walk from Ximen station and also Ximending, a popular shopping district in Taipei.
Credit: Hotel Papa Whale on Facebook
- Perform your prayers and have a quick rest before moving on to begin your Taipei exploration.
Credit: AirAsia
- See one of the most important historical landmarks in Taiwan - the memorial built in honour of Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China.
- The memorial sits within a massive square surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Besides the impressive exterior, explore the halls and exhibitions inside the memorial to learn from about Chiang Kai-shek and Taiwan’s history.
Credit: AirAsia
- Don’t forget to catch the changing of the guard which happens every hour between 9am and 5pm in the main hall.
Credit: Mohd Hafidz Ras on Facebook
- Head to Halal Hui Restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy authentic Ningxia (the region in the north of central China) dishes such as braised mutton and spicy lentil noodles.
Credit: @hello_i_am_gwen on Instagram
- If you’re not sure what to order, the friendly owner is usually on hand to provide recommendations ?
- Once you’re done head back to the hotel for a good rest! Take the Bannan Line from Zhongxiao Dunhua Station to Taipei Station and walk back to the hotel (Fare: NTD20 or MYR2.60)
- Kota Kinabalu to Taipei: from RM216*
- KL to Taipei : from RM266*
- KL to Kaohsiung: from RM236*
Credit: AirAsia
- Get ready for a day out in nature at Yangmingshan, one of Taiwan’s nine national parks. This popular nature getaway is home to various hiking and walking paths, mountains, lush greenery and hot springs.
- Visit the park’s most popular attractions, including:
- Yangming Park. Don’t forget to visit the Flower Clock, a large clock made of flowers with a diameter of 22 feet.
- Qingtiangang Grassland Trails, a former tea plantation which was converted to cattle farms during the Japanese occupation. Today it no longer operates as a farm, but cows still roam the area.
Credit: @rani.refliani on Instagram
- Zhuzihu, a must-visit spot especially in the springtime. This area was a former lake created by a volcanic eruption, and it's popular for being full of calla lilies and other flowers like hydrangeas.
- Xiaoyoukeng, a dormant volcano filled with sulfur deposits and vents (though be warned, the sulfur smell can be off-putting for some!).
- After spending the better part of the day exploring Yangminshan, head back to your hotel to rest, perform your prayers and freshen up. Take Bus 108 back to the visitor centre, and from there you can take Bus 260 back to Taipei station and walk back to your hotel.
Credit: AirAsia
- Once you’re refreshed, head out and walk to nearby Chang’s Beef Noodles for an early dinner (it’s actually located right next to Muslim Beef Noodles!).
- Tuck into some delicious beef noodles, the quintessential Taiwanese meal. If you’re looking to try something different, opt for the dry beef noodles that are no less delicious!
Credit: @noyamuimui on Instagram
Halal status: Halal-certified by the Chinese Muslim Association
Average price per meal: NTD120 (MYR16)
Opening hours: 10 am – 8:20pm daily
Address: No. 21, Yanping South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Contact no: +886-2-2331-2791
See amazing views of the city from the Taipei 101 Observatory
Credit: @syedmomo42 on Instagram
- See incredible views of Taipei from its most iconic building, Taipei 101! Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, this 508m-tall skyscraper used to hold the title of the world’s tallest building from 2004 until 2010.
- The Taipei 101 Observatory is spread across four floors (88th – 91st floors) and promises some glorious evening and night-time views of the city. Besides having an outdoor deck on the 91 st floor, the observatory also has exhibits and films where you can learn more about the engineering feats behind building the tower.
Credit: @aimanabby_ on Instagram
- Once you come back down, you can also walk around the luxurious Taipei 101 mall located in the lower floors of the skyscraper, filled with plenty of shops, eateries and pretty design features.
- Today you’ll be starting your day early as you’ll be venturing out to see the beauty of Old Taiwan preserved in the towns of Shifen and Jiufen! First up, you’ll be heading to Shifen.
Credit: AirAsia
- Located in the Pingxi district (about an hour away by public transport), Shifen is a charming town best known for its railroad tracks, located by the old train station. The railway is a functioning one, so you might see a train pass by while you’re there!
Credit: AirAsia
- Paint a lantern with your wishes and release it over the railway tracks. While in the olden days the lanterns were used as a signalling system for the train station, nowadays it’s become a popular pastime for visitors (typically costing about NTD 100 -150 each).
Credit: @princesafuranzu on Instagram
- Walk around Shifen Old Street, a collection of alleyways around the station area filled with shops and restaurants. You’ll be charmed by the scenic surrounds of the town, back-dropped by mountains and greenery.
Credit: @hanifafitri on Instagram
- Once you’ve explored Shifen, it’s time to move on to Jiufen, tucked away in the hills of Ruifang. This small mountain town used to be gold-mining area, and you’ll see remnants of its past as your explore the town.
- Walk around the narrow alloways filled with tea houses, street food stalls and souvenir shops (it can get crowded especially on the weekends, so tread carefully!).
Credit: @hanifafitri on Instagram
- After a full day out exploring the two towns, catch bus 965 from Jiufen Old Street and head straight back to town, getting off at Zhonghua Road bus stop (fare: NTD90 or MYR11.70) and walk back to your hotel to freshen up.
Credit: Jorge Gonzalez on Flickr
- You can’t leave Taipei without exploring one of its night markets! And Raohe Street Night Market promises a fun outing filled with plenty of yummy food.
- Try Muslim-friendly street snack options such as peanut ice cream popiah, grilled oysters, grilled king oyster mushroom, stinky tofu and shaved ice! Please note that as the stalls are not halal-certified, we advise that you clarify with the stall owners that the items are suitable for consumption, and recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
- Vendors start setting up around 4pm, but if you want to see it in full swing, drop by around 6 – 7pm onwards!
| Item | NTD | MYR | Notes |
| Flight to Kaohsiung | 279 | Based on AirAsia flight for Wed, 18 Sep 2019 (based on search as of 28 Aug 2019) | |
| Train to Yangchengpu | 35 | 5 | |
| Kaohsiung hotel | 260 | CitySuites Pier2 Hotel (RM130/night) | |
| Lunch at Chen Lili | 210 | 27 | |
| Train from Yangchengpu to Kaosiung Arena | 25 | 3 | |
| Train to Sizihwan | 20 | 3 | |
| Ferry to Cijin Island | 15 | 2 | |
| Ferry back to Kaohsiung | 15 | 2 | |
| Train to Weiwuying | 30 | 4 | |
| Lunch at Kaohsiung Mosque | 150 | 20 | |
| Train to Zuoying | 30 | 4 | |
| Bus to Dragon & Tiger Pagodas | 12 | 2 | |
| Pamukkale dinner | 350 | 46 | |
| Train from Houyi to Yangchengpu | 20 | 3 | |
| Train to Zuoying station | 30 | 4 | |
| HSR to Taipei | 1500 | 195 | |
| Easy Card deposit | 100 | 13 | |
| Lunch at Muslim Beef Noodles | 120 | 16 | |
| Taipei hotel | 480 | Hotel Papa Whale (RM160/night) | |
| Train to CKS Memorial | 20 | 3 | |
| Bus to Hui Guan | 15 | 2 | |
| Dinner at Hui Guan | 350 | 46 | |
| Train back to the hotel | 20 | 3 | |
| Bus to Yangmingshan from Taipei Stations | 15 | 2 | |
| Buses around Yangmingshan park | 50 | 7 | May differ depending on which attractions are visited and whether bus is taken to get to those attractions |
| Bus to Taipei Station | 15 | 2 | |
| Dinner At Chang's beef noodles | 120 | 16 | |
| Train to Taipei 101 | 25 | 3 | |
| Taipei 101 | 600 | 78 | |
| Train to Ruifang | 76 | 10 | |
| Train to Shifen | 20 | 3 | |
| Train to Ruifang | 20 | 3 | |
| Bus to Jifen | 15 | 2 | |
| Bus to Taipei Station | 90 | 12 | |
| Bus to Raohe street | 23 | 3 | |
| Bus from Raohe street back to the hotel | 23 | 3 | |
| Train to the airport | 150 | 20 | |
| Flight to KL | 341 | Based on AirAsia flight for Mon, 23 Sep 2019 (based on search as of 28 Aug 2019) | |
| TOTAL | 4309 | 1920 | |
| *Based on an exchange rate of NTD1 = 0.13 MYR (as of 28 August 2019) |
- Please note that the meals currently exclude breakfast as well as meals during trips outside of the city (Yangmingshan Park, Shifen and Jiufen)
- Fares for trains are based on respective city transport websites for Kaohsiung and Taipei. For buses in Taipei, fares are calculated based on distance.
- Fares for public transport are based on full fares but do note that if you use an EasyCard or iPass, you will enjoy discounted fares.
- Based on the above, total costs add up to RM1.9k, meaning you have an additional RM400 for other meals and shopping money ?
- Kota Kinabalu to Taipei: from RM216*
- KL to Taipei: from RM266*
- KL to Kaohsiung: from RM236*
Tags:5d4nitinerarykaohsiungmuslim-friendly-itinerarytaipeitaiwan
