Kaohsiung (高雄)
By the time we checked in at Wo Chia Hotel (1080 yuan for quad room), it was already 11pm. The hotel is strategically located nearby a mall with a mini theme park at the rooftop. We cleansed ourselves and called it a day. Was rather amused by the brand of the TV in our room, "Proton".
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre
Packed our breakfast at MOS, we drove for 40 minutes before reaching our next destination. This Buddha Memorial Centre is the biggest of its kind in Taiwan. Aspired by Hsing Yun to preserve the tooth relic (and the base design is done by him too), the building is opened to public in 25 December 2011. It is free to enter the centre.
The main entrance is rather lavish with Starbucks on your left after the main door and there is a high end vegetarian restaurant. There are shops selling "mochi" and souvenirs. Exiting the building and there it is, the iconic eight pagodas (four on each side) with a sitting Buddha statue at the end. Apparently at one of the pagoda, if I don't recall it wrongly which is Pagoda 5, people can have their wedding reception there. Pressed against time, we only went in to Pagoda 1 which shows the history of the centre.
Pagoda 5 is the one on the right, second row. (and that's me trying to be sacred).
Walking along the side corridor, the wall displays some of the Buddha's teachings and also list of contributors who aid in the completion of the centre before reaching the main hall. No photography is allowed inside. There is one section of the hall shows the origin of Buddhism which interests me the most (I believe it is applicable for another 2 of my friends). They have a short 3D screenplay of the life of Buddha. Before this all I know is Siddharta Gautama who is the founder of Buddhism in which I learned from History class back in high school. At least now I know a bit more of his life and the beginning of Buddhism.
The major highlight of this visit will be the huge statue sitting on top of the hall, located at Level 3 which can be accessed by elevator. The statue is enclosed by another four pagoda which signify four noble truth.
The sitting Buddha (now I have learned how to recognise a Buddha statue).
Overview of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre with my friend who was extra elevated on this trip
We spend close to 3 hours there, that which covers the first pagoda, origin of Buddha section and the sitting statue. There is one particular section of the hall which displays the famous Jade Buddha Shrine but it has specified time to enter and we missed the window. Regardless, we get to see the Golden Buddha Shrine and Avalokitesvara Shrine. I would recommend at least half day to those who wish to explore the whole place.
There's a temple you can spare time to visit at the exit in which we we opted out during our trip. Had our vegetarian lunch (not at the fancy restaurant) before we left.
The sitting Buddha (now I have learned how to recognise a Buddha statue).
Overview of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre with my friend who was extra elevated on this trip We spend close to 3 hours there, that which covers the first pagoda, origin of Buddha section and the sitting statue. There is one particular section of the hall which displays the famous Jade Buddha Shrine but it has specified time to enter and we missed the window. Regardless, we get to see the Golden Buddha Shrine and Avalokitesvara Shrine. I would recommend at least half day to those who wish to explore the whole place.
There's a temple you can spare time to visit at the exit in which we we opted out during our trip. Had our vegetarian lunch (not at the fancy restaurant) before we left.
Lotus Pond
Heading back to the city to have a quick visit at Lotus Pond, just to have a look at these two Tiger and Dragon Pagoda. No entrance fee is charged.
I'm not really sure the story of these two pagodas but it's picture worth it.
Taa Lee
We have been so curious about the mall that is located nearby to our hotel. Before departing for Kenting, we dropped by at the mall and played few rounds of pirate ship.
We have a quick overview of Kaohsiung City playing this ride. It was 45 yuan per ride, per person.
Kenting (墾丁)
Initially planned for a beach evening here but due to late arrival, the plan was aborted. Our hostel is located in the middle of shoplots which is rather hard to locate. Kenting Surf Shop (2500 yuan for a quad room) is really, literally, a surf shop as our room is accessed via it. Please be noted that no free parking is provided at this place (despite booking.com says otherwise) and the nearest parking space is less than 5 minutes walk which costs 100 yuan per entry.
Since the night market is just right in front of our accommodation so the-no-parking-space thing isn't a real concern as we can just walk around, but we have to pay it. We tempted to walk to the beach but it was too dark for a stroll. Hence we proceed with our usual night market routine.
The night market in Kenting stretched along the main road. There were clubs along the way too. (And there is one shop in which I believe, has build-up guys and hot girls shows, literally translated). Due to early drive the next day, we didn't go into any.
Special kind of "xiao long bao"
Happy friends at the night market with our snacks
I miss fresh oysters! 8 pieces for 180 yuan.
The conversation below is translated.
"Hong Kong?"
"Malaysia!"
"West Malaysia?"
"East Malaysia!"
"Sabah?"
"Sarawak!"
Don't think we are going to forget this uncle that quickly.
Special kind of "xiao long bao"
Fried fresh milk. Milky-ly oily or oily milky.
Long drive ahead of us on the next day. Trust me, it's worth it.
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