Taiwan, the city of nightlife!

Going to Taiwan to experience their nightlife can never be wrong. With numerous night markets all around Taiwan, you are bound to enjoy great local delicacies and buy many local handicrafts, food products and clothing. However, that does not mean that you will not be able to find good food and shopping areas in the day. With Ximending and Wufen-Pu Wholesale Market, you can definitely find cheap and budget items such as fashionable clothes and accessories. If you want to look for more luxury brands, look no further than Taipei 101 Mall!


Bvlgari, Coach, Dior? They have it!

Now the hunt for food starts! The night markets such as Shihlin Night Market, Feng Jia Night Market, and also Chiu Fen shopping streets will offer local snacks and traditional Taiwanese food.



Well, for those who aren’t satisfied by these, you have got to try Yilan’s specials, which is their Cherry Duck! The meat of Cherry Ducks is more tender than others, making it very special with a juicy bite to it. Bound to make you salivate over it! Also, you have to try the Ding Tai Feng Xiao Long Bao over in Taiwan! Absolutely the best and it will never be the same as eating the Din Tai Feng Xiao Long Bao elsewhere! A must taste of Taiwan is also their local snacks. Stinky tofu, oyster omelette, pearl milk tea, beef noodles, are all the must try delicacies! Especially the stinky tofu because the smell can be deceiving! Then head on to the aborigines to try out their traditional food such as the bamboo rice! Cooked plainly in bamboo but the taste is just awesome!

After having so much good food, why not go on a DIY tour? You can go on a tour to the various Taiwanese aborigines and learn how to make their traditional handicrafts and souvenirs! Or if it is food that interests you, go ahead and join a class to learn how to make your own Tai Yang Bing (Suncakes), or join in the aborigines to learn how to make your own Taiwan Muah Chee (麻薯）! Definitely an experience you can’t get easily in Singapore!


After having so much food and walking around, go on a cruise on Sun Moon Lake to view the beautiful sceneries in Taiwan. Never will you find these views in Singapore. After that, go on a trip to watch Taiwan’s traditional puppet show and have a good laugh to end your day.

Well, if your trip to Taiwan ended like this, it would be a pity. It would be great to spend a day or two to visit the various places of interest such as the National Museum of Taiwan Democracy, National Centre of Traditional Arts or Shihlin Presidential Residence. Learn and understand more about the culture, heritage and traditional arts of Taiwan. To recharge yourself for the rest of the day, visit the Strawberry Culture Museum and get to enjoy everything strawberry! From the common strawberry ice cream to exotic strawberry noodles to strawberry sausages, and many more!

Travelling around so much to these places must be tiring, so head back to the hotel and rest. And especially if you are staying at Yilan Silks Place Hotel, you have got to go for their spa facilities to recharge and pamper yourself.

The next day, head off to the various national parks of Taiwan to view everything related to Mother Nature! Enjoy the beautiful sunshine, the corals and reefs, volcanic & canyon landscape! It’s going to be a relaxing sight for your eyes. After a trip to the national parks, pamper yourself and indulge yourself in a therapeutic session at Taiwan’s natural hot springs, get into a relaxing mood and get ready for a good nights rest at a recreation farm (民宿).




Staying at the farm definitely calls for a need for you to wake up early! Up in the lush green hills, gazing at the gorgeous sunrise, what a scene! Totally a relaxing and romantic moment for couples and such! In the afternoon, you can tour around the farm and get to understand the locals’ lifestyles.

Any tour without bringing back souvenirs from the destination is always incomplete.


Shop around the local markets to buy the delicious snacks such as the Iron Eggs (铁蛋), pineapple cakes (凤梨酥) and Suncakes (太阳饼), and bring home to share with your loved ones.

Hong Kong, eat and shop till you drop

What can be more apt to describe Hong Kong? Just about every turn and corner you go, there are bound to be cafeteria, as the locals call it 茶餐厅. They serve a wide variety of food from western cuisine such as steaks and chips to local Chinese and Cantonese food such as fried rice, fried noodle and such. Also, head to their restaurants to try out local cuisine and delicacies.





The next must-go restaurant would be the floating Jumbo restaurant in Aberdeen!

Featured in so many shows and movies, it is a highly popular spot with tourists! With so many restaurants around, who wouldn’t be tempted?

Now after all the eating, you need not feel sinful. Take a little trek up the Victoria Peak, and take this chance to rest from all the eating. If you think it’s too tiring, the Peak tram is there to bring you up the hill! You will be able to relax in your seat and enjoy the lush greeneries and the scenic views along the way and from the peak of the hill. Gazing at the sunset or at the night skyline of Hong Kong from the Victoria Peak is particularly popular among couples and honeymooners who visit Hong Kong as it feels lovely.

However, that doesn’t end the day in Hong Kong, because it’s now time for shopping! Travel to Ladies Market, which is situated in Central Mongkok, thus easily accessible via the MTR.

There is going to be a wide array of fashion clothing and accessories waiting to be bought! So ladies, prepare to be spoilt for choices! Well, guys, you do not need to worry that you will have nothing to do over at Ladies Market, because it does not only sells ladies’ products, they also do sell men’s products (not as the name suggests)! They also do have electronics for sale! Those who are technology chasers would certainly be able to find what they want over there. After all the shopping, I’m sure everyone would be tired. So head back to the hotel for a good rest and refuel yourself for another day of eating and shopping. But here comes another problem, which hotel? Do not fear for we have it! The L Nina Convention Hotel has a total of 8 categories of rooms for you to choose from to cater to your needs! From the Standard rooms to the Suites, it all comes with a common feature. The bathrooms are fitted with a glass screen, so no matter where you are in the room, you would still be able to see the picturesque views of Hong Kong. Don’t you think that this is absolutely going to fuel intense passion into your stay and this sure is going to be a wonderful end to your trip in Hong Kong?

Macau, an infinite blend of the East and the West

Traditional architecture, mouth-watering delicacies and shopping sprees are all an integral part of Macau!

Begin your wonderful journey into Macau by entering via a Turbo Jet ferry from Hong Kong. However, if you are feeling game enough and have a high budget for your expenses, helicopter services are also available. Provided by SkyShuttle, a 1-way helicopter service would cost around $2900 Hong Kong Dollars/Macau Pataca per person, which is approximately S$500 per person. Definitely an eye-opener and undeniably an once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Upon arriving, you just can’t wait to check into the hotel and continue your journey. Located in Taipa Island, the 5* Grand Waldo Hotel is just 2km away from Macau International Airport, and it only takes a mere 5 minutes drive. Having their own casino block, gamers can enjoy quality gaming facilities without having to travel to external casinos. However non-gamers need not worry as they have their own entertainment block as well. Furnished with a huge variety of shopping outlets and lifestyle brands, it bounds to attract travelers from all around.

Extremely accessible, affordable rates, quality services, the Grand Waldo Hotel is definitely the first choice for any travelers looking for 5* services at 3* prices! However, this 5* hotel is not to be confused with the 3* Waldo Hotel situated in Downtown Macau. Therefore, if taking a taxi at the airport, the driver should know exactly the destination. One tip is to write down the address of the hotel, and tell the driver your destination by the address.

Nevertheless, if you have a huge craving for a more luxurious gaming and shopping experience, head down for a stay at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel! Also a 5 minutes drive from Macau International Airport, The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel provides impeccable services and facilities, which includes 3 shopping areas, one of which would be The Grand Canal Shoppes, omprising of over 330 shops of lifestyle and boutique brands ranging from Hush Puppies to Versace to Montblanc.

If luxurious shopping is not your thing, head down to Senado Square instead.

With markets selling locally made products (which are mostly clothing), prices would not put you away.


Walking along the streets of Senado Square would then bring you to the St Dominic’s Church and the Ruins of St Paul.

Continue your heritage tour with a trip up Barra Hill to visit the A-Ma Temple, and at the same time enjoy the views of Macau from the hill. Absolutely the joys of a heritage traveler, immerse yourself in the culture and heritage, and appreciate the architecture behind these buildings!

Now are you feeling hungry after all the walking? Traditional Portuguese egg tarts from Lord Stow Bakery would do the trick! What’s so special about Lord Stow’s egg tarts is that it is the first to be brought into Asia. Originated from Portugal, the late owner Andrew Stow produced his own similar recipe and introduced it to the people in Macau, making it ever popular since then.


You can’t say you’ve been to Macau until you’ve tasted this!

And a must-try, have lunch in Macau Tower at their 360° Café, serving an array of cuisines from authentic Portuguese to Indian to Macanese.

A dining experience in a revolving restaurant which will revolve your life!

Quarterly Highlights (Jan- Apr 2010) - Tastes of Taiwan

For gourmet travellers, one of the must-do in Taiwan is to try as many local delicacies as possible. Taiwan is a melting pot of great culinary traditions (both East and West cuisines), that will definitely invite you to an unforgettable mouth-watering experience.

Chinese cuisine has always emphasizes on the perfect combination of colour, aroma, flavour and shape. Through its thousands of years of perfecting the art of cookery, the most common ingredients are transformed into culinary tours de force. Each year, Taiwan attracts many travellers who come to savor these Chinese specialties, ranging from small steamed buns to water-boiled dumplings.


Taiwanese Local Delights


Beef noodles, local favourite dish.



Origins of Bubble tea - Taiwan, started in the 1980s



Yummy! Oyster!!



How can something that smells tastes so delicious?



Oishii steamed meat bun



Nothing beats having this plate of crushed ice desert after a meal.

Quarterly Highlights (Jan- Apr 2010) - Enshrine the Beauty of Taiwan (2)

CLIMATE


Taiwan enjoys warm weather all year round. Winters are short and tend to be mild, while summer is usually hot, with plenty of humidity. Taiwan is extremely suitable for travelling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius with lowest temperatures ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius.


During spring (March to June), the humidity and temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is relatively low. This is one of the best season to travel in and is considered the peak season for travellers. When summer (June to September) arrives, Taiwan experiences continuous drizzling rain and the high possibility of encountering typhoons. When visiting Taiwan during this period, remember to carry an umbrella at all times. You wouldn't want to get sick on a trip.


During autumn (mid-September to October) you can enjoy the cool and soothing weather, while Taiwan's relatively warm and short winter (November to February) is the perfect time for you to visit the island's hot springs. With the exception of a few mountain areas where some traces of snow can be found during winter, the presence of snow is unheard of. A sweater and a jacket are all the preparation you required for a winter in Taiwan.



"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and botanical medicines." by Henry David Thoreau

Quarterly Highlights (Jan- Apr 2010) - Enshrine the Beauty of Taiwan (1)

Happy New Year!! It is time for us to pick our travel destination again for our upcoming Holidays in February, March and June. For those who have yet to visit Taiwan, do read on to find out what this beautiful island has to offer. If you have been to Taiwan and wants to pamper yourself, revisit this destination for another great journey.

GENERAL


Taiwan is known as "Ilha Formosa" meaning "Beautiful Island". Jan Huygen van Linschoten, a Dutch navigator onboard a Portugese ship, uttered these words when he landed sight on Taiwan for the first time. This beautiful island is only about 36,000 square kilometers and is shaped like a sweet potato that is narrow at both ends. Separated from the Asian continent by the 180-kilometre-wide Taiwan Strait, its northeast lies the main islands of Japan; and to its south lies the Philippines.

In the decades after World War II, Taiwan prospered and its rapid economic growth transformed it into one of East Asia's economic "Tigers." With its hypermodern skin, an ancient Chinese skeleton and an aboriginal soul, Taiwan is increasingly drawing travellers of all stripes. From spiritual seekers looking to experience the islands's religious heritage to gourmands in search of the perfect night-market meal to technology savvy individuals scanning the horizon for the latest high-tech gadgets.

There is something for everyone, a destination that truly screams "Touch Your Heart". If you love to own the latest high-tech gadgets, Taiwan is a shopping haven for all technology savvy individuals. Its technology industry plays a key role in the global economy, manufacturing a large portion of the world's consumer electronics. For nature and wildlife lovers, this beautiful island will entice you with its 18,400 species of wildlife, with more than 20% belonging to rare or endangered species. Some of these species include the Formosan rock monkey that is unique to Taiwan, the blue magpie that is endemic to Taiwan, and the land-locked salmon that has been in existence since Ice Age.





One of the most important reason why Taiwan touches your heart is the sincerity of the locals. It has some of the world's warmest people and affable to a fault. If you planning a trip to simulate and excite your 5 senses, Taiwan will be a great travel choice!!

FUN DRIVE SERIES IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

This latest event is already our 5th Fun Drive Series. We will be leading the way to another great getaway soon.



** Save Up To $100 Per Couple from the published rate!**
** Registration Fee waived for the 1st 20 Cars!**

4D3N Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan + Club Med Cherating Beach Resort
Departure date : 13 March 2010
Prices Fr: $499*

Package Include:
 1N accommodation at Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan with Breakfast
 1 High Tea upon arrival at Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan
 1 Seafood Dinner at local restaurant in Kuantan
 2N accommodation at Club Med Cherating Beach, Malaysia

Value Adds:
 Lead by experienced Leader car & Sweeper car
 Pre-departure itinerary briefing
 Tulips - Direction Route Book
 Specially designed Car Decals (per car basis)
 Specially designed T-shirts
 1 X S$25 Caltex StarCash Card (1st 30 cars)
 3 X Reward Points for HSBC cardholders
 2 X WorldCard Points for Konsortium WorldCard member
 S$479* package deal for Popular cardholders (U.P. S$499*)

Club Med Highlights:
 Twin share Superior accommodation
 Open bar & snacking served during the day and night
 All-day dining on sumptuous buffet and gourmet cuisine
 Nightly live entertainment
 Supervised activities and childcare for the little ones
 Sports & leisure activities with expert tuition

* Prices exclude registration fee of S$30 per car and Club Med membership fee of S$60 per adult.