Besides Taipei, Kaohsiung is another city to consider when visiting Taiwan. Kaohsiung is a major port city located on the southwestern coast of Taiwan. As the island's second-largest city, it faces the Taiwan Strait and borders Tainan to the north.

Often overlooked and still considered underrated, Kaohsiung offers its own charm to complete your Taiwan trip. Read this article to get a detailed guide on how to reach Kaohsiung from Malaysia or Singapore, along with the city’s best spots and things to do in Kaohsiung.

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When traveling from Singapore or Malaysia, here are few routes you can book for an enjoyable trip to Kaohsiung:

Kaohsiung International Airport is actually Taiwan's second-busiest airport. You could pick direct or connecting flights from both Changi Airport and several airports in Malaysia. The direct flight would take you there for around 3.5 hours.

But, if you are planning to explore Taipei first, pick a direct/connecting flights to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and continue the trip to Kaohsiung via:

Kaohsiung offers beautiful city sceneries mixed with rich and colorful traditions as well as tasty cuisines to indulge. Here are some of the best places to visit and activities to do when visiting Kaohsiung:

Location: 813, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Zuoying District

Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Bright and colorful under the sun, the Lotus Pond with its iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagoda and impressive pavilions, along with Goddess statues and temple surrounding the area, a must see destination on your itinerary!

The park covers an area of about 53.6 hectares and is located in the western part of the city. You could stroll around the area by foot or hop on to a tour bus (ask your hotel staff about the “Kaohsiung Classic One-Day Tour”) to circle the pond.

Location: No. 1, Dayong Rd, Xinhua Village, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803

Opening Hours: open daily from 10.00 am - 06.00 pm

Pier 2 Art Center is a former shipping warehouse district in Taiwan converted into a colorful contemporary arts and cultural hub. Located along the waterfront, it features giant street murals, art installations, and sculptures spread across the area.

The old warehouse now transforms into boutiques, cafes, and weekend flea markets. Wear your sunscreen and comfortable shoes, as walking along the open space area might make you sweat a little under the sun. 

Opening Hours: from 06.00 pm (some markets closed on certain days and have different closing times, so make sure to check before visiting)

The Taiwanese love their night markets, here in Kaohsiung is not an exception. There are several spots of night markets across town that you could venture to have dinner or late night snacks from local food stalls at each side of the road. 

Some night markets are pedestrian exclusive streets, while some others are also crowded with scooters. Do note that not all food stalls provide seating, so make sure to wear your comfortable shoes and clothes, as you might stand while eating or sitting at makeshift spots by the side road. 

Here are some famous night markets in the downtown Kaohsiung:

You could ask your hotel staff for nearby night market recommendations, as there might be smaller but closer night markets, serving local foods and mouthwatering snacks. 

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Cijin Ferry Station opening hours: daily from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM. 

When needing a break from the city, go visit a long, narrow sandbar just a 5-10 minute ferry ride from downtown Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Explore the Cihou Hill by foot or bike to visit the 1883 Kaohsiung Lighthouse and the historic 1876 Cihou Fort.

For laid back tourists, sunbathing by the beach while watching surfers tackling the waves from afar or tasting delicious fresh seafood and shaved ice on Cijin Old Street would fill your soul. 

Location: No. 134, Hebei 2nd Rd, Xingde Village, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 807

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 06.00 am - 10.00 pm

Sanfong Temple is a historic 17th-century Taoist temple, famous for its sea of vibrant red lanterns hanging and traditional architecture. Tourists can visit the temple to explore each floor and every angle of the temple, also observing the locals praying. 

The red lanterns canopy is beautiful during the day and also majestic at night, when it lights up and casts red glows around the temple. The temple offers a calming and quiet charm, a peaceful sanctuary in the city.  

Love Boats opening hours: opens daily from 15.00 - 22.00 pm

Kaohsiung’s Love River is a 12-kilometer scenic waterway that flows through the heart of the city. It is a vibrant tourist hub with waterfront promenades, cafes, and riverboat cruises. At night, you and loved ones can enjoy a 20-minute environmentally friendly, solar-powered cruise along the water. 

Enjoy the night breeze while cruising along the river with skyscrapers and city lights illuminating the water surfaces. You can book your Love River Cruise via Traveloka for S$5.21.

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Location: No.199, Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Qianzhen Dist., Cianjhen, Kaohsiung City, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan, 80661

If you're wondering where to stay in Kaohsiung, Silks Club is a great option. This 4-star hotel offers a wide selection of modern rooms and suites. There is an infinity pool on the top floor, and the hotel maintains privacy by only providing 6 to 10 rooms on each floor.

The location of this hotel is also quite strategic, as it is close to Sanduo MRT station, Singuang Ferry Pier, Kaohsiung Railway Station, and Kaohsiung International Airport.

Location: NO.153, Section 1, XueCheng Road, Dashu District, Dashu, Kaohsiung City, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan, 840

Another great option is the E-Da Royal Hotel. The hotel boasts various types of rooms with various facilities such as tea tree spas, health services, banquet halls, international conference rooms, exhibition centers, swimming pools, and fitness centers. The location of this hotel is also quite strategic, as it is close to the station, business center, and shopping center.

Location: No. 311 Chihsien 1st Road, Xinxing District , 800 Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Howard Plaza Kaohsiung is located about 10 minutes from Formosa Boulevard MRT Station and Hsinhing Night Market. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, spa bath, free parking, private lounge, business facilities, and internet access.

There is also an on-site restaurant serving Traditional Cantonese and Shanghainese specialties. Also nearby are Love River, Taiwan High Speed Rail, and Kaohsiung International Airport.

Location: Gushan District Longdesin Rd 222, Sanmin, Kaohsiung City, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan, 804

Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in the middle of the city. Less than 1 km from Houyi Station, the hotel features a sauna, indoor pool, restaurant, fitness center, kids club, room service, and money exchange.

Each room at this hotel is equipped with a safety deposit box, in-room bar, wardrobe, private bathroom with bidet, and room service by staff who can speak Chinese, English, Japanese, and Malay.

Location: No.314, Shihjhong 1st Rd, Sanmin District, Sanmin, Kaohsiung City, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan, 807

From bustling night markets to scenic Lotus Pond and Pier 2 Art Center, Kaohsiung is definitely a place to go to enjoy Taiwan’s local food scene, colorful history places, and contemporary art scenes. 

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