Plan a CruiseKaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city, serves as a significant industrial hub and the world's third-largest container terminal. Despite its industrial nature, the city is actively developing its tourism offerings, boasting a comfortable climate, hospitable residents, and convenient transportation, all contributing to a low cost of living for visitors. Cruise ships dock at a spectacular, brand-new cruise terminal that opened in March 2023. This modern facility features a boardwalk that seamlessly connects to the Pop Music Center, arts districts, and shopping areas along the waterfront, creating a vibrant 24-hour space for dining, recreation, and retail. A unique local transport option, pedicabs, can be found by the big trees directly in front of the terminal. As they are a rare sight on the island and not numerous, independent cruisers are advised to take the opportunity for a ride if available.
Getting Around from the Port
The cruise terminal is approximately 3 kilometers from downtown Kaohsiung. You can reach the city center with a 10-minute taxi ride or by walking for about 20-30 minutes. For a distinctive local experience, pedicabs are available right outside the terminal near the large trees; these are not common elsewhere in Taiwan, so consider taking one if you see it. Taxis are readily available, but be aware that drivers typically only speak Chinese. It's highly recommended to carry a map that displays both English and Chinese characters to help with communication and pointing out your desired destination. Many points of interest within the city are close enough to explore comfortably on foot. To visit the Cijin District, you can take one of the many ferries that cross the harbor; the fare is NT$15 per person. For destinations further afield like Dream Mall or the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, a taxi would be the most convenient option.
Attractions and Activities
- Cijin District: Take a short ferry ride (NT$15 per person) to this narrow island that acts as Kaohsiung's natural breakwater. It's famous for its numerous seafood restaurants where you can select fresh catches to be cooked on the spot.
- Lotus Pond: Explore this scenic area known for its distinctive temples and pavilions, including the iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas which visitors can walk through.
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: Venture out to one of Taiwan's largest Buddhist complexes. This serene site features a massive Buddha statue, impressive halls, and tranquil gardens.
- Night Markets: Immerse yourself in local culture at Kaohsiung's lively open-air night markets. These are a staple for entertainment, shopping for various wares, and sampling a wide array of local foods. Note that bargaining is generally not customary.
- Dream Mall: Visit Taiwan's largest shopping mall (and the second largest in Asia). While a bit out of the way, it's worth it for the shopping and to ride the unique Hello Kitty Ferris Wheel located on its roof.
- Booked Tours: For a wider selection of excursions, compare offerings from your cruise line with independent tours available through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
The new cruise terminal's boardwalk is designed to foster shopping and dining experiences right at the waterfront. For a quintessential local dining experience, head to one of Kaohsiung's vibrant night markets, where you'll find an extensive selection of street food and local specialties at affordable prices. The Cijin District is renowned for its fresh seafood restaurants, allowing you to choose your catch directly. When it comes to shopping, beyond the new terminal area, Dream Mall stands as Taiwan's largest mall, offering a vast retail experience. Night markets also provide excellent opportunities to shop for various goods and souvenirs, though bargaining is typically not practiced.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), also referred to as TWD. A quick conversion rule is that NT$100 is roughly equivalent to US$3. ATMs are widely available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. While most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, it's important to note that the majority of smaller stores and restaurants do not, so carrying sufficient cash is advisable for everyday purchases. English is spoken sporadically, making a map with both English and Chinese characters particularly helpful for communicating with taxi drivers. Free WiFi is often available at cafes, many of which also function as gaming cafes.