You really should eat, shop and go on two wheels in Taiwan!

With its all-around adventure landscape, heritage-rich capital, an amazing variety folk traditions and famous night markets, Taiwan offers a lot to do for one green island.

Well known for centuries as Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Isle), this is a land with a lot to explore and dicover. Towering sea cliffs, marble-walled gorges and tropical forests are just the beginning of your unforgettable trip, which could take you all the way to Yushan, Taiwan's 3952m alpine roof.

In Taiwan you can go hiking on to the amazing mountains trails or ride a bicycle along a highway with the sapphire ocean on one side and green volcanic arcs on the other. You will be able to find beautiful landscapes and sceneries wherever you look....

So, whether you are considering a first or subsequent visits to Taiwan, there’s never a better time to tour the island than in 2015! Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur (TTBKL) is organising its first-ever Taiwan Travel Fair in Malaysia. With the theme of “Time to Enjoy Life”, it will be held at One Utama Shopping Centre, where the public can get the best deals for Taiwan travel at this one-stop event from 25 to 29 March 2015.

Having been to Taiwan before I must say I love the country and the places there are just so amazing. I would dearly love to revisit Taiwan and see the other places I have not gotten the chance to see yet..such as the Taroko Gorge, the Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and so on.

The gorgeous Sun Moon Lake... I wish I can visit this amazing place someday....

David Tao, TTBKL Director says travelling is one of the best ways for families to spend quality time together, especially if you don’t live under the same roof, or if most family members are busy with their own  work. Urban families have less leisure time together – after work, school and other businesses, it’s often too late to enjoy each other’s company. So, it’s not surprising that travelling is quickly becoming a way for Malaysian families to spend some well-needed time with each other. The thrill of experiencing another country, complete with different climate, culture, history and food, is something that will bring them even closer.

Time to Eat with Chatime, Din Tau Fung and Shilin Street Snacks

“With the first Taiwan Travel Fair,” Tsao added, “TTBKL hopes to present great value travel deals to Malaysian families. We have tied up with top Taiwanese and Malaysian travel agencies to offer a variety of exciting packages and the most attractive travel deals for all destinations in Taiwan. This also includes customised packages or tours specially-catered for Muslim visitors“.

Time for two Wheels

 Taiwan’s unique qualities have made it a favourite holiday destination for Malaysians because of the sheer variety of attractions it offers. In 2014, a total of 439,240 Malaysians visited the island! According to Tsao, Taiwan is gaining popularity among Muslim travellers as well.

“We recorded a steady growth of 10% in the number of Malaysian Muslim travellers to Taiwan in the last three years and we hope to attract more of them at the fair through customised tours that look into the need for ‘halal’ food and suitable places for prayers,” said Tsao.

We were treated to an amazing dance performance - the tea harvesting dance by Taiwanese award winning troupe

They were just so graceful and beautiful ...

For Malaysia-based Taiwanese actress Mandy Chen, Taiwan is still home to her even though she is married to a Malaysian and have been staying in the country for 8 years. “I remember Ang Lee (Taiwanese and Academy Award-winning film director) once said, “Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery is her people.” It’s very true – the friendliness and sincerity of Taiwanese people never fails to warm my heart, even after so many trips there. They make you feel so at home! The food is delicious and I like the healthy lifestyle they practice over there. 

Cycling is a favourite pastime in Taiwan; my husband and I love it so much! And for me, the shopping – oh, my! I could never finish telling my stories in a day!” she exclaimed.

Certificate of appreciations for all partners of the fair

Certificate of appreciation to Star Cruise....

Certificate of appreciation to China Airlines

“For first-timers, I would definitely recommend a trip to Shilin Night Market and eat to your heart’s content! Do try out the braised oyster mee sua (vermicelli noodles) and the stinky tofu. Taipei 101 is also a must-go; what I like about Taiwan is that there’s a good balance of old and new cultures. As for souvenirs, you won’t go wrong with snacks and sweets like tie dan (iron egg) and pineapple tarts!” said Chen. 

Confetti time!!

Based on a survey conducted by Taiwan Tourism in 2012, the top attractions for inbound tourists are sights and sceneries, food and shopping. As such, the Taiwan Travel Fair will also highlight three major experiences under the theme of “Time to Enjoy Life”:

Magic...

TIME TO EAT

When it comes to food, Taiwan has it all. Dine like royalty without paying a king’s ransom for it. From juicy seasonal fruits, sumptuous traditional Chinese dishes, healthy vegetarian dishes, icy desserts to creative tea drinks, Taiwanese cuisine makes full use of local ingredients and age-old techniques to surprise and satisfy your palate. Don’t forget the world-famous night markets, filled with the enticing aromas of delicious street food and snacks!

Let it go....let it go.. such a pretty balloon sculpture....

Need a hug? Never fear, Baymax is here....

TIME TO SHOP

Taiwan is a shopaholic’s dream come true, with many large shopping centres and chain department stores in all four corners of the island. Shop for anything you want, from high-quality made-in-Taiwan 3C products, to famous highland tea and handmade weavings. For the fashion lover, all kinds of affordable clothing, leather goods and branded products are at your fingertips. In Taiwan, you are sure to find just about everything you want.

I wish I can be in the middle of a real field of flowers like this... huhuhu

TIME TO GO ON TWO WHEELS

These days, the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) trend is gaining popularity as people begin to be more health and eco-conscious. Taiwan is well-known for its LOHAS practices, and there is no better way to experience it than to travel along the breathtaking coastal highways by bicycle! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and appreciate the simple yet wonderful things in life with your loved ones

The most gorgeous clay sculpturing from Taiwanese craft masters... 

These clay fridge magnets are soooo adorable!!!

“Apart from getting an exciting preview of what Taiwan has to offer, visitors to the Taiwan Travel Fair will also have the opportunity to watch cultural performances; learn clay sculpturing from Taiwanese  handicraft artist; attend talks on exclusive tours that focus on bicycling and rare Taiwanese fruits; as well as sample mouthwatering street food in Taiwan.

One of my most favourite places in Taipei... the National Palace Museum... I really want to go there again and spend more time there looking up history and the beautiful surroundings..

The fisherman's wharf at Tamsui...

For visitors of the fair who purchase any tour package from participating agents, they stand a chance to participate in a lucky draw for every RM500 spent. Prizes include Taipei return flight tickets sponsored by China Airlines and Eva Airways; and East Asia cruise on Star Aquarius, Star Virgo and Aquarius liners sponsored by Star Cruises. So do make a date with us and visit the Taiwan Tourism Fair to bring back these fabulous prizes!

The Taiwan Travel Fair will be held at the Oval concourse in One Utama Shopping Centre from 25 to 29 March 2015. Opens 10 am daily. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/tbrockl

Taipei 101 behind me....

 So there you have it, if you have not been to Taiwan, go check out the fair now, book a package and head to this amazing island... or if you are like me, and have been there, and would like to revisit... now is the right time to find some amazing deals and bring your loved ones there!!!

Martyrs Shrine.... I really would love to be able to visit here again too!!!