Fly from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Kaohsiung (KHH); morning flights take about 4–5 hours including time difference. Book an early flight to maximise your first day in Kaohsiung.
Check in to a centrally located hotel (Xinxing or Yancheng districts are convenient); drop bags and refresh. Many hotels allow luggage storage if early arrival; standard check-in around 3:00pm.
Try a light lunch near your hotel — recommended: steamed seafood, oyster omelette, or a Taiwanese bento; Liuhe area has many casual eateries open midday. Most stalls and restaurants open 11:00am–22:00.
Take a short walk or MRT to the harbour area to get bearings — visit the harbour promenade and take photos of the skyline. Public areas open 24/7; ferry terminal closes late evening.
Return to the hotel to rest after travel; use this time to change for the evening and plan tomorrow. Useful to confirm transport and attraction opening hours for the week.
Visit Liuhe Night Market for classic Kaohsiung street food — try papaya milk, seafood skewers, beef soup and stinky tofu. Night market stalls typically open 6:00pm–midnight.
Take a post-dinner walk or short cruise on Love River to see the city lights; Love River boat cruises usually run until around 9:00–9:30pm (seasonal), riverside walks open 24/7.
Start with a Taiwanese breakfast — soy milk, danbing (egg crepe) and youtiao from a local breakfast stall, typically open 6:00am–11:00am. Great fuel for a day of walking.
Take the short ferry from Gushan Pier to Cijin Island for beaches, seafood and the Cijin Windmill Park. Ferries typically operate 6:00am–10:30pm and take under 10 minutes.
Explore the Cijin Lighthouse, walk the beach and sample fresh seafood from the island stalls; the lighthouse area is open outdoors all day but shops begin closing after dusk.
Return to the mainland and explore the Pier-2 Art Centre (creative warehouses, installations and pop-up shops). Pier-2 generally open 10:00am–6:00pm but some outdoor exhibits are 24/7.
Head to Ruifeng Night Market for more local snacks and games; stalls open from about 5:00pm–1:00am. Try bubble tea, grilled items and Taiwanese desserts.
Quick breakfast at the hotel or a nearby bakery serving sandwiches and coffee; bakeries open from about 7:00am. Eat early to catch the bus/train to Fo Guang Shan.
Take public transport or a taxi to Fo Guang Shan (approx 40–60 minutes from central Kaohsiung). Plan your transport ahead; some bus lines run from Zuoying station.
Explore the vast Fo Guang Shan complex: giant Buddha statues, museum halls and peaceful gardens. The site is usually open 9:00am–5:00pm; allow plenty of time for walking and the museum exhibits.
Try a vegetarian set meal at the temple's cafeteria or a nearby local restaurant — the temple offers affordable vegetarian lunches around midday, typically 11:00am–2:00pm.
Warm up with Taiwanese hot pot or a comforting bowl of beef noodles — many restaurants operate 17:00–22:00. Recommended for a satisfying post-temple meal.
Visit Lotus Pond and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas — iconic colourful pagodas with scenic lake views. The area is open from early morning to late evening (roughly 8:00am–10:00pm).
Explore the nearby Kaohsiung Confucius Temple and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions for cultural architecture and peaceful gardens. Sites are usually open 8:00am–5:00pm.
Visit the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts — note many museums are closed on Mondays so confirm opening hours (typical hours 9:00am–5:00pm, closed Monday).
Hike the trails of Shoushan for city views and wild macaques; trails open daylight hours, take water and wear sensible shoes. Typical hike 1–2 hours depending on route.
Spend late afternoon at Dream Mall for shopping and take a ride on the rooftop ferris wheel around sunset; shops usually open 11:00am–10:00pm, ferris wheel timings vary but run into the evening.
Taste Tainan specialties such as dànzāi noodles, coffin bread and mango shaved ice — food stalls are concentrated around Anping and the city centre, open midday onwards.
Wander the Anping Tree House and Old Street for canalside scenery, historic warehouses and artisanal shops; attractions open approximately 9:00am–6:00pm.
Return to the waterfront for a leisurely afternoon at Cijin Beach or one of the harbour parks — perfect for people-watching and sunset photos. Public spaces open all day.
Choose a favourite spot from earlier in the trip or try a recommended seafood restaurant for a final Kaohsiung feast; many stay open late into the evening.
Finish with an evening river cruise or night photography session on the Love River to capture the city lights one last time; cruises run until around 9:00pm depending on season.
Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café; allow extra time for airport transfer and check-in. Hotels often serve breakfast from 6:30–9:30am.
Depart Kaohsiung and fly back to Singapore Changi; flights typically take about 4–5 hours including time difference. Check-in usually opens 2–3 hours before departure.