IMMERSIVE "ONE DAY IN TAIWAN" EXPERIENCE

A fun hands-on afternoon featuring DIY Xiao Long Bao (Taiwanese dumpling) making and oil-paper umbrella painting gave us media folks and some Malaysian artists, YouTubers, and travel trade attendees an immersive “One Day in Taiwan” experience.

Taiwan Visitors Association hosted the workshop together with Taiwan’s related tourism organisations, to promote the island’s diverse tourism attractions including Taiwanese cuisine, popular destinations and diverse culture activities.

Taiwan Visitors Association Kuala Lumpur Office Director, Abe Chou urged Malaysians to visit and discover Taiwan before those present dived into making chocolate-filled Xiao Long Bao.

 

 

 

A master of traditional oiled-paper umbrella painting then guided us on how to paint our own oiled-paper brolly – an interactive way to educate us on the Hakka craftsmanship from Meinong District in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.

A form of customary wedding gift, the Hakka words of “oiled paper” and “have son” are auspicious homonyms. Also, the Chinese character of “umbrella” also represents a blessing for newlyweds to have children and grandchildren.

 Refreshments include Taiwan’s famed Bubble Tea, baked mini pineapple cakes and taro pastries. Adding to the afternoon’s lively pace are informative and fast-paced online quiz and bingo games incorporating interesting facts and different attractions in Taiwan.

 

I nearly won one of the return KL-Taipei flight tickets but sadly, Lady Luck wasn’t on my side that day. A case of so near yet so far. Still, it was an afternoon well spent and credit must go to the organisers for upping the ante in making it such a memorable event.

 

Packed with a myriad of travel resources, Taiwan is listed eighth in 2019 Top 10 Travel Destinations by Globe Spots. Booking.com also ranked Taiwan as the world’s friendliest country in 2018 while Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) cited Taiwan as the 3^rd most attractive country for international Muslim travellers.

 

MARVELS OF MIAOLI BECKON IN TAIWAN

Take it slow and easy. That’s the clarion call from the Miaoli County Government of Taiwan to Malaysian visitors.

Low carbon, eco-friendly Railway Track and Bicycle. Tung Tree Flower Festival. Hakka cuisine. These are some of the tourism highlights promoted at the 2018 Miaoli International Tourism Symposium at Aloft Hotel KL recently.

Head of Miaoli County Deng Gui Ju (2nd from left) led representatives from Miaoli County Tourism Association, Tongluo Township Sightseeing Tour, Sanyi Township Office and industry partners: West Lake Resort, Miao Pin Hotel and Flying Cow Ranch among others to promote the free & easy travel concept at the informative session aimed at tourism industry players here.

After a Hakka-style ‘tea pounding’ ceremony, different stakeholders took to the stage to give an overview of Miaoli. Certified as an International Slow City, both the Sanyi and Nanzhuang townships of Miaoli have plenty to offer visitors seeking a slow-pace and eco-friendly lifestyle; from Taiwan’s first railway bicycle that enables visitors to tour the old mountain ranges of Sanyi and admire its beauty.

Located between Taichung and Taoyuan International Airport, Miaoli is easily accessible by high speed train, the conventional railway or complimentary shuttle service.

Besides being famed for its hot springs, the top drawcards of Miaoli County include the Tung Tree Flower Festival which forms a romantic backdrop for couples wanting to tie the knot amidst those profusion of snow white blossoms. Pottery art and wood carvings in addition to aboriginal and rush weaving, and blue dye fabrics are distinctive souvenirs from this region.

Taking a leaf from the Cittaslow network in Italy (inspired by the slow food movement), Miaoli strives to protect and maintain its natural environment, use sustainable technology, raise and protect its local culture and customs, promote healthy diet and lifestyle, support local crafts, artisans and businesses, and encourages its citizens to participate in public events.

Hence visitors will have the opportunity to sample traditional Hakka specialities using local produce in Miaoli, immerse in spa treatments with essential oils or enjoy creative cuisine incorporating fruits and flowers at Flower Home, revel in luxurious glamping facilities at MODO Countryside Resort or discover eco-friendly thematic zones with interactive activities at the Flying Cow Ranch.

For more information, visit Taiwan Tourism: 

https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sno=0002110