Kaohsiung Shore Excursion to Buddha Bliss and Baking Fun

Kaohsiung’s unique shore excursion offers travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s captivating blend of Buddhist heritage and culinary traditions. From the serene Fo Guang Shan Buddha Center to the hands-on pineapple cake workshop, this full-day adventure promises an enriching experience that delves into the heart of Taiwanese culture. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply want to savor the local flavors, this excursion provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the enchanting wonders of Kaohsiung. As the day unfolds, prepare to be captivated by the beauty of the Lotus Pond and the stories that lie within.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 8-hour tour showcasing Kaohsiung’s Buddhist culture, landmarks, and local cuisine including a guided tour of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Center.

• Hands-on pineapple cake workshop where participants learn traditional recipe and preparation techniques, with freshly-made treats packaged for takeaway.

• Scenic exploration of Lotus Pond, featuring the iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, as the final highlight of the tour.

• Private air-conditioned vehicle transportation with pickup options from HSR Station, Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, or Formosa Boulevard Station.

• Includes seafood lunch, all admissions, and a local English/Chinese-speaking driver guide for a seamless and immersive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Kaohsiung Shore Excursion is a comprehensive 8-hour tour that showcases the city’s vibrant Buddhist culture, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights.

Priced from £5,081 per person, the tour is available in English and Chinese and features a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup and drop-off options include the HSR Zuoying Station, Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, and Formosa Boulevard Station.

Highlights include a guided tour of the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Center, a seafood lunch, a hands-on pineapple cake workshop, and a visit to the scenic Lotus Pond.

Transportation is provided in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a local representative for easy identification.

Itinerary Highlights

The Kaohsiung Shore Excursion’s itinerary highlights a captivating blend of cultural exploration and culinary discovery.

The first stop is the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Center, where guests embark on a guided tour, sightseeing, and exploration for 2 hours, seeing towering statues, ornate temples, and Buddhist culture.

Next, a 1.5-hour seafood lunch is included, followed by a 1.5-hour hands-on DIY pineapple cake workshop, where travelers can learn to craft Taiwan’s iconic dessert or purchase ready-made cakes.

The tour culminates with a 1-hour scenic exploration of the Lotus Pond, including visits to the iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas for good luck.

Transportation and Comfort

A private vehicle whisks guests from the Kaohsiung Harbor, offering an exclusive and comfortable experience.

For those wanting pickup from the HSR Station or Formosa Boulevard Station, the tour provider can accommodate.

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a pleasant journey, with a local representative in uniform greeting participants for easy identification.

This private excursion provides a seamless and worry-free experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the cultural and culinary highlights of the tour.

The transportation arrangements cater to the convenience and comfort of each traveler, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the Kaohsiung shore excursion.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Center

Participants begin their Kaohsiung shore excursion with a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Fo Guang Shan Buddha Center.

They’ll explore the towering statues, ornate temples, and enjoy the serene Buddhist culture.

The visit includes:

1. A guided sightseeing tour of the expansive complex.
2. The opportunity to witness the impressive architecture and intricate religious artwork.
3. Learning about the history and significance of this important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
4. Time to reflect and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the center.

The 2-hour experience at Fo Guang Shan sets the stage for the rest of the day’s cultural and culinary adventures.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Seafood Lunch

Following the hearty exploration of the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Center, the tour’s participants enjoy a seafood-centric lunch. The meal, included as part of the excursion, features locally-sourced and freshly-prepared seafood dishes. Diners can expect to savor a variety of Taiwanese culinary delights, from succulent steamed fish to flavorful stir-fried prawns. The lunch, served in a comfortable setting, provides a chance to refuel and take in the local gastronomic culture.

Dish	Description
Steamed Fish	Flaky, tender fish fillet
Stir-Fried Prawns	Sautéed in aromatic seasonings
Vegetable Medley	Fresh, seasonal produce

Pineapple Cake Workshop

After savoring the seafood-rich lunch, the tour transitioned to the next highlight – the Pineapple Cake Workshop.

Participants were invited to a hands-on DIY session where they learned to craft Taiwan’s iconic dessert.

The experience included:

1. Learning the traditional recipe and preparation techniques.
2. Shaping and decorating the pineapple cakes.
3. Packaging the freshly-made treats for takeaway.
4. Optionally, purchasing pre-made pineapple cakes to enjoy later.

This interactive baking activity provided an immersive cultural experience, allowing travelers to create their own piece of Taiwanese culinary heritage.

Lotus Pond

The tour then transitioned to the Lotus Pond, where travelers could spend an hour exploring the scenic area and capturing memorable photos.

The Lotus Pond is known for its iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, which are believed to bring good luck. Visitors can wander through the lush gardens, admire the vibrant lotus flowers, and appreciate the serene atmosphere.

The pagodas, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors, make for excellent photo opportunities.

This portion of the excursion allowed participants to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region before concluding the day’s activities.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour package includes Kaohsiung Harbor pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned private vehicle, a Chinese/English-speaking driver guide, insurance, and admission to the pineapple cake workshop.

To ensure a comfortable experience, guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring cash. Oversized luggage, drones, and unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted.

To arrange pickup, guests should provide their cruise ship name. The total duration of the tour includes travel time.

The key inclusions are:

1. Kaohsiung Harbor pickup and drop-off
2. Air-conditioned private vehicle
3. Chinese/English-speaking driver guide
4. Insurance and admission to the pineapple cake workshop

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

You cannot bring your own food on the tour. The tour package includes a seafood lunch and a hands-on pineapple cake workshop, so outside food is not permitted. The tour company provides all the necessary meals and activities.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary?

It’s generally possible to customize tour itineraries, but this may incur additional fees. Customers should contact the tour provider to discuss any special requests or modifications to the standard itinerary for this Kaohsiung shore excursion.

Do I Need to Pay for the Driver’s Tip?

The tour includes gratuities, so you don’t need to pay the driver’s tip. The tour price covers all necessary expenses, allowing you to simply enjoy the experience without worrying about additional costs.

Can I Skip the Cake Workshop and Explore on My Own?

You can skip the pineapple cake workshop and explore the other sites on your own. The tour includes pickup, drop-off, transportation, guide, admission to Fo Guang Shan, and lunch, so you’d still get the full experience without the baking activity.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

Yes, the tour offers discounted rates for seniors and children. Senior travelers (65+) and children (5-12 years old) receive a 10% discount on the tour price. Advance booking is recommended to secure the discounted rates.

The Sum Up

This immersive Kaohsiung shore excursion offers a captivating blend of Buddhist culture, local cuisine, and hands-on culinary experiences. Visitors will deepen their understanding of Fo Guang Shan’s spiritual significance, indulge in fresh seafood, master the art of pineapple cake baking, and stroll through the enchanting Lotus Pond – a truly enriching and well-rounded day in Kaohsiung.

You can check if your dates are available here: