#hitzEscape: Roaring Taiwan

I've never met anyone who's been to Taiwan and didn't fall in love it.

Personally, I've been to Taiwan twice: Once on a family trip to Taipei, and once on an Air Asia Fam trip for a leisure farming tour. I definitely wouldn't mind going again!

Taiwan is such a beautiful country, amplified by the fact that the people are so friendly and nice, not to mention there's so much to see, do and eat!

"Best thing about traveling is not always about what I will gain or how many selfie I will make. It's what I can afford to share with others and that will forever capture their hearts for my presence. Travel. Live. Love with tigerAir." - Jason.

Hitz fm Sabah & Tiger Air is sending one lucky winner plus a friend on a round trip to Taiwan with #hitzTigerAir, so this post is of course dedicated to helping them get the most out of the trip!

Night markets: With over 100 night markets all over Taiwan, it's no wonder they're the highlight of almost everyone's trip!  From clothes, food, fresh fruit, to street performers, the variety is so wide it is definitely possible to get everything you want, and if you can't find what you're looking for? Well, just try the next one! Tristan suggests checking out Shilin and Raohe.

Food: What's a place without good food? Taiwan is known for their street food, and Charlotte says the sausages and breakfast pancakes - little roti canais with meat, vege and sauce that is divine - are a must-try! Gin loves the mee sua (oyster noodles) and o jian (oyster omelette), and I personally really loved the rice balls you can get at almost every 7-11 and the beef noodles.

Sightseeing: Oliver's favourite place in Taiwan is Mao Kong Mountain, where you can ride a gondola up to the temple in the sky. It really is a beautiful and peaceful place, with a quaint lil village there too! An obvious landmark to visit would be Taipei 101, the highest tower in Taiwan. If you're exploring the city by rail, you can also collect stamps (as in rubber stamp prints) in a little booklet at various hotspots in Taipei! It's fun, a cool momento, and helps you make sure you've seen everything haha.

Been to Taipei one too many times? Check out the farmstays! Sounds weird, but so much fun. No actual farming is necessary - just pick a location in Taiwan, stay on a farm, walk through 100 year old pine trees, breathe in fresh air, watch the sunrise, or whatever else that particular leisure farm has to offer! Trust me, it's so relaxing and beautiful, and such a different experience from the norm, you'll be dying to go back!

Festivals: Chinese New Year is an experience in itself, but the Ping Xi Lantern festival, which is held every CNY, is something else altogether. 1000s of lanterns carrying personal wishes are released simultaneously into the sky, creating a beautiful landscape like no other. Deriving from over 100 years of history, this one constantly tops the list of must see festivals.

And finally, the people: The Taiwanese are so hospitable, friendly and genuine; and that is what keeps people going back for more. Everyone is so polite and eager to help, and so nice and generous! Abby actually fractured her leg before her trip, and because she was using crutches, she got so much free stuff and discounts hahaha.

Taiwan is definitely one of my favourite countries to visit, and I know you'll have a great time there too. Know any more tips? Drop me a comment!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @CalistaLeahLiew & Snapchat @CalistaLeah;

And join me on the hitz Playlist every weekday 10am - 1pm on 

hitz fm Sabah 100.8 in Kota Kinabalu & 99.8 in Sandakan! 

*Daily #hitzEscape tips at 12pm

Love always,
Calista xx