6 terrifically rated accommodations in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to book a stay in H2 of 2025
Been to Taipei too many times and want to explore another side of Taiwan?
Go for Kaohsiung!
Dream Mall, The Pier2 Art Center, and Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are begging you for a visit.
And to help with your travel planning, we’ve got a list of terrifically rated accommodations for your consideration.
Take a look!
Formosa Boulevard Station Garden Hotel
Agoda Rating: 9.5 (6.1K+ reviews)
Formosa Boulevard Station Garden Hotel puts you a short stroll from must-see attractions like The Dome of Light, Liuhe Night Market, and the Formosa Boulevard metro station.
Conveniently located 7.8 km from Kaohsiung International Airport, you can start your adventure almost right after landing.
Family travelers will appreciate the range of accommodations, including triples, quads, and family-sized rooms.
KLA B&B
Agoda Rating: 9.5 (1.2K+ reviews)
Wondering where to hang your hat in Kaohsiung?
KLA B&B is the answer, with its location just 8.5 km from the international airport and a stone’s throw from an MRT station.
This B&B offers both dorms and private rooms to suit any traveler’s needs.
Families are welcome too, with family room options and a wallet-friendly perk letting kids 12 and under stay free when sharing existing bedding.
Silks Club
Agoda Rating: 9.4 (3.8K+ reviews)
Just 5.7 km from Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), Silks Club offers studios to spacious suites, and more.
You can opt for a room with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing city or harbor vistas, too.
Just a short stroll away, the Kaohsiung Main Public Library beckons bookworms.
Editor’s note: Little ones under 10 are not allowed at this property.
JOHO HOTEL
Agoda Rating: 9.3 (5.3K+ reviews)
JOHO HOTEL is just 8.2 km from Kaohsiung International Airport and within 600 m of must-see spots like The Dome of Light and Liuhe Tourist Night Market.
This highly-rated hotel offers a range of rooms, from deluxe to standard.
Non-smokers will appreciate the non-smoking room options, and families will love the free stays for kids under 6.
Selected rooms come with a bathtub.
H2O Hotel
Agoda Rating: 9.3 (5.2K+ reviews)
Discover luxurious hospitality at the 5-star H2O Hotel, just 10.9 km from Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH).
Ideally situated near Ai He (Love River) and Dragon Tiger Tower, you will be connected by the nearby Kaohsiung Arena MRT Station.
H2O Hotel offers deluxe to premier and luxury suite accommodations.
For families, kids 5 and under stay for free if using existing bedding.
River Trees Hotel
Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.7K+ reviews)
New adventures await at River Trees Hotel, just 7.6 km from Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH).
Newly renovated in 2024, the hotel offers a fresh escape while keeping you close to Liuhe Tourist Night Market (only 1.6 km away).
Standard rooms and even roomy quadruple accommodations ideal for larger groups are available for booking.
Charles & Keith has an ongoing up to 50% sale this July 2025 on selected items for a limited time
We wrote about Sephora’s ‘Mid-Year Sale’ up to 50% earlier on, and today, we’ve got Charles & Keith joining the promotion party.
Charles & Keith is also offering up to 50% off selected items for a limited time only, so shop and cart out quickly!
Here are some items worth a look through:
Quilted Two-Way Zip Mini Bag – Fuchsia
Promo Price: $24.90 (was $49.90)
Charles & Keith’s quilted two-way zip mini bag in fuchsia features a plush quilted design.
Despite its size, this stunner has a roomy interior with a convenient two-way zip opening for easy access.
Use it as an eye-catching handbag or pack it as a travel companion to hold all your makeup essentials
Woven Ankle-Strap Flats – Black
Promo Price: $29.90 (was $59.90)
Adding a twist to the everyday flats, these woven ankle-strap soles with braided uppers give you sandal-like breathability and keep your feet cool and dry all day.
Striking that balance, the open back design offers the coverage of a shoe with the airiness of a sandal.
Those adjustable ankle straps let you achieve a custom fit.
And with their padded insoles, these woven wonders keep you comfortably strapped in, no matter how many steps you clock.
Matina Canvas Crossbody Bag – Beige
Promo Price: $32.90 (was $65.90)
Made from a lightweight linen blend, this carryall with its rectangular silhouette ensures you will look polished for every sunny day destination.
Inside, there’s room for stashing your daily haul, from your wallet to shades to that all-important SPF.
The strap can be adjusted to the length of your liking for a crossbody or shoulder carry, or simply detach it and take this beige beauty by the hand.
Koa Square Push-Lock Shoulder Bag – Green
Promo Price: $34.90 ($69.90)
Here’s your new arm candy, the Koa Square Push-Lock Shoulder Bag that dazzles in a nature-inspired green hue.
It’s also an eco-friendly bag that’s made with 20% sustainable materials.
Comes with a push-lock closure, and you can switch up your carrying style instantly thanks to the detachable, adjustable shoulder strap.
Lyric Gladiator Toe-Ring Sandals – Black
Promo Price: $37.90 (was $75.90)
These gladiator-inspired black sandals bring an edgy attitude with multiple straps and toe rings, creating a caged, statement look that’s totally on-trend.
The low block heels offer a height boost while keeping you comfy enough to rock them all day at music fests and outdoor events.
The full-coverage uppers let feet breathe when temps soar, while the black hue gives a modern finish that pairs well with skirts or shorts.
Delilah Nylon Knotted Hobo Bag – Pink
Promo Price: $37.90 (was $75.90)
Pink has a new best friend, and her name is Delilah.
This hobo bag is made using a puffy nylon blend in the softest shade of blush.
That signature knotted strap is not just a design but can be adjusted to your desired drop length
Shop Charles & Keith’s up to 50% sale now!
Lazada 7.7 vs Shopee 7.7: Which Sale Is Really Worth Your Click?
Singapore’s mid-year shopping showdown is here again, and it is game on between Lazada and Shopee. With both platforms promising jaw-dropping prices, lightning-fast delivery, and massive vouchers, the real question is: where should you spend your money?
We took a deep dive into both Lazada’s 7.7 Big Summer Sale and Shopee’s ongoing 6.6 to 7.7 Great Shopee Sale to help you figure out where the real savings are hiding this season. The discounts may be loud, but we’re cutting through the noise to find the true value.
THE SALE TIMELINE
Shopee launched its Great Shopee Sale, stretching the campaign from June 6 all the way to July 7. It is a full month of timed flash sales, daily dining deals, and exciting voucher drops. The main event will happen on July 7. The campaign keeps shoppers coming back with fresh offers almost every other week.
In contrast, Lazada keeps things concise. Its Big Summer Sale begins on July 6 and ends on July 10. The deals are tightly packed, and users can consult LazCalendar to track the daily highlights and prepare in advance.
Verdict: Shopee dominates in duration and frequency.
FOOD & LIFESTYLE DEALS
Shopee’s 50% off daily dining deals are a clear win for budget-savvy foodies. From Popeyes and KFC to Mr Bean, the discounts cover everyday cravings and quick comfort meals. Combine that with Shopee Live cashback, time-limited vouchers, and major markdowns on fashion and beauty, and you get a fantastic online GSS experience.
Lazada offers lifestyle deals as part of wider store promotions, but it is not as aggressive in food discounts. Their focus leans more toward value-for-money bundles across electronics, home, and essentials.
Verdict: Shopee steals the spotlight for lifestyle and food offers.
DELIVERY, RETURNS, & USER PERKS
Shopee’s guaranteed next-day delivery is a major win for shoppers. Free shipping vouchers are available all day and buyers enjoy a no-questions-asked 15-day return policy. It is fast, forgiving, and fuss-free.
Lazada offers free shipping on selected items and LazMall products often arrive quickly. Returns are usually accepted but policies can vary depending on the seller. Their 100% satisfaction guarantee provides some peace of mind, although it feels less straightforward than Shopee’s blanket return policy.
Verdict: Shopee leads the way with convenience and smoother logistics.
FLASH SALES, FASHION, & TECH
Shopee’s flash sales hit hard with up to 90% off branded items from Timberland, David Jones, and H&M. Vouchers stack across categories including fashion, home, beauty, and electronics. With major discounts on Roborock, PrismPlus, and Samsung, it is easy to get caught in the shopping loop.
Lazada focuses more on big-ticket deals across electronics, appliances, and home essentials. It may not have as many fashion-forward drops, but for large purchases, Lazada gives strong value through bundled discounts and cashback stacking.
Verdict: If you are planning to upgrade your home tech, Lazada offers a more structured deal path.
OVERALL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Shopee thrives on daily engagement. Its interface is built around live shopping, surprise vouchers, and limited-time rewards. The campaign feels more interactive, like a shopping game you want to keep playing.
Lazada appeals more to the planner. LazCalendar helps map your buys ahead of time and big-brand deals are usually clean and clearly labeled. It is less flashy, but arguably more efficient for focused shoppers.
Verdict: Shopee is more fun and immersive, while Lazada wins for structure and simplicity. It depends on your shopping habits.
FINAL VERDICT
Image Credits: unsplash.com
If you are chasing everyday value, fast delivery, and the joy of stacking vouchers across categories, Shopee is your go-to this 7.7. But if your eye is on the prize and that prize happens to be a new appliance or serious electronics upgrade, Lazada still holds its ground.
Want the best of both? Compare, claim early, and shop smart. These deals move fast and so should you.
Follow @moneydigest or facebook.com/MoneyDigest for real-time alerts and top picks this GSS season.
Sephora’s ‘Mid-Year Sale’ has up to 50% off selected products until 14 July 2025
Mid-year is officially here!
And that means we’ve got mid-year sales ongoing everywhere.
In this post, we’ve got Sephora’s up to 50% sale on selected products until 14 July only, and here are some items we think are worth a highlight
Sephora Collection Color Shifter Strange Botanicals Eyeshadow Palette Mini
Promo Price: $13.50 (was $27)
Why settle for one-note color when you can shift dimensions with this eyeshadow palette that houses 4 velvety mattes and shimmery shades, plus a topper for layering possibilities?
Each Strange Botanicals collection—from Hypnotic Yellow Sunflower to the Strange Red Poppy—serves a color story, brimming with hues that defy limits.
Will today’s look daydream with the Happy Pastel Lily palette or conjure an earthy vibe with Mystic Brown Mushroom?
Or will you have a fairytale ending with Freaky Pink Rose?
You get to choose!
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Hand Cream
Promo Price: $16 (was $32)
This fast-absorbing cream quenches dry skin for up to 16 hours with an uplifting jasmine and cashmere scent.
As the rich formula melts in, it leaves hands soft and smooth with a non-greasy finish.
The smart bottle opens with one easy twist and stays sealed tight when closed, so you can moisturize mess-free all the time.
And because it’s bottled in 74% recycled plastic, you’re doing your part for the planet as well
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Lip Gloss
Promo Price: $17.50 (was $35)
Vanilla-kissed lips that shine are just one swipe away with this tinted lip gloss.
The light-reflecting formula transforms your natural lip color into a high-shine finish that shimmers with every pout.
Glide on the applicator for the right amount of sheer brilliance that lasts.
Wear it alone for vanilla-scented appeal that lets your lips’ natural tone peek through with a sheen.
Or, layer it over liner and lipstick for extra dimension.
Stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick
Promo Price: $19 (was $38)
Matte liquid lipstick and hydration—a rare combo, until now with this lip vibe: a stay-all-day formula with a saturated color that lasts and lasts.
A complex of plant extracts like jojoba and pomegranate drenches your pout in moisture, so you get the matte finish minus the dried-out feeling.
This lippie also promises not to budge, bleed, or transfer onto your coffee cup thanks to its waterproof, transfer-resistant powers.
Fenty Beauty Glitty Lid Eyeliner (Limited Edition)
Promo Price: $19 (was $38)
Fenty Beauty’s limited-edition Glitty Lid Eyeliner brings the fireworks with its shimmering eyeliner that packs an intense pigment punch for eyes that pop from a mile away.
No fading, only a long-lasting formula that resists sweat, humidity, smudging, and transfer.
Its foolproof application glides on smoothly for clean lines every time.
Shop Sephora’s ‘Mid-Year Sale’ up to 50% now!
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How to Maximize Your 2026 Long Weekends
Get ready to mark your calendars because 2026 is shaping up to be a good year for long weekends in Singapore. With 11 public holidays on the official calendar and 6 of them falling on either a Friday or Sunday, there’s no better time to start planning your leave days strategically.
Three public holidays land on a Friday, automatically giving you a three-day weekend:
a. Good Friday (Apr 3)
b. Labour Day (May 1)
c. Christmas Day (Dec 25)
Another three fall on a Sunday, which means the following Monday will be a public holiday:
c. Vesak Day (May 31) – Mon, Jun 1 off
b. National Day (Aug 9) – Mon, Aug 10 off
c. Deepavali (Nov 8) – Mon, Nov 9 off
That’s 6 long weekends to look forward to, and that’s not even counting the possibility of extending your break with just one or two leave days in between. Think staycations, regional travel, or simply recharging at home.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO WORK ON A PUBLIC HOLIDAY?
For those in essential services or industries that never sleep, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has clear guidelines. Employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to an extra day’s salary at their basic rate, on top of their usual pay.
Alternatively, employers and employees can mutually agree to swap the public holiday for another working day. Time-off-in-lieu is also an option, but this only applies to certain employees including:
a. Workmen earning more than S$4,500 per month
b. Non-workmen earning more than S$2,600 per month
c. All managers and executives
Image Credits: unsplash.com
TIME TO PLAN AHEAD
Whether you’re dreaming of a beach getaway, aiming to reconnect with loved ones, or simply resting at home, 2026’s long weekends give you the perfect excuse.
So get that calendar out and plan around those golden dates. A little foresight now could mean a lot more freedom and fun later.