6 superbly rated accommodations in Taichung, Taiwan, to book a stay in H2 of 2025

Star Hostel Taichung Parklane in Taiwan

Love Taiwan so much you want to go back asap, but don’t want to visit the same old places in Taipei or Kaoshiung?

Then you should go to Taichung!

While there are no direct flights there from Singapore, it’s still worth a trip over if you’ve never been to the western side of central Taiwan 🇹🇼

Book your flights and consider these accommodations in this list 🛏️

Star Hostel Taichung Parklane

Star Hostel Taichung Parklane

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (5.7K+ reviews)

First up, we have Star Hostel Taichung Parklane, which puts you a stroll away from the National Museum of Natural Science and National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (within 1.5 km).

Whether you’re a budget solo adventurer seeking affordable dorm life or a couple wanting the extra space of a Deluxe Double Room, this hostel has options.

You will be approx. 13.2 km from Taichung Airport (RMQ) if you book a stay here.

Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung

Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (5.5K+ reviews)

Norden Ruder Hostel Taichung is about 15.6 km from Taichung Airport and 8 km from Rainbow Village Taichung.

Safety and privacy come first with thoughtfully designed male-only and female-only dorms, while the Comfort Quadruple Room turns any four-friend getaway into a sleepover party.

Kashotsu Bettei

Kashotsu Bettei

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (1.7K+ reviews)

This rather brand-new 2023 property introduces a little bit of Japanese minimalism.

There are Japanese-style rooms with futons you can go for, or opt for a Queen Room where morning tea/coffee on your private balcony sets the tone for the day ahead.

It’s also just approx. 1 km from the National Taichung Theater and a pretty quick 12-km ride to Taichung Airport (RMQ).

Bringing the little ones?

Children 6 and under stay free when using existing bedding 👪

Hotel Euphemia

Hotel Euphemia

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (5.6K+ reviews)

Tucked just approx. 9 km from Taichung Airport, Hotel Euphemia is a top-rated Agoda property for travelers in 2024 that puts you about 5 km from PaoChueh Temple.

The spacious Luxury Quadruple Rooms feature two double beds, while select accommodations frame the streetscape through their windows.

Families will love that kids 6 and under stay free when using existing bedding.

Manho Hotel

Manho Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (2.1K+ reviews)

Skip the cramped accommodations because at Manho Hotel, spreading out comes standard.

Every room spans a generous 30 square meters or more, giving you more than ample space.

Just 15 km from Taichung Airport (RMQ), this hotel puts you less than 2 km from the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.

Autumn Willow Hotel

Autumn Willow Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (8.9K+ reviews)

Last but not least, we have The Autumn Willow Hotel, a stroll from the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.

It has earned its stripes as a top choice for Agoda travelers in 2024.

The Superior Suite offers roomy space for those who like to spread out, while budget-conscious adventurers will feel right at home in the Standard Double Room.

Bringing the whole clan?

Their family rooms ensure everyone has their own space to recharge after a day of exploring Taichung.

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Savvy Guide to 2026 School Holidays

Ministry of Education has released the official school calendar for 2026, giving parents, students and professionals the opportunity to plan ahead. Whether you are scheduling family vacations, work retreats or exam preparation, understanding the academic timeline is your strategic advantage. Take note of this concise breakdown of the key school terms and holidays.

Term Dates for MOE Kindergartens, Primary and Secondary Schools
Semester I
Term 1: Friday 2 January to Friday 13 March
Term 2: Monday 23 March to Friday 29 May

Semester II
Term 3: Monday 29 June to Friday 4 September
Term 4: Monday 14 September to Friday 20 November

Note: Kindergarten 1 and Primary 1 begin on 2 January. All other levels resume on 5 January. Schools used for the GCE O-Level exams will end earlier on 23 October.

Start Dates for Junior Colleges and Millennia Institute
JC Year 1 and MI Year 1: Wednesday 4 February
JC Year 2 and MI Year 2 and 3: Monday 12 January

Note: All levels follow the same semester structure from March onward.

2026 VACATION PERIODS
There are four major school holiday periods.

  1. Term 1 Break: 14 March to 22 March
  2.  Mid-Year Break: 30 May to 28 June
  3. Term 3 Break: 5 September to 13 September
  4. Year-End Breaks:
    Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary: 21 November to 31 December
    JC Year 1 and MI Years 1 and 2: 28 November to 31 December
    JC Year 2 and MI Year 3: After A-Level exams to 31 December

    Image Credits: unsplash.com

Tip: March and September breaks offer ideal off-peak travel periods. Book early to avoid year-end congestion!

SCHEDULED SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

  1. Youth Day: Sunday 5 July
    Observed school holiday on Monday 6 July
  2. Teachers’ Day: Friday 4 September
  3. Children’s Day: Friday 2 October (for primary levels only)

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS RELEVANT TO THE ACADEMIC YEAR

  1. New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January
  2. Chinese New Year: Tuesday and Wednesday 17 to 18 February
  3. Hari Raya Puasa: Saturday 21 March (subject to confirmation)
  4. Good Friday: Friday 3 April
  5. Labour Day: Friday 1 May
  6. Hari Raya Haji: Wednesday 27 May (subject to confirmation)
  7. Vesak Day: Sunday 31 May (public holiday observed on Monday 1 June)
  8. National Day: Sunday 9 August (observed on Monday 10 August)
  9. Deepavali: Sunday 8 November (observed on Monday 9 November)
  10. Christmas Day: Friday 25 December

Tip: Align your annual leave with these dates to maximize long weekends. A well-placed day off can turn a public holiday into a four-day escape.

HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR VACATION SCHEDULE

Use the first quarter to lock in family trips or personal plans, especially for mid-year and year-end breaks. Then, take advantage of how school terms align with public holidays to plan smart getaways throughout the year. Moreover, traveling early in the school holidays can help you avoid peak prices and limited availability. If your child is taking major exams or their school is an exam venue, keep in mind the early closure in October.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For families, employers, and planners alike, the school calendar is more than just an academic tool as it’s a blueprint for the year. When approached with foresight, it becomes a powerful guide for maximizing opportunities and staying ahead. Make planning around strategic with this guide!

 

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7-Eleven Singapore has launched $1 & more deals you can enjoy till 12 August 2025

With food prices rising, what can you buy with a dollar? 💲

Well, 7-Eleven is making it easy for you with these choices till Tuesday, 12 August 2025.

$1 Deals

7-Eleven SIngapore's $1 Deals till 12 August 2025 (1)

  • RIBENA Blackcurrant 350ml

Since 1938, Ribena has been turning juicy blackcurrants into a liquid, berry-rich flavor. The deep purple hue hints at the goodness within – real blackcurrant juice. Plus, it has earned itself the ‘healthier choice’ stamp of approval.

  • MILO Original 240ml
  • POKKA Ice Lemon Tea Zero Sugar 500ml
  • AUTHENTIC TEA HOUSE Ayataka Japanese Green Tea 500ml

This bottle from Authentic Tea House isn’t trying to hide behind sweeteners or artificial flavors—it’s green tea in its purest form, a clean taste that’s made Japanese green tea a centuries-old tradition. It also carries zero sugar and zero calories, so the ‘healthier choice’ label isn’t just for show.

  • URBAN BREW Naked Americano 240ml
  • IF Winter Melon 350ml
  • GENKI Forest Peach Flavor Sparkling Water 480ml

Quench your thirst with this guilt-free fizzy drink from GENKI Forest. This peach-flavored sparkling water delivers the refreshment you need without the worry of sugar, calories, or fat. Makes a great choice for health-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on taste.

  • MUNCHY’S Oat Krunch Dark Chocolate / Strawberry & Blackcurrant / Chunky Hazelnut 78g
  • LOTUS Biscoff XL Twinpack 25g
  • LOACKER Wafer Napolitaner / Cremkakao 45g

Loacker wafers are crispy wafers with sandwiched layers of cream filling. Choose between two flavors: Napolitaner, a classic hazelnut pleasure that melts in your mouth, or Cremkakao, featuring real cocoa and chocolate.

  • 7-SELECT Cup Assorted 75g
  • RICOLA Lozenges Sugar Free Original Herbs / LemonMint 17.5g
  • WANT WANT Mini Fried Rice Cracker Chicken / Black Pepper 60g

These bite-sized rice crackers pack more flavor than their tiny size suggests. Each crunchy bit packs a punch of either chicken or black pepper seasoning that will have you reaching for more. Get your little circles of joy at only a dollar! 🟡

  • WANT WANT QQ Heart Gummies Assorted 66g
  • FRUIT TREE Juice Assorted 200ml
  • MARIGOLD Low Fat Yogurt Assorted 130g
  • TWISTIES Corn Snack Cheese / Chicken 60g

When ordinary snacks feel a bit too…ordinary, go for these corn snacks in either cheeky cheddar cheese or roast chicken dance flavor. At 60g, these bags are perfect for tossing in your bag. Whether you’re team cheese or team chicken, these corn snacks bring the fun to tea/snack time.

  • MEIJI Milk Assorted 200ml
  • RANLI Golden Triangle Assorted 95g
  • EUROCAKE Chocolate Chip Cookie / Rainbow Cookie / Brownie 28g / 35g

Other deals from $1.20

NESTLE MILO : KIT KAT Nuggets : Bites 25g : 40g - $1.20 each

  • NESTLE MILO / KIT KAT Nuggets / Bites 25g / 40g – $1.20 each

NESCAFÉ Gold Latte : Gold Black 240ml - 2 for $2

  • NESCAFÉ Gold Latte / Gold Black 240ml – 2 for $2

T&Cs may apply.

Applicable at selected stores only.

All image credits to 7-Eleven Singapore.

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Inside SG’s Next-Gen Oceanarium Experience

Formerly known as the S.E.A. Aquarium, the beloved underwater destination has undergone a bold transformation, emerging as the Singapore Oceanarium. More than just a name change, this is a sweeping reimagination of scale and vision.

Located at Resorts World Sentosa, the Singapore Oceanarium offers far more than a dazzling display of marine biodiversity. It presents itself as a global leader in ocean education, research, and conservation. Visitors are no longer simply spectators. They are invited to engage with a powerful narrative that connects humanity to the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Inside, the Oceanarium showcases immersive zones that guide guests through different realms and time periods of the ocean. The redesigned layout feels more expansive and fluid, replacing the dense signboards of the past with storytelling-driven exhibits that captivate and inform. The enhanced flow allows for a more intuitive experience that deepens connection with the marine world.

Image Credits: singaporeoceanarium.com

Ocean Wonders introduces guests to the surreal elegance of sea jellies, creatures that have drifted through the oceans for over half a billion years. Cylindrical tanks offer a full view of these fascinating animals, including rare species such as the Atlantic Sea Nettle and the Fried Egg Jelly. The rotating displays are both hypnotic and educational, highlighting the careful in-house breeding work of dedicated aquarists.

Ancient Waters offers an entirely different perspective. Life-sized animatronics and fossil exhibits bring to life ocean giants from prehistoric eras. Guests can observe modern-day descendants like the Arapaima, Horseshoe Crab, and Epaulette Shark in live tanks, bridging the world of ancient predators with present-day survivors.

The Spirit of Exploration zone features the Jewel of Muscat, a full-scale reconstruction of a ninth-century Omani sailing vessel. Suspended above is the Pier Adventure rope course, an optional ticketed activity for thrill-seekers. Nearby, Explorer’s Nook café serves marine-themed pastries in a spacious and comfortable setting perfect for a mid-visit break.

Shark Seas offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. Visitors walk through a tunnel surrounded by powerful predators such as the Scalloped Hammerhead and Sandbar Shark. Through the official app, guests can also engage in augmented reality experiences that reveal the complex reproductive systems and conservation challenges facing these species.

The Open Ocean zone features the largest viewing panel in the attraction. Manta Rays, Zebra Sharks, and Eagle Rays glide through a breathtaking aquatic landscape that evokes a sense of calm and awe. It is one of the most iconic spots within the Oceanarium.

Interactive areas like the Cleaner Shrimp zone allow guests to immerse their hands for a unique spa-like experience. At the Art-quarium, visitors can digitally design their own fish based on adaptive traits, blending fun with science.

Beyond the exhibits, the Oceanarium offers specialty programs such as the Fossilist Workshop, conservation-focused diving courses, and deep-sea encounters featuring rare creatures like the Japanese Isopod and the Australian Ghostshark. Ticket prices begin at S$42 for Singapore residents on weekdays, with additional premium experiences available for those who want to go deeper.

Image Credits: facebook.com/RWSSGO

Are you excited to visit soon? A friendly reminder: Ticket prices for the Singapore Oceanarium start at S$42 for Singapore residents and S$50 for non-residents on weekdays. Rates increase slightly during peak periods, with adult tickets priced at S$49 and S$55 respectively. Discounted rates are available for children and seniors too.

Ultimately, the Singapore Oceanarium is more than just a visual treat as it’s a journey into the heart of marine life. Guests are sure to leave not only amazed, but also inspired to care for the ocean and everything that calls it home.

 

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TANGS ‘Mid-Autumn Fair 2025’ has early bird special deals up to 50% off your favorite brands

TANGS Mid-Autumn Fair 2025

Do you know when the Mid-Autumn Festival falls this year?

Apparently, it’s on a Monday, on 6 October 2025.

We’re still pretty far from the actual celebrations, but early bird specials from TANGS are already in place and will run through till Sunday, 31 August 2025.

Their ‘Mid-Autumn Fair 2025’ has early bird deals up to 50% off your favorite brands, so don’t miss out on them.

Oh yes! If you spend a minimum of $200 nett on mooncakes, enjoy $10 off by using promo code <MAF2025> upon checkout.

Here are some product highlights worth considering.

1+1

Baked White Lotus Mooncake with Melon Seeds, Box of 4

Baked White Lotus Mooncake with Single Yolk, Box of 4

Assorted Chocolate Truffle Snowskin Mooncake, Box of 4

Signature Durian Combo - Heavenly MSW Snowskin Mooncake, 2pcs & Premium D24 Snowskin Mooncake, Box of 4

New Arrivals

AUTHENTIC WHITE RABBIT MOONCAKES - MULTI PURPOSE TIN, 4 pieces/box

Mango and Macadamia 芒果蓉夏威夷果, Box of 4

Sea Salt Chocolate with Pistachio Kunafa Praline, Box of 8

Hotel Brands

Red Lotus Seed Paste with Single Yolk, Box of 4

White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolk, Box of 4

Low Sugar White Lotus Seed Paste with Single Yolk Baked Mooncake (4 pieces) 低糖单黄白莲蓉月饼 (4粒装)

Double Yolk White Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake 双黄白莲蓉月饼, Box of 4

Charcoal Peach Long Jing with Okinawa Brown Sugar Mochi (Moonlit Chest Box- Orange Vermillion), Box of 4

Assorted Mini Snowskin Mooncakes 特选迷你冰皮月饼, Box of 8

Durian Favorites

SNOWY MINI 4PCS CAKES - DURIAN, BOX OF 4

Pure ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Premium Grade Durian, Box of 8

Mao Shan Wang Durian Snow Skin Mooncake 纯猫山王榴莲冰皮月饼, Box of 4

Snow Skin Mooncakes

Black Sesame with Purple Sweet Potato and Walnut

Snowskin Mooncake, Box of 8

Mango Pomelo Snow Skin Mooncake 芒果柚子冰皮月饼, Box of 4

InterContinental Negroni Lychee Martini Truffle Ball Mini Snow Skin Mooncake, Box of 8

Baked Skin Mooncakes

Assorted Baked Mooncakes特选烘皮月饼 | Box of 2

Tropical Lychee White Lotus with Double Yolk , Box of 4

Low Sugar White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolks Baked Mooncake (4 pieces) 低糖双黄白莲蓉 (4粒装)

Add-on Special Buys till 28 September

Add-on Special Buys till 28 September

  • [TANGS Exclusive] Ceramic Mugs, Assorted Designs. Promo Price: $6.90 (was $19)
  • [Comvita] Dual Essence Honey Bundle. Promo Price: $39 (was $89.90)
  • [Shinno Tea] Mid-Autumn Tea Pairing Box, 20 Teabags, Assorted Flavors. Promo Price: $18 (was $29)

T&Cs may apply.

All image credits to TANGS and the respective brands.

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