Kiki's Penghu Family Trip: Costs & Highlights

Kiki's father experienced a significant moment at Songshan Airport, marking his first return in over 40 years. His previous encounters with air travel were during his military service, flying propeller planes to Kinmen, making this trip a poignant one.

His anticipation and reflection on the changes over four decades added a personal, emotional layer to the start of their family vacation.

A lighthearted moment occurred when Kiki's father attempted to guess Penghu's official flower. He playfully suggested a mobile phone and lotus tea before finally identifying the correct answer: the Gaillardia.

The family received a delightful surprise at a local stinky tofu shop when the owner, after playing a game with them, presented them with special heart-shaped pieces. Kiki described the tofu as remarkably juicy, boasting a perfectly crispy exterior and a tender interior.

This personalized gesture enhanced their dining experience and highlighted the warmth of local hospitality.

Kiki discovered that the fresh brown sugar cake, a popular local delicacy, has a limited shelf life of only three days. To ensure its freshness, she wisely suggested arranging for airport delivery on their departure day.

This logistical planning allowed them to enjoy the cake at its best without worrying about it spoiling during their trip.

The initial souvenir shopping spree amounted to 1,060 NTD. As a bonus, the shop generously provided free samples and additional items, adding value to their purchase.

This gesture was a pleasant surprise, enhancing their souvenir collection.

Kiki's family stayed at a newly opened Fullon Hotel, which costs 6,800 NTD per night. The hotel, having just opened at the end of the previous year, is modern and well-appointed.

The suite offered spacious amenities, including a separate living room, a convenient double vanity, and a private balcony for relaxation.

The family enjoyed a seafood dinner where, according to Kiki, the sea urchin omelet was the priciest item at 500 NTD, while most other dishes, such as the pumpkin vermicelli at 80 NTD, were very affordable. The restaurant staff further enhanced the experience by providing complimentary fruit to all tables.

This combination of reasonable prices and thoughtful service made for a satisfying dining experience.

During the trip, Kiki introduced 'Smooth-Out Jelly,' a dietary supplement designed to aid digestion. She highlighted its pleasant grape jelly taste, low calorie count of six per stick, and its composition of 80 types of fermented fruits and vegetables.

Kiki recommended taking one stick per day, suggesting two a day for those experiencing long-term sluggishness, one after lunch and one after dinner. This promotion was integrated into her travel narrative, emphasizing personal use and benefits.

The hotel provided a wide array of breakfast choices, distinguishing between late-night savory porridge and the morning offerings. The breakfast service was particularly flexible, extending until 12:00 PM, effectively serving as brunch.

This long time window allowed guests to enjoy a leisurely start to their day.

Kiki introduced the 'White Puffy' capsule, a dietary supplement formulated to assist with water metabolism. She explained that it is ideal for individuals who experience puffiness after late-night snacks or excessive drinking, as well as those who spend prolonged periods standing or sitting for work.

The capsule is designed to help alleviate fluid retention, similar to popular Japanese convenience store lemon drinks but in a more convenient capsule form. Kiki highlighted its utility for maintaining appearance and comfort, especially during travel.

The family dined at an old-house specialty shop, where they ordered an assorted sashimi platter for 500 NTD. Despite the price, the platter included 24 pieces, making it a substantial portion.

They also enjoyed a large miso soup priced at 200 NTD, and noted the rare varieties of fish served, indicating a unique culinary experience.

Kiki and her family reached the Yuweng Island Lighthouse, a significant landmark marking the westernmost point of Penghu's northern loop route. This lighthouse is not only geographically important but also a mandatory stop for photography enthusiasts due to its scenic views.

Its remote location offers a unique perspective on the island's natural beauty.

Kiki explored Penghu's unique breakfast scene, specifically discussing the variations of soy milk with egg, contrasting the familiar savory version with a less common sweet one. The owner suggested trying the sweet soy milk with egg.

Another traditional item enjoyed was a flatbread with fried dough stick and scallion egg, priced at 65 NTD, showcasing the diverse local breakfast options available.

The group visited Kuibishan, famous for the 'Moses Parting the Sea' phenomenon, where a sea path appears at low tide. Unfortunately, they arrived outside the optimal low tide window, missing the chance to witness the full parting of the sea.

Despite this, the natural beauty and the geological formation remained a captivating sight.

The group's attempt to walk across the Kuibishan sea path was thwarted by the late appearance of the path combined with the impending sunset. The sea path emerged too late in the day, making it unsafe to cross due to fading light.

Despite not being able to walk across, Kiki emphasized that the scenic view alone made the visit worthwhile, offering a memorable experience even without the full 'sea parting' interaction.

The family made a second visit to the same souvenir shop, accumulating additional purchases. Their total souvenir expenditures from both visits reached approximately 2,600 NTD.

Kiki clarified that these shopping costs were recorded separately from the main trip expenses, providing a clear breakdown of their spending habits.