Shifen and Jiufen, Taipei

On our third day in Taipei, we ventured beyond the city, hiring a driver to explore the breathtaking landscapes outside the city. From city to waterfalls and mountain roads to historic streets and misty coastlines.

Our driver picked us up from our hotel in Cimending at 9:30qm.  The traffic was clear and the weather was perfect.  Our 1st stop was at Shifen.

📍 Shifen Waterfall – Known as Taiwan’s "Little Niagara," this stunning cascade was our first stop. The sound of rushing water and the lush surroundings made it feel like a hidden paradise.

📍 Shifen Old Street – We strolled along the tracks of this charming old railway town, where we released sky lanterns with our wishes written on them — an iconic picture square experience.

📍 Jiufen Old Street – Winding alleyways, lantern-lit teahouses, and nostalgic vibes made this mountain town feel like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film.

📍 Buyan Pavilion – A peaceful stop offering panoramic views over the coast — the perfect spot to pause and soak in the scenery.

📍 The Golden Waterfall (黃金瀑布 Huángjīn Pùbù), Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei – Just outside Jiufen, we admired this otherworldly waterfall with its glowing orange hue, caused by mineral-rich water flowing through old mining terrain.

📍 Yinyang Sea – A surreal sight where yellow mineral-laden water meets the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean.

Lao Shandong Homemade Beef Noodles, Ximending – We returned to Taipei and ended the day with a comforting bowl of Taiwan’s beloved beef noodles. This restaurant is located at the basement of the shoplots.

Everywhere we went, the scenery was breathtaking. From mountain peaks to historic alleys to waterfalls, this day reminded us just how diverse and beautiful Taiwan truly is.

Power Beef, Taipei: A Must-Try for Steak and Uni Lovers

If you and your partner are on opposite ends of the culinary spectrum—one a beef lover and the other is a seafood lover - finding the perfect dining spot can be tricky. But in Taipei, there’s a place that promises to satisfy both cravings, Power Beef.

Located in the heart of Taipei, Power Beef is a well-known spot for meat lovers, offering premium cuts of steak grilled. But what sets it apart from your typical steakhouse is its pairing of beef with fresh seafood, particularly fish roe and uni (sea urchin).

For beef lovers like my husband, Power Beef is the place to be. Their selection includes high-quality wagyu, dry-aged cuts, and perfectly seared A5 Miyazaki beef that melts in your mouth.

The signature beef and uni donburi is a must-try, featuring thinly sliced, wagyu topped with fresh, creamy uni. Each bite is an explosion of umami, blending the rich flavors of the beef with the briny sweetness of the sea urchin.

As someone who adores seafood, I was thrilled to find that Power Beef doesn’t just specialize in steak. Their menu boasts an impressive array of seafood options, from delicate ikura (salmon roe) bowls to lavish uni-topped sushi. The combination of seafood and beef might sound unusual to some, but I loved it. I went for the special beef, uni and ikura rice bowl, with salmon roe bursting with flavor, balanced by the creamy, buttery uni on top.  Ohhh so good.

At Power Beef, both meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts can indulge in their favorites without compromise. The quality of ingredients is exceptional, every dish feels like an indulgent treat.

If you’re visiting Taipei and want to experience luxurious beef and seafood fusion, Power Beef is a must-visit. I’d definitely return for another round of beef, fish roe, and uni goodness if I ever visit Taipei again. Though I’ve technically checked Taiwan off my travel list, but who knows, we’ll see.

We went for an early lunch on Sunday. As you can see in the video, there weren’t many people at that time. However, it's best to make a reservation if you're visiting during peak hours.

4D3N Stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

In November 2024, I enjoyed a 4-day 3-night stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort in Kota Kinabalu. The resort offers stunning coastal views and the location is not far from the airport and the city, offers an unforgettable experience.

The highlights

Room: Spacious, clean room with large double bed, balcony with breathtaking sea views.

Dining:  The breakfast buffet was great.

Activities: The pools open until 10pm, which was great for a night swim.

Sunset: Watching the sunset from the resort was magical, with the sky transforming into vibrant hues of orange and pink.

Live Bands: The nightly live music at the lobby cafe, with talented musicians creating a soothing ambiance, was a personal favorite and added charm to the evenings.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru is a perfect getaway for anyone seeking an unforgettable escape.

Rume Dining, Kuching

Our First Dinner of 2025: A Feast at Rume Dining

The start of a new year often calls for celebrations, plus it’s hubby birthday. What better way to do so than with an indulgent meal at a great dining spot? This year, we kicked off 2025 with a visit to Rume Dining.

The evening started with a plate of deep-fried calamari, perfectly crispy.

Next came the soft-shell crab carbonara pasta.  The creamy sauce clung to every strand of al dente pasta, while the soft-shell crab added a delightful crunch to the dish. So good.

Then the rack of lamb. Cooked to perfection, the lamb was tender, and juicy, so simple yet so tasty.

As we sat back, savoring the last bites and reflecting on the meal, it felt like the perfect way to begin 2025. Great food, a warm atmosphere, and wonderful company—what more could we ask for?

Here's to many more culinary adventures in 2025!