For Your Amusement - Theme Parks down South

By Brandon Campazzie, David Barker, Steven Crook and John Matthews Translated by Annie Liu

Over the last few years, local theme park developers have invested huge amounts of money to offer the people of Taiwan all the latest rides and other facilities. The result being that many of the island's theme parks are at the top of their class in Asia, or even the world. On top of this, the Tourism Bureau has established standards for theme parks under its jurisdiction, so you can visit parks that are recognized by the Bureau with peace of mind. (For more information about recognized theme parks around Taiwan, visit http://202.39.225.133/theme/index.htm). FYI South had a look at some of the offers available in our part of the island...

Kenting - National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium
The National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium offers visitors a glimpse of the sea life found around Taiwan. This relatively new and beautifully designed complex is a great way to spend a day when you are in the Kenting area. The exhibits are captivating, wonderfully designed and presented in English and Chinese.
The Waters of Taiwan section displays the different ecological environments found in Taiwan and show visitors what lies beneath the surface of Taiwan, from the mountain streams down to the surrounding coral reef beds. The other main section of the aquarium is the Coral Kingdom. Here you can venture downward as you encounter numerous exhibits and tanks each with a different landscape and collection of sea life. The underwater tunnels give you a chance to see things from the bottom and get close to countless species of sea life.

The aquarium's larger attractions are the Beluga Whales and Whale Shark. You can view the Beluga Whales as you stroll through the Coral Kingdom, or stop by the Marine Animal Show Stage to watch their feeding show, daily at 10:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. The whale shark, which ambles around the giant tank with an entourage of large fish in the Waters of Taiwan section, is fed every day at 3 p.m., and can be observed from the viewing theatre. At 4:30 p.m., the rest of the fish in this massive tank are fed, providing a feeding frenzy for you to enjoy.

To get there, head south on Route 1, towards Kenting. In FongGang it turns into Route 26. Continue south until you reach CheCheng, the city housing the aquarium. Signs will lead you as you head down Route 1. For a museum guide in English, stop by the information booth near the entrance. The aquarium is open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. (During the months of July and August, open hours will be 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Admission is NT$300 for adults and NT$200 for children, students and people over 65. The toll free number is 0800-024545 and their web address is http://www.nmmba.gov.tw.

Kaohsiung - Blue Lagoon Water Park
Deep in the heart of Kaohsiung's hustle and bustle lies an escape from the oily streets and honking taxis. Blue Lagoon is a water park oasis modeled after a Caribbean beach resort. Its exciting waterslides, refreshing pools and relaxed party atmosphere can give you an invigorating vacation without leaving Kaohsiung.

The vast water park is located at the end of KaiShuan Road, South East of Kaohsiung's downtown. Its soaring towers and festive flags can be seen next to Treasure Island shopping center. Blue Lagoon's attractions include the 106m long Big Jamaica, a 4-person rafting ride, the 99m Calypso Curves waterslide complex and Caribbean Home, a giant splash-a-minute funhouse for kids and the young-at-heart. You can play in the 400-capacity Wave Lagoon pool or relax on a tube while floating in the cool river that circles the whole park. Blue Lagoon's newest attraction is a tropical beach called Crescent Bay. Complete with powdery white sand imported from abroad, Crescent Bay is a little beach paradise right in the middle of urban Kaohsiung.

A vacation would not be complete without food and entertainment. Blue Lagoon serves up BBQ and Taiwanese favourites as well as an array of ice beverages. (Vegetarians might consider bringing a little of their own food.) At various times during the season, a new stage will present live bands, dancing shows and DJ parties. Tickets for Blue Lagoon range from NT$200 for the kiddies up to NT$500 for an adult. Prices drop after 6 p.m. Blue Lagoon opens every day at 10 a.m. and doesn't close until midnight. The season ends October 31, so make sure you get to Blue Lagoon this summer. Remember your towel and your sunscreen, and leave your troubles at the gate. Call 0800-268-365 for more information.

PingTung County - Bada Forest Theme Park
Bada Forest Theme Park lies just 20 minutes beyond Pingtung on National Highway 1. Take JiouRu Rd, which turns into National Highway 1, out of Kaohsiung and head south following the signs. Look out for the Park on your left. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Sundays), admission to Bada Forest Theme Park costs NT$400 for adults and NT$300 for children. Admission is free to any child less than 110cm in height.

The Park centers around eight themes; a forest paradise, a flower garden paradise, an outdoor food court (NT$120 noodle and soup dinner with a beverage and other snacks such as hotdogs, chips and popcorn), amusement paradise, fish and water paradise, animal paradise, an ecology paradise (where children can witness rare insects), and a vacation cabin paradise (able to accommodate 1000 people in log cabins or permanent tent sites from NT$800).

Don't miss some of the more unusual sites and sounds that make Bada unique, including a colorful and daring display of talent on three performance stages and a very intimate introduction to some of the resident animals through a guided interactive animal tour. Here, two oversized parrots will be happy to perch on your arm and take a peanut from your hand, or get a picture of you shaking hands with Mei Mei, a very loveable 20 year old female orangutan. Weighing nearly 150 kg, Mei Mei is an original and long time attraction at the Park.

Performing on the Rose Stage daily at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. are a troupe of dancers showing off some South Pacific dance moves. On the Lily Stage (also daily at 10:10 a.m., 2:20 p.m. and 4:10 p.m.), witness a special magic show made complete by a sword swallowing and flame throwing extravaganza.

For those visiting in groups, enjoy your own private BBQ at a large outdoor venue when you call ahead and make reservations. For English, ask for Micky at (08) 789-8822.
Bada Forest Theme Park
800, ChaoJhou Rd., ChaoJhou Zhen, Pingtung County
website: www.bada.com.tw