When planning my year-end 2023 vacation to Korea and Taiwan, I initially hadn’t considered Kaohsiung as a destination. However, as I searched for a reasonably priced return ticket from Taipei to Jakarta, our total stay in Taiwan had to be extended to six nights.
It felt like a missed opportunity to spend six nights solely in Taipei, so I decided to add Kaohsiung to our itinerary. I then looked into how to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung and which attractions were worth visiting there.
Kaohsiung, located about 395 km from Taipei, can be reached by plane, high-speed train (HSR), regular train, and intercity bus. After comparing the options, we decided to take the high-speed train to Kaohsiung and return to Taipei by bus.
We purchased HSR tickets at Taipei Main Station for NT$1,400 per person (around IDR 660,000). On December 28, at 11 a.m., we were ready on platform 2 at the HSR station. At exactly 11:48, the train left Taipei Main Station. As it sped along, I noticed the speed indicator reaching 301 km/h, rivaling the speeds of Japan’s Shinkansen or Europe’s Thalys trains.
Covering the 395 km journey between Taipei and Kaohsiung in just 1.5 hours with three stops along the way was fantastic. The HSR’s comfort even allowed me to fall asleep. By 1:20 p.m., we arrived in Kaohsiung, and feeling hungry, we had a meal at the KFC inside the station.
After lunch, around 3 p.m., we took the Kaohsiung MRT (KRT) from Zuoying HSR station to Noble Hotel in the Lingya district. The closest KRT station to the hotel is Martial Arts Stadium, about a 500-meter walk away. After checking in and resting briefly, we began exploring Kaohsiung at 5 p.m.
Our first stop was the Dome of Light, the world’s largest stained glass installation, located in the main hall of Formosa Boulevard Station. The vibrant mosaic glass and stunning lighting make the Dome of Light incredibly Instagram-worthy, with many visitors snapping selfies here.
We then continued our exploration to the Xinjuejiang area, Kaohsiung’s branded shopping district, lined with boutiques and malls near Central Park. Not particularly interested, we moved on to Liouhe Night Market. According to several travel sources, Liouhe Night Market is Kaohsiung’s best night market. One street food item not to miss here is the flame-grilled beef cubes.
The night market occupies a large street that, during the day, is one of the city’s busy thoroughfares—reminiscent of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Most stalls here offer food and skill-based games. After exploring the market, we had dinner at Pepper Lunch and returned to the hotel around 10 p.m.
On our second day in Kaohsiung, we visited Lotus Pond. To get there, we took the KRT to Ecological District Station and then bus number 51. Lotus Pond is a large lake surrounded by several pagodas, where the entrances and exits are formed by dragon and tiger tunnels. Inside these corridors are Buddhist dioramas illustrating different teachings. Visitors can climb the twin seven-story pagodas up to the sixth floor, which offers a view over the entire Lotus Pond area.
After lunch, we continued to Fo Guang Shan. This Buddhist monastery complex is about 20 km from Zuoying KRT Station, accessible by shuttle bus for NT$70 per person. Fo Guang Shan has three main areas: a Buddha temple, a Buddhist monastery, and a Buddha museum. At the Buddha temple complex, a massive Buddha statue stands on a hilltop, with a winding pathway lined with Buddha statues leading up to it. Behind the main Buddha statue is the main temple, though photography is not allowed inside. Approximately 800 meters further is the monastery area, where monks study Buddhism. In the farthest section lies the Buddha Museum complex, with a large seated Buddha statue atop a building that houses the museum. The museum’s courtyard is adorned with eight pagodas. We arrived just as the lights were coming on, casting a stunning glow over the scenery.
After dining at Fo Guang Shan, we returned to the city and visited Ruifeng Night Market. Unlike Liouhe Night Market, which we visited the previous night, Ruifeng felt livelier, busier, and more varied. Besides food, the market offers clothes, gadgets, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It seems locals prefer Ruifeng over Liouhe, which seems more tourist-focused.
On our last day in Kaohsiung, we visited the Pier-2 Art District. This old warehouse and port area by the Kaohsiung coast has been transformed into an arts district. It’s filled with art installations, murals, and sculptures throughout the area. Some of the old warehouses have been turned into shops selling unique art products.
That night, we returned to Taipei as our flight back to Jakarta departed from there. We took a night bus from Kaohsiung at 1:45 a.m. The Ho Shin bus was the most impressive we’d ever taken—this large bus has only 15 business-class-style seats, each equipped with a monitor with video on demand, headphones, electric reclining seats that nearly reach flatbed position, and massage functions. It was well worth the NT$670 fare. We arrived in Taipei around 5:45 a.m. and went directly to Taoyuan Airport for our return to Jakarta. Although the trip wasn’t meticulously planned, our visit to Kaohsiung left a lasting impression, exceeding our expectations with its beauty and charm.
Best 5 Steroids For Beginners
Best 5 Steroids For Beginners
When it comes to bodybuilding or fitness goals, steroids can be a
powerful tool to help achieve desired results. However,
not all steroids are created equal, and it’s important for beginners to understand which ones might work best for their needs.
Below, we’ll dive into the best 5 steroids for beginners, providing an overview of each, their benefits, and considerations for use.
Understanding Steroids for Beginners
Steroids are a class of organic compounds that have several biological effects.
Anabolic steroids, in particular, are designed
to mimic the body’s natural production of hormones
like testosterone. These synthetic substances can help increase muscle mass, improve strength, and enhance overall athletic performance.
However, it’s crucial for beginners to
approach steroid use with caution, as they come with potential risks and
side effects.
For those new to steroids, starting with mild options that are easy to manage and have a good safety
profile is often the best approach. Let’s explore the best 5 steroids for beginners, beginning with one of the most well-known and widely used compounds in the
world of bodybuilding.
Testosterone
While technically, testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the body,
it’s often used as part of steroid cycles due to its anabolic
effects. Testosterone helps in building muscle mass and strength while also improving overall well-being and energy levels.
It’s one of the most fundamental steroids for
any beginner looking to start their journey.
However, because it’s a natural hormone, testosterone can be harder to manage in high doses, making it essential
to follow proper administration protocols to avoid
side effects like acne, hair loss, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
For beginners, starting with smaller doses and closely monitoring side effects is key to
safe use.
Anavar (Oxandrolone)
Known as “the mildest steroid ever made,” Anavar is an excellent choice for beginners
due to its low risk of side effects. Oxandrolone primarily works
on muscle tissue, promoting growth and enhancing strength without the harsher effects associated with other steroids like Dianabol or Turanabol.
It’s particularly popular among women and those sensitive to steroid side effects because it doesn’t cause significant masculization or other problematic effects.
Anavar is also easy to use, as it comes in tablet form and doesn’t require injection, making it a great starting point for beginners who may be intimidated
by the process of injecting steroids.
Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
While not the gentlest option for beginners, Dianabol is often recommended as a good first steroid because of
its effectiveness and relatively manageable side effects
when used responsibly. It’s one of the most potent steroids available and can lead to rapid muscle gains and strength improvements.
However, it’s important to note that Dianabol can have significant estrogenic side effects,
which is why anti-estrogen supplements are often recommended
during use. For beginners, starting with a very
low dose and gradually increasing while monitoring for side effects is the best approach.
Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
Another mild steroid that’s popular among bodybuilders, Deca
Durabolin is known for its ability to build muscle mass
and strength without causing many of the negative side effects associated
with other steroids. It’s also one of the few steroids that can be used in small doses,
making it a good option for beginners who want to experiment without
too much risk.
Nandrolone is particularly effective at promoting growth in lean muscle
tissue, which can help users achieve a more toned and muscular appearance.
Like other steroids, it’s important to follow proper administration protocols
to minimize side effects and avoid complications.
Turinabol
Turinabol is often compared to Dianabol in terms of its strength and
effectiveness, but it’s generally considered a bit gentler option for
those who want to avoid the more intense side effects of stronger steroids.
It’s also less likely to cause issues like acne or hair loss, making it a solid choice for steroid-naive individuals.
However, Turinabol does have some unique properties that set it apart from other
steroids, such as its ability to improve
endurance and recovery time. For those looking to enhance
both muscle mass and athletic performance, Turinabol can be an excellent
addition to a steroid cycle.
Steroid Stacks for Beginners
For many beginners, combining multiple steroids in a cycle (or stack) is a common practice to maximize benefits while minimizing the risk of side effects.
A well-planned stack can help users achieve their goals more efficiently,
but it’s essential to start with one steroid at
a time and closely monitor how the body responds.
One popular starter stack for beginners might include Anavar and Testosterone, as both are mild, effective,
and relatively easy to manage. This combination can help users build muscle mass while maintaining strength and overall well-being.
Proper Administration and Safety Protocols
Whether you’re using a single steroid or a stack of multiple compounds, proper administration is key to minimizing
risks and maximizing results. Steroids are typically administered via injection, but
some, like Anavar, come in tablet form that can be taken orally.
For those new to injecting steroids, it’s important to learn the proper techniques to avoid
infections or other complications. Always use sterile equipment, and consider working
with a trusted medical professional who can guide you through the process safely.
Planning Your First Cycle: Tips and Considerations
Before starting any steroid cycle, it’s essential to have
a clear plan in place. This includes determining your goals, the duration of the cycle, and the dosage of each compound you’re using.
While there are no hard-and-fast rules, some general tips for planning your first cycle include:
Start with low doses
Begin with a single steroid before adding others
Monitor side effects closely
Consider consulting a professional before beginning
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) for Beginners
After completing a steroid cycle, it’s important to undergo Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to help restore hormone production and avoid potential side effects like testicular atrophy.
PCT typically involves taking supplements or medications that support
natural testosterone production and mitigate the risk of hormonal imbalances.
While not all users require PCT, it’s generally recommended
for those who have used steroids in a cycle, especially when trying to maintain gains after discontinuation. For beginners, following a proper PCT protocol can help ensure your
body returns to its natural state as much as possible.
Legal and Safe Alternatives to Anabolic Steroids
While steroids can be effective for achieving fitness goals, they come with legal and
health risks. For those who are unwilling or unable to
use anabolic steroids, there are plenty of legal and safe alternatives that can deliver similar benefits.
Options like prohormones, creatine, and dietary supplements can help you build muscle mass and improve performance without resorting
to steroid use. These alternatives may not be as fast-acting or potent as steroids, but they are safer and legally accessible for most
people.
Conclusion
Steroids can be a powerful tool for achieving your fitness goals, but they should be used
with caution, especially by beginners. By starting with mild compounds like Anavar, Testosterone, and Turinabol, you
can maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
Always prioritize proper administration, safety protocols, and post-cycle care to
ensure your body remains healthy and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best steroid for a beginner?
A: While there are multiple options, Anavar, Testosterone, and Turinabol are often recommended as excellent starting
points due to their effectiveness, safety, and ease
of use.
Q: Can you use steroids without a doctor’s prescription?
A: In most countries, steroids require a valid
medical prescription. Misusing them can lead to legal consequences, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using
any.
Q: Are all steroids bad for you (hanul.amonds.kr)?
A: While steroids do carry risks, many users find the benefits outweigh the potential
side effects when used responsibly. However, it’s
important to weigh these risks against your goals and consider legal and safe
alternatives if you’re uncomfortable with steroid use.