Kaohsiung Private Tour Shore Excursion Review: Is it Worth It?

Coming to Kaohsiung on a cruise? Well, a private shore excursion might be just what you need. Getting off a ship and into a city you’ve never seen before can feel, well, tricky. You want to see as much as you can, right?, and you want to do it without too much fuss. So, I had a go at a private tour shore thing when my ship docked, and here’s my take on if it’s really worth the money.

What is a Private Tour Shore Thing, Anyway?

A private tour shore thing, you see, is sort of like having a custom adventure. It means you, and whoever you’re with, get your own guide and transportation, that’s right, all sorted for you. Think of it as skipping the big bus tours, and instead, you’re cruising around in, very, very, your own car or van. So, they meet you right when you hop off the ship and whisk you away to see whatever cool spots you want. It’s meant to be more personal, that is, you’re able to spend more time at locations that intrigue you.

These outings, usually, include the famous spots of Kaohsiung like the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Former British Consulate at Takow, or the artistic Pier-2 Art Center. Basically, anyway, it cuts out the stress of taxis, that’s correct, the guessing with public transportation, and getting stuck somewhere with only gift stores, that, right?

First Impressions Count, Right? (The Pick-Up)

My driver, Mr. Chen, so, was there holding a sign with my name, that’s right. Very easy. That’s just a little touch of service I find is, clearly, well, good to begin with. He helped with my bag, which, for instance, is more helpful than you might think after lugging it around the ship. His English was also a bit impressive. It turned out, in a way, he has tons of experience doing this. Communication, which, for example, can make or break a tour, was a piece of cake.

The vehicle, for instance, a comfy sedan, too it’s almost, seemed super clean. Air conditioning was blowing and the seats were what I needed, especially when it was as humid as it gets that day. All this gave me the feeling that it will be okay because somebody got what needed to get done, done.

Hitting the Hotspots: Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and More

First on the list, too it’s almost, were the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. These are, often, a can’t-miss sight, and they live up to the hype. It’s usually recommended, anyway, that you enter through the dragon’s mouth and out the tiger’s—something that is said to turn bad luck into good, more or less. I did it, naturally, I followed instructions!

Mr. Chen, seemingly, had some great stories and the usual local myths to tell while I snapped some pictures. From there, which, for example, we headed over to the Former British Consulate. Okay, so, the walk to the top to take pictures might make you sweat! I appreciated that I could set the pace, which, arguably, wouldn’t have happened on a giant bus excursion, but I did stop for water.

Pier-2 Art Center, still, was next, and it was, possibly, my favorite. It is really easy to walk around, very, and is something you shouldn’t miss if you want cool stuff. Mr. Chen knew a perfect place for a quick bite. I wanted to try something genuinely Taiwanese. It goes without saying that he steered me clear of what tourists expect.

Going Off-Script: The Freedom of a Private Tour

This is, often, where the private thing sparkles. I had read online, so, about a cool spot only locals frequent, the Ruifeng Night Market. I said, just, “Mr. Chen, I want to check out what the local food looks like, do you think we can check it out?”.

There was, frankly, no eye-rolling, alright? Instead, Mr. Chen, honestly, seemed excited. As a matter of fact, we went there. It was, absolutely, packed, that’s right. Mr. Chen recommended foods I would not have even looked at twice, but everything tasted superb.

What’s more, for instance, there wasn’t a line, or those awful gigantic crowds. This kind of detour, just, showed me that going private truly gives you the power to discover bits that would be unheard of.

The Guide Makes It or Breaks It

Mr. Chen, basically, knew stuff. That’s right. He dished up some history, naturally, he knew cool facts about every area we hit up. The best thing that happened, anyway, was that it didn’t feel like reading from some guide. The conversation came, too it’s almost, about easy, I did find this was useful for sure.

He, too it’s almost, understood the Taiwanese quirks that some could just call superstitions. It meant a bit to be aware about those customs in action. He, definitely, adjusted what he spoke about to suit my quirks, I did feel heard.

The Price Tag: Is It Worth Splurging?

Here’s where stuff gets, virtually, real. A private shore excursion is, arguably, going to hit your wallet harder than squeezing on a bus with forty other tourists. But you have to look into, naturally, what you get. You are having an easier time, often, by not having the bus stops or the schedule. It means you can just breathe easier.

Consider this: forking out some dough guarantees comfort, anyway, your choices, or the chance to not do something because crowds. When you’re not fighting some lines, like your losing it looking around at stuff because somebody has to see stuff fast. After being stuck on a cruise, just, being relaxed is priceless.

What’s more, honestly, think about splitting the expense if traveling with, potentially, family. So, what’s expensive for just one person becomes worth it for the whole crew, you see. And, at the end of the day, honestly, your own peace on holiday? Impossible to label that in terms of bucks.

Few Potential Snags, But Still Rad

One, possibly, tiny glitch I faced, too it’s almost, was planning it all ahead of time. It might be useful, absolutely, to book it pretty far out because the really sought-after companies and tour guides disappear early. Also, there are tons of companies, so, choosing the best needs a little web-research.

Despite what’s mentioned above, that’s right, the real-time wins crush tiny stresses by quite a bit. Being in control of my schedule outweighed small setup challenges that’s pretty valid.

Would I Roll the Dice Again on a Private Tour?

Without a bit of doubt, just, I totally would! If you’re cool with splashing out, actually, and desire a break away from cruise-throngs, I am going for it!

It’s perfect, okay, for anyone who enjoys getting, sometimes, close-up and genuine tastes of another city, so. What is that worth? Well, I was given that on my shore thing in Kaohsiung!

• Flexibility: Going where you want and adjusting in real-time is the main thing.
• Native Insights: Tour guides giving the backstory you won’t discover just somewhere.
• A Step Away From Crowds: Spending your visit actually taking in, still, the places in person without other folks blocking sights.
• Chill Factor: Reduces loads of worrying, permitting you just hanging out rather than fretting on cabs or plans.