Ultimate relaxation holiday in Taiwan

For many people who haven't visited Taiwan the first thing they think about this small island off the coast of mainland China is the infamous 'made in' label, conjuring up images of large-scale industrial operations, vast Asian cities, neon signs and endless electrical goods.

In reality, it is the opposite of urban life's hustle and bustle than Taiwan does so well.

If you are looking for a place to visit for a spot of relaxation and an opportunity to escape, then Taiwan is the holiday destination for you.

The main religion for the 23 million people who inhabit this Asian island is a mixture of Buddhism and Daoism, with official statistics claiming that 93 per cent follow the teachings in some way.

As a result, Buddhist temples and shrines to deities are as common as the scooters zipping in and out of Taiwan's traffic.

There are over 1,400 temples located around the island, including a number of imposing Buddhist monasteries which are open to visitors. The Fo Guang Shan monastery, near Kaohsiung, in the south of Taiwan, is such a place and offers an array of experiences and classes.

The monastery is a vast complex with between 300 and 400 resident nuns and monks. It also has the capacity to house over a thousand visitors in its accommodation blocks, with comfortable double rooms and en-suite facilities.

Apart from Mondays, the monks' official day off, the monastery offers a number of different options for visitors. For early risers, morning prayers in the main shrine start at 05:45 and are a truly enlightening experience.

The shrine hosts three vast statues of Buddha and the chanting kneeling monks reciting their prayers are a real honour to witness.

Personally I found the experience, despite the early hour, to be utterly captivating. The continual chanting is almost hypnotic in nature and it's remarkable how quickly you can rid your mind of any worried or negative thoughts.

The monastery also offers calligraphy, Tai Chi and meditation sessions. The later is seriously popular, with courses lasting several months available for hard-core followers.

Within the monastery's grounds and away from the numerous temples and meditation rooms is an enormous statue of Buddha surrounded by hundreds of smaller identical statues.

Standing at 32 metres and looking out over the nearby river and settlements, the statue is a spectacular sight and an indication of both the size of the Fo Guang Shan monastery and of its importance to the people of Taiwan.

Located not too far away from Kaohsiung and the Fo Guang Shan monastery is Sun Moon Lake.

Surrounded by green hills and forests, the lake is the most popular tourist destination for Taiwanese people and it's easy to understand why.

Easily accessible using the High Speed Rail (HSR) service, Sun Moon Lake has just about everything you could possibly want.

Hotel resorts surround the lake and pamper those looking to relax. The Fenisia hotel is one such place and a real treat. With stunning views over the lake, especially at sunrise, fantastic facilities and wonderful restaurants, the hotel ticks all the right the boxes and is perfect for allowing guests to chill out to the extreme.

The hour long massages at the hotel are a must and completely addictive. Just see how difficult it is to stay awake during one!

Nothing, however, compares to the gigantic 'baths' in the rooms. Big enough to fit a whole football team, the tubs are dug into the ground of the bathroom and there aren't many better experiences than sitting in one looking out over the lake.

For those who manage to make it out of their hotel there is plenty to do in and around Sun Moon Lake. There are regular boat trips around the lake, some of which stop off at a picturesque Buddhist temple for photo opportunities and a chance to pick up some free Buddhist literature.

Those feeling slightly more energetic can hire bikes and ride around the edge of the lake along the well-marked routes.

An indigenous Taiwanese tribe also resides by the lake's edge and it's possible to watch performances of traditional dances on most nights.

Sun Moon Lake is the ultimate location for holidaymakers looking to unwind. Located less than two hours away from the capital city of Taipei it's not only easily accessible, it's a must for anyone visiting the island.

It is immediately evident upon arriving in Taiwan that it defies all expectations. It is a wonderful place that completely destroys any pre-conceptions; a place where true bliss can be found. Visitors will fall in love with Taiwan, the small island with so very much to offer.

How to get to Taiwan
EVA Airways flies from London Heathrow to Taipei via Bangkok six times per week. Return airfares in economy class start from £644 (inclusive of taxes). Book online or telephone 020 7380 8300.

Where to stay in Taiwan
For more information on the Fo Guang Shan Monastery stay or the Fenisia hotel visit their websites.

For more information on holidays in Taiwan visit the official tourism website or telephone 020 7928 1600.

Richard James