The northeastern outskirts of Kaohsiung City are home to the country’s largest monastery complex, Fo Guang Shan. Comprising a huge assemblage of ornately decorated prayer halls, gardens and shrines interconnected by bougainvillea-lined walkways, the monastery was founded in the time of the Tang Dynasty, although most of what you see today dates from the 20th century. Its focal point is a towering, 36-metre-tall golden Buddha.

Many TransIndus clients have enjoyed spending the night at the simple, but air-conditioned and en-suite Pilgrims’ Lodge at Fo Guang Shan, which allows you to be in place for the atmospheric early morning prayer session in the main assembly hall – an unforgettable experience.