Traveling with family especially with my mother, my brother, and my wife, Jec, usually requires a massive budget and months of meticulous planning. However, in March 2026, I managed to pull off an incredible 5-day, 4-night trip to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, that defied every traditional travel cost.
From March 24 to March 28, the four of us enjoyed a high-end experience that cost only PHP 10,000 per person for the flight and hotel package. By the end of the trip, our total stay and airfare came to just PHP 40,000, with an additional PHP 35,000 covering all our luxury spending, Uber rides, and attraction tickets. Here is the full breakdown of how I used a special Expedia link to turn a budget price into a deluxe family holiday.
The PHP 10,000 Package Secret
The foundation of this trip was the special Expedia link I used to book our “Flight + Hotel” bundle. For just PHP 10,000 each, we secured round-trip tickets from Manila to Kaohsiung and 4 nights at the highly-rated Harbour 10 Hotel.
While the flight was a budget-friendly option with no checked baggage (perfect for a short 5-day sprint), the hotel side of the deal was where the real value appeared. Even though we booked a standard rate, using the special link flagged our reservation for exclusive perks. Upon checking in, the staff at Harbour 10 Hotel provided us with:
- A Free Upgrade to a Deluxe Room: We moved from basic accommodations to spacious, modern rooms with stunning views of the Love River.
- Complimentary Daily Breakfast: A massive buffet spread that saved us a significant amount of money and time every morning.
Living at Harbour 10 Hotel
Located in the Qianjin District, Harbour 10 Hotel is a gem. The location is prime—right on the banks of the Love River. My mother particularly loved the peaceful morning views, and having a 7-Eleven right downstairs made late-night snack runs incredibly convenient.
The Deluxe Rooms were spotless and designed with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The beds were exceptionally comfortable, which was vital after long days of walking. The hotel also features a fitness center and a children’s play area, though we spent most of our time exploring the city.
Our Detailed 5-Day Family Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Riverside Romance (March 24)
We landed at Kaohsiung International Airport and took a quick Uber directly to Harbour 10 Hotel. The Uber system in Kaohsiung is incredibly efficient and affordable for a group of four.
After checking into our upgraded Deluxe Rooms, we spent our first evening walking along the Love River. The area comes alive at night with neon lights and live music. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner at a riverside cafe, soaking in the cool March breeze. It was the perfect, low-stress start for my mother and the rest of the family.
Day 2: Spiritual Grandeur at Fo Guang Shan (March 25)
This was the most anticipated day for my mother. We took an Uber to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.
- The Experience: Walking through the path lined with eight towering pagodas toward the Big Buddha (108 meters tall) is a spiritual experience regardless of your background.
- Tip: We used our special link to pre-book our entry and lunch at the vegetarian buffet, which was surprisingly delicious and fresh.
- Evening: We headed to the Liuhe Night Market. Since we had no checked baggage, we focused on “eating our weight” in street food rather than buying bulky souvenirs. The grilled squid and papaya milk are absolute must-tries.
Day 3: Culture, Art, and Cijin Island (March 26)
We started the day at the Pier-2 Art Center, a refurbished warehouse district filled with giant installations and quirky galleries. It is a fantastic spot for family photos.
- Cijin Island: From Pier-2, we took the short ferry ride to Cijin Island. We rented an electric four-seater bicycle, which was a highlight for my brother and me. We rode along the coast to the Cijin Starry Sky Tunnel and the Rainbow Church.
- Seafood Feast: We had a luxury seafood lunch on the island. Fresh crabs, prawns, and clams—all remarkably affordable.
Day 4: The Dragon, The Tiger, and Luxury Shopping (March 27)
We headed to the Lotus Pond to see the iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.
- The Ritual: You enter through the Dragon’s mouth and exit through the Tiger’s mouth to turn bad luck into good fortune. The intricate carvings and the lake view were stunning.
- Shopping Spree: In the afternoon, we moved to Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza and the Dream Mall. This was our “luxury spend” portion of the trip. Even with high-end purchases, our total expenses stayed within the PHP 35,000 budget because the Uber rides and local food were so cost-effective.
- Dinner: We ended the night with a high-end Teppanyaki dinner, celebrating a successful family trip.
Day 5: Farewell Kaohsiung (March 28)
After our final free breakfast at Harbour 10 Hotel, we took one last walk to the Central Park Station to admire the architecture before taking an Uber back to the airport. The check-out process was seamless, and we headed back to Manila feeling like we had spent double what we actually did.
Why the Special Link Matters
Managing a family of four for 5 days on a total budget of PHP 75,000 (including flights, 5-star hotel, food, Ubers, and luxury shopping) sounds impossible in 2026. However, the special Expedia link is the “hidden engine” that makes this work.
It doesn’t just give you a lower price; it changes your status at the hotel. Getting that free upgrade to a Deluxe Room and having breakfast included for four people for four days would usually cost an extra PHP 15,000 to PHP 20,000 on its own.
I am not going to gate key, here is the link I booked with. Click here.
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Alyssa Camille Azanza is a dedicated digital specialist and a key professional within the Sotavento Medios team. I focus on the strategic management and growth of diverse business portfolios, ensuring that each brand achieves a high level of digital authority. My work is centered on navigating the complexities of modern search and content strategy, helping businesses stay relevant in the rapidly changing digital world.