Modern Toilet Restaurant, Taiwan: Drinking in Urinals

My friend from UP Los Banos (circa 2005) once told me that one of her dream dates is to have a candlelit dinner in the toilet. Who would've thought that her absurd idea will become a successful humorous business spin by 2006?! Read further.

One of the most popular things to do in Taiwan −a land where ingenuity's taken to different levels − is to dine in a themed restaurant. This, in fact, has become a part of most tourists' itinerary. You can choose among the many themed restaurants which are the following:
(1) Hello Kitty Kitchen and Dining
(2) Barbie Cafe - the first Barbie restaurant in the world. This is located near Hello Kitty Kitchen and Dining, so you may want to check both out when you're in the area. 
(3) Airbus A380 Restaurant - no turbulence dining in this airplane-themed restaurant ;p  
(4) Ninja Restaurant 
(5) DS Music Restaurant - hospital-themed restaurant. *Yes, i know! I don't know either, such a misnomer, eh?! ;p* 
I've heard they changed this to a Ninja Restaurant (see #4). Not 100% sure about this, though.    
(6) Deja vu Restaurant - magic-themed restaurant
(7) Jail - with reminiscences of the Nazis 
Gawd, I don't want to be reminded of the Holocaust. I am no way going here. boohoo 
But the most popular among all is...
(8) The toilet-themed restaurant known as Modern Toilet. 
**Note: (a) Most, if not all, themed restaurants have a minimum amount of order per person. You may want to ask about this especially if you're on a budget.
(b) Some of the abovementioned restaurants may be closed now. As well, there may be new themed restaurants.

Modern Toilet's novel concept has drawn people's attention. It has been featured everywhere in different platforms and has several chains now across Asia.  

We went to Modern Toilet's branch in Shilin. We were eyeing to go to their most popular store in Ximending, but we were always too famished leaving us to go to the nearest appealing, packed restaurant. *le sigh* I strongly suggest, though, that you go to Modern Toilet in Ximending since the place seems way prettier and bigger and its building has this huge toilet mounted on its wall.  

I knew we reached Modern Toilet when I saw this poop sign. ;p

Way up the restaurant

The interior in this branch is poorly decorated. Look at those wooden floors and partial tiled walls. Meh. 

On the contrary, the floors and walls are beautifully tiled in Modern Toilet Ximending. 

Modern Toilet Ximending is composed of 2-3 floors. Here in Shilin, it's just one floor and that's about it (see photo #4. That's the entire floor area). 

Modern Toilet goods available for purchase

And if you ask me about the food? Not impressive. You are merely paying for the fun experience and instagram-worthy moments. ;) 

● Ximending Store, Taipei

2F., No.7, Lane 50, Sining S. Rd., Wanhua District, Taipei City
AGAIN, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU GO HERE! ;p

Business Hours: (Last order by 9:00PM)

Weekdays: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Holidays:　11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

TEL: 02-2311-8822

● Shilin Store, Taipei

No.184, Wunlin Rd., Shihlin District, Taipei City

Business Hours: (Last order by 9:00PM)

Weekdays: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Holidays:　11:30 AM – 10:30 PM

TEL: 02-8861-4384

● Yijhong Store, Taichung

2F., No.101, Yijhong St., North District, Taichung City

Business Hours: (Last order by 9:00PM)

11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

TEL: 04-2223-2870

See all their locations in this LINK.

Taipei Trip: March 28 - April 1, 2013

About Modern Toilet: http://www.moderntoilet.com.tw/en/about.asp

Related Posts:

✿ Fun Taiwan: My Introduction to Taiwan and about our 1st day in Ximending ✿

- about Ximending, Ximending Night Market, Beauty Hotels Taipei's Hotel B6, Red House Theater, Mala Yuanyang Hotpot, pineapple cake for pasalubong, Shinjuku Plaza, and Taipei 101.

✿ Fun Taiwan: IKEA ✿

✿ Din Tai Fung's Xiao Long Bao ✿

✿ Hotel in Shilin: Starbeauty Resort Hotel ✿
✿ Shilin Night Market ✿
✿ Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall ✿

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Paradise that is Amanpulo

It was a regular working day. A fax came in. It was handed to me and it says that our supplier is giving us two seats to AMANfreakingPULO. When I read the news, I couldn't believe my eyes. I was dumbfounded and, of course, was in seventh heaven, but I acted cool and nonchalant. ;p

I heard about Amanpulo a number of times already. In most stories that I heard, this luxury resort has captivated big Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, and the list goes on. They say that it is the ultimate paradise in the Philippines that the rich, the famous, and dollar-earning foreigners (LOL) visit. The price tag attached to Amanpulo stories? Whooping half a million. #circa2008 Myth or not, exaggerated or not, all I know is that Amanpulo is super-exclusive and quite expensive of an island to stay on. It never crossed my mind that I will ever go to Amanpulo, NOT EVEN IN MY DREAMS.

The best part, whenever I get overwhelming perks like this, is always the part where I get a word from God. It is sheer joy to see a verse come to life − to savor it and bask on it for the rest of your life. When I went to Amanpulo, it was Ephesians 3:20 at work. Amanpulo and our whole experience in this paradise was DIVINE!! It was over the top! I coincidentally even spent my 24th birthday in this paradise.♥ ♥ ♥ Just reminiscing about it gives me shivers and I thank God with tears in my heart every single time I am reminded of this (even now as I write this post, huhu). God is always extra good and extra, extra generous. :') *smitten to the hilt*

Amanpulo is absolutely picturesque. It felt as though we had the whole island to ourselves that we were able to take postcard perfect photos sans annoying passers-by. Let me first share our Amanpulo photos and tell stories about them at the end of this post 'coz photo sharing need not be interrupted. ;'p

Amanpulo has its own airport lounge. We were served refreshments and snacks while waiting. We flew from Manila to Amanpulo Pamalican Island (approximately an hour) via chartered plane −a 19-seater Dornier plane. *insert my nagmamaganda, nagmamayaman face here, lols* 

I knew my brother and I will be having one ~spoiled vacation~ when I saw golf carts and waving (yes, waving) chauffeurs lined up −waiting for our arrival− as we land. We walked down the red carpet and they gave each of us a garland. Our guest assistant, who surprisingly knew our names already, gave us a tour around the island and handed to us our keys.
We stayed in a charming and generously spaced treetop casita. A personal letter, welcome drinks, and fruits awaited us. The room had an iPod dock, espresso coffee machine with various coffee shots, TV, DVD player, a mini ref, an outdoor deck, and wi-fi connection *hihi*. The bathroom was huge. There was a bathtub, shower room, and toilet room. My brother and I had separate cabinets, drawers, toiletries, and even had our separate washbasins. They clean our room 2-3x a day. It's totally insane that we always go back to a squeaky-clean room!
We drove our own buggy (golf cart) to get around the big island. We were astounded to find new mineral water bottles and fresh towels every time we go back to our buggy. How do they manage to sneak those in?!! They would even reverse our carts when we parked facing a wall or bush. #NinjaMoves
We went to the gym everyday where the glass windows are floor-to-ceiling high, so you can just imagine how serene our view was while we worked out. (naks, work out! lol)
We also availed our complimentary steam bath daily.
The steam room was amazing!!! It was so big that there was a cold pool in the room and had an outdoor deck. Best part? We had it to ourselves to enjoy.
We went inside Aman Spa to check the price list. *haha* A regular manicure costs 2,200 pesos. A regular pedicure costs 4,000 pesos. A 60-minute signature massage costs 5,500 pesos. A 60-minute facial? 6,500 pesos. A 60-minute hair spa? 3,000 pesos. #kthanksbye
The service and all the amenities were impeccable. There's ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to complain about. You get what you pay for. I'm just not sure if I'll still say this if we paid for everything! ;'p
Some of the activities that we tried were stargazing, snorkeling and fish-feeding, and pawikan chasing. The boat has a top deck and has an amazing view of the island.
There are other complimentary activities which we haven't tried such as stretch and relax class, pilates, tennis, and marine sport activities such as windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking. We also were not able to request for bikes. :( Biking around would have been a good exercise.
They also have this Filipino merienda set up at the Club House during afternoons, but we always miss it since it just goes for an hour or less.
After every adventure-filled day, they would surprise us with jar of munchies such as pastillas de leche, fruits, nuts, and other Filipino delicacies placed on our beds. Ben would devour them quickly. *haha* There are other more sweet surprises during our entire stay. Everything was too detailed and personalized. We had complimentary straw hats and a native bayong bag which I used in the island.
The in-flight guide had Philippine and Manila history. The casitas are actually modelled after the Philippine bahay kubo dwellings. Everything about the island is very Filipino which is awesome knowing that many foreigners go to this island.
Amanpulo presented our history and culture with head held high. #ProudFilipino
If there's anything they must improve on, it's their food. There was nothing to go gaga for. A tapa meal costs 600-800 pesos, but I've tasted better tapas. I enjoyed our first dinner and our last lunch. Generally though, I think the food was average, far from excellent.
Now to the beach... the beach was HEAVENLY!!! It was a looooong stretch of white sand beach and has turquoise aquamarine calm waters. It was breathlessly beautiful.♥ ♥ ♥
I would admit, though, that I find Coron's marine life more beautiful, diverse, and you wouldn't even have to spend 5% or even less of what you will in Amanpulo. Even other dealers that have gone to to El Nido (I haven't yet!! boo!), said that the food and the diversity it offers make it better.
But I guess Amanpulo is more than just going to the best beach. It's about the peace, privacy, and luxurious amenities and service. After all, it's not everyday (or not even once a decade!) that you get to experience and enjoy such luxury. As well, not everyone, not even 95% of the Philippine population is given the chance and the luxury to grace this nagmamagandang island in the Philippines. haha!
These are the things that I remember and will forever treasure in my heart. Amanpulo sure do stands to its name. Aman in Sanskrit means peace and pulo in Tagalog means island. It was definitely a peaceful island. :)

WHEN: April 27-29, 2013

WHERE: Amanpulo Pamalican Island (an island in Palawan, Philippines)

Amanpulo website: http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo/home.aspx

*Almost all photos are mine. Except for the four photos I nabbed from Imman. :)

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