Taipei 2012 - Naluwan Hot Spring Resort

A trip to Wulai would not be complete without trying out the hot springs, so we decided to stay overnight. There are lots of options for accommodation in Wulai but most are small establishments. One of the biggest resorts in the area is the  Naluwan Hot Spring Resort, and since our group was quite big we didn’t have many other options. The resort is located a bit further uphill from Wulai Old Town, so you either drive up or use the logging carts that have been converted to carry passengers. Wulai used to be an important logging centre until the 1970s when it was listed as a forest reserve.

The logging cart ride takes only about 10 minutes, but waiting time can take much longer depending on the crowd. In some spots you are literally inches away from the vertical hillside, so it was quite a thrilling ride.

Once you arrived at the upper station, it is only a short walk to the hotel - but the hills are quite steep here. You will also see the majestic Wulai Waterfall, and pass through some shops selling Atayal souvenirs and artifacts.

The resort is in a simple 5-storey building. Facilities are very basic - but they do have a hot spring tub in every room. The bathrooms are very spartan though, so if you really want to enjoy a hot soak you will be better off going to one of the many local spas. For that you need to head back to the Old Town.

View from our hotel room.

The Wulai Waterfall is right opposite our room.

Staying up in the mountains is quite an experience. The air is fresh, the scenery is beautiful, and there is not much else to do so it makes you slow down -  just relax and enjoy the natural sights and sounds. The hotel facilities are limited to a small exercise room with a ping pong table, and a very small karaoke room where where all 20 of us squeezed into with a few other guests and had a great time singing and drinking rice wine we bought from the Old Street.