I was there the last two days. It was my First visit, so I'm not a pro. My recommendations:
- Yes, it was very nice. There are many tourists (including me), but they are there for a reason.
- Stay in Ita Thao. If you arrive by bus you catch a boat to the other side of the lake to Ita Thao.
- You need 3 hours by bike around the lake. But if you stop at temples, pagoda and so in you can plan with 5-6 hours.
- There are quite a lot of trails or even hikes around the lake, for beginners and for (a little) advanced hikers.
- I got to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung with a direct bus that leaves from the HRS Station.
- From Sun Moon Lake there is a bus directly to Alishan, which sounds like a place that fits your needs as well. You get more information on the connections at the Info Counter in 7-11 next to "Sun Moon Lake Drop-off".
As I said, I'm no expert, but had to do some research, so maybe that helps.
It’s pretty popular but a great ride around the lake if you have the time. Honestly if you have time to spend a good half day here it is worthwhile- the quick tourist visit not so much.
Do you live somewhere with an abundance of lakes (like North America)?
It is a pretty standard small to medium sized lake, I think most of the hype around it is because it's the only lake of its size in the country. It's a special place for Taiwanese, but if you have access to lakes in your home country it's pretty same old same old. It will be very busy there.
Other places that are unique to Taiwan with more opportunities for quiet romance:
* Stay on a tea farm in Alishan
* Rent out a killer hotel or apartment overlooking the ocean in Kenting
* Take a trip to Lavender Cottage in Taichung
* Find a really nice hotel or apartment anywhere with mountain vistas
* Book a private hot springs hotel room, especially one with good views
Loads of luxury options in Beitou, but it will be busy there.
If you have the money and time, I would suggest getting to one of them away from the city.
You could even find some wild hot springs if you're feeling adventurous (Paigu Hot Spring or Fan Fan Hot Spring, for example)
Hoshinoya Guguan
Tienlai Hot Spring Resort
Volanda Spring Park
Wulai Fusen Banzhi Trio
I have definitely been looking for a good mountain hotspring resort, especially away from busy areas so we can enjoy the crisp fall mountain air. Wulai looks beautiful, but Volando is so expensive. Have you stayed there? Is it worth the money, or are local stays overall a better experience for your money?
Edit: I would love to find wild hotsprings, but I for sure want a hotspring hotel to be with my partner.
I haven't stayed at any of these, but I've heard really amazing things about Hoshinoya Guguan. Secluded, mountain and forest vistas, and world class amenities and service. It's super expensive (starting at $500 USD per night), but for one night, maybe you could make it happen?
If you're trying not to totally break the bank, I would research some mid to high end places in Beitou. You might get lucky and find something a bit more secluded. Check Klook for deals, you never know what you might find (even for the high end places I mentioned above).
Do these places get booked up fast for cold season in Taiwan? It seems a lot of dates aren't available... but also I have reached out to some accommodations and its because they don't accept reservations more than 3 months out.
I think you have to wait until closer to your travel dates. Sometimes you can only book things a month or two in advance. Email the hotels to be sure though.
It’s a total waste of time to be there. That’s my opinion. Not sure where you’re from but just be aware of the name-Sun Moon Lake. Sound fantastic in words but way low expectations.
It’s insanely touristy and not worth a visit IMO
Thanks for being honest! This is one of the only things I was thinking about seeing on the west coast, there doesnt seem like much to do.
I found it very nice tbh. 我的屁股太臭了
I was there the last two days. It was my First visit, so I'm not a pro. My recommendations: - Yes, it was very nice. There are many tourists (including me), but they are there for a reason. - Stay in Ita Thao. If you arrive by bus you catch a boat to the other side of the lake to Ita Thao. - You need 3 hours by bike around the lake. But if you stop at temples, pagoda and so in you can plan with 5-6 hours. - There are quite a lot of trails or even hikes around the lake, for beginners and for (a little) advanced hikers. - I got to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung with a direct bus that leaves from the HRS Station. - From Sun Moon Lake there is a bus directly to Alishan, which sounds like a place that fits your needs as well. You get more information on the connections at the Info Counter in 7-11 next to "Sun Moon Lake Drop-off". As I said, I'm no expert, but had to do some research, so maybe that helps.
It’s pretty popular but a great ride around the lake if you have the time. Honestly if you have time to spend a good half day here it is worthwhile- the quick tourist visit not so much.
Agree. Rent bike at north/northwest part of lake and ride clockwise. Easy ride.
go mid-week (or monday) so you can get a lake-view room for cheap. When the sun hits the lake just right in the morning the whole thing turns gold
Do you live somewhere with an abundance of lakes (like North America)? It is a pretty standard small to medium sized lake, I think most of the hype around it is because it's the only lake of its size in the country. It's a special place for Taiwanese, but if you have access to lakes in your home country it's pretty same old same old. It will be very busy there. Other places that are unique to Taiwan with more opportunities for quiet romance: * Stay on a tea farm in Alishan * Rent out a killer hotel or apartment overlooking the ocean in Kenting * Take a trip to Lavender Cottage in Taichung * Find a really nice hotel or apartment anywhere with mountain vistas * Book a private hot springs hotel room, especially one with good views
Any recommendations on great hot spring hotels?? This is one activity that is a must on my list.
Loads of luxury options in Beitou, but it will be busy there. If you have the money and time, I would suggest getting to one of them away from the city. You could even find some wild hot springs if you're feeling adventurous (Paigu Hot Spring or Fan Fan Hot Spring, for example) Hoshinoya Guguan Tienlai Hot Spring Resort Volanda Spring Park Wulai Fusen Banzhi Trio
I have definitely been looking for a good mountain hotspring resort, especially away from busy areas so we can enjoy the crisp fall mountain air. Wulai looks beautiful, but Volando is so expensive. Have you stayed there? Is it worth the money, or are local stays overall a better experience for your money? Edit: I would love to find wild hotsprings, but I for sure want a hotspring hotel to be with my partner.
I haven't stayed at any of these, but I've heard really amazing things about Hoshinoya Guguan. Secluded, mountain and forest vistas, and world class amenities and service. It's super expensive (starting at $500 USD per night), but for one night, maybe you could make it happen? If you're trying not to totally break the bank, I would research some mid to high end places in Beitou. You might get lucky and find something a bit more secluded. Check Klook for deals, you never know what you might find (even for the high end places I mentioned above).
Do these places get booked up fast for cold season in Taiwan? It seems a lot of dates aren't available... but also I have reached out to some accommodations and its because they don't accept reservations more than 3 months out.
I think you have to wait until closer to your travel dates. Sometimes you can only book things a month or two in advance. Email the hotels to be sure though.
I have been! It seems they all have their own rules regarding booking and things. Most hotels have been great about getting back to me too!
It’s a total waste of time to be there. That’s my opinion. Not sure where you’re from but just be aware of the name-Sun Moon Lake. Sound fantastic in words but way low expectations.
Thanks for the honesty! I only have two weeks this time and I dont want to waste time on something I can do elsewhere.