Hostel recommendations in Taiwan

Today, we will introduce hostels in Taiwan from a 12-day trip by train around the island. This trip required significant planning as we traveled around the island, city by city. Some trains required advance booking, so the plan had to be as perfect as possible. We also booked our accommodation in advance, which was a lot of fun because we only stayed at each place for one or two nights. The stack of hotel reservation forms we brought was huge. Today, we will introduce the accommodations where we stayed, focusing on budget-friendly options that are convenient, easily accessible to tourist attractions, and have good review scores.

1. Taipei: Here There Hostel Taipei

Starting in Taipei with Here There Hostel Taipei

Located near Taipei Main Station Exit 6, Here There Hostel Taipei was our first stop. Before booking, we did extensive research, as Taipei offers a wide variety of accommodation options. Ultimately, we chose to stay here for both the beginning and end of our trip. Let's take a closer look at the details of our booking.

**Please note that the price quoted is for a double bed in a mixed dormitory room for two people. This price was available at the time of booking and may vary depending on the date of your stay. The room has a shared bathroom and breakfast is not included. The price per bed per night is 900 baht, which averages to 450 baht per person per night.**

Here There Hostel Taipei is located on the 6th floor of a building with a yellow sign. The name of the building is written in Chinese characters, which I am unable to read. The hostel is small and hidden within the building, but it does not feel cramped due to its cute decor and efficient use of space. If you arrive before check-in time, you can leave your luggage at the reception.

Most hostels offer single beds in shared rooms, with the number of beds varying depending on the room. However, this hostel offers the unique option of double beds, which we opted for. The double beds have curtains for privacy, and each bed comes with a locker and key, ensuring security. While the room is shared, access is restricted to key card holders only. The bathrooms are shared but separated by gender.

2. Jiufen: Hui Ming Homestay

From Taipei, we continued our journey by taking the TRA train to Rueifang, then transferring to a bus to Jiufen. We chose to stay at Jiufen Hui Ming Homestay, which is located just before the entrance to Jiufen Old Street. The plan was to stay in Jiufen on a Saturday night, which is a popular tourist destination, so the price was slightly higher than usual. However, we decided to go with it. From our research, there were cheaper options available, but the difference in price was not significant. The homestay looked nice, new, and clean, so we decided to book it.

• Standard Double Room
• Private bathroom
• Breakfast: Not included
• Price per room per night: 1,800 THB
• Average price per person per night: 900 THB
• Directions: Take the bus from Rueifang Station (route 1062 or 788) --> Get off at Dai Tan Fu stop (before Jiufen Old Street) --> Walk back a little bit. The homestay is located in the alley on the left-hand side.

To avoid confusion, it is recommended to take the bus directly to Jiufen Old Street and then walk back one stop. This will be much easier.

**Must-See: Jiufen Old Street**

You can check in your luggage before the check-in time. The staff here are very attentive and speak good English. They will recommend places to visit, what to try, and provide you with a map. The room is not very big, but the windows can be opened to let in the fresh air. It would be amazing during the winter season. When I went, the weather was cold, but all I could see was fog. The picture of the front is a bit dark, I apologize for that. It was taken after I came back from Jiufen.

3. Hualien Wow Hostel

Continuing our hostel recommendations in Taiwan, after Jiufen, take a bus back to Rueifang and then a train to Hualien. We stayed at Hualien Wow Hostel, a convenient and easy-to-find hostel located directly opposite the TRA train station. No need to worry about getting lost, as the bright green building is visible from afar. Additionally, the hostel is conveniently located near the bus stop for Taroko National Park.

Upon arriving at the check-in counter, you will be immediately captivated by the stylish and adorable decor. The aesthetic appeal alone is worth the price, even before you set foot in your room. Before we delve into the ambiance, let's take a closer look at the room options, amenities, and pricing.

• Mixed dormitory with a double bed
• Private bathroom
• Breakfast included
• Price for a double bed per night: 700 baht
• Average price per person per night: 350 baht

Don't Miss: Taroko National Park

Initially, I was confused about the concept of a shared room with a private bathroom. However, upon arrival, I understood that the room only contained four beds and a private bathroom for those four beds. We opted for a double bed as usual. The room was excellent, with comfortable beds and privacy curtains. The bathroom was also impressive, and the price was incredibly affordable. Breakfast was included, making it an even better deal. I highly recommend this accommodation for anyone visiting Hualien before heading to Taroko. You won't be disappointed! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that they also provide small lockers for valuables. Larger bags can be left on the beds.

4. Lamuran Guesthouse on Lanyu Island

Lanyu Island: A Hidden Gem

Lanyu Island, also known as Orchid Island, remains relatively unknown to many. However, for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, it is a must-visit destination. This stunning island boasts a diverse ecosystem, with an abundance of wildlife including flying fish, mountain goats, birds, pigs, and cats. The atmosphere evokes a Jurassic World-like setting, transporting visitors to a world untouched by modern civilization.

The indigenous people of Lanyu Island have a distinct way of life, vastly different from the urban environment. Their traditions and customs offer a fascinating glimpse into a different culture.

In upcoming reviews, we will delve deeper into the island's attractions and experiences. For now, let's take a look at the accommodations available. The photos showcase the entrance to a particular lodging and the breathtaking view that greets guests upon exiting.

Due to the relative obscurity of Lanyu, finding information or lodging can be challenging. We discovered Lamuran Guesthouse through email and Facebook. Fortunately, the owner is fluent in English, making communication relatively easy. The guesthouse offers two room types: Suite room (double bed with private bathroom) and Flat bed room (sleeping on a futon without a bed, shared bathroom). Let's explore the option we selected.

• Flat Bed Room
• Shared Bathroom
• Breakfast: Not included
• Price per person per night: 600 Baht
• Contact for booking directly at [email protected] or Facebook: lamuran

Don't Miss: Explore the island by motorbike, savor flying fish, and encounter mountain goats.

The owner of this place is very friendly and takes great care of their guests. They provide comprehensive recommendations and insights into the local way of life, emphasizing the importance of personal exploration. Additionally, they offer the opportunity to sample rare and authentic regional cuisine.

5. [Chiayi] Light Hostel

From Lanyu Island, we continued our journey to Kaohsiung. We didn't stay there overnight, but instead took a short walk around the city before catching a train to Chiayi. We spent the night in Chiayi before taking a train to Alishan the next day. Our chosen hostel for the night was Light Hostel, located near the train station in a lively alley with plenty of food options and close to the market.

• Double Room
• Private bathroom
• Breakfast : Included
• Price/room/night: 1,600 THB
• Average price/person/night: 800 THB

Don't Miss: Alishan Forest Railway

Most of the hostels we choose are well-decorated, and this one is no exception. It is important to note that the check-in counter is not staffed 24 hours a day. The service hours are from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Therefore, it is recommended to check in before late hours. If you think you will not be able to make it on time, you should try calling them in advance at (886) 52240555 or emailing them at [email protected]. However, once you have checked in, you can enter and exit at any time using a key card. For breakfast, the hostel will provide you with a coupon, and you can walk to the restaurant that the hostel has partnered with for breakfast, which is not far away. The lockers shown in the picture are located at the entrance, where you can take off your shoes and store them before going up to your room.

The next morning, we took a train to Alishan. We stayed at Alishan for one night, but I didn't take any pictures of the room because it was quite old. I wouldn't recommend it. However, from what I've read, most budget hotels in Alishan seem to be quite old.

6. Yue Lake Backpackers (Nantou)

From Alishan, we continued to Nantou City to visit Sun Moon Lake, a popular tourist destination. However, our timing for staying at Sun Moon Lake was not ideal. As mentioned earlier, it is one of the top tourist destinations in Taiwan, and we happened to be staying on a Saturday night. Naturally, the room rates were quite high. We tried to find the most economical option with decent overall conditions and came across Yue Lake Backpackers.

• Double Room
• Private bathroom
• Breakfast included
• Price per room per night: 2,650 THB
• Average price per person per night: 1,325 THB

Do not miss: Sun Moon Lake

Approximately 900 meters from Shuishe Pier, the walk is a bit long but manageable. The room rate includes breakfast, which is provided in the form of coupons that can be redeemed at a nearby restaurant in the morning, similar to the breakfast arrangement at Light Hostel.

Most hostels offer a variety of room types, including single beds, double beds, dormitory rooms, and private rooms. Private rooms tend to be more expensive. When choosing a hostel, we usually consider the following factors: if the hostel offers double beds (as we prefer not to sleep in separate beds), and if private rooms are available. If neither of these options are available, we are willing to pay a higher price for a private room. After visiting Sun Moon Lake, we returned to Taipei and stayed at the same hostel where we had stayed previously. We chose to stay at the same hostel because we were too lazy to research a new one and did not want to waste time looking for a place to stay.

This review of hostels in Taiwan is intended to be helpful for those planning a trip to Taiwan and looking for affordable accommodation. I hope it provides valuable information and assistance.

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