Taste the island's original flavors

Entering a spa hotel like Chuang-tang Spa Hotel requires an entrance fee that ranges from NT$180 to NT$250 for adults. A dip in the springs at Jiaosi does not always mean visitors must stay overnight, although rooms are certainly available for those who wish to enjoy the natural springs for a longer period. Chuang-tang room prices range from NT$4,800 up to NT$19,800 per night.

Once you're finally willing to leave the place behind, hop back on the car and let's go enjoy some great views and one-of-a-kind activities like whale-watching that can't be found just anywhere!

Note: To go whale-watching, head towards Chinyun Road Sec. 1. from Jiaosi Road Sec. 5, until it meets the Northern Coast Highway; Wushih Harbor will be on the right. The journey requires a 20-minute drive.

An Access Point for Whale-watching

For a real-life “Free Willy” reenactment, Wushih Harbor offers the chance to get up close and personal with families of whales.

Located in Toucheng Township, Wushih Harbor is closest to Gueishan Island – literally meaning Turtle Moutain Island – just 10 kilometers away. The volcanic island got its name from its unique turtle-like shape. The sea area around Turtle Island is shallow and flat, and hence a perfect site for whale-watching.

Nearly 30 species of whales and dolphins reside in the magnificent northeast coast's waters, making Yilan one of the hottest spots worldwide in recent years to observe cetaceans, i.e. whales and dolphins.

Whale-watching tours are available several times a day, with numerous companies and more than 30 boats providing the service. Some of the boats offer educational tours as well, sharing marine ecology and fishery knowledge to visitors. Prices vary from NT$1,000 to NT$1,600 per person.

Each trip takes about two to three hours, depending on the sort of package visitors choose. In addition to getting intimate with the adorable creatures, visitors can also take in the beautiful geological formations of the coastline as they turn back towards the harbor. The depth of the experience is way beyond a mere boat trip in the sea, or a drive to Yilan.

Note: The whale-watching season is from March to November. For those who get seasick, take seasickness pills at least half an hour prior to sailing. Sun protection is also highly recommended.

How to get there:

By car:

From Taipei, head towards Keelung on National Free way No. 1 and connect to National Freeway No. 5, then go through the Hsuehshan Tunnel. The trip is

an average 80-minute drive.

By railway:

Get off at Jiaosi's own train station after an approximately 90-minute journey from Taipei Main Station. (NT$160 – NT$190/trip)

By bus:

Take the Kamalan Bus from the Taipei Main Station and get off at Jiaosi Station, after traveling for about 70 minutes. (NT$105/trip)

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