Lisong Hot Spring-Mini Adventure in SouthEastern Taiwan

Taitung in the South Eastern part of Taiwan is a beautiful and scenic place to be if you like nature. First heard about Lisong from this travel show in Taiwan.  Hot springs are in abundance in Taiwan, from Taipei all the way down south there are many famous places for hot spring such as Chi Ben.  But wild hot springs has became a popular topic for travellers now as they unfold the beautiful nature of Taiwan.

Taitung

Another home of the ironman, Taitung is well known for its untouched and beautiful nature.  Close to the central mountain ranges, this is also where the famous Jade Mountain (玉山）can be seen.  Lisong is situated along the Southern Expressway in the Haiduan county, which was build since the Japanese colonisation days.  Nestled in the mountains, this hot spring was unknown to many except the Bunong Aboriginal tribes who live there for centuries, Bunong are hunters and they go around the mountainous region in search of food.

Siama Hot Spring Inn

I originally thought that I could get to Lisong by myself but realise that if you do not drive, it could pose a problem.  Scootering up is also not a good choice especially in Winter where the fog is thick and rain is prevalent.  However, best time to visit Lisong is from end Oct to April.  This is where the water level in the streams are the lowest.  There will be some river crossing required and if the water level is high, it is not easy to make the cross.  I contacted a few tour package deals like Trip Baa, a local day tour operator and also Siama Hot Spring Inn was by chance that I found out from the internet.

Originally there was supposed to be a group tour on the day that I go in February, then the group cancelled the trip.  I thought I am doomed, but fortunately, the Inn was kind enough to make an exception, and they told me to just go, they will arrange for everything.  So there I was in Chi Shang, where I met Mr Qiu, the Inn boss, who also double as the driver and also my guide to Lisong.  Chi Shang and Guan Shan are the nearest stations to get to Lisong, from the small town in Chi Shang, we drove into the Haiduan county and there on it was all wilderness and mountains, the whole highway has no one except us!

The Inn is situated along the South Interstate Expressway, 南横贯公路 is not as popular as the one in Taroko gorge.  However, it is a Gem itself.  Turning in to the expressway from Chi Shang, which is famous for its production of delicious rice.  The famous Brown Road with wide rice plantations is a hot spot for photographing.  The South Interstate Expressway winds into the high mountains of Haiduan County.  Beautiful steep valleys and gorges, abundance of nature gives one an instantaneous out of the world feeling.  As it was winter, the cool winter breeze and super fresh air really gets you feeling so much rejuvenated.  We arrive the inn in the afternoon, I checked into a room which was big enough for at least a few more people but I had the luxury to myself.  After some wonderful tea time treats of home made cookies and bread by Mr Qiu’s daughter, I was ready to just walk around the inn where sakura were already blooming.  The scenery around the inn itself is already breadth taking.  I enjoyed my little walk.  Then as night falls, it began to start to get foggy.

The host prepared a hot onsen bath to myself before I check into the simple dinner.  I am never lacked of food here.  The weekend I was there happened to be the coldest for the month.  I was not able to bear the cold at night and got myself all wrapped up for the night.

Day 2 -Lisong Springs

I woke up early feeling all excited to get ready for Lisong.  It was really cold especially in the dawn break.  Was really excited as I pack up some simple change of clothes and waterproof my handphone with zip lock bags.  We had a simple breakfast of toast and egg with nice coffee and started to head up into the mountains.  We drove further in, passing the Tian Long and Wulu Springs.  The road was not easy because it is winding and certain parts has been affected by the soil erosion from the days of rain.  It is really not that easy to self ride or drive.  Finally reaching the top, where there is a cabbage patch.  This is where the entrance down to Lisong begins.  We wore our engineer gloves as you will need it to grab on the ropes and rocks along the way down.

There were actually metal rods with ropes that leads down to the valley.  It gets a but slippery from the morning dew, the trail itself is pretty difficult to descend for me as in Singapore , there are hardly opportunities for such terrain training.  At some points the ropes are broken and you need to do a little rock climbing.  The last part is merely ropes and rocks are slippery so you need to be really careful.

The base area is really amazing, with clear green river, and the deep cliffs around.  You can already see the wild springs from far.  There we changed  into waterproof material clothes to cross river and eventually do so rappelling and dip into the freaking cold water.  I must say I was all frozen when I jumped in.  Mr Qiu said that during winter is the best time to visit Lisong and we were lucky that the water level is not too gushy and high, else you can only check out the Spring and take some pictures from the opposite side.

Just as you dip in the cold water, the hot spring awaits you on the opposite side.  I would recommend quick swim over to the hot spring and dip inside to keep yourself warm.  It is really amazing, and the thing is you are taking an onsen bath in the open from the spring water itself makes it really special!

Actually you can just stay there and soak in the atmosphere till as long as you want.  I really refuse to go,  but the going back portion will not be that difficult as you will be warmer then.

Lunch in the Wild

So as we head back to the base, Mr Qiu prepared and outfield instant noodle lunch.  Do make sure you have a change of clothes and towel to dry yourself up at the base side.  Some campers the night before has set up a small camp fire and we continued to use it for some heat.  It was quite fun to lunch in the wild and talk to other groups.

We started to head back about 12:30 pm.  Going back was easier for me as I could climb better.  But I was freezing maybe I over estimated that I will be able to take the cold.

All in all this trip was very worth it and I have really no regrets going despite a one man show! Will be back again if I can!