My visit: December 29, 2010
DAY 3
Xinbeitou (Geothermal Scenic Park)
Xinbeitou Station
Taipei, Taiwan
A few years back, I promised myself to visit the hot spring in Taipei. And on my last visit, I made sure DH and I allocate one whole day to visit Xinbeitou.
picture taken in Geothermal Scenic Park
Hot spring hotels can be found in Xinbeitou while the Old Beitou has now became Commercial Quarter. It is located in Northern Taiwan. The source of hot spring came from volcanoes' geothermal energy.
inside Xinbeitou Metro Station
at the platform waiting for our 3 train carriages
Hot Spring train colored green
The three colored (blue, yellow & green) train carriage offers three different themes- Geothermal Valley, Hot Springs & Cuisines and The Old Days.
inside one of the themed carriages
where do you want to go?
Beitou Garden
On our way to hot spring resort, we passed by Ketagalan Culture Center, a 10 storey center showcasing culture & arts from indigenous people.
Ketagalan Culture Center
right across the street of Ketagalan Culture Center
We visited Beitou Hot Spring Museum. It is modeled on a bath house in Japan. Beitou Hot Spring Museum, built in 1913, is an old Japanese building that was once the largest and most famous public bath facility in Taiwan.
inside Beitou hot spring museum
I was quite apprehensive doing jump shots inside this room. But DH was insistent. Good thing, we were not reprimanded.
tatami mats
Turned out our jump shots were great!
bath house that was once visited by a Japanese prince
open theater
Just outside a public hot spring, we spotted an open theater.
we spotted a shooting of a public hot spring
road leading to hot spring valley
Yes, we went down those steps!
Hot Spring Valley
sulfur spring water
At 52 to 75 degrees, the sulfur spring water is not suitable for drinking. The odor is so strong that my hair smells like sulfur for the next few days. Although in some areas, visitors can just roll up their pants and put their feet in the hot spring water. There is also a designated spot for visitors who want to experience sulfur spring water baths for a minimal fee just do not forget to bring your own bathing suit. If ever you forgot to bring one with you, don't fret because the management of the public bath sells bathing suits too.
Information on hot spring bathers:
- shower is a must
- test the water temperature with your foot first then slowly immerse your whole body
- only a maximum of 10 minutes is allowed on the first dip and rest for 15 minutes before going back
- only a total of 30 minutes is allowed per visit
- drink lots of water before and after your bath
- to avoid dizziness, get out of the pool slowly
I am so excited to show you the private room we rented in Shui-Du Spring Hotel!
PostScript:
We went back 2 years later and check-in at Broadway Hotel.
