An unforgettable encounter with Mother Earth! This article takes you on a solo trekking and camping adventure to the stunning Lulu Hot Spring in Taiwan. The author shares their own experience, emphasizing the joy and self-discovery that comes from exploring remote places. They provide detailed instructions on how to get to Lulu Hot Spring from Taipei, including hitchhiking and navigating the trail. The article also offers practical tips, highlights the danger of falling rocks, and suggests packing essentials for the trek. Additionally, the author shares a video that showcases their exploration of Lulu Hot Spring, capturing the breathtaking beauty of nature and the exhilaration of the journey. They express gratitude for the trip and encourage others to embark on their own Taiwan adventure.
Introduction to Lulu Hot Spring
Lulu Hot Spring in Taiwan is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable solo trekking and camping experience. Located in the remote wilderness, this hot spring provides an opportunity to connect with nature, find inner peace, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. With its beautiful surroundings and geothermal activity, Lulu Hot Spring is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Significance of Solo Trekking and Camping
Solo trekking and camping in remote places like Lulu Hot Spring can be a transformative experience. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone, conquer your fears, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. It gives you a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with your inner self. Solo trips provide solitude and freedom, enabling you to discover your strengths, weaknesses, and true passions. They also teach you important life skills such as self-reliance, decision-making, and adaptability.
How to Get to Lulu Hot Spring from Taipei
Getting to Lulu Hot Spring from Taipei is an adventure in itself. To start your journey, take a direct train to Chishang, either Tze-Chiang Limited Express direction Taitung or Xinzuoying. Once in Chishang, you can choose to stay at a hostel before hitchhiking to 下馬, the small village where you can leave your bag. To catch a lift, head to the opposite side of the CPC gas station. Alternatively, you can leave your belongings in Chishang if you plan to return afterwards.
After a 20-minute walk from 下馬, you’ll reach a junction where a zigzag path leads into the forest. Walk uphill for about an hour to reach another junction, which serves as the starting point for the Lulu Hot Spring trail. Make sure to use a reliable navigation app like maps.me to identify the correct junction. From there, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the peak and another 1.5 hours to descend to the river. Starting early in the morning is advised to make the most of your trekking experience. Take a refreshing dip in the river to wash off your sweat before continuing your journey.
Remember to cross the river using the provided rope and look for a sandy river bank to set up your tent. Choose a spot that is not too hot, as the area can feel like a sauna at times. If the weather permits, you can sleep directly on your mat instead of inside the tent. Just be cautious not to fully inflate your mat due to the pressure. To reach the main steamy area, follow the river upstream and swim a short distance. Keep in mind the high risk of falling rocks in the canyon and exercise caution at all times.
When packing for the trek, make sure to include essentials such as at least 2 liters of water per day, meals like fried rice and snacks, a yoga mat, a waterproof tent, a waterproof bag, a lighter, a helmet (for safety), a rain jacket, bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, and long pants. Boiling eggs in the hot spring can be a fun experience, so consider bringing some along. Download the maps.me app and the offline map in advance to navigate with ease. It’s also worth mentioning that a 3-day/2-night trip is possible in this area, but it would require carrying additional food and water.
If you decide to leave your bags at the first restaurant in 下馬, consider tipping the lady or bringing a small gift to express your gratitude. It’s important to appreciate the kindness and help provided by the locals. If you visit Lulu Hot Spring yourself, don’t forget to share your experience and feedback. Your insights will be valuable for future travelers, and you can even promote your journey on platforms like YouTube or Instagram to inspire others to embark on their own adventures.
Video Exploration of Lulu Hot Spring
In a video showcasing the exploration of Lulu Hot Spring, the journey starts with a four-hour hike to reach the destination. The video captures the beauty of the trail leading to Lulu Hot Spring and the author’s personal connection with nature. The author shares their excitement and highlights the helpfulness of the local shop owner, who stores their bags and ensures their safety.
The video also documents the author’s journey from Taroko to the park entrance, showcasing the scenic route and the possibility of hitchhiking as a means of transportation. Despite starting late in the day, the author remains optimistic and determined to reach their destination. The video emphasizes the importance of sharing plans and location details with someone trustworthy to ensure safety.
As the author makes their way to Lulu Hot Spring, they encounter unknown animals and express their curiosity and caution. The video urges viewers to be prepared and aware of potential risks and dangers in the area. The author’s decision to share their experiences through video demonstrates their desire to provide valuable information and inspire others to explore similar destinations.
Arriving at the hot spring, the author describes the unique geothermal activity and the joy of soaking in their own personal hot spring hole. The video captures the author’s enjoyment of a bonfire and a refreshing cold water bath. Sleeping in a warm camping spot provides a peaceful and comfortable experience.
The clear night sky offers the opportunity for stargazing, allowing the author to reflect on the beauty of the universe and their place within it. The exploration of the steamy area and colorful rocks adds visual interest to the video, highlighting the unique geological features of Lulu Hot Spring. The constant reminder of the danger of falling rocks emphasizes the importance of safety precautions, including the use of a helmet.
After swimming back to the main road and enduring the exhausting hike uphill, the author expresses gratitude for the trip and emphasizes the importance of leaving no trace in nature. The video concludes with the author reflecting on the physical exhaustion and emotional impact of the journey. They acknowledge the valuable lessons learned and encourage others to visit Taiwan and embark on their own adventures.
Conclusion
Lulu Hot Spring Taiwan offers a unique and exciting solo trekking and camping experience. The journey to this remote destination allows for self-discovery, connection with nature, and the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Taiwanese wilderness. From the trek through the forest to reaching the peak and descending to the river, every step of the experience offers a sense of adventure and fulfillment.
Whether you choose to embark on a 2-day or 3-day trip, the experience will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Lulu Hot Spring is a hidden gem that deserves recognition and exploration. So pack your bags, start your adventure, and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of Lulu Hot Spring in Taiwan.
An unforgettable encounter with Mother Earth! You are currently on your three-year trip around the world, and after seeing many (touristy) places, you have realized that it is these solo trips to remote places that make you the happiest and bring you closer to yourself. You learn to trust your instincts and understand more and more what you are able to do.
And who would have thought Taiwan can be so beautiful? It is probably the most underrated country ever. Not only in terms of nature, but also the friendliness of the people is incredible.
🥾So how to get to Lulu Hot Spring from Taipei?
Take a direct train to Chishang (Tze-Chiang Limited Express direction Taitung or Xinzuoying), stay at a hostel in Chishang, and then hitchhike to 下馬, the small ‘village’ where you can leave your bag (a good spot to catch a lift is on the opposite side of CPC gas station). If you plan to go back to Chishang afterwards, you can also leave your stuff there. You may pass it again, like I did, due to traffic control on the other mountain road after 2pm, so keep that in mind.
From 下馬, it’s a 20-minute walk to the junction where a zigzag path goes into the forest. Walk up for another hour and you’ll arrive at another junction. Use maps.me to identify it as the starting point for the Lulu Hot Spring trail. From there, it took me about 1.5 hours to reach the peak and another 1.5 hours to get down to the river. Keep in mind that some people take up to 8 hours to reach this place or some don’t even make it, so don’t expect it to be very easy. It’s better to start early in the morning. Have a dip into the water and wash off all your sweat.😊 Then, cross the river using the rope and walk along the river until you find the sandy river bank, your camp ground. Set up your tent⛺️ and try to find a spot that is not too hot. I had to move my tent a few meters because it felt like a sauna at some point. If it’s not raining, it is also possible to sleep just on your mat if you want to.😊 Just make sure not to fully inflate your mat as it might explode from the pressure.
To get to the main steamy area, you have to trace the river upstream and swim a few meters. I reached it in less than an hour.
Please watch out for falling rocks as it is a high-risk area! I saw some big rocks of decent size falling into the canyon right where I walked 10 minutes before.
🎒Packing list for a 2-day/1-night trek:
- at least 2 liters of water per day
- meals like fried rice and snacks
- yoga mat
- waterproof tent
- waterproof bag
- lighter
- helmet (that would be much safer!)
- rain jacket
- bug spray
- sunscreen & a hat
- long pants
- bring eggs to boil them in the hot spring!! I wish I had that idea before. 😣
- Download maps.me and the offline map in advance!
It’s also possible to do a 3-day/2-night trip in this area because it’s huge! But that also means you have to carry more food and water, of course. 🙂
If you visit Lulu Hot Spring yourself, please let me know afterwards how you liked it!😍 Enjoy & stay safe!
Btw: If you plan to leave your bags at the first restaurant in 下馬, consider tipping the lady or bring a small gift. I’m afraid many people will do the same as I did, and it is not my intention to bother the lady, but let her also benefit from being so kind and helping me and future travelers to complete this trip.❤️
Please excuse my English, it’s way better in conversations I swear.😂🙏🏻 I finally convinced myself to talk to the camera, and you can tell I’m still not 100% comfortable with it. But I thought other people might benefit from the information I can provide through YouTube videos like this one. If you want me to continue with my work, please subscribe to my channel.
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