Taipei Public Hot Springs
Amazing it was to see people marinating in 46 C (115 F) degree water and conversing so effortlessly. As I have always been a fan of natural hot springs, I glided up to the 4th and hottest level of the springs looking forward to the challenge. I placed my foot in and without consciously moving, I looked down to see my foot had jumped out of the water and was back on the side of the pool. After a short delay, the temperature finally registered with my brain. It was the kind of hot that feels like bee stings. I took one last glance at the Taiwanese sitting in this pool of bee stings and internally waved the white flag. I proceeded to walk down to the 3rd level of the hot springs and soaked in all the benefits of the sulfurous water for the rest of the evening.
Hot Springs Level 1
Taiwan is world renowned for its hot springs. The waters in Taipei are acidic sulphate chloride and are only found in 2 places in Asia, Taiwan and Japan. This was my first of many visits to Taipei City’s Beitou hot springs, which is extremely popular with the locals and foreigners due to its ease of location. Taipei’s largest public hot springs can be accessed by the Taipei metro system. Simply catch the red line to Xinbeitou MRT Station and walk straight for 10 minutes. Perhaps the greatest draw is the affordable price of 40 NT ($1.30). If you don’t want to boil in 115 F water you are in luck as the facility offers 4 different temperature pools, showers, cold tubs, and lockers. The springs are open daily from 5:30am – 10pm with 30 minute breaks every 2 hours fro cleaning.
Green Island Saltwater Hot Springs
In addition to Taipei, Taiwan’s Green Island is one of only 3 saltwater hot springs in the world. The other 2 are in Italy and Japan. Although I enjoyed the saltwater hot springs, Green Island can be problematic and time consuming to get to for those on a schedule. Unless you are a hot springs enthusiast, I would suggest passing on making the journey to Taiwan’s Green Island hot springs.
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I learned a lot about hot springs etiquette and would like to share the following for future travelers to hot springs. There is nothing better than a culturally aware tourist.
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Wash your body before entering the pool.
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Do not wash your face or hair in the pool as it is considered rude.
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Enter the pool slowly to avoid causing water turbulence.
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Do not speak loudly.
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Leave drinking water outside of the pool.
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“Warm up” by pouring water on your feet before stepping into the pool
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Towels can be used to wrap your head while in the pool to help mitigate the temperature difference between body and head
Enjoy your next soaking in Taiwan or at your local hot tub.