"Doing time as the big boss in jail!" Warden: Hope every 'cellmate' be yourself

▲Backpack Jail Hostel (Photo provided by Backpack Jail Hostel)

ReporterYan Xintong/ Comprehensive Report

The "Backpack Jail Hostel" is a prison-themed backpacker accommodation located in Dulan, Taitung. Situated in an alley right across from the Dulan Police Station, it is jointly operated by husband-and-wife team Boss Jiang (the Warden). Boss Jiang said, "The Backpack Jail Hostel is our second youth hostel. To create a different vibe from the first one, we started brainstorming themed hostels and searched for a unique concept."

▲Backpack Jail Hostel (Photo provided by Backpack Jail Hostel)

Boss Jiang mentioned that Taitung has the most prisons among all counties and cities in Taiwan, among which the Green Island prison known for tourism is the most famous. The small town of Dulan plays an important intermediary role between these two places. To allow many travelers to experience the feeling of being imprisoned without having to go all the way to Green Island, the "Backpack Jail Hostel" conceptualizes incarceration and combines wall paintings to plan and design the space.

▲Backpack Jail Hostel (Photo provided by Backpack Jail Hostel)

On the third-floor walls, you can see some paintings. Boss Jiang explained that each space design has corresponding artwork. "On the outer wall of the jail, there's an old prisoner who can only play with an old dog. Upon entering the main gate, you’ll see a wall where prisoners' inmate numbers are taken. The kitchen is designed with dining as the background, featuring three large murals of prisoners with runny noses eating simple meals behind the dining table. When you approach the restroom, you’ll see drawings of prisoners disgusted by the foul smell. Other room types also feature other fun illustrations."

▲Backpack Jail Hostel (Photo provided by Backpack Jail Hostel)

▲Backpack Jail Hostel (Photo provided by Backpack Jail Hostel)

▲Backpack Jail Hostel (Photo provided by Backpack Jail Hostel)

To let every backpacker experience the feeling of only being able to interact with "people" in prison, the spatial design here especially emphasizes "common areas." In addition to the living room and kitchen on the first floor, a platform has recently been added in the backyard for everyone to drink beverages, have late-night snacks, stargaze, chat, and share experiences, hoping that every "cellmate" staying here can interact more. Boss Jiang said,he hopes everyone can be themselves here, giving each traveler the feeling of being at home..

▲Backpack Jail Hostel (Photo provided by Backpack Jail Hostel)

Imagine being by the sea in Dulan, where the blue waves shimmer. Boss Jiang of the Backpack Jail Hostel said he hopes "cellmates" can feel Taitung’s laid-back, free-spirited, cozy atmosphere and local hospitality while in the jail.

Backpack Jail Hostel
Address: No. 225-6, Dulan Village, Donghe Township, Taitung County
Phone: 0910 111 412
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/jailhouse.tw
Website:http://jailhouse.pixnet.net/blog
Room Types: 6 bunk beds, one single room, and one double room.
Price: NT$600–750 per night per person (varies by room type)
Services: Accommodation, picnic services, cake orders. (Popular cake: Caramel Apple Chocolate Brownie)