【Stay at a Homestay on Tuesday】Take a Turn and Immerse Yourself in the Azure Ishikiri Coast – Houhu Shuiyue Vacation Villas in Hualien’s Houhu

Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Travel Life Net’s Chen Guanxin

 

Drive 30 minutes from Hualien City to Ishikiri, turn off the main road away from the coast, loop around to get closer to the mountains, and you’ll be greeted by babbling streams and surrounded by lush green hills. The quacking of ducks, barking of dogs, and croaking of frogs create a lively soundscape in this uniquely expansive space filled with flower fields, beautiful ponds, and shaded willows and bamboos. With triple views of mountains, sea, and water, as well as thoughtfully landscaped gardens and rich ecological surroundings, these are the greatest charms of Houhu Shuiyue. The homestay exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere, with the owner couple and their three welcoming dogs keeping guests company during a relaxing stay.

The Houhu Tribe, historically inhabited by the Amis people, was once a beautiful place with verdant mountains and springs. After the road was opened, the farmland was abandoned, the Amis people moved away, and only overgrown wetlands remained. Fortunately, someone purchased the land and began creating the dreamland of Houhu. In 2003, during the SARS outbreak, Wen, who studied advertising, took over the management by chance. Brick by brick, he started land development. Thanks to the area’s year-round abundant springs, which were originally terraced rice paddies and ponds, the 2,000-ping Houhu site was landscaped to follow the original terraced terrain, creating cascading ponds that transformed the area into a lotus ecological pool.

The homestay is surrounded by forests, and just a few steps away from the grounds, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by views of the Pacific Ocean. The azure coastline of Ishikiri comes into view, along with a seaside pavilion where you can lounge on beach chairs, listen to the waves, watch the sea, and enjoy sunrise and moonlit beauty. Among them, the Green Diamond Villa is nestled nearby, featuring a diamond-shaped tent structure built into the terrain, offering a private space to enjoy the ocean view. The Shuiyue Lake Duplex Villa sits quietly by the pond, with a uniquely designed standalone layout that ensures no disturbance between rooms, while its unobstructed leisure platform offers a low-key luxurious vacation atmosphere. Additionally, the grounds feature a Japanese-style terrace with mountain and water views, and a hammock under aTerminalia catappa tree is perfect for reading a good book. Or, you can savor Houhu-style herbal flower tea in the Provençal-style countryside restaurant.

The homestay also has a pet “ginger duck,” whose “quack quack quack” calls often echo through the grounds. In addition, there’s the flat-faced Shar Pei named Bianzui, the energetic Welsh Corgi named Weili, and the hospitable Labrador. This quirky combination of three dogs and one duck serves as the best gatekeepers of Houhu and its most popular ambassadors, appearing in countless guests’ photos.

 

Must-Stay Reasons

1. Breathtaking Scenery: Camphor-lined paths, fragrant grass, blooming flowers, and enchanting lotus ponds.

2. Azure Coastline: Just a short walk up a small slope from the grounds, you can gaze at the blue Pacific Ocean.

3. Communal Kitchen: The kitchen is available for use, fully equipped with pots and pans—just bring your ingredients and ready-to-eat food.

4. Friendly Hosts: The homestay owners are warm and welcoming, and they’re joined by popular animal companions like the duck, dogs, and rabbits.

5. Nearby Attractions: Depart from “Houhu Shuiyue” → Visit “Hualien Fanshanliao” to admire the deep valley known as “Little Taroko” → Head to “Baqi Viewpoint” for a high vantage point overlooking the Ishikiri Bay → Dine at “Xinshe Kavalan Flavor Restaurant” for indigenous cuisine.

 

【Info】

Address: No. 19, Houhu, Linhouli, Fongbin Township, Hualien

Phone: 03-8711-2950, 0933-799-557

Rates: Double Room from NT$1,900 / Four-Person Room from NT$2,800

Website: houhu.com.tw

 

 

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