Tripbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Expert
In recent years, self-challenging travel styles have gradually become a trend. Activities such as skydiving, high-altitude hiking, and stream trekking are not only incredibly unique experiences but also immersive ways to connect with nature. Today, we’re introducinghidden wild hot springs nestled in Taiwan’s mountain forests. Although they may require some challenging hikes, the breathtaking scenery along the way will definitely leave a lasting impression.Now, follow us as we explore the mountains on foot, enjoy the comfortable and pleasant wild hot springs, and feel the warmth and pulse of nature.
Modern people value leisure, so most hotels or resorts usually offer indoor hot springs where travelers can relax their body and soul. However, the views at indoor hot springs are often quite similar. If you’re looking for a different hot spring experience, wild hot springs might be a great alternative.
Although wild hot springs are often located in secluded mountain areas and may require strenuous treks to reach, this type of self-challenging outdoor activity can help you leave urban worries behind. After immersing yourself in nature step by step, you can relax and soak in the hot springs, fully merging with the pristine beauty of nature.
In the upper reaches of the Ailiao North Creek in Pingtung, there is a mysterious stream called “Hayou Creek.” Its source is Xiaogui Lake, one of the two sacred sites of the Rukai tribe. Why is it called a mysterious stream? That’s because the middle section of Hayou Creek features stunning rainbow rock walls, said to be painted by God’s forgotten brush, along with enchanting wild hot spring spots.
But to see these beautiful sights, you’ll need patience and perseverance. Hayou Creek Canyon is only accessible when the water level in the Ailiao North Creek is low, making it a winter dry-season exclusive route. Moreover, getting to the Hayou Creek wild hot springs involves hiking and wading through deep pools. Along the way, you can admire mysterious and magical landscapes like stalactites and red rocks. Besides the tough journey, another reason to be cautious is that once you’ve visited the Hayou Creek wild hot springs, you’ll likely become addicted to exploring such stunning wild hot spring spots.
■ Hot Spring Season: December to February
Lishong Hot Spring is hailed as the most beautiful wild hot spring in Taiwan. However, seeing this beauty in person is no easy feat. Located at an altitude of about 1,547 meters, the entire journey requires you to grip ropes with both hands. Some cliffs are so steep that you’ll need to carefully use both your hands and feet on the descent. Therefore, it’s recommended that those planning to visit Lishong wild hot springs train their physical endurance beforehand.
Of course, the challenging journey is well worth it. Lishong Hot Spring, with its weakly alkaline carbonated water quality, features calcium carbonate crystals from the mountain walls mixed with algae, creating a green-and-white color scheme as captivating as jade. You can warm up in the hot spring while enjoying what is arguably Taiwan’s top hot spring scenery. This journey is absolutely worthwhile. But please note: try to leave the mountain area by 4 PM to avoid fog and difficult walking conditions, and make sure to go with professionals and wear proper gear.
■ Hot Spring Season: November to April
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Wild Hot Spring Recommended Route – Lishong Hot Spring. (Photo / Tripbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Near Jiayalu Lake in Yilan, Fanfan Hot Spring has become a very popular wild hot spring destination in recent years. This wild hot spring, located within the Atayal tribe’s Yingshi Village, is quite unique. Its flow direction changes every year, so around Fanfan Hot Spring, you’ll find naturally formed hot spring pools enclosed by stones by locals. The naturally emerging hot spring water reaches temperatures as high as 60°C, and when mixed with the ambient cool creek water, it creates the perfect soaking temperature.
If time and energy permit, it’s recommended to first hike up Jiayalu Lake in Yilan. After “tempering your will and laboring your muscles,” you may better appreciate the beauty and healing power of wild hot springs. Since Fanfan Hot Spring is an alkaline carbonated spring, it doesn’t have a strong sulfur smell. For a hot spring experience during the winter weekend, why not venture deep into the forest and enjoy the charm of a wild hot spring?
■ Hot Spring Season: October to December
Wild Hot Spring Recommended Route – Fanfan Hot Spring. (Photo / Tripbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
One of the most anticipated autumn activities is enjoying the foliage as it turns from green to red. Near the Xiuluan Tribe, there’s a hidden forest gem – the Tagang Canyon Wild Hot Spring. Walking from Xiuluan Village is not difficult. After about a 20-minute walk to a fork in the road, follow the rocky cliff upstream for about 40 minutes to reach this wild hot spring tucked away in the forest.
The Tagang Canyon Wild Hot Spring is a calcium bicarbonate spring, which leads to an abundance of algae, giving the water a deep green hue. It’s also a natural hot spring pool where you can DIY by arranging stones and adjusting the mix of hot spring and creek water to your preferred temperature. Surrounded by such a forested paradise, soaking in a wild hot spring while enjoying the tranquility and red leaves is truly blissful.
Wild Hot Spring Recommended Route – Hsinchu Tagang Wild Hot Spring. (Photo / Tripbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Also part of the Atayal tribe, the emerging village of Kalaho is home to another highly desirable wild hot spring – Kalaho Hot Spring. During this cooling autumn season, there’s nothing better than soaking in a hot spring to soothe your body. However, to reach Kalaho Hot Spring, you must first climb multiple stone staircases and ascend a long iron ladder attached to the mountainside to get to your destination – Kalaho Hot Spring. It’s definitely a challenging wild hot spring route.
But the scenery along the way is absolutely stunning, and on clear days, it’s even more uplifting. The hot spring pool features crystal-clear creek water and boasts Taiwan’s only hot spring waterfall. Natural hot spring water from the mountain walls mixes with the ambient creek water, creating varying temperatures in different pools, allowing you to freely choose your preferred soaking temperature.
Wild Hot Spring Recommended Route – Kalaho Hot Spring. (Photo / Tripbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Aside from Zhentou Hot Spring, Wusong Hot Spring, and Lishong Hot Spring, Taitung also offers the Red Leaf Hot Spring in Yan’an Township. Every summer, Red Leaf Hot Spring is submerged by the creek, but come winter, wild hot spring enthusiasts flock here to rediscover the hot spring pools. However, the excavation location changes each year depending on the water level.
Getting to Taitung’s Red Leaf Hot Spring is convenient. Just look for the red iron bridge over the Luye Creek – the hot spring lies right beneath it. When visiting Taitung, besides the famous hot springs, exploring the wild and rustic Red Leaf Wild Hot Spring is a new outdoor adventure. If you visit in autumn, you can even enjoy the mountain maple leaves while soaking.
Image Source: IG #jiakaiwu1126
What makes these hidden wild hot springs in forested paradises so appealing that people are willing to put in the effort to hike, pull ropes, or spend hours on challenging treks? The reason is actually quite simple. Soaking in hot springs has become a part of modern life. When you want a hot spring experience, all you need to do is go to a hot spring hotel, where everything is prepared for you. But the views and environment you get are somewhat limited. As for where the hot spring water comes from or what its properties are – many related questions remain unanswered, which is quite a pity.
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Recommended Wild Hot Spring Route – Fanfan Wild Hot Springs. (Photo / Tripbaa, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
If you research all the information in advance and gain some understanding of hot springs, visiting a wild hot spring hidden within the secluded forests and mountains can allow you to truly experience the earth beneath your feet and connect with nature. You’ll get to witness the beauty of Taiwan’s mountainous wilderness firsthand. Nothing worth having comes easy — finding a wild hot spring deep in the forest might be challenging, but the healing moment when you’re moved by nature after trekking through the mountains is an invaluable reward.
Authorized reprint from Tripbaa | Original article from Explore Wild Hot Springs in the Mountains’ Hidden Corners!6 Unforgettable Wild Hot Spring Routes