Dive at least once a year！ Hualien’s Sapadang Creek offers natural spas & diving platforms

▲ Sapadang Creek boasts naturally ideal conditions for creek trekking.

Reported and photographed by Lin Yuying / Hualien

Feel like you can’t go a summer without getting in the water? Besides pools or the beach, if you want to take on a new challenge and free your mind and body, consider a creek-trekking adventure in Hualien！ The classic Sapadang Creek features natural waterfalls that feel like a spa and diving platforms, making it perfect for first-timers.

▲ Sapadang Creek has a natural waterfall spa that helps wash away your accumulated worries.

“Sapadang Creek” means “abundant rainfall” in the Atayal language and is also the water source for Hualien City. This short stretch of waterway features natural cave waterfalls, water slides, and diving platforms, making it a truly iconic spot for creek trekking.

Normally, the area is not open to the public. It is recommended that visitors apply for entry with a professional team (guide), wear proper gear such as wetsuits, life jackets, and helmets, and follow safety instructions throughout the activity.

With the guide’s help, everyone must first use ropes to climb over a small steep slope to reach the creek. Here, you need to lean your body and stay perpendicular to the slope, rather than relying solely on brute strength to climb up. Let go of the tension in your mind, trust your body’s rhythm, and follow the guide’s instructions — this part isn’t difficult at all！

▲% When you get used to leaning your body, you'll gradually adapt to the steep slope. The instructor will guide you from behind.

Next, along the creek, there are many rocks of various sizes, and often you’ll have to climb using both hands and feet. Every step requires careful attention to avoid slipping and getting injured. Team members also need to look out for one another. While moving forward, check on those behind you and lend a hand when needed — after all, the spirit of creek trekking is all about teamwork.

Sapadang Creek features natural cave waterfalls and waterfalls where you can enjoy a spa-like experience and wash away the stress built up in your shoulders and neck. Along the way, you’ll also come across natural water slides and flumes. At these points, the guide will lead the group in fun activities to build courage and trust. You may even join hands with your teammates to do some “water ballet,” enjoying the relaxing feeling of floating together.

▲ The guide leads the team in fun activities to build courage and trust, and you might even join hands with your teammates for some “water ballet.”

▲ Team members should support one another. As you move ahead, don’t forget to check on those behind you and lend a helping hand.

The most famous “diving platform” comes in large, medium, and small sizes. Most people start with the smaller platforms to warm up, while the largest is about five stories high, which can be intimidating even for the average person. However, according to well-known travel writer Liusi Ling, you should “take the plunge before you have time to get scared！” The more you think about it, the more height and pressure will diminish your courage. Instead, your legs will just go weak, and you won’t dare to try.

When you finally take the leap and conquer your fear, you realize that many challenges in life aren’t as difficult or dangerous as they seem. The key is whether you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and try just once. Therefore, creek trekking isn’t just an outdoor activity that reconnects your body with movements you rarely use. It’s also a journey of mental elevation and refinement.

▲ When diving from the big platform, the daring Liusi Ling even attempted some advanced moves. Of course, he still tucked his legs in at the end — otherwise, the pain would have been unbearable. (Photo／MairesiProvided)

Peace Diving & Creek Trekking Adventure Travel
Address: No. 341, Heping Road, Hualien City
Phone: 03-8326444

＊ Participation Requirements: No heart conditions, age under 65
＊ Please follow the guide’s instructions and advice during the activity. Do not act alone or engage in any dangerous behavior.