A Dreamlike Scene of Moonlight and Lake Water – A Hidden Camping Gem in Taitung’s Cloud Mountain Water Style

Text and Photos /Master He

There are truly so many stories about camping. Are the stories about chasing the blue waves of the sea? Or reaching out to touch dazzling shooting stars? This time, Master He from LOVE Camping will take you into the mysterious backcountry – a hidden camping spot where you can fully immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and create memories that will stay with you long after time has passed. Let this be the first chapter of your story, one you can look back on and cherish.

Location and Accessibility of the Hidden Spot:

Differences of the Hidden Spot:

Vast camping area for you to set up.

Beautiful Seven-Colored Lake Scenery

Fun under the trees

Truly a quiet and restful place to camp

Best friends and campfire

The young camp owner who loves to bicker

The little fish who loves bread

Little people who find everything fun (archery requires adult supervision)

The Paiwan tribal chief, Teacher Ma Lai Sheng (the camp owner’s father – lucky to chat with him about Taiwanese history)

If you have time, do come to Taitung and give this camping spot a try

Directions to the Hidden Spot in Taitung:

Head north toward Chulu Ranch, pass the 361 km mark on Provincial Highway 9, please keep to the right

After passing the 360.5 km mark on Provincial Highway 9, turn right

The intersection is well marked, remember to turn right

About 100 meters ahead, you’ll see the entrance to the Hidden Spot, follow the signs

Temporary sign by the gate (new sign is ready but hasn’t been hung up yet)

Once inside the gate, the camp headquarters is on the left

Inside there is a clean and bright little bar counter

Breakfast can be enjoyed here – what a unique campsite (you can also order freshly made pancakes here)

Right when you enter the campsite, you’ll see the chinaberry tree by the water’s edge

This chinaberry tree has been planted for 20 years and is said to grow over 20 meters tall

Of course Up (the camp owner)! He hasn’t returned to the camp yet, so he said over the phone you can look around freely XD

Isn’t that obvious? Master He would definitely choose this spot. Hehe~

During the New Year holiday, there’s this awesome feeling of scoring big.

Honestly ah~ I was really afraid the campsite manager would come back and say we couldn’t set up here, lol.

The other three tents were all properly pitched on the grass nearby—can I really pitch mine like this!? Haha~

Everyone’s pretty quiet (not even a sound at night, which I’m honestly not used to).

Actually, the campsite manager came back and double-checked—yeah, I didn’t mishear.

The young campsite manager said you can pitch your tent however you like; isn’t that what camping is all about?

Wow, way to go, north side, what a smooth-talker.

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This is the upper pool, closer to the campsite manager’s residence.

The new campsite is really well-organized, nothing to complain about (the grassy area is right in front of the camp headquarters).

It’s a very relaxed space—I spent the whole afternoon chatting with the campsite manager here.

You can borrow archery or fishing gear here for free if you want to try either.

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I looked closely, there are no gaps to peek through, otherwise I really wouldn’t have been able to figure it out, XD.

This is even more interesting—you flip the sign to “in use” when taking a shower outside the small bamboo door.

The shower has a big rainfall showerhead, seriously amazing~

There are two different-height chairs provided.

The toilets are spotlessly clean.

There are also cleaning supplies you won’t find at other campsites (this is really nice, so great—no squat toilets needed either).

There are multiple sinks in the campsite.

Just took a few photos, that’s all.

If you don’t want to walk far to wash dishes, just pitch your tent closer.

The campable area has small streetlights all around.

Creative waterproof outlets that also function as tables (a dual-purpose design).

And right in front of the camp headquarters, near the edge of the pond, there’s a large campfire area.

We drove two or three hours from Kenting just to camp by the water’s edge under this big tree.

Really, having a wish come true—was it just a little bit of luck?

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There are two drink options: the best local soy milk or Sholu fresh milk, your pick.

The pancakes are made by Chef He, ordered separately (made with fresh milk from Sholu Ranch).

Also, during dinner time, there’s this incredibly delicious tribal smoked meat (this smoked meat has a story—ask the camp host!).

Turns out millet wine paired with lemon is an absolutely perfect match (available in the evening, get an extra cup when you check in on Facebook).

● 《ET News Cloud》 reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive if you’ve been drinking.

Listen to Wangwang seriously saying that as long as you check in on Facebook, you’ll get a free drink too (wish I’d made more accounts XD)!

,

Da Heihei says, seriously true lah!! I checked in way too much last night, drank too much, still drunk till now lol.

The head’s usual hangout and chat spot (no entry for outsiders, fierce dogs inside, must be led by the camp host).

Teacher Ma Lai Sheng, who knows a lot about Taiwanese history, warmly welcomes fellow campers who want to learn more to come visit.

When you come to Chulu, you definitely have to go soak in the hot springs (the camp host recommends Shan Yue Hot Spring).

On Provincial Highway 9, take County Road 36 East, please go left (don’t turn right over the bridge hey).

At the fork, zoom in on the sign pointing toward Hongye and just follow it (County Road 36 East).

On County Road 36 East, go straight for about 1.5 km, then take the right fork toward the red suspension bridge.

There’s a sign for Shan Yue Hot Spring by the fork (it’s really only for regulars).

Driving across the suspension bridge is a very unique experience.

After crossing the bridge, the hot spring is right on your right.

Let’s take a look at the hot spring’s menu (free hot drinks are provided).

Hot spring fees: NT$100 for adults, NT$50 for children on holidays, with an additional NT$50 surcharge during the New Year period.

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I absolutely love how every campsite has its ever-changing expressions at night.

A little bit of romantic fire flickers up in the campfire.

Is it something only you can see in our little camp family?

Under magical branches, it’s only romantic with you, right?!

In the endlessly sweet camping moments.

With endless topics by the bar.

Topics filled with light and shadow that could make you tipsy.

Topics that tell of picturesque scenery.

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There truly are romantic stories by the waterside.

The first page of the story ends brilliantly under the starlight of the night.

The hidden doorplate of the holiday special is revealed, No:152. Next camp, heading to the mountain area—Shandi Gate, wonder if I’ll see you there? Or you?

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Precautions:
1. At this campsite, please do not release small living creatures. (The water pool and lakeside areas are dangerous.)
2. Currently, the campsite fee includes breakfast and light dinner. Please assess the cost accordingly and do not disturb.
Master He’s ramblings: Take a purposeless trip during the holidays, and you’ll understand how fun free camping can be.
Campsite fee: One tent x 1200 TWD (includes breakfast, limited to four people) (Dinner includes Chief’s special smoked meat and homemade lemon millet wine)
Campsite capacity: Currently only 10 tents are available (no restricted areas — any visible spot is open for camping)
Campsite utilities: Convenient power supply, campsite bathroom facilities: two toilets and two showers
Campsite consumption: Light snacks available, please inquire with the campsite owner
Mobile signal: Chunghwa Telecom 4G OK, other networks fully available
Summer camping: Altitude 300 meters, bring a fan
Campsite perks:
1. Home to the most beautiful cloud-and-water scenery in Taitung (the campsite night view is stunning)
2. About a 5-minute drive from Chulu Ranch
3. Very low light pollution, great for stargazing
4. Free fishing, archery, and other mini games available
5. Nutritious breakfast included, plus fresh Chulu milk (self-serve)
6. The campsite is about a 15-minute drive from the hot spring resort — when you come here to camp, you’re here to soak too！

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Address: No. 68, Lane 6, Longguomai, Mingcui Village, Beitun Township, Taitung City
Phone: Xiao Ma 0912-707774 (private booking price X10000 TWD)