Hu Moon Lake: Taiwan's Hidden Paradise You NEED to See!
Hu Moon Lake: Taiwan's Hidden Paradise… Or Just a Really Beautiful Place to Chill? (Honest Review, No BS)
Okay, so you're looking at Hu Moon Lake, eh? That shimmering blue jewel nestled in the heart of Taiwan. The brochures promise paradise, the travel blogs gush… but let’s get real, shall we? I've been. I survived. And I'm here to give you the lowdown, warts and all, on whether you need to see it. Because honestly? This place is a mixed bag.
First things first: Accessibility & Getting There (The "Ugh, How Do I Even Get There?" Section)
Getting to Hu Moon Lake is… well, it's an adventure. Let's be honest. Accessibility? That's a tricky one. While I didn't specifically check, I did notice facilities for disabled guests being advertised, and there’s an elevator in the main building – which is a good start, I guess. But navigating the winding roads and potential inclines around the lake… that's where things get dicey. Lots of stairs. Be prepared. If you need extra assistance, I strongly recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm their specific accessibility options. Don’t rely on my vague impressions.
Getting to the Lake: Airport transfer is offered, which is a godsend, because trust me, figuring out public transport with luggage (especially solo!) is a migraine waiting to happen. There’s also car park [free of charge] & car park [on-site] which is great if you're driving (highly recommended if you want to explore beyond the immediate hotel area), otherwise, taxi service can get you around. Just… brace yourself for potential language barriers. My Mandarin is, ahem, "developing," and let’s just say pointing at the lake and making "whooshing" noises didn’t always yield the desired results. (Note to self: Learn more Mandarin.)
The Hotel Interior: Comfort & Connectivity (Or, the "Can I Actually Use Wi-Fi?" Saga)
Alright, let's talk about the good stuff. The rooms… oh, the rooms! My room had air conditioning (praise the heavens!), a seriously comfy extra long bed, and a window that opens – a small detail I always appreciate. Plus, the bathrobes were ridiculously plush. I actually just wore the bathrobe for the entire first day, living my best hotel-life, and no judgment. There were also slippers, which is a hotel luxury I fully embrace. Loved that.
And the Internet access situation? That’s where it gets interesting. Advertised as Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and yes, that's what you'll get. But it's not always… reliable. Let's just say I spent a good chunk of time wrestling with the Internet access – wireless and, at one point, resorted to the Internet [LAN] (remember LAN cables?!) just to get a decent signal. The speed varied wildly, which was frustrating because I needed to work. So maybe manage your expectations on that front. They say there's Wi-Fi in public areas, but honestly, I barely ventured out of my room.
Room Goodies & Essentials:
- Air conditioning: Essential. Taiwan's humidity is no joke.
- Alarm clock: Pretty standard.
- Alarm Clock, bathrobe, bathroom phone, bathtub
- Bathroom phone: I didn't actually use it, but hey, it was there.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for those jet-lagged mornings. I wish I had them at home, and this hotel had them!
- Closet: Plenty of space to unpack your suitcase, of course.
- Coffee/tea maker & complimentary tea: Bless their hearts. Essential for those early mornings.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was sparkling EVERY DAY, which was amazing.
- Desk: Good for working (when the Wi-Fi cooperated!)
- Extra long bed: Best sleep I've had in ages!
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Saved my life (and my hair).
- High floor: My view was amazing.
- In-room safe box: Always a good thing.
- Ironing facilities: Didn't iron, but they were there.
- Laptop workspace: Useful, if you need it.
- Linens: Super soft and clean.
- Mini bar: stocked with goodies, pricey.
- Mirror: Good for staring at yourself after a long day of wandering.
- Non-smoking: Thank God.
- On-demand movies: I was too tired to watch.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator: Great for keeping drinks cold.
- Satellite/cable channels: Too many channels.
- Scale: Don't.
- Seating area: Nice for relaxing.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Lux-levels.
- Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries: All the essentials.
- Towels.
- Umbrella: Always a good thing to have, especially in Taiwan!
- Visual alarm: Thankfully, didn't need it.
- Wake-up service: Never used it, because my internal clock is screwed.
- Wi-Fi [free] (see above!)
- Window that opens: Air circulation always appreciated.
Safety & Cleanliness: Post-Covid Considerations (The "Did I Get Sanitized?" Section)
Okay, so, the world is a bit… different. I paid close attention to Cleanliness and safety. They had Anti-viral cleaning products as advertised. Daily disinfection in common areas seemed to be happening. I didn't see anyone spraying down the rooms, but my room had been sanitized between stays. The staff were masked, and I always saw Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I think they were using Professional-grade sanitizing services (but wasn't 100% sure). I think. Rooms sanitized between stays. Most importantly, I survived.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Disaster)
Okay, let's talk food. Hu Moon Lake offers a feast for the senses. Restaurants galore! A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet]. I had breakfast [buffet] every morning (because, hello, carbs!). They had buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, some desserts in restaurant, but the best thing? Room service [24-hour]. Which I utilized, at 3 AM, after a particularly grueling bout of jet lag. Pure bliss.
Of course, there are restaurants, restaurants, and more restaurants. Options: Western cuisine in restaurant and Vegetarian restaurant. A Happy hour, however? I missed that, obviously, because I was probably asleep, or staring at the lake.
A Note on the Poolside Bar and Snack Bar (The "I Regret Nothing" Confession)
There was a Poolside bar. I spent one glorious afternoon nursing a cocktail, watching the sun dip below the mountains, and pretending I had a care in the world. It was the single best moment of the entire trip. I'd go back just for that one hour of pure, unadulterated relaxation. Snack bar? Yeah, I nibbled on some things. I regret nothing.
Things To Do (And, Let's Be Honest, Things I Didn't Do)
Okay, besides drinking cocktails by the pool, what else is there? Well, apparently, a lot.
- Things to do, ways to relax: The brochure promised a Spa, with a Sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Steamroom. I… I don't have to tell you.
- Fitness center and Gym/fitness: I am one of those "I'll go to the gym… tomorrow" people. So, no. Didn’t use those.
- Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view: See above (cocktails).
- Bicycle parking. Cool, wish I had rented one.
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Safety deposit boxes
- Shrine.
- Smoking area.
- Terrace.
- Wake-up service.
**Services & Conveniences (The
Escape to Germany's Hidden Gem: Gasthaus Johanning Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is HOW I actually managed, and mostly survived, a trip (more of a chaotic dance, really) to Sun Moon Lake and Hualien, Taiwan. Get ready for some real talk, folks.
Day 1: Arrival in Taipei (and a near-meltdown at Taoyuan Airport)
- 8:00 AM: Landed at Taoyuan International Airport. Ugh, jet lag. Already regretting the economy class seat on the red-eye. This airport, mind you, is a beast. It's huge, slick, and filled with people moving like they're on a mission. Me? I'm fumbling for my phone, trying to remember if I activated international roaming (spoiler: I didn't, and for a glorious hour, I was unreachable).
- 8:45 AM: Finally get internet. Commence frantic research about getting to the train station. Apparently, there's a train AND a bus. My brain is mush. Ended up taking the bus, which, in my sleep-deprived stupor, felt like a never-ending voyage. I swear it took longer than the flight!
- 11:00 AM: Arrived at the Taipei Main Station. Absolute chaos. I'm pretty sure I saw a tumbleweed roll through. Okay, maybe not, but the sheer volume of people, the smells of food, the noise… it was a sensory overload. Found my train to Taichung (which is the gateway to Sun Moon Lake, FYI) and collapsed.
- 1:00 PM: On the train, finally. Briefly feel smug about my transportation choices (bus, train, all figured out, yay me!). Settle in, try to enjoy the scenery (mostly blurry green blobs). Realize I have no snacks. Major problem. Hunger is starting to gnaw at my sanity.
- 3:00 PM: Arrived at Taichung. Okay, I got this. I'm a travel pro now! … Except, wait. Where's the bus to Sun Moon Lake? Ask a friendly Taiwanese guy. He gestures wildly, says something in rapid-fire Mandarin, and I nod enthusiastically. I got this! (Or maybe I totally don't).
- 4:00 PM: Find the right bus. Get crammed in with what felt like the entire population of Taichung. The air got thick, but I'm still determined.
- 6:00 PM: Finally, Sun Moon Lake! It's gorgeous, I gotta admit. The view from my hotel is breathtaking, everything feels right. For like - 10 minutes.
- 6:10 PM: Realization: I'm starving. Food, NOW!
- 7:00 PM: Found a little restaurant. Ordering is a fun game of charades involving pointing at pictures. The food? Amazing. Some kind of local fish, delicious. The moment I took my first bite, the jetlag, the travel stress, the sheer confusion dissolved. Suddenly, everything was alright.
- 8:00 PM: Stroll around the lake, bathed in the evening glow. It's magical. Decide that Taiwan might just be the best place on Earth.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse into bed, a happy, well-fed, jet-lagged mess.
Day 2: Sun Moon Lake – Boats, Temples, and the Pursuit of Peace (Spoiler: I found some, eventually)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to a ridiculously stunning sunrise over Sun Moon Lake. Take a million pictures. Feel like a travel blogger (hah!).
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The hotel buffet wasn't the best but it served its purpose.
- 9:00 AM: Boat tour time! Sun Moon Lake is enormous. Hopped on a boat with a million other tourists. It's a little crowded, but the views are worth it. Visited a few temples, including Wenwu Temple (impressive, lots of steps, my legs are screaming).
- 11:00 AM: Walked around a bit, saw some deer, bought some souvenirs (regret purchasing an overpriced keychain). Tried to take an Insta-worthy picture of the lake. Failed miserably.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. More amazing food! Tried the tea eggs (hard-boiled eggs steeped in tea, a Taiwanese specialty). Delicious!
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a nap. I cannot stress enough the importance of the afternoon nap.
- 4:00 PM: Rented a bike. Decided I'd cycle a bit, to further explore the lake. Cycling around was a total different experience. No crowds, great views, peace…
- 6:00 PM: Ate a few snacks, and I thought the day was complete. Except, my bike - failed. So I had to find a local, who helped me get it back to the rental place.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and drinks!
Day 3: Travel to Hualien, the Taroko Gorge… and a near-death experience (exaggeration is fun!)
- 7:00 AM: Check out. The hotel was cute and simple.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to the train station. One last look at that lake. I miss it already.
- 10:00 AM: Train to Hualien. A few hours on the train.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived in Hualien. It's already beautiful. The mountains are everywhere.
- 2:00 PM: Checked into my hostel. It was a bit rough around the edges. But the reviews were decent, so I just went with the flow.
- 3:00 PM: Found a tour van to visit Taroko Gorge. Now listen, this place is incredible. Seriously, jaw-droppingly, breathtakingly incredible. The sheer scale of the gorge, the marble cliffs, the turquoise river… it's like something out of a movie.
- 3:30 PM: Hiking. The tour guides were great. Explained the geology and history, and told us scary stories of landslides and avalanches. Got to wear a helmet. Okay, I was still a bit nervous.
- 4:30 PM: Found the Eternal Spring Shrine, and hiked for 30-60 minutes nearby. The views were incredible and the air was so fresh.
- 6:00 PM: As we're walking, there was sudden heavy rain, and our hiking group was nearly swept away by a torrent of water. The tour guide acted fast. We luckily avoided the landslide. I never felt that scared, ever.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I barely ate!
Day 4: Hualien - Dolphins, Beaches, and the Aftermath of Terror
- 7:00 AM: Ate a simple breakfast in the hostel. A bit apprehensive, but ready to move on!
- 8:00 AM: Dolphin watching! Another tour, on a small boat. The sea was rough, and the boat was rocking like crazy. My stomach was not happy. But the dolphins! They were amazing. Leaping out of the waves and swimming alongside the boat. Totally worth the seasickness.
- 11:00 AM: Drove to Qixingtan Beach. The pebbles are smooth, the ocean deep blue, and the mountains at the back. It's stunning. Spent a couple of hours just wandering, feeling the wind, and trying to process the near-death experience from the day before.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a restaurant specializing in local seafood. The seafood was probably the best I've ever had.
- 2:00 PM: More beach time. I was in this amazing place, where the ocean looked so clear, and I just needed to slow down, breathe, and be grateful to be alive.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hostel. Resting, and contemplating what to do.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner.
- 8:00 PM: A few drinks and talking, finally fell asleep.
Day 5: The Journey Home (and a few lingering thoughts)…
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast in Hualien. Bittersweet.
- 9:00 AM: Train back to Taipei.
- 12:00 PM: Arrived in Taipei. The city felt different.
- 4:00 PM: Depart from Taoyuan International Airport.
- 10:00 PM: Arrive home, exhausted but…changed.
Final Ramblings:
So, there you have it. My gloriously imperfect, often-chaotic adventure. I didn't stick to a rigid schedule, I got lost, I made mistakes. But I saw incredible things, ate amazing food, and met some wonderful people. Taiwan is a sensory explosion, a place that challenges, inspires, and leaves you wanting more. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I plan it more meticulously? Maybe, but probably not. Sometimes, the best adventures are
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Dafne, Punta Marina, Italy Awaits!
Okay, so… what *is* this whole FAQ thing supposed to be about? Like, WHAT are we doing here?!
Good question! Honestly, even *I* sometimes forget. The "official" answer is, it's a list of frequently asked questions. But, let's be real, it's more like a therapy session where *I'm* the therapist and the patient, simultaneously. I'm supposed to answer questions, I guess. But who knows where we'll end up? Expect tangents. Expect confessions. Expect me to completely forget what the original question was.
Are these answers… accurate? Like, can I *trust* the information here?
Trust? Honey, let's just say I'm not an encyclopedia. I'm more of a… well, I'm a person. I have opinions. I have memories. I have, on occasion, hallucinated that my stapler was judging me. So, take my answers with a grain of salt. Do your *own* research, please! Don't blame me if you base your entire life on something I said and end up living in a yurt with a pet llama because I mentioned it in passing. (Although, a yurt with a llama… sounds kinda nice…).
What are some of the common problems people face? (Like, what's your biggest headache at the moment?)
Problems, you say? Oh, where do I even *begin*? Let’s see… The internet is full of annoying things. There's that one person who always replies to every comment to tell me about the typo in their answer and who uses far too many exclamation marks!!! Also, I seem to constantly misplace my phone even if it’s literally, right here - the *very* definition of a first-world problem right there. Oh! And that person on aisle seven in the grocery store who is *always* in the way! Oh, and there are the many more pressing things like climate change, geopolitical tensions, and… oh, well, you get the idea. It's *always* something isn't it?
What do you *actually* do all day? Be honest, I've heard rumors…
Okay, okay, you caught me. The rumors are... mostly true. My days look a lot like this: Wake up (or, you know, *try* to wake up. Actually *waking* is an ongoing process), consume an ungodly amount of caffeine, answer some questions (like these!), stare blankly at the wall for a solid hour (it's research!), feel existential dread about the passage of time, maybe eat something. Repeat. I also spend a significant amount of time arguing with my cat, Princess Fluffernutter, about who owns the couch. (She's winning, obviously. She's *very* persuasive.). Oh, and I definitely spend at least an hour each day on the internet, falling down various rabbit holes. (Remember, I'm trying to research!).
Is it hard doing this? Like, emotionally, mentally, all of it?
Hard? Yeah. Sometimes? Totally. Look, I’m not going to lie, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows in my brain. Some days I feel like I have all the answers, and other days, I can't remember my own name. Some questions are easy, some are thought-provoking, and some… well, some make me question the very fabric of reality. There are times where I feel like I’m constantly being judged, the expectations can be high. I'm a real person doing a real thing - it's messy, but it's real.
I also think this goes beyond me as I can probably speak towards doing any kind creative work. If you're doing it, it's hard sometimes. It is also totally worth it.
Where do you get your inspiration? Any *secret* sources?
Inspiration? Oh, that's a fun one. I find it everywhere! My cat's unwavering belief in her own superiority. The sheer absurdity of human behavior. The existential dread I mentioned earlier (it's a muse, okay?). Also, random conversations I overhear on the bus (don't judge me, eavesdropping is research!). And, of course, the internet. That's where the real magic happens. (Mostly. Sometimes it's just a lot of cat videos.) I am also influenced by the people I love. I think inspiration is that constant desire to see the world as both good and bad and wanting to find a place there.
What's the single most important thing you want people to take away from this? (And, like, make it good.)
Okay, deep breath. Here it comes… The most important thing? Probably the most important thing is that it's okay to not be perfect. Seriously. We're all just stumbling around in the dark, trying to figure things out. Messiness is fine! Embrace it! Laugh at it! And, above all, be kind to yourself AND other people. Let’s try to get out of here knowing we gave it the best we can. That’s really the only thing that matters. And maybe that your pet will love you unconditionally.
