Let’s face it, when it comes to finding overseas accommodation nowadays, a regular hotel chain just doesn’t cut it – especially when we can choose from quirky Airbnb houses or local traditional lodging for the cultural experience. Much like Japan has its ryokans, Taiwan has minsu – AKA cosy homestays.
Most of these are family-run B&Bs and many of them are close to huge farms. Whether you’re travelling solo to Taiwan, on a couple’s trip, or on a family holiday with young kids, there’s a homestay for you. From farms with free-roaming animals to European-themed villas, here are the most gorgeous mountain homestays in Taiwan.
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Image adapted from: Dakeng Leisure Farm via Facebook
One could easily be mistaken for having landed somewhere in the German mountains when staying at Dakeng Leisure Farm. The homestay has a number of themed villas, including fairytale-like forest cabins and European B&Bs, as well as castles for the perfect photo op.
Even the food served at the in-house restaurant follows the Western-Chinese fusion theme. Because bamboo shoots are grown in the Dakeng district, the plant features quite heavily in many dishes.
Image adapted from: @sky_700706, @hengyin_wang & @a31225wtwsavishao via Instagram
If you’re wondering what one can get up to at a farm, let’s just say a lot. Of course, you can interact with the animals – the kids might particularly enjoy petting the cute furry ones or feeding the birds. Then there’s the water play area for them to splash about in, and the adventurous folks can take a walk along the suspension rope bridge.
Image credit: Dakeng Leisure Farm via Facebook
The highlight, though, is the sunrise and sunset view from the Belvedere Observation Deck. From here, you get 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, and when the clouds get low, the scenery is magical.
Image adapted from: @huichuanchang via Instagram
The farm has incorporated various natural elements into its design, such as having a waterfall as part of the Iruba Houseboat restaurant’s facade and playgrounds with elements made from natural materials.
Image credit: Dakeng Leisure Farm via Facebook
Each room has its own private balcony overlooking the greenery, and if you’re lucky enough, you might spot doves sitting on the trees nearby.
Image credit: @liouamy via Instagram
Located within the Siraya National Scenic Area – a huge area in Southern Taiwan dedicated to farming – Nanyuan Garden Resort Farm is connected to 6 natural lakes. So, it goes without saying that the lakeside log cabins are the most popular accommodation.
Image adapted from: @shells_veg_foodlife & @annie76124 via Instagram
As a guest at the resort, you can try your hand at golf by hitting the ball directly into the lake. Or head down to the mini petting zoo, which is home to rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, and even deer.
Image credit: @prettily0213 via Instagram
Those who want to explore further can embark on one of the many hiking trails or go rafting on the lake. To keep the little ones occupied, the farm has also kept a few kids’ vehicles, like motorbikes and minicars, for them to ride around the open lawn.
Wushantu Reservoir.
Image credit: Siraya National Scenic Area Administration
When you’re done exploring the 30 hectares of land, feel free to venture out and check out the attractions nearby. The homestay is a 10-minute drive to the Wushantu Reservoir, also known as the Coral Lake because of its hue, and 8 minutes from Wushantoushuiku Riverside Park where the whole fam can enjoy large water slides.
Lakeside log cabins for a family of 4.
Image credit: TripAdvisor
Image credit: 頭城農場 via Facebook
One of the biggest draws of a farmstay is being able to indulge in fresh local produce that is grown on the grounds. Take delight in the farm-to-table cuisine at Toucheng Leisure Farm, where the guests are served a buffet consisting of the vegetables and fruits farmed on the premises daily for breakfast.
For Muslim friends, there’s also a farm tour (NT$800, ~S$33.84) that ends with a halal feast. Dishes include cold seafood, anchovy omelette, fish curry, and spicy fried chicken.
Farm tour and animal feeding.
Image adapted from: 頭城農場 via Facebook
You’ve got about 120 hectares of land to explore and increase your knowledge of agricultural practices. Apart from being able to take a farm tour and feed the cattle, you can also participate in the Cang Jiu Winery tour, attend a moss terrarium workshop, or try mud oven baking – all within the compound.
Just take a stroll on the farm and you’re bound to come across one of the many attractions – a butterfly trail, a bamboo forest, a fruit orchard, and even a composting house.
Standard Twin Room.
Image credit: 頭城農場 via Facebook
There’s a whole range of sleeping options, including rooms that can accommodate from 1 to 6 people, and 2-storey villas that can fit larger groups of up to 12 people.
Image credit: Green Forest
Green Forest Villa will remind you of our Singapore chalets, except it’s naturally surrounded by mountains, forests, and a lake. This homestay is perfect for a group of friends who want to escape Taipei for a bit without going too far. In fact, it’s just an hour’s drive from the city or 2 hours by bus.
Just like our chalets, BBQ facilities are available for a fun night of HTHT while barbecuing. If you’re not up for cooking your own meal, simply make your way to the night markets nearby – which include Lanyang Tourist Night Market, Dongmen Night Market, and Luodong Night Market.
Image credit: Green Forest
While the wooden cabins may look rustic from the outside, they are decorated like a modern B&B from the inside.
Image adapted from: @meoow_116 & @huiyansu via Instagram
While you’re in Yilan, you might as well check out the attractions in the vicinity, such as the Yilan Distillery Chia Chi Lan Wine Museum, which has free entry; and the Brick Ark Museum, which showcases large Lego sculptures such as Iron Man and The Minions.
Image credit: Jien Mount Villas
Whether you’ve been to a Japanese onsen town or not, you’re probably aware of the relaxing benefits of soaking in a hot spring pool. Recreate that very experience at Jien Mount Villas, conveniently located in a mountain town less than an hour from Taipei.
There are a lot of things to do in Jiufen and this homestay is within walking distance of many of these attractions, like Cyuanji Temple, Aqueduct Bridge, and the Teapot Mountain Trail.
Image credit: Jien Mount Villas via Facebook
Of course, the highlight is the outdoor hot spring pool, which overlooks the mountain range and offers the perfect respite from the busy old town.
Jien Mount Suite with Mountain View.
Image credit: Jien Mount Villas via Facebook
Funnily enough, the rooms also follow Japanese-style architecture featuring sliding doors known as shoji. And all rooms – yup, no matter which one you choose – get a view of Keelung Mountain.
Plus, the location of the building is such that you can see both the sunrise and sunset from the homestay.
Image credit: Greenfield B&B
It’s not common for homestays in Taiwan to offer campervan rooms as an option – making the idea quite a novel one. The only caveat is that you’ll have to travel about 3.5 hours out of Taipei to get to Greenfield B&B. But if you’re on a road trip, it’s worth adding this homestay in Hualien to your itinerary.
Image adapted from: @emmali0410 & @poppy_lin8800 via Instagram
While the interiors may look extra cosy, rest assured that the campervan fits a queen-sized bed so you and bae can stay comfortably.
Morning Whisper room for 2 pax.
Image credit: Greenfield B&B
There are also the usual rooms for couples and families of up to 4 people. Here’s a tip from past guests: you can request to borrow the owner’s bicycle to explore the area and attractions nearby.
Staying here will grant you free entry to the nearby Yun Shan Shui Plant Farm and Taoshi Trail attractions. If you’ve got a car, then drive out 20 minutes to see Liyu Lake or have a splashing fun time at Farglory Ocean Park (from S$29.19).
Book tickets to Farglory Ocean Park.
Image credit: 清境日初雲來渡假莊園 via Facebook
Bridgerton fans, gear up for your own whirlwind romance at EOS Resort that will have you feeling like you’re staying in the English countryside – complete with the horses.
Cherry blossoms can be seen during spring.
Image credit: 清境日初雲來渡假莊園 via Facebook
You read that right, the B&B is home to 3 miniature horses that you can interact with and feed carrots to.
Although the B&B is less than a 2-hour drive from Taichung city, it is quite secluded and has a relatively small capacity. For those who want some privacy and quiet in the mountains, this is the place to be. Go for long walks towards the Cingjing Skywalk, catch the sun set over the mountains, or rent a movie and have a night in.
Classic Suite.
Image credit: EOS Resort
Room types include a Garden Room for 2, Classic Suite for 2 with a balcony that faces the mountains, and a Deluxe Suite for 4 with a mezzanine floor.
Those with kids in tow can drive 7 minutes to Cingjing Farm to say hi to the adorable flock of sheep.
Image credit: @mgfarm3888 via Instagram
Nantou County is filled with homestays surrounding the Wushe Reservoir, but Ming Ging Farm stands out for its unobstructed views. Thanks to its height and location, guests can clearly spot Nenggao, Qilai, and Hehuan Mountains, as well as the reservoir far below.
Image credit: @mgfarm3888 via Instagram
You’ll definitely be spending a lot of time on the long terrace, either catching the spectacular sunset or gazing at the stars once night falls.
The in-house fine dining restaurant also has an afternoon tea set for 2 (NT$799, ~S$33.80) for you to experience a high tea in the mountains – it doesn’t get any better than this.
View Double Room.
Image credit: Ming Ging Farm via Facebook
To make the most of the views, all rooms come with either floor-to-ceiling windows or half-height windows. You can even admire the scenery from your private hot tub.
Double Room with Lake or Mountain View.
Image credit: @cycy.daily via Instagram
Some rooms also come with private balconies, so it’s a good chance to indulge in some room service and have an intimate lunch or dinner with your fellow travellers.
Btw, the homestay offers free guided tours of the gardens for guests during certain seasons – simply pop by the reception to ask.
Image credit: 卓也小屋度假園區 via Facebook
Just 45 minutes from Taichung, Zhuo Ye Cottage is made for the ‘Gram. The cottages are inspired by those of Taiwan’s early farmers, and made from timber, stone, and brick.
Image credit: 卓也小屋度假園區 via Facebook
Apart from the rooms and restaurants, which are housed in larger cottages, there are also mini huts scattered around the walking trails. The fairytale-like garden will remind you of childhood storybooks featuring fantasy creatures living in tiny cottages. Now if only we could spot a pixie or an elf.
Miaoli-Zhuoye Book Garden.
Image credit: 卓也小屋度假園區 via Facebook
There’s also a fully vegetarian Chinese restaurant and a cafe with al fresco dining surrounded by lush greenery.
Image adapted from: 卓也小屋度假園區 via Facebook
Get your hands dirty at the DIY indigo dyeing workshop (NT$300, ~S$12.69), where you can design your own scarves or bags. It can get a little messy, but it’s easy to follow so even the kids get involved.
Starry Sky Bubble House for 2 people.
Image credit: @cherrylee0320 via Instagram
For a cute glamping experience, choose to stay in the Bubble Houses and sleep under the stars. It comes with a separate bubble bathroom consisting of a hot tub to relax under the night sky. Although the area is totally private, don’t worry if you feel conscious, just draw the curtains and go about your business.
When in Taiwan, do as the Taiwanese do. Choosing to live in a homestay means getting a taste of the fresh local produce, interacting with the native farm animals, and enjoying the natural scenery of Taiwan. And going up the mountains gives you the added bonus of being far away from any light pollution, so you can lose yourself in the millions of stars above.
For more things to do in Taiwan:
Cover image adapted from: Dakeng Leisure Farm via Facebook, @mgfarm3888 & @cherrylee0320 via Instagram
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