Taitung Travel

Zhiben Wenquan is a hot spring, which was exploited during Japanese governing time. The nearest station is Zhiben, but there is also a bus service from downtown Taitung. I visited an open air hot spring of Dongtai Hotel, because you can use their facilities just for NT$300, even if you don’t overnight there. Their bath is like a swimming pool, and the ambiance is very nice. You need a swimsuit.

Personally I'm not too gungho about hot springs. But everybody else in my group loved it so much. This place is really relaxed. It's good to stroll around, enjoy the atmosphere, and there are several pools to suit different needs. Make sure you have swimwear and a swim cap.

How to get there: buses depart to Zhiben from Taitung (Inland) bus station on Anqing St. Tell the driver you're going to the Zhiben Forest Recreation Area and not to the village of Zhiben. Don't mention you're going to visit spas as he might drop you off at the first spa resort which is 4km away from the forest area. I went for the spa at A-Ya-Wan hotel; it wasn't the prettiest of resorts around, but the water is the same all over the region I guess? It was the most modestly priced option and a great value for money. It's maybe 2km from the recreation forest area entrance gate on the way back to Taitung. The bus stop is right above the this resort and below Rainbow Resort Spa. It's also possible to pay and get a ticket for the hot spring resort entrance at Traveler Hotel in Taitung. Note: consult your guide book on etiquette when using the public hot springs in Taiwan; I found this more elaborate than visiting the springs in Japan. Do the treks in the recreation area, very nice. The experience would have been better if half of the trails weren't closed for repairs from typhoons.

A serene resort to stay in Taitung. Good pool, open-aired hot spring and buffet dinner. The music by the pool can be improved though.

Zhi Ben Wen Quan is quite nice and one of taitung's most famous places to visit. It's nothing fancy and luxurious. But it definitely de-stresses nerves and muscles. Just sit back, relax and enjoy yourselves when you're here.