ESTHER PHUA INVITES YOU TO TAKE A DIP IN THE HOT SPRINGS OF TAIWAN
Taiwan has so much of nature’s goodness to offer beyond a scenic landscape and a crop of handsome pop stars. The country boasts more than 100 hot springs — pools of water that are naturally heated by the earth’s own energy. These provide a very organic way of recharging both mind and body. Add to this the fact that some of these geothermal hot springs are found in forests and the wilderness, and you have a recipe for total rejuvenation.
CURATIVE WATERS
All around the world, hot springs have long been touted for their therapeutic health benefits. In Japan, the onsen — what they call these natural heated pools — are essential to the people’s health and beauty regimens. Every region of the country boasts its own onsen resort towns. The Japanese believe the minerals dissolved in the water are what make the waters very healing. In New Zealand, Rotorua is called the Nature Spa of the South Pacific because of the healing waters of the waiariki – which is Maori for hot springs — found mostly in the Central Plateau region of the North Island, in the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
In Taiwan, the locals turn to the hot springs and hot spring spas — wherein these healing waters are pumped into — to relieve ailments from rheumatism, stress, skin diseases to upper respiratory infections. Luckily, some of these resorts are located close to the city, enabling more people to enjoy their relaxing and curative benefits. The nearest hot springs to Taipei are located at Beitou, which you can access by taking the main MRT line. Here, you can witness where it all happens, at the very source: In a place called Hell Valley, you will see sulfur bubble up and gurgle.
TOO HOT TO HANDLE?
Immersing yourself in the healing waters of a hot spring sounds like a wonderful experience, but it is not for everyone. If you have medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure, check with your doctor first. Once you have been cleared, get ready for a healing dip in these famous pools.
BEITOU HOT SPRINGS
How hot is it? 55–58°C Just north of Taipei is this little valley place known as Beitou, or “the hot spring village”, which is famous for its natural mineral hot spring resources and scenery. The main mineral in the waters of Beitou is sulfur — white, green and iron sulfur to be exact. Most of these hot spring spas were developed while Taiwan was under the Japanese imperial rule. Besides offering Taiwanese a great way to relax and unwind with friends, hot springs were also found to be effective at easing muscle soreness, arthritis, chronic dermatitis and other ailments. They also believe that women can secure their fair, creamy complexions by soaking in the mineral-rich waters. Also, alternating between hot and cold dips can help facilitate weight loss
There are now more than 100 hot spring hotels and resorts in the Beitou and New Beitou area, and most of them are priced affordably at TW$2,000 (PHP2,942.19) per night. Five-star resorts such as the Spring City Resort, Pacific Wellness Spa and Club and Sweet Me Hot Springs Resort are priced around TW$5,000 (PHP7,358.86) per night. For true luxury, the Landis Maple Hot Spring Resort has 26 exclusive and beautiful rooms with private baths and four sprawling villas, where prices start at TW$8,800 (PHP12,952.78). All the open hot spring baths (called “soups”) at every hotel and resort are open to the public for hourly dips, with prices ranging from TW$200 (PHP294.38) at modest places to TW$800 (PHP1,177.55) for a five-star experience.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Beitou Hot Springs Park, along Zhongshan Road, is a public outdoor hot springs pool for everyone, including children. Here, bathing suits are required in the pool. Ticket prices range from TW$20 (PHP29.43) to TW$40 (PHP58.87) for almost three-hour blocks of soaks.
At the Beitou Hot Springs Museum, you will learn about the history and health-enhancing properties of the waters. According to local lore, the museum was originally a spa when Taiwan was under the Japanese Imperial rule. Kamikaze pilots of World War II were treated to pampering breaks here at Beitou before they headed off on their final missions.
How to get there Hop onto the Red Danshui MRT line that runs through Taipei city and head upwards, alighting at Beitou station. From there, you can flag a taxi to take you to your resort hotel for around TW$100 (PHP147).
YANGMINGSHAN HOT SPRINGS
How hot is it? 60—70°C Further up from Beitou is the Yangmingshang National Park, where you’ll find a few more hot springs: Coldwater depression, Macao hot springs, and Gengziping. Each
one contains different minerals, making each spring distinctive in terms of its healing and therapeutic properties and temperatures. Locals believe that the waters of Yangmingshan are probably the best for treating skin diseases as well as arterial conditions and rheumatism.
At the Macao hot springs, women come to treat their feminine ailments as well as diabetes and gout. The very hot waters of Genziping springs are believed to ease muscular pains and is said to help relieve syphilis. The milky colored spring water of Coldwater depression purportedly provides relief for arthritis, muscular aches, skin diseases, anemia, diabetes, gout and measles. One thing you will need to get used to is the distinctive smell of sulfur that floats in the air. Check out Lengshuikeng public bath, a free hot spring that is open 24 hours.
When in Yangmingshan, make side trips to the enchanting Chutzuhu Village, Chingtienkang, the Tatun Natural Park, Xiaoyoukang Recreation Area, the Grass Mountain presidential house, and Yangmingshan Park. At night, stroll up to the Cultural University to catch a lovely night view of Taipei. Drop by a quaint eatery near the only supermarket there, where you can sit at small tables and partake of stir-fried lamb while drinking locally made beer.
How to get there Take the Red MRT line to Danshui, all the way to Beitou. Board bus 230, or catch a cab (fare costs around TW$150/ PHP220.64). Otherwise, take bus 260 from Zhengzhou Road (behind Taipei Main Railway Station). Fare is TW$30 (PHP44.12).
MORE WATER THERAPY
Check other Taiwanese hot springs for their unique health benefits
Got rheumatism?
Head for the district of Lushan. With an altitude of 400km, Lushan has the highest hot springs where the bicarbonate water is clear and good for treating symptoms of rheumatism and neuralgia. Some even drink the water to regulate acidity and cure chronic gastritis.
Veggie good!
Enjoy mineral-rich vegetables Wander over to Jiaosi hot springs where the local residents use the mineral water to grow their vegetables, which have since become a specialty of Jiaosi. Do come and enjoy the extra tasty crops and rich heritage!
Hello, flawless skin!
Want a beautiful complexion on your face and body? The black hot springs of Guanzihling are touted to be very rich in minerals thanks to the subterranean rock strata in the area. The dark grey waters are renowned for promoting a fair and smooth complexion.
HOW TO BEHAVE IN THE HOT SPRINGS
Before getting into the hot springs, bear in mind that the water can sometime get really hot! And just like in a Japanese onsen, you have to slip into the water naked — yup, even at the enclosed public pools at the hotels. Don’t worry — men and women have separate pool areas.
- Be sure to bathe thoroughly before getting into the pool. Do wear a shower cap as the hot water could dry your hair.
- Women should not bathe in hot springs when they have their menstrual period or when they are pregnant.
- Splash some spring water from the hot or cold pools on your body with the scoop provided before sinking into the springs to help your body adjust to the high temperature.
- Limit your dip in the hot springs to 20 minutes as anything above this is not safe. If you feel faint, dizzy or experience an increased heart rate, leave the pool at once.
- Soaking in hot water can induce an increase in the body’s circulation. But while it eases pressure, people with high blood pressure or heart diseases should be cautious. Consult a doctor first.
- Avoid drinking alcohol prior to a soak. Instead, chug plenty of water before and after soaking.
- After a hot spring dip, always rinse and bathe thoroughly. Apply a moisturizing lotion afterwards.
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