We took a train (TRA) from Kaohsiung TRA station to XINYI TRA station.
There are a few kind of trains. The most expensive and fastest train is the 自强号。Each ticket comes with an allocated seat.
We took the 区间号。 The ride is longer, about 2hours. Free seating. Which means you can end up standing if the train is packed. Just like our MRT.
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| Our train tickets |
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| The railway track |
When we are reached Xingyi station, we were greeted by a driver touting us for his service. As usual, we thought the first to approach us charges the highest price. So we ignored him and walked to the Taxi stand.
Afterwards, we realised that drivers in the Xinyi area do not go by meter. They quote a rate for the destination.
Our first stop to 乌树林 (原为台糖乌树林车站) cost NTD250. The ride took about 10 to 15min.
We didn't have a chance to take the 五分車 (a 50min train ride) as we did not have much time. But would love to experience it if we had the chance to come here again.
We paid NTD100 each to experience the earthquake of various magnitude. We were seated in a room then it shakes and moves according to the preset impact mimicking the earthquake movement.
The counter staff at 乌树林 called a taxi for us to transport us down to 新進路 as we need to leave 馒头 at a pet shop before we head up to the hot spring.
They charge us only NTD100 for keeping Mantou for half a day.
We walked along the road and found our lunch at a crowded stall. 章鱼面。We ordered one wet and one dry. Quite yummy. And it's cheap!
There is no signboard outside the shop but it is along 新近 路。
After lunch we called the same driver to pick us up and bring us the our next destination,
關仔嶺( Guanziling). The ride took about 30mins at NTD600.
This area is famous for its muddy hot spring. Reportedly one of the only 3 of its type in the world! The other 2 are in Kagoshima, Japan and Vulcano in Italy.
Driver told us that the source of the spring is where the cheaper hot spring places are. The more luxurious ones are on the summit, further away from the source.
We opt for the luxurious one for our first
泡汤experience.
We attempted to call for reservation lastnight but they only take walk-ins. There are a few types of rooms. We took the 2hrs package which comes with a room, toilet, hot spring tub with the mountain view for NTD2,800.
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| Huge Teddy which I later shift him to the floor so I can occupy his space |
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| See the muddy water filling the tub? |
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| Mountain view with a tree in the way |
Indeed relaxing! Can feel blood circulation improved.Luckily we got the packagr with a bed for resting. We repeatedly did a 5-10min dip in the tub followed by a cold shower rinse. And took a rest watching TV on the bed till we fell asleep. 2 hours passed real fast and we were fully rested. The effect is as good as having a massage or even better!. The muddy water does not make you feel uncomfortable. Feels quite clean and soothing.
Then we are ready for dinner before taking the train back to Kaohsiung.
Everywhere is selling 土鸡 which means it is a must-try delicacy!
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| Driver stop us here on the way down the mountain |
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| Charcoal cooked. Must be delicious! |
