Poseidon Homestay

No doubt, Taroko National Park is what brings most visitors to the beautiful east side of Taiwan, but surprisingly, the closest train station to the park entrance is actually Xincheng, instead of Hualien. So if you are looking at Taroko Gorge, Poseidon Homestay that is merely a five-minute drive away from Xincheng Train Station will make a great base for your unforgettable stay in Hualien.

From the outside, Poseidon Homestay is a Greek-themed mansion with the Mediterranean blue and white base sitting in the middle of lush green fields surrounded by lofty, forested mountains. Inspired by his parents’ trip to Greece, the heartwarming host Alan brought his Mediterranean fantasy into reality in 2015 and has been welcoming guests from all over the world ever since then. The ten rooms come in delicately muted colors to create a welcoming, homely feel with the breathtaking view of the mountains as a backdrop — enjoying the very slow pace of life is the ultimate goal of Poseidon Homestay. The host also strives to create an accessible environment for the independence, convenience and safety of all people with disabilities by providing an elevator. The open-air space up on the roof serves as a dining area for travelers to chat with other like-minded people over a cup of coffee or a beer (or two). Gaze at the stars under the moon while being embraced by the sky — that is exactly how you should spend your night in the most relaxing way possible.

Just five minutes away on foot, you will find the serene Manpo Beach — a hidden gem that has not yet been spoiled by hordes of tourists flooding to Hualien. When the dawn breaks, take a wandering stroll along the coastline and soak up some of the most picturesque views you have even seen. The outdoor enthusiasts won’t be disappointed as the adrenaline-fueled rafting can be experienced in the nearby Sanzhan South River, which is another five-minute drive from Poseidon Homestay.

Besides running this guesthouse, the accommodating host is also a generous charity man who dedicates his spare time to helping the underprivileged children from the indigenous tribe. He often invites the kids to the barbecue events taking place at the guesthouse. In the near future, an outdoor cinema might even be organized from time to time, encouraging the local community to come together and spend some lovely time as a family that is co-created through participation here at Poseidon Homestay.