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Moonlight Inn

As driving through the town of Dulan in Taitung, you will encounter a nostalgic Japanese structure perched on the mountainside, which is known as Moonlight Inn. Within the establishment, there is a gallery and a café overlooking the Pacific Ocean with mountains as backdrop, making it a great spot to watch the sunrise. Its quaint charms and artsy atmosphere have drawn in a significant number of visitors who like to discover something new and different.

The Japanese wooden structure is not large in size but very well-maintained. On the first floor, temporary exhibitions and performances often take place in the gallery, and the neighboring coffee house boasts a rustic interior inspired by driftwood and offers creative products designed by locals. As soon as you step on the second floor, you will be walking into a nostalgic movie scene seemingly frozen in the 50s with all the antique furniture used in a Taiwanese film released in 2005 — The Moon Also Rises. Go to the balcony if you can. When the sky is clear, you might be greeted by Green Island in the distance.

Phone

+886-89-530012

Address

No.420-8, Dulan, Donghe Township, Taitung County 959, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Business hours

Friday - Tuesday 02:00 - 09:30

Nearby

Luye Highland

If you’re at home up in the air and think you might enjoy the beautiful green East Rift Valley from the sky, then Luye is a spot not to be missed. Luye Highland is located to the north of the Longtian Community (龍田). It is a big grass slope which, at its highest point, is 350 meters high. Because of the sharp difference in altitude between the bottom and top of the slope, it is a great place for activities in the air. From June to August every year, the Taiwan Balloon Festival is held on this highland, attracting flyers and tourists from all over the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are appreciating the plain protected by mountain ranges, or on the highland enjoying the many colored strange balloons racing to the sky, you will definitely find the view memorable. Every year during the Taiwan Balloon Festival, those people who want to have a ride in a hot air balloon need to arrive very early in the morning to wait in the queue. This is the only place in Taiwan where hot air balloons are legally permitted, hence its popularity. Tourists love to sit in a hot air balloon and fly across the rift valley below, gazing at the east coast in the distance and waiting for the sun to slowly rise in the early summer morning. Something that needs a special reminder is that hot air balloons are very sensitive to heat and quick changes in temperature, meaning that you need to fly in the early morning or the evening.

Besides hot air balloons, Luye Highland is also the perfect place for paragliding. Because of the unique geography of the highland, hot air will naturally rise in the summertime, so paragliders find they can stay in the sky for longer here than elsewhere. If you are not well-prepared for flying, then go to the tourist center and buy a fresh fruit ice pop (春一枝冰棒) instead. Sit on the green grass to enjoy the beautiful view greeting your eyes, and the yummy taste of the ice-cream sweetening your mouth!

ActivityAttractions

Dulan

Located about 20km north of Taitung, Dulan is the kind of place to get away to. Or so it would seem judging by the number of foreign English teachers who have escaped to Dulan from the busy city of Taipei. Its exotic atmosphere comes from the fact that it is a cultural fusion of indigenous people, Taiwanese and foreigners. Behind the town, Dulan Mountain is called “Holy Mountain” (聖山) by local aboriginals. Dulan is special because it still retains indigenous culture. During the 1980s, many aboriginal people moved to Taipei looking for employment. However, the allure of Dulan brought many of them right back, deciding to live a life of tradition, fishing, farming and playing music instead. Indeed, the fact that traditional indigenous culture has been so well preserved here makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to learn about Taiwan’s Aboriginal Amis or Taibalang tribes.

Anyone who loves surfing is naturally drawn to Dulan, as are those who work in the business of creativity; many music producers and wood sculptors live happily here. Every Saturday night, The Sugar Factory (都蘭糖廠咖啡屋), now a bar, music studio and gallery, hosts local live music where alcohol flows. If you’re still curious about what makes this place so special, maybe you could ask the ex-English teacher pizza shop owner, who himself escaped Taipei to live in this little paradise. Or maybe the reason will be clear enough once you see the beautiful, almost abandoned coast-line of secret little Dulan for yourself.

FoodNightShoppingAttractions

Chulu Ranch

Chulu Ranch (初鹿牧場) is the oldest ranch in Taiwan with a history of nearly fifty years. The ranch raises 250 cows of Canadian breeds. Visitors can not only taste the finest fresh milk but also try the famous milk ice bar, ice cream, and cookies made from milk. It is recommended to visit on weekdays for a better travel experience with fewer people.

The ranch covers an area of about 72 hectares and is open for visitors to interact with and feed the animals. It is located only 18 kilometers from Taitung City. The ranch is situated on a flat plateau with an elevation of approximately 200-390 meters. The abundant rainfall and high-quality soil produce excellent pasture, ensuring the happy growth of the cows.

Attractions

Guanshan Cycling Path

The environment in East Rift Valley is without a doubt the best in Taiwan. A place with endless green, nice weather, and lesser traffic is the heaven for bicycling, and this is the reason why the local government built a cycling path here. The 15.2 kilometers long Guanshan Cycling Path goes near the mountains and rivers. There are endless farms with seasonal views changing between green and gold all year round. With the smooth climb of the path, it is getting cooler heading towards the mountain. The highest point stands a pavilion, which provides a great view of the town for your recess. Farms and irrigation channels paint the valley like an Impressionist artist. The relaxing view truly worth the wait and climb. After the pavilion, it’s the happiest part going down. Pedal faster to enjoy the windblast! The circle route brings you where you started, so don’t worry about the transportation. This activity is nation wide famous, so there are tons of bikes riding along on weekends. There are several bicycle renting stores also. There are several strawberry farms, vanilla garden, and bamboo culture stores and other exciting activities on the route, making it a truly splendid ride for one whole day! Enjoy!

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Water Flowing Upward

Water Running Upward (水往上流) is located between Dulan and Taitung City. The phenomenon is a geographical wonder caused by the visual illusion of the sloping terrain. It has become a small hidden gem that many travelers pass by when exploring the east coast. To facilitate visitors, the area around Water Running Upward (水往上流) has been developed, with the addition of public restrooms and a tribal workshop.

Visitors can also enjoy a refreshing drink or purchase local souvenirs to take a break. Water Running Upward (水往上流) is situated in Dulan, Taitung, and visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Dulan Ocean View Platform and Dulan Cultural and Creative Park along the coastline, offering a soothing experience of the vastness and tranquility of the sea.

Attractions

Jinzun

There are two famous gazebo in east coast: on the north of east coast is Baqi Gazebo, while on the south is Jinzun. Here you can see the vast view of the Pacific Ocean. A Island which is in a shape of Anchor in the north-east direction. During the top of the tide, the connection fo island and land would be submerged and becomes a real island.

You can choose to have a cup of coffee at the outdoor cafe at the gazebo, or walk down to the Jinzun sandy beach through the steps. Although it would be a little strneous when walk up on the return way, enjoy the feeling of your own private beach (few people there except local fishman) would be a great experience.

Attractions