Taroko National Park & the East Coast - Taiwan - page 349

in a traditional pingfang ( Click here ) , complete with funky rooms (designed by your
host, Roman), a sweet outdoor shower block, DIY kitchen, and as much wildlife as
you're likely to see anywhere outside a national park.
Motherland is a fair drive off the main road, so call first to make reservations (and a
pick-up, if needed). There's a scooter for rent (per day NT$400) and your hosts are well
connected to the local community if you need information on festivals or local activities.
Also check out the website for art and alternative therapy classes.
For those after a private getaway, check out Taitung Sea Art Guesthouse - Rainbow
Forest ( http://taitung-rainbow-forest-guesthouse.webs.com ; cottage NT$2500) a little further
north up the coast in Chenggong. This is a single-room cottage with bedding for four, an-
other great outdoor kitchen and shower block, all sitting on a large slice of forested land
that was lovingly restored with native plants by the previous aboriginal owner. The beau-
tiful long Rainbow Waterfall is nearby.
Cottage rates drop to NT$1000 per day after the second night. You'll want your own
vehicle if you stay here.
Backpacker Dog HOSTEL $
(Bèibāo Gǒu; 0922-677 997; dm/s/d NT$450/600/1200; ) This friendly bright hostel
is just off the main street, a few minutes' walk from the Sugar Factory. Facilities and
amenities include bike rentals, kitchen and barbecue area, wi-fi, laundry and English-
speaking staff. Bookings must be made through online booking services such as Hostel-
world.com . Backpacker also runs another hostel in town with a jailhouse theme.
WaGaLiGong (Dulan 89) HOSTEL $
(Wa Yà Lì Gòng; 0913-481 392; www.facebook.com/wagaligong ; dm/d/tw NT$600/ 1200/1300,
small weekday discounts; ) This new Taiwanese and expat-run surf hostel is on the
main road and features a restaurant and bar as well as amenities like wi-fi and laundry.
Surf boards can be rented for NT$500 per day.
Dulan Indian Cuisine INDIAN $$$
( 0910-762 434; curries NT$200; 10am-dinner Wed-Sun; ) An unexpected treat in the
east, this Indian restaurant run by a Bangalore native, who just couldn't hack it as a local
organic rice farmer, serves some delicious set curry meals. The chick pea is particularly
good as is the handmade ice cream (NT$60), worth a special trip on its own.
To get here turn right after the bridge as you head south at the Km145 marker. Stay left
up the valley about 500m and then pull into a walled area on the right.