If you are after a budget hostel in Hualien that offers unbeatable location, the stylish Wow Youth Hostel located two minutes away from Hualien Train Station will be your best option. Converted from a historic hotel that had been around for 33 years, Wow Youth Hostel is the result of the efforts of some young people, who are the third generation of the family who owns the property. They didn’t want to see this building lose its shine so decided to give it a new life, and Wow Youth Hostel was therefore born. The original layout of the old hotel has been retained, but the hostel itself is very industrial chic in a sleek and modern setting.
The vibrant hostel might look a bit more like a trendy coffee house at the very first glance. Backpackers from all over the world gather in the communal area on the second floor, sitting on the bar chairs by the enormous floor-to-ceiling window and looking out at the busy train station that transports travelers from different parts of Taiwan. As a matter of fact, Wow Café & Bar on the ground floor does provide beer, beverages and all kinds of tourist information for those who just arrive in Hualien. Two shared computers are available by the reception desk, and the language setting is at both Mandarin and English for the convenience of local and international visitors alike. The communal area is where like-minded travelers exchange stories and ideas. From time to time, there are even some seminars, mini concerts, movie nights, seasonal event and parties being organized here. The common kitchen and free breakfasts are quite a rarity at most local youth hostels, but the manager Howard strives to create a homey backpacking experience in Hualien. He brought back the concept of backpacker hostels while he was on the road throughout Canada. To balance the desire to get away from it all with the need to feel at home, the hostel is well equipped with a kitchen and loads of sofa, making everyone being far away from home feels exactly at home — but with all the fun of a hostel!
Wow Youth Hostel offers a number of room types to accommodate different party sizes from private rooms to shared dormitory rooms with either single or double beds (ideal for couples, family and friends). Guests don’t have to wait forever to take a shower as all rooms include modern en-suite bathrooms, and there is even additional shared bathrooms on the fourth and fifth floors. Understanding that metal bed frames with the squeaking noise can be really annoying and may even deprive you of sleep, the hostel uses the bunk beds with pine frames to make sure that every guest has a good night’s sleep. Every bunk has its own reading light, privacy curtain, universal socket and electronic locker.
The management team ensures that the hostel is jam packed and full of fun loving travelers and that creativity can be spotted around every corner. Entering the train-themed elevator puts a smile on your face and gives you a sense of embarking on an unknown adventure. The hostel is never short of interactivity. Upon stepping out of the elevator, you will find a giant map of Hualien City covered with sticky notes with recommended attractions/restaurants/secret spots written on them, and these are all contributed by the travelers themselves. The blackboard on each floor serves as a canvas for creativity, where guests are more than welcomed to get their creative juices flowing. 54 rooms are spread over 9 floors, but the hostel encourages the guests to reduce carbon emissions by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Therefore, a local mural artist was invited to paint the staircases on each floor with impressive 3D images of seven wonders of Hualien, including Qingshui Cliff, Taroko Gorge, Qixingtan, Lintianshan, Mataian Wetland, Xiuguluan River and Liushidanshan — all the way from the north to the south of Hualien. Even though you don’t get to visit every single attraction in Hualien, a tour around Wow Youth Hostel will make up for it. The rooftop is another highlight here, which allows you to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding lush mountains as well as some F-16 Fighting Falcons tearing up the sky if you’re lucky enough.
On the second floor, you will find a “honest shop” that offers soft drinks, beer, snacks, cookies and instant noodles, but the cash register is nowhere to be seen. Instead, there is only an old farebox for shoppers to put the amount of money that corresponds with the value of their purchase. The result? According to the manager Howard, the honest shop (almost) never takes a loss ever since its existence, and Wow Youth Hostel continues to have faith in the basic goodness of people even in this immense and fast-growing world.
TRA train
You may take a TRA train from Taipei, Taoyuan, Yilan, or Taitung to Hualien. However, the tickets are really limited. Try to reserve ones as early as two weeks in advance.
Bus
There is no bus connecting Taipei or Yilan to Hualien.
Taxi
If you travel from Taipei to Hualien, a taxi driver will not charge you by meters. You have to negotiate the price before getting on the seats. The price is between NT$4500~6000 for one way.
Tripool Tripool is the best alternative if you cannot get a train ticket. It’s like a regular taxi but the price is 30% less. From Taipei to Hualien, it’s only NT$3300.
A week ago, we asked our followers on Instagram to share their stories with Taiwanese people through their photos and their eyes, and among so many submissions this week, the works of @mhice especially caught our eye. So, we decided to dedicate this whole post to her. Thanks for all your participation. Stay tuned for the next challenge!
In February, the winter is coming to an end in Taiwan, but the weather can still be quite changeable. Expect (mostly) warm sunny days in the south, yet don’t get too frustrated when occasional rain in the north keeps you penned indoors. That being said, always bring an umbrella when traveling to the north. As Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival both tend to fall in February depending on the year, culture buffs will be thrilled at the chance to travel in Taiwan during the month of February — festive celebrations everywhere!
In Taiwan, the coldest time of the year starts in January. It can be cool and/or cloudy and most homes are not heated. Northerners shiver as the mercury hovers around 10°C, while the south usually doesn’t get too cold. However, winter jackets and gloves are still essential when you are out early in the morning or late at night. For most people out there, January is not the best time to be traveling weather-wise, but we are telling you: Winter is no less fun than summer in Taiwan. Read on and you’ll never have a boring winter day again!
