I am visiting Taiwan at the beginning of August and we are planning on spending one of our days at Sun Moon Lake. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a cheap hostel type accommodation in the area? I have had a look and can't seem to find any backpacker type places. Would you recommend to maybe stay in nearby Taichung and just go to the lake as a day trip? Any advice would be great.
Thanks
The only one backpacker Hotel was closed.
Taichung is a good alternative and you can choose the package
http://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/smlbus/ticket.asp?lang=en
Travel Taiwan: http://sullivanchen.blogspot.tw/
Accommodation around Sun Moon Lake tends to be expensive, but if you can stay during a weekday you should be able to negotiate a cheaper rate. A day trip by bus from Taichung is possible, but unless you're driving a rental car or otherwise have your own form of transportation, it's better to spend a night there. Generally speaking, accommodation is less expensive in Idashao than in Shuishe (aka Sun Moon Lake Village, where the tourist information center and main bus stops are located), but Idashao is harder to reach if you're using public transport.
In many respects, Sun Moon Lake is arguably the most overrated attraction in Taiwan, so you shouldn't feel that you have to make a special effort to get there. If you're determined to go, and your itinerary allows for it, I'd suggest approaching Sun Moon Lake via the scenic Jiji Railway Line. Bicycles for exploring the countryside can be rented at a couple of stations along the line (Ershui and Jiji), and there are frequent buses running between Shuili Station and the Sun Moon Lake visitor information center in Shuishe Village.
Haha, in my opinion, Sun Moon Lake, Kenting, Ximending, Cinjing and etc are overrated.
The Youth Activity Center in Itashao is a good place to stay.
Main building is OK, "forest "chalets" still better. Breaksfast is included, and there is a restaurant on site too.
Book in advance especially on weekends.
you can stay in this place,
http://sunmoonlake-couchsurfing.blogspot.tw/</a>
it costs you 100 new taiwan dollars per day.
but it didn't provide hot water for showering.
since you will visit sun moon lake in Auguest, i think it would be okay for you.
besides sun moon lake, the main scinic sopt, there are still more interesting spot in SML area.
chung tai chan monestary, chi jing farm...etc.
and you can enjoy the second best coffee in the world.