Eco-Friendly Hotel At Forte Dong-Shan Villa in Yilan, Taiwan 宜蘭福泰冬山厝會館
It has been almost a month since my return from Taiwan and I am still reminiscing on my trip, in particularly the wonderful nature and beautiful scenery and friendly Taiwanese whom I have met made the journey a whole lot sweeter.
Yilan, Taiwan
This time round I was fortunate to be able to visit the picturesque and charming Yilan. Known for its scenic spot and surrounded by sea and mountains, Yilan located on the Northeastern side of Taiwan is an idyllic place to unwind from the hustle of the cities we are so used to.
Getting to Yilan is Easy
From Taoyuan Airport, catch their bus services, located at the bus bay underground of the airport, to head to Taoyuan Gaotie Station or catch a straight bus to Taipei Main Station.
In fact, taking buses might be another option to travel to different parts of Taiwan. Known as 客運 Ke Yun, there are many bus operators to choose from. Some more common names are Kuo Kuang and Nantou Bus Services. From the airport, almost all the operators go to Taipei Main station or Yilan, just check at the counter.
Such long-journey-buses are spacious and pretty fast. I definitely suggest catching a straight bus out to Taipei city instead of changing towards High-Speed Rail at Taoyuan Gaotie Station, when heading to Yilan ( which we did, more information below).
On a side note, we always assume it would be faster with trains, but with all the changing and walkingmightightt be a better idea to take a direct bus (客運 Ke Yun) to Yilan as an alternative too.
From Taipei Main Station, you can choose to take the local train ( Taiwan Railways 臺鐵 ) to any stations in Yilan which spans from (northern Yilan) 頭城 (Toucheng), 礁溪 (Jiaoxi), 宜蘭 (Yilan), 羅東 (Luodong), 蘇澳新 ( Suaoxin) ( southern Yilan).
Look out for these stations when heading to places of interests in Yilan.
Look out for these stations when heading to places of interests in Yilan.
Heading to Dong-ShanVilla
For our hotel stay with Forte Hotel Group, the villa was nearest to Luodong Station and journey took us around 2 hours by Zhi Qiang Express 自強, $238NTD, from Taipei Main Station.
Zhi Qiang Express 自強 is the fastest of all local train.
From Luodong Station, we took a cab downtown. Cabbing in Taiwan is fairly reasonable and mostly goes by a flat rate. For 200NTD (USD$6) it was quite worthy for a long distance of about 5 to 8Km. Moreover, with a cab, it's fast and convenient. Hitching a cab was easily done at the Luodong train station, with the Bus Terminal next to the station from which, we took a bus back to Taipei thereafter.
I knew beforehand that the Villa is located near to another attraction in Luodong- National Center for Traditional Arts 宜兰国立传统艺术中, but I didn't expect the villa to be located within the arts centre. It was a pleasant surprise to be only 5 mins away from the main buzz of the attraction.
( Psst... Admission is free into the art centre for all guests in Forte Dong-Shan Villa! Public charges apply at 150NTD). More about the centre later.
I knew beforehand that the Villa is located near to another attraction in Luodong- National Center for Traditional Arts 宜兰国立传统艺术中, but I didn't expect the villa to be located within the arts centre. It was a pleasant surprise to be only 5 mins away from the main buzz of the attraction.
( Psst... Admission is free into the art centre for all guests in Forte Dong-Shan Villa! Public charges apply at 150NTD). More about the centre later.
Arriving At the Villa
We were greeted with lush green blankets and whiffs of fresh air all around. Designed by famous Taiwan architect- Huang Sheng-Yuan, environmental conservation elements can be seen in every part of the hotel. Features such as natural air ventilations, PC sunlight reflection panels on the rooftops and recyclable materials have been used extensively. Ample sunlight filters in through thoughtfully designed balconies and windows, creating natural light and reduces electricity.
You will be surrounded by nature at its very best.
Staff Encounter
We were assisted by very friendly and helpful staff from both morning and night shifts. On both mornings we met 2 young ladies who were super patient in providing us all the information we needed and more. At night we were attended by 3 guys who were just as courteous and patient in providing us suggestions and in answering our queries.
Typhoon
These were extremely important for us as on the 3rd day, we were supposed to check out and head to Taitung. But due to the typhoon, which had already started upon our arrival from south Taiwan, we were informed by the staff that train service on 21st Sept will be cancelled. Totally DOWN. That meant no train running down south from Yilan to Taitung-Gao Xiong. As trains run along the coast, they explained it was common for train services to stop in view of upcoming typhoons. We were caught off guard, hearing this for the first time and were advised to head back north to Taipei. It was definitely an experience indeed. We had to cancel Taitung hotel and made another arrangement with our Taipei AirBnB host.
The staff also helped us booked and enquired about the Turtle Island excursion, which was what we had planned to do on that 3rd day before we leave. In the end, the trip was cancelled because of the typhoon, yet again. Though it had not hit Yilan at that time, but the seas were choppy and fishermen and boats had stopped going out to sea. We were slightly disappointed and I was really forward to the Turtle Island tour which requires advanced booking. But well, things happen.
(** Sidenote: Really thankful to the 5 staff whom we encountered from 19th to 20th Sept. I didn't manage to catch their names and had wanted to thank the 2 ladies in the morning on 21st Sept, upon check-out, but they apparently changed shift and were replaced by others. Really excellent service from them. Upon checking out on 21st Sept morning, the 2 counter staff we met did not greet/smile/say thanks to us as a form of courtesy towards guests. So I guess we were lucky to meet those 5 staff on the previous 2 days who rendered us lots of help.)
Hotel/Villa Tour
The lobby was a welcoming space with the reception counter, restrooms and lounge area.
Lots of information brochures are available for your info
There's even a small pantry area ( drinks are chargeable, however)
Room Tour At Family Suite
Located amidst the bamboos and greens, our unit was at the extreme right, upper level as shown below. Check it out.
The design of the hotel has been delicately thought through with Chinese elements of the olden days such as these traditional flower-patterned brick walls along the corridors and wooden panel 'gates' acting as doors into the suites.
The design of the hotel has been delicately thought through with Chinese elements of the olden days such as these traditional flower-patterned brick walls along the corridors and wooden panel 'gates' acting as doors into the suites.
Other suites around.
The corridors were spacious and height of the villa is limited to 2 stories.
Inside the Suite
Spacious bathroom greeted us and we were wowed with not 1 but 2 washing basins!
Plenty of towels were available as well.
Plenty of towels were available as well.
The bathroom came packed with necessities such as toothbrushes, combs, soaps, hairdryer and many powerpoint outlets.
Body wash, lotions were provided as well.
The Family Suite sleeps up to 3 to 4 pax and we were presented with 2 bedrooms. One of the rooms with a bunk bed and came attached with a wardrobe and table.
Over at the next room, comfy bed awaited.
This adjecent room was very spacious and came with ample spaces for luggage.
In the morning, sunlight streamed into this Japanese-styled full framed windows, filling up the room with natural light, which was lovely.
2-doors spacious wardrobe.
The living room attached to the suite was spacious for 4 people to chit chat and chill.
Mini Fridge, kettle, free Wifi, in-house slippers, mineral water bottles were provided too.
Let's Head Out!
The view looking down from the suite on the 2nd level was a piece of serenity and sunshine. Did you know the waters in the pond are recycled to advocate Forte's theme on environmental conservation?
For the best scenics around Forte Dong-Shan Villa, take a morning walk and enjoy the beaming warm sunshine, greeted by the chilling breeze and the gentle lapping sounds of water flows.
This iconic wooden bridge corridor is a symbol connecting the north and south of the premises together. Really adore the traditional settings.
Does this look like a scene set out from the movies?
Red wall bricks and rooftop rainwater filtration systems incorporate both the olden days Taiwan charms and yet creates a Green eco-environment.
Other than the suites which were located in the west wing, the north wing sees the rest of the 77 rooms available in Forte Dong-Shan.
Using plenty of timber and wood elements in the overall construction, the villa utilises what nature has endowed us, adding on to the overall vintage charms.
Breakfast
The dining area is a huge communal space spanning up to 10 over huge tables for guests.
Hungry?
Breakfast was buffet style and take-all-you-want! Vegetarian and non-vegetarians were available with plenty of choices and selections and I would say it was a satisfying breakfast deal. Just topped up your package for it. Due to the hotel's inner situated location and lack of other external amenities, it would be wiser to just have a happy filling breakfast in-house before heading out for the day.
My serving filled with everything in. ^^
More About The Villa's Concept
After breakfast continue strolling...
I would have loved to 'get lost' amidst these lush huge trees if I had the time to just chill.
Fall in love with the villa's delicate displays of the olden-day Taiwanese architecture. Every detail intricate, displaying the designer's thoughtfulness in ensuring visitors will be able to appreciate the warm historical backgrounds yet stay comfortably in a contemporary setup.
How Green Was this?
We visited in September and were surprised not to see any autumn leaves. In fact, Spring was still very much in the season as the trees were still blooming in greens. Guess the weather has changed so much now, it became unpredictable. All the more reason why I resonate and applause Forte Dong-Shan in implementing an environmental wellbeing concept all in one.
You can see nature everywhere, at every turn.
Plenty of marble chairs around for resting in the premises.
Grabed some opportunity to snap shots with the lovely scenery.
As you continue exploring the premises, you will notice many other stand-alone buildings serving different purposes other than lodgings. Examples will be administrative centres, museums etc.
Some are off access to the public though, do note.
Some are off access to the public though, do note.
Even a library. Unfortunately, did not manage to go in.
Remember, this is the reception area to head to after you alight at the valet area.
The architecture and nature spell harmony everywhere.
Serene and at peace.
Serene and at peace.
It's not until you are here personally can you feel the marvellous merging of beauty with conservation. Forte Dong-Shan brings you back to nature and calms your mind and soul. This is a sensory experience you should consider immersing yourself in.
Yes, I do want to show you what fun you can expect at the National Center for Traditional Arts, which is complimentary for all guests of Forte Dong-Shan and will be up in the next post.
I do urge you to consider spending your time in Yilan with Forte Dong-Shan for a relaxing and enjoyable time. Not just a hotel, but a living space that is an environmentally friendly and embraces nature in harmony with guests' comfort. You will enjoy your time there.
Go check out and make a booking with them~~
Website: Forte Dong-Shan Villa 宜蘭福泰冬山厝會館
Address: 宜兰县五结乡五滨路2段201号
No.201, Sec. 2, Wubin Rd., Wujie Township, Yilan County 268, Taiwan
The Forte Hotel Group also has affordable accommodations in all parts of Taiwan, do check them out on their website as well.
Thank you Forte Dong-Shan Villa for the kind sponsorship and wonderful experience. Opinions are the author's own.
2 comments
I like that the hotel you stayed at has a traditional design. The colors are basic and bright, and the room is very spacious. It’s vastly different from a contemporary hotel, which is not actually a bad thing, because merely staying in there provides you with a fresh experience which will make your trip to Taiwan more memorable. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteLucille Foster
Thanks Lucille, glad you enjoyed reading! Yes it's a refreshing experience altogether!
Delete