Alisan House is one of the "newer" and pricier hotels in Alisan. Guests have a choice between staying in the hotel suites or rooms at the main building or at wooden cabins located further at the Annex. There are 150 guest rooms and 17 wooden cabins that can accommodate up to 8 persons in all. Regular shuttle buses are available for guests between the main block and annex and from the hotel to the Alisan visitor center and train station.
We chose to stay in the wooden cabin for 6 persons (even though there were only 4 of us) as it was cheaper. We arrived at the visitor center slightly after lunch and were picked up promptly by their shuttle service, manned by a driver in a Santa's cap (Christmas was near).
The wooden cabin was spacious with mattresses and futons laid on risen platforms. The facilities were spatial but adequate. We were provided with portable heaters and humidifiers that did not seemed to perform to par. Fortunately, we came prepared and started layering ourselves as the temperature dropped.
The view and location of the cabin more than made up for the cabin's shortcomings. Our cabin was a mere 5 minutes walk to the Jhoaping rail station and various hiking paths. The former meant that we did not have to wake up at an ungodly hour to make our way to view the famed sunrise. The sunset view from our cabin was also excellent.
We were not as isolated as we thought since the shuttle services were efficient and we were able to go into the main visitor center for meals, etc., during our 2 day stay there without much hassle.
A great place if you need a quiet place for retreat and reflection, or if you are travelling in a large group.
Go
Here for reservations and more information but beware, the website comes with a little popular ditty that made Alisan famous... or was it the other way round. Best switch off your audio (far easier and less annoying) before clicking the link.
Getting there:The most popular route to Alisan is via the Alisan Forest Railway line from Chiayi. There is only 1 service per day departing at 1.30pm (NT399 per person). A special morning service is added (8.30am) during peak periods.
If you have not made any prior ticket reservations (strongly advised to do so), do not fret, there are buses from the nearby bus station to Alisan departing every 2 hours (NT200 1-way).
Alternatively, if you are travelling in a group, you might want to share a taxi. Charges are around NT1600 to NT1800 per trip. Do beware of touts at Chiayi train station and outside Alishan visitor center. We met an agent (ok, she was a tout, but an honest one) who arranged a taxi for us for NT1600. Details
hereOnce you are in Alisan, head for the Visitor center and ask the officer to assist in calling the hotel.
From journal Naruwan Taiwan!