Sun Moon Lake's BEST Kept Secret: Walami Homestay (Nantou, Taiwan)
Walami Homestay: Sun Moon Lake's BEST Kept Secret (And Maybe Not So Secret Anymore…) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, folks, gather 'round. You've heard the whispers, the travel forums, the hushed tones of those in the know. You’re probably thinking, “Sun Moon Lake? Tourist trap!” And you’re partially right. But, and this is a HUGE but, tucked away in the verdant embrace of Nantou County, Taiwan, is something truly special, something that makes the crowds melt away and leaves you feeling… well, zen, I guess. I’m talking about Walami Homestay. And believe me, I’m not being paid to say this (though, a free stay wouldn't go amiss, Walami folks! 😉). This is me, raw and real, spilling the tea (or rather, the delicious Taiwanese oolong) on my experience. This is my Walami Homestay review, warts and all.
(Disclaimer: My stay was pre-pandemic, so some details regarding safety protocols may have had updates. Check their website for the latest info.)
Accessibility: The Good, the (Potentially) Less Good, and the "Hmm…"
Okay, let's get the practicalities out of the way. Accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I am pretty good at spotting things. Getting to Walami itself? A breeze, relatively speaking. They do offer Airport transfer (which, after a 14-hour flight, is a GODSEND!). They also have car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] – crucial if you’re self-driving, which I heartily recommend for exploring Sun Moon Lake. No public transport for the final stretch. Definitely look into the Taxi service.
Now, for true wheelchair accessibility… I’m not 100% sure. They do boast Facilities for disabled guests and have an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. But I didn't go into every single room, so I can't personally vouch for the full-on accessibility. Front desk [24-hour] is always a winner for helping guests. If this is a dealbreaker, DO YOUR RESEARCH AND CALL THEM DIRECTLY. Don't rely on some random internet rambler like yours truly.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and That Free Wi-Fi!)
My room? Oh, my room. Let's just say, I wanted to move in. Air conditioning (essential in that Taiwanese humidity!). Blackout curtains (game changer for jet lag recovery). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (essential for the modern traveler, so you can Instagram your stunning view.) Internet access – wireless (duh!). Internet access – LAN (for the serious laptop warriors). The room was spotless – really, shockingly clean and Rooms sanitized between stays. Bathrobes, slippers, complimentary tea, a coffee/tea maker, and a refrigerator were all present and accounted for, which is a win in my book. The window that opens lets you take in fresh air.
The bed? Pure cloud. Extra long bed. Seriously, I almost didn't want to get out of it. The bathroom was a haven of zen, complete with a separate shower/bathtub, toiletries, hair dryer, and more lovely towels than you could shake a stick at. Mirror had a nice view, too. Seating area was great for chilling with a book. Oh, and Free bottled water! A lifesaver. And that desk was a real plus for working on my manuscript.
**And the best part? The *Air conditioning in public area* was great! and the Daily housekeeping. I felt like a pampered film star!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Delicious)
Right, confession time: I’m not a foodie. I like food. I NEED food. And Walami delivered.
Breakfast was a buffet, with both Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. Think fresh fruit (the mango!), pastries, eggs cooked every way imaginable, and seriously good coffee. Breakfast [buffet]. was a great way to start a day.
They have a restaurant. Asian cuisine in restaurant. International cuisine in restaurant. And in the evening, the restaurant transforms into a cozy haven. I'm pretty sure it was, Poolside bar but I dont remember. Dinner options are varied. They also have coffee/tea in restaurant.
Room service [24-hour] is a major perk, especially after a long day of sightseeing. A la carte in restaurant: So you get to choose what you want. Buffet in restaurant.
There's a Snack bar. Maybe no Desserts in restaurant (I don’t remember, my memory is bad, it was an amazing trip)
Important note: I'm a vegetarian. Walami had me covered. They had a Vegetarian restaurant and they are very happy with Alternative meal arrangement. I had no problem finding delicious, satisfying meals.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
This is where Walami really shines. Even before the world went pandemic-crazy, this place was spotless. Cleanliness and safety were clearly a priority. This is where Walami really shines. Even before the world went pandemic-crazy, this place was spotless. Anti-viral cleaning products are a plus.
First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call if you need it, Front desk [24-hour] .
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and That Pool with a View…
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. Relaxation. That's what Walami is all about.
The swimming pool [outdoor]. But seriously, the pool is stunning. Pool with view. Infinity edge, overlooking the lake. I spent a significant amount of time lounging there, sipping cocktails, and contemplating the meaning of life (or, you know, what I was going to have for dinner).
They had a Spa/sauna and a steamroom. I did not used but I know it’s there. The massage was really, really good. Possibly the best massage I can remember. My only regret? Not booking more sessions. Honestly, the best part of my trip. They did have Fitness center.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer is a lifesaver! Having a Car park [free of charge] is also good. I did not use the Car power charging station. I did not check the Bicycle parking.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Walami understands the importance of the little things. I can't remember Cash withdrawal. But they have Concierge. They have Daily housekeeping. Doorman. They have Food delivery. Laundry service and Dry cleaning are both available. Luggage storage. Safety deposit boxes for your valuables. Smoking area. Terrace.
The Downsides (Because I Have to Be Honest)
Okay, here's where I get slightly critical. But frankly, there weren’t many downsides.
- Location: It's not right on the main Sun Moon Lake drag. You'll probably need a taxi or your car. This, however, adds to the sense of serenity.
- Price: It's not budget backpacking. But you pay for quality and the experience is absolutely worth it.
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously, Just Book It.
Walami Homestay isn’t just a hotel; it's an experience. It’s a cocoon of calm, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. If you're looking for a relaxing escape with stunning views, impeccable service, and a genuine sense of peace, look no further.
They delivered on every promise, and then some. And honestly, looking back, I could really do with another stay… maybe right now? You should, too.
My Recommendations for Booking:
- Book directly on their website. You might snag a deal.
- Plan for at least three nights. You'll need that much time to truly unwind and soak it all in.
- Bring your swimsuit. The pool is calling! And it will give you a great Instagram post.
- Embrace the moment. Let go of your worries and simply be.
(I wish I had photos to add here, but they're lost to the digital ether. Trust me, my words are enough.)
SEO Optimized Summary:
Sun Moon Lake Hotel: Looking for the BEST hotel in Sun Moon Lake? Escape the crowds and discover the tranquility of Walami Homestay in Nantou, Taiwan. This hidden gem offers luxurious rooms, a stunning outdoor pool with a view, delicious Asian and International cuisine, and a focus on cleanliness and safety. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, spa services with body wraps and scrubs and a fitness center. Perfect for couples, families, and anyone seeking a truly relaxing getaway. Book your unforgettable Sun Moon Lake experience at Walami Homestay today!
Escape to Paradise: 101 Sky Mirror Homestay (Netflix, WiFi, Jetty!)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your cookie-cutter itinerary. This is my Nantou, Sun Moon Lake, and Walami Homestay experience, warts and all. Forget perfectly curated Instagram grids; we're talking real life, complete with questionable decisions, triumphant moments, and the undeniable allure of Taiwanese snacks.
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustment (AKA Panic Mode)
- Morning (Like, Really Early): Flight from wherever. For me, it was Taipei. After the initial exhilaration of landing in Taiwan, the realization hit: "Wait… I haven't packed enough snacks!" Immediate panic ensued. Found a 7-Eleven near the airport. Loaded up on pineapple cakes and something that looked like a juice but turned out to be aggressively green tea-flavored. Lesson learned.
- Mid-Morning: Transportation Chaos. The plan was simple: High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Taichung, then a bus to Sun Moon Lake. Sounds elegant, no? Well, picture me, a sweaty mess, wrestling with my luggage on the HSR, desperately trying to decipher Mandarin announcements. I swear, I understood about 3 words. Somehow, I managed. But the bus? Let's just say Google Maps got me 90% of the way to the lake, and then I was abandoned in a village. Locals, bless their hearts, pointed me toward the correct bus stop. I was 10 minutes late. Cue more panic.
- Afternoon: Walami Homestay Hallelujah! Finally! I arrived at Walami Homestay. And the views! Unbelievable. Seriously, postcard-worthy. The owner, a charming woman who looked like she hadn’t aged in 20 years, greeted me with a smile and a cup of delicious tea. Instantly, the travel stress melted away. My room? Cozy, simple, and with a balcony practically hanging over the lake. Pure bliss.
- Confession Time: I almost tripped walking into my room, because I was too busy gawking at the view. I blame jet lag… and my inherent clumsiness.
- Evening: Lake Side Stroll & Night Snack Hunt. Walked along the lake, feeling overwhelmed but also joyful. The air was cool, the water shimmered, and the distant mountains looked like something out of a painting. Found a night market. Ate way too much of everything: Stinky tofu (which, okay, I kind of understood the hype), grilled squid, and something that involved crispy seaweed and peanuts. Sleep was sound.
Day 2: Sun, Moon, and Sensory Overload
- Morning: Breakfast & The Boat That Almost Left Me Woke up to the most incredible breakfast at Walami - like, seriously, locally sourced ingredients, fresh fruit, perfect coffee. Fueled up for a day of exploring. Caught a ferry to Xuanguang Temple. Picture this: me, running towards the ferry, because I'd been distracted by something shiny, right as the horn blew. Jumped on at the last second, heart racing.
- Emotional Blast: Looking out at Sun Moon Lake gave me the chills, it's just beautiful and really calming.
- Mid-Morning: Temple Time & Hiking Hopes. Xuanguang Temple was beautiful, with incredible views. Afterwards, I attempted a hike. I say "attempted" because let's be honest, my fitness level is… aspirational. The trail started well, but the humidity and slight incline quickly turned me into a panting, slightly grumpy person. Surrendered to the elements and turned back.
- Afternoon: Tea Tasting and "I think I'm lost again." Found a tea plantation and indulged in a tea tasting. I'm not usually a tea person, but wow. The different flavors, the aroma…pure zen. The staff was super friendly, but I ended up taking the wrong turn on the way back to the trail. Somehow, and I say this as someone who is very good at being lost, I ended up on a dusty road with no one in sight. After a few panicked minutes of Google maps and a little bit of sweat, I found my way back.
- Evening: Dinner Dilemma & Starry Skies. Dinner at a local restaurant. Ordered something I thought was chicken. Turns out, it was some kind of local duck dish. It was…an experience. Starry skies were gorgeous though. The light pollution isn't too bad, and I just spend 1 hour staring at the sky.
Day 3: Waterfalls, Farewell, and Forever Dreams
- Morning: Waterfall Wanderings & The Search for the Perfect Photo. Woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. I wanted to see the waterfall! Found a park and tried to take a picture of the waterfall. The lighting wasn't great, the angle was off…took like 50 snaps before settling on one. The waterfall itself was incredible, powerful, and totally worth the minor photography meltdown.
- Mid-Morning: Relaxing at the Lake. Spent some time sitting by the lake, doing, well, nothing, but feeling so content. Wrote a few postcards, watched the boats go by, and just breathed in the peace.
- Afternoon: Farewell Tea & The Journey Home. One last chat with the Walami Homestay owner, who gave me a small gift, made a mental note to try and replicate her cooking. The dreaded journey home began. Bus to Taichung, HSR to Taipei.
- Evening: Taipei Memories. Found myself looking back at the lake and the tea plantations. The warmth of the sun, the quiet beauty of the lake, the welcoming smiles of the people at Walami – it will forever be etched in my memory.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- Taiwanese people are incredibly polite. Even when I was hopelessly lost and asking for help in broken Mandarin, they were patient and kind.
- Snacks are essential to survival. Carry them. Always.
- I need to learn Mandarin. Seriously.
- The air in Nantou smells different. It's clean, it's fresh, and it smells like something good.
- This trip wasn't flawless, far from it. There was travel stress, moments of mild panic, and the aforementioned duck dish. But it was real. It was honest. And it was amazing.
So, that's my messy, imperfect, and utterly human Nantou adventure. Go forth, embrace the chaos, and make your own memories. And don't forget the snacks.
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Walami Homestay: Sun Moon Lake's Secret (and I'm Telling YOU!) - Honestly, What to Expect
Is Walami Homestay REALLY a secret? Because, like, I saw it on Instagram...
What's the actual location like? Glamorous? Rustic? Run-down? Be honest!
The food – is it any good? I have *high* expectations.
What’s the best time of year to visit? And, like, what *else* should I pack besides hiking boots?
Are there any downsides? Because nothing's perfect...
Can you recommend any specific activities near Walami? Tell me the BEST things to do!
Okay, one more time. Is it REALLY worth the hype?
