The Jade Mountain Experience – Dongpu Lodge
There are two areas where visitors can rest, one at the trail head is the Dongpu Lodge, and the other one about 2kms away from the summit is the Paiyun Lodge.
Since this is a two-day hike to the summit of Jade Mountain, sleeping areas are provided by the Yushan National Park for mountaineers.
The Way to Yushan
There are two main routes in hiking Yushan in Taiwan, first is via the Tataka/Tatajia Saddle which is the most popular and easiest since. In addition it can be finished in two days in a 10 km trail up to the summit.
Second route which is longer and difficult is via the 23 km trail starting from the hotspring town of Dongpu. But due to typhoon Morakot in the year 2009, it was closed down to hikers.
Dongpu Lodge
This simple hostel is located off the highway inside the Tataka/Tatajia Recreational Area. Moreover, this is 19 kilometers away from the nearest transport hub, the Alishan Scenic Area.
This lodge is located some 2400 meters above sea level and is often used as a pre-hike accommodation to those planning to summit Mt. Yushan (3952+).
This lodge charges 300NTD per night per person on a bunk bed with warm comforters and a pillow. It may be a bit rundown but the amenities is just enough. In addition, it has a kitchen where you can cook your own food, a common area for dining and lounging. Moreover, there’s hot water for bathing, water closets and friendly staff.
Tataka (Tatajia, 塔塔加) is where Highway 18 (110 kilometer mark) becomes Highway 21 (145 kilometer mark), also known as the New Cross-Island Highway, connecting Chiayi and Nantou County. This is a recreational area where one can just have picnics while having a scenic view of the surrounding mountain peaks and valleys and sometimes clouds descending on the lower flanks.
Where is Dongpu Lodge?
- Dongpu Lodge is 19 kms away from the Alishan (Alisan, 阿里山) Transport Station (15-20 minute drive)
- Jiayi County Alishan Township Zhong Shan Village Route 18 #77 (嘉義縣阿里山鄉中山村自忠77號)
Do I need to reserve a slot for the lodge?
This is a fairly small lodge with a bed capacity of only 32, we did not have any prior booking in this lodge since we are scheduled on a weekday. But you can coordinate with the Yushan National Park upon obtaining your Mountain Permit if you need to reserve a slot so they can arrange it for you. (This is for the DIY climbs like what we did)
How am I going to get there via public transportation?
Upon arrival at the Alishan Transport Station, you can reserve your tickets at the 7-11 counter for bus trips heading to the Sun Moon Lake (SML) ticket amy cost around 100-150NTD per way. This is served by the YL (Yuanlin Bus 6739).
- Please mind that Alishan to Sun Moon Lake (SML) trips are only scheduled 1300 and 1400 daily, while SML to Alishan trips are scheduled 0800 and 0900 daily. This passes by the Tataka Recreational Area some 15-20 minutes away. Tell the driver you are going to Dongpu Lodge
- If you miss the bus, the staff at the 7-11 counter can assist you to book a taxi, if there’s anyone available nearby. (Flagdown rates starts at 100NTD)
- Alternately, they will also offer a private car service to Dongpu Lodge but they will charge 1500NTD (If group of 4pax then 375NTD each) for the trip since the car they’re going to use consumes a lot more gasoline. (It’s a BMW, so don’t haggle!)
How am I going to go back to Alishan? to Sun Moon Lake?
- Alishan – there’s public buses from Sun Moon Lake bound for Alishan that passes by the Tataka Area. They depart 0800 and 0900 daily from SML. and expect them to pass by an hour or an hour and a half after. (Fare: 100-150NTD, Travel Time: 15-20minutes)
- Or just rent the Shuttle vans in Paiyun Visitor Center to take you down to Alishan (just like what we did) for 1000NTD from Tataka Saddle.
- Hitchhike!
- Sun Moon Lake – Public buses bound for SML from Alishan departs by 1300 and 1400, and expect them to pass by some 15-20 minutes after in Tataka Area. (Fare: 325-375 NTD, Travel Time: 2 hours)
- It’s a long trip from Tataka to SML if renting a private vehicle, ready your budget if planning to take this option.
- Hitchhike!
Can I book in advance?
With the bus only having 19seats, booking at the counter might be risky specially during holidays and weekends, try booking your slots via email a month prior to the trip is also accepted. Try checking out their website and download the reservation form. Yuanlin Bus 6739 Reservation Page
Can I buy food or meals at the lodge or anywhere nearby?
- Nearest place where one can buy food is at the 7-11 store in the Alishan Transport Station, further from it, there’s none.
- Dongpu Lodge offers cooked meals: 150NTD for breakfast and 250NTD for dinner. Meals are small servings of meat and vegetables with unlimited congee.
- We bought food from 7-11 in Alishan, but I suggest that you buy your food in the city to save as much or if you are on a budget.
All bus trips depart and arrive on time, please do not be late.
Check their website here (No English Translation): Dongpu Lodge
Updated March 05, 2018
