There're hotsprings practically everywhere in Taiwan!
I very much prefer public hotsprings (almost typed hotspots) to those hotspring resort/hotel/motel which private rooms.
1. It's cheap, or even free. (yes, most compelling reason)
2.* You are guaranteed hotspring water at the source.
3.* You get to interact with the locals - very fun and educational.
4. When in Rome, do as the Rome do.
* I've been told that pipes are too thin (refer to Wulai photos) so hotspring resorts tend to dilute the water, and that too enclosed a space is not as good (usually you'd request a private room).
Some downsides
1. usually outdoors, you need to be in your swimming attire
2. crowded (but enough for everyone!) more locals than tourists usually
3. facilities are not on par (it's free what do you expect!)
So far, I've tried the free public hotspring at Taroko (toilet provided though lights are not working, but quite far away from the hotspring, and you have to climb steps and cross a bridge), water is very hot, you can dip in the river even, quite private!
There are a few choices in Taipei, I heard there's hotsprings on Yangmingshan too (referring to the free kind) but I did not try, it's 11 deg C!
Also tried Wulai's free public hotsprings, which you have to cross a bridge and walk down steps, change under the steps in a makeshift changing room, but mostly of the users are locals so it's quite fun! The Atayal Aboriginal Museum is quite educational too.
Venice?
Their tattoos have meanings
Slogging for their pupils
Want to try this next time!
There! The hotsprings (i had to ask for directions)
It was really good to combat the cold weather!
And lastly there's Beitou Millennium Public Hotspring (admission fee), which works a bit differently, there are fixed timings for you to come and ticket sales open at specific times (so you have to queue early). There are limited tickets for each time slot, and you must finish by the specified time on your ticket, so they can do the cleaning after each timing. Queue early for ticket, then wait near the door for doors to open, chiong down to the changing room, enjoy dipping in the many pools (very hot to very cold), choing back to changing room. Better facilities equate to better crowd.
Beitou Hotspring Museum (yawn) showcasing Beitou's Japanese roots
Last Post on Taiwan - Taipei Zoo~
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