Alishan, Taiwan Travelling 101

Alishan, Taiwan

Alishan or 阿里山 is a breathtaking mountain region in Chiayi County, Taiwan that is known for its stunning landscapes, vast tea plantations, and vibrant indigenous culture. With its cool climate and picturesque scenery, Alishan has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. In this article, I'll guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Alishan.

Getting to Alishan

How to go to Alishan from Singapore?

Travelling from Singapore to Alishan in Taiwan involves several steps and transportation changes.

1. Fly from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Taiwan.

• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Most flights, and offers High-Speed Rail (HSR) connections to Chiayi.
• Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): Closer to Alishan but has fewer flight options and requires additional train and bus transfers.
  

2. Take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) from your arrival airport to Chiayi HSR.

• During off-peak season, you can purchase tickets at a self-service machine or counters at the HSR station.
• During peak season, purchase HSR tickets and reserve seats in advance to ensure a smooth seated journey.

3. There are 2 ways to travel from Chiayi HSR station to Alishan - Bus or Train.

• Easiest and fastest way: Catch the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 7329 from Chiayi HSR station to the Alishan National Forest Recreational Area.
• Scenic route: Take the Alishan Forest Railway (from Chiayi station to Fenqihu) and Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus (from Fenqihu to Alishan)

How to get to Alishan from Chiayi?

There are several ways to reach Alishan depending on your preferences.

By car

This is the most comfortable and convenient way but of course also the most expensive mode of transportation. If you are not a fan of dragging huge luggage up the mountain via public transport, then choose this method.

You can hire a driver via kkday starting from SGD120 for 1 - 4 pax.

By train

Another way is the scenic route, by taking a train to Chiayi Railway Station and then transferring to the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge train that winds its way up the mountain. However, the train stops at Fengqihu and you will have to switch to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus from Fenqihu Station to Alishan.

The total travelling time takes up to 4 hours and costs about NTD500.

By bus

This mode of transport is faster and cheaper than taking a train. Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 7322 from Chiayi Bus Station to Alishan. It costs NTD240 and takes about 2 hours. However, I would not recommend this method for those who suffer from motion sickness like I do.

Where to Stay in Alishan

Wondering which part of Alishan to stay? Alishan offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. From cosy guesthouses (民宿) to luxury resorts, there is something for everyone.

The most convenient option is staying near or in the Alishan Recreational Area.

• Alishan Shermuh Hotel, Chiayi
• Alishan Hotel
  
• Wankou Hotel
  

However, if you do not mind having to travel up to the Alishan Recreational Area for your hikes, here's a recommendation based on my stay in December 2023. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred choice.

綠香茶園民宿

Green Incense Homestay (綠香茶園民宿) is a homestay located in Alishan that a family runs. The lady boss prepared a Taiwanese breakfast for us that made us feel at home. Opt for the "Japanese-Style Quadruple Room" if you prefer not to climb as many stairs as they do not have a lift.

Everyone working there is always very responsive and willing to help. They provide free transportation to and fro Fengqihu, to get snacks from the 7-11 nearby, and are also able to fetch you to your next accommodation in Alishan. We even got to catch a bonus sunset at a spot recommended by the boss!

If you want to catch the Alishan sunrise, they provide transportation to the Alishan train station for a low fee based on headcount. The lady boss was also kind enough to give us a walkthrough on what to do when hiking in Alishan using a map (that was also given to us).

How many days to stay in Alishan?

2 days and 1 night (2D1N) is sufficient based on my 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) experience. Here's what I did at Alishan:

• Arrived at our accommodation at 3 pm to check in and settle before heading out to Fengqihu.
• Visited the Fengqihu Old Street to try out their local specialties and sightseeing before heading back to rest for the day. 
• Got up at 4 am to head for the Alishan railway station to catch the Alishan sunrise. Then hiked the various hiking trails in Alishan for a few hours before taking a bus back to rest.

Because we're not early birds, catching up on our sleep was a MUST after the sunrise and hike. Hence, we spent an extra night in Alishan before checking out the next morning.

Tips on Catching the Alishan Sunrise and Sunset

How to see sunrise at Alishan

The recommended place to see the sunrise is on the nearby Zhu Mountain (Zhushan), which can be reached by a 25-minute train ride from Alishan station or a 15-minute bus ride from the bus stop near the Alishan station.

Here are a few tips to enhance your sunrise experience:

• Arrive early. To secure the best viewing spot, make sure to arrive at the viewing platform well before the scheduled sunrise time.
• Take the bus instead. During peak season, train tickets will run out even if you arrive at the train station before 5:30 am as most people book their tickets the day before at the station. Having missed the train, we took the bus up instead. Which turned out to be the cheaper and much faster option!
• Dress warmly. The weather in Alishan is chilly, especially during sunrise. Layer your clothing to stay comfortable throughout. Back in Dec 2023, it was 1 Degree Celsius and I was unprepared only in a windbreaker. Don't follow in my footsteps!
• Be patient. Sometimes, the weather conditions may obstruct the view. However, Alishan's ever-changing landscape often rewards patient observers with stunning displays of light and shadow.
  

Where to see sunset in Alishan

In my opinion, the sunset at Alishan is so much more stunning than the sunrise there. I managed to catch it on my way back to the homestay from Fengqihu. It was a spot fairly near our accommodation suggested by the homestay owner to stop at and take a few pictures.

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Conclusion

With its natural beauty and cultural charm, Alishan is a destination that will leave you awe-inspired. Plan your trip well, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the mountains, and create lasting memories in this enchanting part of Taiwan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Alishan worth going?

Ultimately, it depends on your preferences and priorities.

Yes, if you:

• Enjoy stunning natural beauty: mountain scenery, sunrises, forests, and hiking trails.
• Appreciate cultural experiences: indigenous culture and historic railway.
• Seek relaxation and a break from city life.

No, if you:

• Dislike long travel times and transfers.
• Mind crowds and touristy scenes (especially during peak season).
• Find hiking or outdoor activities unappealing.

When should I visit Alishan?

I would recommend the period of End November to April as the weather is most cooling and least rainy during this time.

Spring (March-May):

• Pros: Stunning cherry blossoms, pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures.
• Cons: Crowds, higher prices, booked-out accommodation.

Autumn (September-November):

• Pros: Beautiful fall foliage, clear skies, comfortable weather.
• Cons: Typhoon season, potential for rain.

Summer (June-August):

• Pros: Lush greenery, vibrant festivals, fewer crowds.
• Cons: Hot and humid weather, occasional downpours.

Winter (December-February):

• Pros: Chance to see snow (rare), peaceful atmosphere, lower prices.
• Cons: Some attractions might be closed due to cold weather, and limited transportation.

What do you wear to Alishan?

Dressing for Alishan depends on the season.

Winter (Dec-Feb): Pack warm layers like fleece jackets, thermal shirts, and a down jacket. Don't forget gloves, a hat, and a scarf - it can get chilly!

Spring (Mar-May) & Autumn (Sep-Nov): Layers are still ideal, but opt for lighter options like long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a raincoat.

Summer (Jun-Aug): Pack breathable clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and light hiking pants. Bring a rain jacket as showers are common.

What is the closest city to Alishan Taiwan?

Chiayi is the closest city to Alishan in Taiwan. It acts as the main gateway for transportation to the mountainous Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.