Planning to visit Sun Link Sea Taiwan?
This hidden gem in Nantou County is a nature lover’s dream, boasting gorgeous forests, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and stunning hiking trails.
We visited Sun Link Sea Forest and Nature Resort as a weekend getaway from Taipei, and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Taiwan!
In this guide, discover everything you need to know including how to get there, the best time to visit, what to expect, and much more!
SUN LINK SEA TAIWAN – OVERVIEW
Before going into more detail about all the things to do at Sun Link Sea Forest and Nature Resort, here is a brief overview of the logistics of getting here.
WHAT IS SUN LINK SEA?
Sun Link Sea (also referred to as Shanlinxi, Shanlinhsi, and 杉林溪度假園區) is an eco-friendly mountain resort in Nantou County, Taiwan, with forest, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Located 1,600 meters above sea level, the resort combines nature and adventure, and it makes for a fantastic day trip or a long weekend from Taipei.
WHERE IS SUN LINK SEA NATURE RESORT?
Sun Link Sea Nature Resort is located in Nantou County, about 3 to 4 hours drive south from Taipei.
Click here for the exact location on Google Maps.
HOW TO GET THERE?
RENT A CAR
Getting here is relatively easy, however it requires some planning. The easiest option is to rent a car and drive from Taipei, taking just 3.5 hours depending on traffic.
There’s a parking lot at the resort (which costs NT$100 per car per day), so it’s all easy and convenient.
GUIDED TOUR
Alternatively, if you don’t feel like driving, you can join a guided tour, which is perfect for a day trip with a local expert.
BEST TOUR TO SUN LINK SEA
The best way to visit is by joining this Tour of Sun Link Sea!
It includes transportation, a local guide, lunch, and the entrance fee.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Public transportation is an option but it’s not very convenient.
In fact, you’ll have to take a bus or train from Taipei to Taichung, then the Yuanlin Bus 6871 or Taiwan Tourist Bus 6883B to Sun Link Sea Forest. The price for this route is NT$274.
You can also take the 6883 B bus from Taichung Station to get to the nature resort. This bus costs NT$250. It’s worth noting that not all information is in English so we recommend using Google Maps for real-time details.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SUN LINK SEA TAIWAN?
The best time to visit depends on what you want to see. Spring (March to May) is great for the flora and fauna.
Summer (June to August), on the other hand, is perfect for cool weather. Autumn (September to November) is for red and orange maple leaves – Arguably the best season for taking photos.
Winter (December to February) is for quiet and solitude, and that’s the best time to visit and avoid the crowds. Needless to say, visit during weekdays or off-peak season for fewer people.
WHAT IS THE SUN LINK SEA ENTRANCE FEE?
Sun Link Sea entrance fee is NT$350 per person.
For disabled people and those over 65 years old, the ticket costs NT$200 per person.
The ticket includes access to all hiking trails, waterfalls, and flower gardens, so there’s no additional fee other than the entrance ticket and the parking (NT$100 daily per car).
CAN YOU STAY AT SUN LINK SEA RESORT?
Yes, you can stay at Sun Link Sea Nature Resort and it’s worth it if you want to be in the area. The resort has various accommodation options, wooden cottages, and guest rooms that blend modern amenities with nature.
That being said, their rooms are quite expensive and it’s recommended to stay in the nearby town for more affordable prices.
We personally stayed at Sheng Shine Forest Resort and can’t recommend it enough. From here it’s a short 20-minute drive to the entrance gate.
ACTIVITIES AT SUN LINK SEA
Now that you know the logistics of getting to Sun Link Sea Forest and Nature Resort, let’s talk about all the activities you can enjoy here. Spoiler alert: There’s a lot to do!
WATERFALLS
Sun Link Sea has several waterfalls, all of which are along the trails. First, Songlong Rock Waterfall which is located on the Songlong Rock Trail. It has a cave-like formation behind the waterfall, with water flowing through the natural arch.
The water flowing depends on the season, it gets more abundant during the rainy season and quite minimal the rest of the year. Regardless, the 38-meter-high falls is still a nice spot to discover.
Then there is the Chinglong Waterfall (also spelled Qinglong Falls), the tallest at 116m, which is on the Chinglong Trail.
It’s about 2km away from the parking lot and it’s arguably the most beautiful waterfall in the complex.
Chinglong Second Waterfall nearby is smaller but equally as good with peaceful surroundings.
Lastly, Longlin Waterfall on the Longlin Trail is a secluded and peaceful spot surrounded by forest. It’s not as impressive as the other falls above, but you’ll pass them when going from the Longlin Trail to the Rhododendron Forest Trail, so you’ll see them anyway.
Read more about the hiking trails below.
ANCESTOR TUNNEL
One special spot you can’t miss at the resort is the Ancestor Tunnel, located along the Tianyen Trail on the way to Songlong Waterfall.
The history of the tunnel is quite interesting, as the local’s ancestors built it to carry and transport timber, with the help of wooden horses.
Today, the tunnel is well respected among the locals, and it’s a highlight on one of the most beautiful hiking trails at Sun Link Sea Taiwan.
It’s 1.7 meters high, 1 meter in width, and 20 meters in length, so it’s a quick photo stop before continuing the trail.
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FLORA & FAUNA
It goes without saying that the main attraction of Sun Link Sea Forest is the flora and fauna.
The resort is famous for its peonies which bloom in April and paint the gardens in colors. You’ll also find maple trees which turn red in autumn and create stunning views.
The forest has rhododendrons, ferns, and various orchids. The fauna is just as impressive with swallowtail butterflies, unique birds, and even the occasional squirrel.
Is the flora and fauna worth coming for? Absolutely!
FLOWER CENTER & MEDICINAL GARDEN
The Medicinal Garden at Sun Link Sea is a small but lovely place that you’ll love if you appreciate nature.
It’s a research and learning center where you can see various herbs used in traditional medicine. Many of these herbs make it into our food, drinks, and souvenirs so it’s a nice extra touch to your stay.
The garden is small taking only 5-10 minutes to walk around but the charm is in the peacefulness.
Unfortunately, the plant labels are limited so you might have to use your imagination or the tour guides to identify the species.
Just across the road, the Flower Center has over 30 species of flowers, from tulips and peonies to hydrangeas and fuchsias. Blooms change by season so there’s always something to see.
Cherry blossoms and tulips from January to February, peonies and rhododendrons in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and maple leaves in autumn. No matter when you visit, you’ll love this little colorful spot.
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HIKING TRAILS
Next on this list of activities are the unmissable hiking trails for all levels. There are a few paths around the park and we’ll go through all of them below ranked by difficulty.
These are the easy trails:
- Yenan Trail: 220m long, walking time 10 minutes
- Shyrjing-Ji Trail: 400m long, walking time 15 minutes
- Chienshou Trail: 1000m long, walking time 40 minutes
- Chunlin Trail: 1800m long, walking time 40 minutes
On the other hand, these are intermediate-level trails:
- Yuehsan Trail: 1200m long, walking time 20 minutes
- Tianyen Trail & Ancient Red Cypress: 900m long, walking time 25 minutes
- Rhododendron Forest Trail: 1700m long, walking time 60 minutes
And lastly, these are some harder trails that, despite the difficulty, are worth it:
- Tiyen Trail: 930m long, walking time 20 minutes
- Yuehling Trail: 1200m long, walking time 40 minutes
- Chinglong Fern Trail: 1600m long, walking time 60 minutes
No matter your fitness level, you’ll love your time hiking around the forest. Bring sturdy shoes, and don’t forget your camera to capture the incredible sights!
WHERE TO STAY NEAR SUN LINK SEA
While Sun Link Sea is an actual resort where you can spend the night, there are more options not too far in a nearby town.
Below you’ll find properties suitable for luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: SHENG SHINE FOREST RESORT
Located in the middle of Xitou, Lugu, Sheng Shine Forest Resort is a peaceful property with a mountain view. It’s located just about 20 minutes from Sun Link Sea Taiwan.
There’s a free parking lot available and free WiFi is available throughout the property. Some rooms have private hot tubs while some have a balcony or patio to enjoy the scenery.
Breakfast is included for all guests. The perfect choice for your trip!
MID-RANGE: DO TIAN DING B&B
Do Tian Ding B&B in Lugu Lake is a mix of comfort and charm with modern style. The air-conditioned rooms have a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, slippers, and free toiletries.
You’ll also find a shared lounge and a sun deck for relaxation. Lastly, you’ll love the garden, which is perfect for relaxing in the afternoon after visiting the forest.
BUDGET: JIA’S HOMESTAY
Jia’s Homestay in Lugu Lake is a warm, cozy, and affordable accommodation with a mountain view. Each unit has a private bathroom with modern facilities like a walk-in shower, slippers, and toiletries.
There’s an on-site restaurant serving lunch and dinner, so you don’t need to go out if you don’t feel like it. Overall, a great pick when traveling on a budget.
For More Options, Check Hotels on Booking.com
SUMMARY – SUN LINK SEA FOREST AND NATURE RESORT
So there you have it, everything you need to know to plan your trip from Taipei to this stunning nature forest.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
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