Driving over the gorgeous Highway 7 will bring you to the locally revered, unique waterfall hot spring of Sileng. It’s an adventurous hike down the mountainside, passing and setting up a wild campsite surrounded by birds and nocturnal mammals, before reaching the chilly river with a relaxing hot spring on the bank. Enjoy the jungle while the hot springs flow from above.
For those leaving form Taipei you can expect to drive along the beautiful Highway 7 to the outskirts of Sanxia, for 2-3 hours. Once at the trailhead off the side of the highway, park and begin your descent. It is a steep climb to the campsite below for roughly 30 minutes. The climb down to the river from the massive campsite is a bit more steep, and will also take roughly 30 minutes.
The climb down entails ropes and roots to the river below. The river gets louder as you get closer, and roughly 30 minutes down the mountain you will get your view of the brightly colored orange and green painted rocks across the river. It’s a brief, chilly traverse across the flowing river to reach the spectacular waterfall hot spring.
Relax. Climb back up for dinner and a campfire once you have soaked to your satisfaction.
Wake up with the sun and the birds to brew coffee and make breakfast. After walking around the campsite searching for wildlife, you can always descend back to Sileng hot spring. One last relaxing hot spring session to wake up, before returning to the campsite, packing up and heading back towards Taipei.
This hot spring is one of the most fantastic camping sites in Taiwan. When winter rolls around be sure to experience this hidden gem.
