Beitou (北投)

As Beitou, a lush and hilly area full of natural hot springs, is located on the Taipei subway line, it is too convenient to pass up the experience. Depending on the path you choose, you can either soak in the lavish life as waterfall faucets fill your private stone tub with rejuvenating spring water, or you can be submerged in cultural differences, plunging head first into a hot-spring experience of either naked Chinese day-trippers or half-bathing suited public bathers.

Having started at the top of the hill, we were able to see the luxury that awaits one who is able to hand over the cash. Unfortunately, the private baths, professional massages, and glamorous decor did not suit our wallets, so we strode down the hill in search of something more affordable. Unfortunately, the next place we tried--a mere dollar or two in price--was nothing but a dank public shower and two naked, old women with washcloths.

Thankfully, the next place we found was just right: neither too expensive, nor too "cultural." We had an hour and a half or so to enjoy two private, marble tubs, one for hot water and one for cold, soap ourselves up with fragrant shampoo and body wash, and enjoy a comical view of one of the outdoor, water park-like public bath from our window. Although I would not feel the need to make this day trip more than once or twice if I were living in Taipei, the experience of walking around Beitou and seeing the various bathhouses was well worth our while.