Want one quieter chapter in your Taipei trip? Yilan is the easiest to add. The county sits on Taiwan’s northeast coast, on the other side of the mountains from Taipei, and it rewards you with hot spring towns, a long Pacific shoreline and a slower pace. This guide to Yilan from Singapore focuses on three things: soaking in Jiaoxi, exploring the Toucheng coast and getting there smoothly from Taipei.
There is no direct flight from Singapore to Yilan. You fly to Taipei (Taoyuan International Airport, or Songshan if your airline uses it), then travel overland. That is actually good news, because Yilan works best as a one or two night add-on rather than a separate trip. For the bigger picture of planning a Taipei base, see our Taipei From Singapore planning guide and the wider Taiwan from Singapore overview.
Getting From Taipei to Yilan: Bus or Train
The two realistic options are intercity buses through the Hsuehshan Tunnel and the Taiwan Railway (TRA) trains along the coast. Driving is possible, but most Singaporean visitors do not rent cars in Taiwan, and the tunnel route is heavily used on weekends.
| Option | How it works | Best for | Things to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity bus via the Hsuehshan Tunnel | Buses leave from central Taipei bus terminals and run along National Freeway 5 to Jiaoxi, Yilan city and Luodong | Getting to Jiaoxi quickly, travelling light | Weekend and holiday traffic can add a lot of time; check the operator’s current schedule |
| TRA train along the northeast coast | Regular and express trains run from Taipei Main Station down the coast to Jiaoxi, Toucheng, Yilan and Luodong stations | Sea views, stopping at Toucheng, predictable timing | Express seats on popular trains can sell out; book or arrive early |
| Day tour or private driver | A pre-arranged tour picks you up in Taipei and covers several stops | Families with young children or elderly parents | Compare what is included and the cancellation terms before paying |
| Self-drive | Rent a car in Taipei and take the freeway | Confident drivers exploring rural Yilan | You need a valid licence for driving in Taiwan; check the requirements with Taiwan’s authorities before you go |
In practice, many travellers take the bus out to Jiaoxi and the train back, or the reverse. The train route passes through coastal stations, which makes it the natural way to combine Toucheng with a hot spring stay.
Jiaoxi Hot Springs: How Soaking Works Here
Jiaoxi is the hot spring town most visitors mean when they talk about Yilan. Unlike some springs elsewhere in Taiwan, the water here is usually described as clear, mild and low in sulphur smell, so it suits first-timers and children who might dislike the eggy odour of volcanic springs.
You will find several ways to soak:
- Free public foot baths. The town has public parks with foot soaking pools. Bring a small towel, roll up your trousers and sit with the locals. It is the cheapest way to try the water.
- Public hot spring parks. Larger landscaped parks offer communal pools, sometimes with separate areas and an entry fee. Rules on swimwear and caps vary, so read the signs at the entrance.
- Private hot spring rooms. Many hotels and bathhouses rent private rooms by the hour, each with its own tub fed by spring water. This is popular with couples and families who are shy about communal bathing.
- Hotel rooms with in-room tubs. If you stay the night, many Jiaoxi hotels pipe spring water directly into the room. It is the most relaxing option and lets you soak late at night or early in the morning.
If you have only experienced the warm pools at a Singapore spa, communal bathing etiquette can feel unfamiliar. Our onsen and hot spring etiquette guide covers the basics: shower before entering, keep towels out of the water, and keep your voice down. Rules differ between Japan and Taiwan and between venues, so follow posted instructions first.
A few health notes. Hot water raises your heart rate, so limit each soak, drink water and get out if you feel dizzy. People who are pregnant, have heart conditions or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before using hot springs. Do not soak after drinking alcohol.
Toucheng: Coastline, Turtle Island and Surf
Toucheng is the coastal township just north of Jiaoxi, and it gives Yilan its sea air. It is a good half-day or full-day stop, especially if you are travelling by train.
Wai’ao Beach
Wai’ao is a long dark-sand beach known for surfing. Surf schools and board rental shops line the road behind it, and beginner lessons are common in calmer months. Conditions change quickly with the season and weather, so check with the surf school, listen to lifeguards where present and do not swim where warning flags are flying.
Guishan Island (Turtle Island)
Offshore sits Guishan Island, a volcanic island named for its turtle-like shape. Boat tours from the harbour circle the island and sometimes include whale and dolphin watching in season. Landing on the island is controlled, with limits on visitor numbers and periods when it is closed, so check the current arrangements with the tour operator or the local authority well ahead of your trip. Sea conditions can cancel sailings, so keep your plan flexible.
Lanyang Museum
The Lanyang Museum is a striking angular building on the coast that introduces Yilan’s geography, history and culture. It is a useful rainy-day stop and gives context to everything else you will see in the county.
How to Pace a Yilan Trip From Taipei
Yilan can be a long day trip, but it shines with at least one night. Here are three ways to fit it in.
A day trip. Take an early bus to Jiaoxi, try the public foot baths and book a private hot spring room for an hour. In the afternoon, take a short train ride to Toucheng for the coast, then catch a train back to Taipei in the evening.
One night. Stay in Jiaoxi so you can soak in the evening and again before breakfast. The next day, take a morning boat to circle Guishan Island if sailings are running, spend the afternoon at Wai’ao, and head back to Taipei.
Two nights. Add Luodong, a town further south known for its busy night market, and the National Center for Traditional Arts, which showcases crafts and traditional performance. This version also gives you slack for weather, which matters on this coast.
Practical Tips for Singaporean Travellers
- Weather. Yilan is noticeably cooler and wetter than Singapore, especially from autumn to spring. Pack a light waterproof jacket and a warm layer. Hot spring season feels best in the cooler months.
- Typhoons. In typhoon season, transport and boat tours may be suspended at short notice. Monitor Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration and your accommodation’s updates.
- Weekends. Taipei residents love Yilan as a weekend escape, so tunnel traffic and hotel prices rise on Saturdays and public holidays. Go midweek if you can.
- Payments. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, but many small food stalls and markets take cash only. Carry some New Taiwan dollars.
- Travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers water activities like surfing and boat trips if you plan to do them. Check the wording with your insurer.
If you enjoy the hot springs, you can keep the habit going at home. Singapore has its own natural spring at Sembawang Hot Spring Park, which has a foot bath and a cascading pool, a nice way to recall your Jiaoxi soak on a weekend morning.
Why Yilan Deserves a Spot in Your Taiwan Plan
Yilan gives you a different Taiwan from the one in Taipei’s malls and markets: hot spring steam on a cool evening, surf breaking on a black sand beach and a volcanic island on the horizon. It is close to the capital yet feels like an escape. Fly into Taipei, set aside a day or two, choose bus or train based on your route, and let the slower pace of the northeast coast do the rest.
Further reading: Jiufen from Singapore: A Travel Guide