MileHacker Logo
Sun Moon Lake Travel Hacks

Sun Moon Lake Travel Hacks

Sun Moon Lake Taiwan Travel Guide

Money-Saving Strategies

Travel smart and stretch your budget further at Sun Moon Lake.

Discount cards and passes

  • Sun Moon Lake Pass: Bundles bus fares, boat trips, ropeway tickets, and sometimes bike rental or Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village entry. Check versions at visitor centers.
  • EasyCard/iPASS: Contactless smart cards for public transport across Taiwan. Small discounts over cash fares.

Free activities and attractions

  • Cycling the lake path, hiking on various trails, and visiting temples (Wenwu, Xuanguang, Xuanzang, Ci'en Pagoda) are free entry.
  • Enjoying the scenery from various viewpoints around the lake.

Happy hours and dining deals

  • Less common in Sun Moon Lake than in major cities. Look for lunch specials or set menus ("tao can") for good value.

Transportation savings

  • Use the Round-the-Lake Bus and ferry services. These are economical. Avoid taxis for long distances unless with a group.
  • Consider regular trains or buses to Taichung before transferring to Sun Moon Lake. HSR is faster but more expensive.

Accommodation alternatives

Stay in B&Bs or guesthouses located a bit farther from the prime lakefront spots. You frequently find potentially lower rates and a quieter setting.

Stay beyond the immediate lakefront

  • Explore Bed and breakfasts and guesthouses in surrounding villages for different rates.

Time-Saving Tips

Maximize your sightseeing time at Sun Moon Lake.

Skip-the-line options

  • Purchase the A Stunning Alpine lake A ticket or Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village tickets online or at visitor centers. This bypasses ticket counter lines.

Best and worst times for popular attractions

  • Best: Visit popular attractions during weekdays, early mornings (earlier THAN 9 am), or late afternoons (after 4 PM) for fewer crowds.
  • Worst: Avoid visiting on weekends and during Taiwanese public holidays; attractions are crowded.

Express transportation alternatives

  • High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Taichung is the fastest way to reach the region from Taipei or Kaohsiung.

Efficient routing suggestions

  • Circle the lake methodically by bus, ferry, or bike. This covers major attractions in a logical sequence.

Pre-booking recommendations

Secure your travel components in advance.

Transportation and Accommodation

  • Book High-Speed Rail (HSR) tickets in advance, especially during peak times.
  • Book accommodation, especially during high season or holidays, for availability and potentially better rates.

Cash Withdrawal

Withdraw cash from ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven or FamilyMart). They often have lower fees for international cards.

Local Insights

Understand the distinctions of Taiwanese culture and travel.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Underestimating travel time. Factor in buffer time for transfers. Ignoring weather warnings. Check forecasts during typhoon season. Not carrying cash. Many small vendors are cash-only. Not dressing respectfully. Cover shoulders and knees for temples. Only visiting main spots. Explore quieter paths for a different perspective.

Local Customs

Queue patiently. Take off shoes when entering some homes, temples, or traditional shops. Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. Be polite and greet store owners or restaurant staff.

Unofficial Rules

Keep your voice down in public spaces, especially indoors. Chewing betel nut is common among some locals, but not for tourists. Taiwanese people are friendly and helpful. Ask for directions or assistance.

Phrases that impress locals

Common phrases

  • "Hǎo chī!" (好吃!) - Delicious! (Use this for food, it always brings a smile).
  • "Xièxiè" (謝謝) - Thank you.
  • "Bù hǎo yìsī" (不好意思) - Excuse me / Sorry (This is a versatile phrase for minor apologies or getting attention).

Connecting phrases

  • "Wǒ ài Táiwān" (我愛台灣) - I love Taiwan (This phrase usually results in a smile and warm response).

One-Day Visit

If you only have one day, prioritize the ferry loop and a bike ride on the most scenic section (Shuishe to Xiangshan). This provides a good overview of the lake''s key features.

← Previous
Sun Moon Lake Itineraries
← Back to Sun Moon Lake
Next →
Sun Moon Lake Travel Resources

Next Up: Sun Moon Lake Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Continue to Sun Moon Lake Travel Resources
Sun Moon Lake Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets