Travel Guide: Zhi Mei Homestay (至美民宿), Green Island, Taitung County

Introduction

Tucked away on the tranquil northeast coast of Green Island, a volcanic gem 33 kilometers off Taitung’s eastern shore, Zhi Mei Homestay delivers the intimate, unhurried island escape that travelers crave after exploring Taiwan’s busier tourist hubs. Far from the crowded stretches of southern Green Island, this cozy boutique homestay sits steps from Chaikou (柴口) Bay, one of the island’s most beloved snorkeling spots, and balances clean, comfortable accommodation with access to Green Island’s iconic volcanic landscapes, warm ocean waters, and rich local culture. Whether you’re a diving enthusiast chasing encounters with sea turtles or a slow traveler seeking quiet ocean sunrises, Zhi Mei Homestay is an ideal home base for your Green Island getaway.

Hotel Overview

Zhi Mei Homestay’s address at No. 45, Chaikou, Green Island Township puts it within a two-minute walk of Chaikou Bay’s shoreline. Every room is fitted with air conditioning, heating, and soundproofing to ensure a peaceful night’s rest, and most offer unobstructed ocean or coastal hill views from private balconies or terraces—perfect for sipping morning coffee while watching fishing boats drift across the Pacific. In-room amenities include a private en-suite shower with free toiletries, a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, an electric kettle, and tea/coffee making facilities, plus storage space for clothing and gear. On-site services include luggage storage, tour booking assistance, paid shuttle service from Green Island’s airport and port, and car and scooter rental arrangements to help you explore the island at your own pace. For active travelers, the homestay can book paid guided activities including local cultural tours, coastal walks, off-site snorkeling and diving, and access to nearby water adventure parks. Note that the property does not offer on-site internet, encouraging guests to disconnect and fully embrace island life, and free public parking is available nearby without reservation. All areas are non-smoking, and the staff speaks fluent Chinese.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions sit within easy reach of the homestay. First, Chaikou Reef, just a five-minute walk from your door, is a protected snorkeling area teeming with colorful tropical fish, vibrant coral, and frequent visits from wild green sea turtles. The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for beginner snorkelers. Second, the Jhaorih Hot Springs, a 10-minute scooter ride from the homestay, is one of the world’s rare saltwater hot springs, where you can soak in mineral-rich pools overlooking the ocean after a long day of exploring—even after dark, for a memorable starlit soak. Third, the Green Island Human Rights Memorial Park, a 15-minute ride south, offers a sobering but essential look at Taiwan’s modern history, set across the grounds of a former political prison, with preserved cell blocks, walking trails, and informative exhibits that contextualize the island’s complex past.

Travel Tips

Green Island is accessible via 15-minute flight from Taitung Airport or 50-minute ferry from Taitung’s Fugang Fishery Harbor; the homestay can arrange paid transfer from the island’s airport or port for arriving guests. Most travelers explore Green Island by scooter, so book rental through the homestay in advance during peak season (June to August) to guarantee availability. Since there is no on-site internet at the homestay, download offline maps of the island and any travel guides before you arrive, and embrace the chance to disconnect from digital life. Pack reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling to protect Green Island’s fragile coral ecosystems, and bring a light jacket even in summer, as ocean bree