Travel Guide: Muye Cottage Pet-Friendly Homestay, Yilan County

Introduction

Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Dongshan Township, Yilan, Muye Cottage (慕野小築-寵物友善民宿) is a dream getaway for travelers craving slow, rustic relaxation—especially those who refuse to leave their four-legged family members at home. Surrounded by rolling rice paddies and misty mountain views, this cozy homestay trades the crowds of Yilan’s popular tourist hubs for genuine, low-key hospitality that feels like staying at a friend’s country retreat.

Hotel Overview

Muye Cottage is located at No. 42, Lane 132, Wuhan 2nd Road, Dongshan Township, putting you just a 10-minute drive from Dongshan River Water Park and central Yilan’s most popular attractions. As a dedicated pet-friendly homestay, guests can bring dogs, cats, and other small companion animals for no extra fee, a rare perk that makes it a favorite among pet owners across Taiwan.

All guest rooms are non-smoking, equipped with air conditioning, heating, flat-screen cable TVs, bedside charging outlets, and free property-wide WiFi. En-suite bathrooms come stocked with all essentials: free toiletries, towels, slippers, hairdryers, and toilet paper. Shared facilities include a fully equipped public kitchen with cooking utensils, a fridge, and cleaning supplies, perfect for whipping up homemade meals or storing local snacks. Outside, you’ll find a sun-drenched terrace, a dedicated picnic area, and full barbecue facilities for al fresco dinners under the stars. Additional perks include free nearby public parking (no reservation required), daily housekeeping, private check-in/out, a shared lounge with board games and puzzles for casual evenings, and in-room breakfast service to start your day slow. Safety features include smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, CCTV in public areas, and 24/7 carbon monoxide monitoring.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable local spots are just a short drive from the homestay:

• Dongshan River Water Park: A 12-minute drive away, this sprawling riverside park is perfect for slow days of cycling, picnicking, and lazy river walks. In summer, it hosts the famous Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folk Game Festival, and it’s pet-friendly on leashes, so you can explore with your pup.
• Jimmy’s Moon Bus: Located 15 minutes away in Yilan’s iconic Luodong Forestry Culture Park, this whimsical art installation by celebrated illustrator Jimmy Liao brings storybook scenes to life. The park’s leafy, open paths are great for stretching your legs after a morning of driving.
• Meihua Lake: A 20-minute drive from the homestay, this scenic crater lake offers cycling trails around its shore, casual waterfront seafood restaurants, and unobstructed views of the surrounding Snow Mountain range. It’s one of Yilan’s most photographed spots, especially at sunrise.

Travel Tips

Since the homestay is on a higher floor accessible only by stairs, travelers with mobility impairments should plan accordingly. Book at least two weeks in advance during peak seasons (cherry blossom season in spring, summer holidays, and harvest season in autumn) as pet-friendly rooms fill up fast. Stop by the nearby Dongshan Farmers’ Market on weekends to pick up fresh local produce and Yilan’s famous green onion cakes for a barbecue at the homestay. Don’t forget to bring waste bags for your pet—while the homestay welcomes pets, keeping the countryside clean ensures this pet-friendly gem stays open for future visitors.