Travel Guide: One House Backpackers, New Taipei City

Introduction

Tucked away in the laid-back coastal town of Gongliao, 一間屋背包客棧 (One House Backpackers) is a budget-friendly, community-focused hostel ideal for travelers craving sun, surf, and slow coastal getaways in northern Taiwan. Far from the hustle of Taipei’s city center, this cozy spot puts the best of Gongliao’s golden shores and mountain trails right at your doorstep, blending warm hospitality with the no-fuss vibe independent travelers love.

Hotel Overview

One House Backpackers is located at No. 1-2, Lane 2, Fulong Street, Gongliao District, New Taipei City, just a 5-minute walk from Fulong Beach and Fulong Train Station. Designed for backpackers and casual travelers, this smoke-free property offers both dorm and private rooms with clean, basic amenities. All guests get free property-wide WiFi, with bedside outlets, clothes hangers, and drying racks in every room, and fresh linens provided. Shared bathrooms include free hairdryers, and common facilities include a full shared kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave, plus a sunlit rooftop terrace with views of the coast. The hostel offers luggage storage and paid laundry services, and multilingual staff speak English, Japanese, and Chinese, making it accessible for international travelers. Safety features include smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and 24/7 CCTV in all public areas, and the entire property is air-conditioned for comfort in Taiwan’s humid summers. Note that there is no on-site parking, and all upper floors are accessible only by stairs, so plan accordingly if you travel with heavy luggage.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable local attractions are just minutes from the hostel:

• Fulong Beach: A 5-minute walk from the hostel, this golden 1km stretch of sand is one of northern Taiwan’s most beloved surfing and swimming spots. Every April, it hosts the iconic Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival, when giant intricate sculptures line the shore. It’s also the starting point for the Old Caoling Rail Bike route.
• Old Caoling Bike Path: A converted former railway line that winds 10km along the coast between Fulong and Dali. The most popular way to explore is on a rail bike, where you glide through tunnels and past cliffside ocean views, ending at the quiet Dali Harbor for fresh seafood.
• Caoling Historic Trail: This 8.5km ancient footpath cuts through lush forest and coastal hills, tracing a 200-year-old Qing Dynasty trade route between Gongliao and Yilan. The trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and ends at the picturesque Waimushan Coast, with moderate terrain suitable for most casual hikers.

Travel Tips

The hostel is a 1.5-hour train ride from Taipei Main Station on the Yilan line, making it an easy weekend escape. If you’re traveling by scooter or car, there is limited paid street parking within a 5-minute walk of the property. Pack layers for coastal walks—sea breezes can be cool even in summer, and spring and autumn bring frequent light rain. For food, walk 2 minutes to Fulong Old Street for fresh oyster omelets and handmade rice cakes, or stop at the waterfront seafood stalls near the harbor for cheap, delicious grilled fish. Visit between May and September for perfect beach weather, or in October for mild hiking conditions and fewer crowds.