Travel Guide: Emmanuel Forest B&B (以馬內利森林民宿), Nantou County

Tucked in the lush green hills outside Puli, Nantou County, Emmanuel Forest B&B is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path retreat ideal for travelers looking to trade the noise of cities for the soft rustle of Taiwan’s central mountain forests. Far from crowded tourist hubs, this cozy family-run homestay leans into its natural setting, offering a low-key, restful escape for couples, solo travelers, and small groups.

Hotel Overview

Emmanuel Forest B&B is located at No. 23, Liyu 1st Lane, Puli Town, Nantou County, just a 10-minute drive from central Puli. All guest rooms are non-smoking, fitted with air conditioning, heating, and fans for year-round comfort, plus a flat-screen TV for quiet evenings. Each room has a private en-suite bathroom with a standalone shower and complimentary toiletries, and many open out to stunning views of the surrounding forest and hills. Shared facilities include a spacious lounge with sofas and a seating area, a simple shared kitchen for quick meals or snack prep, and a sprawling flower garden perfect for morning coffee or evening stargazing. Practical perks include free, unreserved private on-site parking, daily housekeeping, and meeting and banquet facilities for small private events. For safety, the property is equipped with smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and 24/7 CCTV in all public areas and around the exterior. Note that the property does not offer internet access, a deliberate choice to encourage guests to disconnect and soak in the natural surroundings. The staff speaks conversational Mandarin Chinese.

Local Attractions

Three standout nearby attractions make this base ideal for exploring central Nantou:

• Liyu Lake (Carp Lake): Just a five-minute drive from the B&B, this scenic alpine lake is circled by a 4km flat walking and cycling path, with gentle views of the water and surrounding hills. Visitors can rent paddle boats, stop for local bubble tea at lakeside stalls, or spot native water birds along the shore.
• Paper Dome (Tao Feng Shan Church): A 10-minute drive away, this iconic architectural landmark is a stunning curved church built entirely from recycled paper, originally constructed in Japan and relocated to Puli after the 921 earthquake. It hosts regular art exhibitions and quiet contemplation sessions, blending history, faith, and sustainable design.
• Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village: A 25-minute drive up the mountain toward Sun Moon Lake, this open-air cultural park showcases the traditions, crafts, and performances of Taiwan’s 16 indigenous ethnic groups, with scenic cable car rides offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Travel Tips

Since the B&B does not offer internet, download offline maps and any travel guides before you arrive. If you do not speak Mandarin, save the B&B’s name and address in Chinese to show taxi drivers or locals. Central Puli has a wide range of restaurants serving local specialties like wild mushroom hot pot and alpine tea, so stock up on groceries or pick up meals before heading back to the quiet property. Visit between October and March for cool, comfortable hiking weather and fewer crowds than the busy Sun Moon Lake tourist area.