Baolai Hot Spring
寶來溫泉
4.0 · 141 reviews · via Google
Baolai Hot Spring
sodium-bicarbonate · Kaohsiung
Hotter than 56% of Taiwan springs (n=25).
More acidic than 28% of Taiwan springs (n=25).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Remote — over 5km from the nearest station
Cost
Moderate
Crowd level
Quiet
About this spring
Baolai sits at the southern entrance of the Southern Cross-Island Highway, featuring premium clear and odorless sodium bicarbonate water. The surrounding mountain landscapes are famous for massive plum orchards that carpet the valleys in white blossoms during mid-winter. The local resorts feature open-air viewing decks overlooking the expansive Lao-nong River.
Highlights
History
The Baolai valley was originally part of the hunting grounds of the indigenous Bunun and Hla'alua tribes.
Systematic tapping of the hot spring veins occurred in the post war era, rapidly turning Baolai into a popular eco tourism destination in the 1980s. The region suffered catastrophic damage from Typhoon Morakot in 2009, which buried many riverside springs. Through incredible community resilience and government investment, new deep wells were drilled, restoring the hot spring economy and establishing the modern flower park.
Local guide
To reach Baolai, you will embark on a beautiful drive into the northeastern mountains of Kaohsiung City, following Provincial Highway 27 and Highway 20 along the wide, gravelly valley of the Laonong River. The journey takes you deep into the rugged foothills of the Central Mountain Range, passing through rural towns and lush banana plantations before entering the mountain gorge. Arriving in Baolai, you will find a resilient, welcoming mountain township that serves as a gateway to alpine hiking trails, surrounded by steep pine covered ridges and the dramatic riverbed below. The atmosphere is open, sunny, and relaxed. Baolai is famous for its crystal clear, completely odorless sodium bicarbonate water, which emerges from the ground at around sixty degrees Celsius and is cooled to a perfect forty-two degrees for the pools. The water leaves an unmistakable silky, velvety texture on your skin. A great way to experience this is visiting the public Baolai Flower Space Hot Spring Park, where entry costs around two hundred TWD. This beautifully landscaped public park features open air stone pools surrounded by seasonal blossoms. Swimsuits and caps are required in the public areas, making it highly welcoming for travelers with tattoos. You should bring your own towel, a water bottle, and good sun protection. To enjoy the mountain views in peace, visit during a weekday afternoon when the park is quiet. A wonderful local detail is exploring the nearby Baolai Old Street to try traditional plum flavored dishes and crisp mountain pork stir fried with locally harvested wild ferns.
Mineral chemistry
Bicarbonate springs cleanse and soften the skin surface, removing excess sebum without stripping the skin's acid mantle. Traditionally recommended for acne-prone skin and sensitive skin types.
Bicarbonate springs are generally among the most gentle and well-tolerated onsen types.
Similar springs
FREESet within a wide, rocky mountain river valley, this popular park features massive boiling stone troughs designed for cooking food in active geothermal water. Visitors rent bamboo baskets to boil fresh corn, sweet potatoes, and local eggs in the steaming mineral currents. A beautifully constructed timber pavilion offers shallow foot-soaking streams nearby, while the source vents reach near boiling.
Located deep inside the Taipingshan National Forest, this alpine hot spring features an outdoor family pool made from massive natural boulders. The alkaline bicarbonate water boasts a beautiful iridescent blue hue and leaves a smooth feel on the skin. The source water emerges near boiling, so the complex also features geothermal cooking cones where visitors can boil eggs and corn.
Located in Taiwan's sunny far south, this beautifully restored park features free public foot-soaking streams decorated with Japanese torii gates and lantern pavilions. The sodium bicarbonate water is crystal clear, odorless, and soothing for tired traveler joints. Every winter, the park is illuminated by a colorful light festival that attracts visitors from across the island.
Operated by the Taitung County Farmers Association, this extensive resort complex features multiple indoor medicated pools infused with traditional herbs alongside spacious outdoor spas. Families gather at the geothermal cooking stations to boil fresh eggs and sweet corn in the naturally scalding thermal water. The property sits among dense forest greenery just outside the main Zhiben corridor.
Amenities
Getting there
From Kaohsiung
Gateway: Meinong Bus Terminal
Kaohsiung express bus to Liouguei Terminal, then the local Baolai shuttle
Total journey: 110 min
From Kaohsiung TRA Station, take the direct Kaohsiung Express Bus heading toward Liouguei, then transfer to the local Baolai shuttle line.
Location & nearby
Baolai Village, Liouguei District, Kaohsiung City
Make a day of it
Pair your soak with these nearby spots.
Attraction
Distant Mountain Moon Hot Spring Villa
0.0km away
Park
Baolai Flower Hot Spring Park
0.1km away
Viewpoint
Pulai Toushe Mountain
0.8km away
Viewpoint
Baolai Mountain
1.0km away
Viewpoint
Luoluopu Mountain
1.1km away
Viewpoint
Luoluopu Mountain Northwest Peak
1.3km away
More springs in Kaohsiung
Located just a short drive south of Baolai along the peaceful banks of the Bulao Creek, this spring translates literally to Never Old. The water is exceptionally smooth and completely clear, providing a skin softening effect similar to classic beauty springs. The setting is deeply rural and peaceful, surrounded by organic fruit farms and bamboo forests.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Baolai Hot Spring?▾
The water temperature at Baolai Hot Spring ranges up to 60°C (minimum around 54°C).
Is Baolai Hot Spring free to visit?▾
Baolai Hot Spring charges an entrance fee in TWD.
Is Baolai Hot Spring a public or private bath?▾
Baolai Hot Spring is a mixed bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Baolai Hot Spring?▾
Yes, Baolai Hot Spring welcomes visitors with tattoos.
What is the nearest station to Baolai Hot Spring?▾
The nearest station to Baolai Hot Spring is Kaohsiung TRA Station, about 60km away.