Naturist Travel with Lauren: Taiwan — Where Naked Bathing Meets the Mountains
After discovering Japan’s extraordinary bathing traditions, I found myself looking a little further across East Asia, and Taiwan has completely captured my imagination. Imagine mountains disappearing into the morning mist, steaming mineral pools surrounded by lush green landscapes and a country where hot-spring bathing has become a treasured part of everyday life. Taiwan may not immediately spring to mind when planning a naturist holiday, but perhaps that’s exactly why it deserves our attention. Some of the most rewarding travel experiences begin when we discover a culture that approaches something familiar in a wonderfully different way.
Taiwan’s hot-spring traditions have been shaped by its geology, history and cultural influences, including those of Japan. Across the island, mineral-rich waters emerge from volcanic and geothermal landscapes, creating remarkable places to relax and reconnect with nature. What I particularly admire is the consideration given to bathing etiquette and the comfort of others. Some facilities require swimming costumes, while designated nude bathing areas allow visitors to enjoy the water without clothing. These aren’t necessarily naturist resorts in the European sense, and I think it’s important that we respect that distinction. We’re visitors experiencing Taiwan’s traditions, not expecting Taiwan to adopt ours. There’s something rather beautiful about a culture where naked bathing can be perfectly ordinary within an appropriate, respectful setting.
One destination I’d particularly love to experience is Yangmingshan Tien Lai Resort & Spa, nestled amongst the mountains north of Taipei. Here, the resort’s dedicated nude bathing area offers hot-spring pools, cold-water bathing, a sauna and steam room, all surrounded by the tranquillity of Taiwan’s remarkable landscape. Adult admission is currently advertised at NT$700, with access included for resident hotel guests. Elsewhere within the resort, the outdoor spa facilities require swimming costumes, demonstrating how clearly different bathing environments are distinguished. I rather like that. It shows that the experience isn’t simply about removing clothing, but understanding the customs and expectations that allow everyone to feel comfortable.
And what an extraordinary country to explore beyond the water! Taiwan offers dramatic mountain scenery, volcanic landscapes, forest trails, bustling night markets, traditional temples and the fascinating contrast between peaceful countryside and the energy of Taipei. Its tourism authorities have also launched a nationwide hot-spring tourism initiative for 2026–27, highlighting 19 hot-spring regions and encouraging visitors to discover the communities, food and landscapes surrounding them. I’d happily spend several days exploring the mountains before returning to a warm mineral bath as the evening mist settles. Taiwan isn’t somewhere I’d travel expecting European-style naturist beaches or villages. I’d visit because it offers something culturally distinctive, and because I believe the greatest privilege of travel is being welcomed into another country’s traditions with humility, curiosity and genuine appreciation.
Where to Stay, Prices and Booking Information
Yangmingshan Tien Lai Resort & Spa
Location: No. 1–7, Mingliu Road, Jinshan District, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
The resort offers hotel accommodation alongside hot-spring bathing and wellness facilities. Visitors can choose between designated nude bathing and separate swimming-costume facilities.
Published admission prices
Nude hot-spring and sauna area: NT$700 per adult.
Outdoor spa on weekdays: NT$900 per adult at the advertised discounted rate.
Outdoor spa at weekends: NT$1,200 per adult at the advertised discounted rate.
Resident hotel guests: Access to the listed bathing and leisure facilities is included with their stay.
Hotel rooms: Prices vary by room type and travel dates. Check the resort’s booking system for a current quotation.
Nude bathing opening hours
Daily, 8am–10pm, with last admission at 9pm. The area closes for cleaning between noon and 3pm.
How to book
Official resort website: https://www.tienlai.com.tw/en/
Accommodation booking: https://www.tienlai.com.tw/en/booking/
Nude bathing information: https://www.tienlai.com.tw/en/fac/ins.php?index_id=35
Telephone: +886 2 2408 0000
Day visitors can purchase admission at the European Style Hall, Building 1. Confirm prices, opening hours and availability with the resort before travelling.
Taiwan has reminded me of something I love about being a naturist traveller. We don’t have to find places that mirror our own lifestyles to discover something meaningful. Sometimes we learn far more by appreciating how another culture understands nature, the human body, community and respect.
And wouldn’t it be wonderful if we travelled not simply to discover new places to be naked, but to discover new ways of understanding what being human means?
