Sleeping Boot Hostel

The only possible complaint I have about the hostel is that it's not right at the Train Station but that means it's closer to some awesome restaurants, which ends up being better in my opinion. Super welcoming hosts, that didn't make me switch beds even though I extended my stay online in a cheaper room. When the restaurant I wanted to was closed on a Thursday the person working that night knew they had a location downtown and called to make sure they were open. He also helped look for train tickets for me and offered to drive me to get them if need be (thankfully I decided to stay an extra night instead) If staying there I recommend eating at the Dumpling House (its name in google maps), 10 steamed dumplings for 50, which I would've eaten every day in Taiwan if I could, and Dos Tacos which is really good Mexican for a reasonable price (395 for a pulled pork Chimichanga). My other advise is to leave for Taroko as early as possible and arrange to go on one of the trails that requires a permit, I wish I had done this and though about going back to hike and eat tacos & dumplings. One of the people I met did the bike trip down to Taitung and if it's not too hot out and you're fit that seems like the best way to see the east coast. I went from Hualien to Kaohsiung and it feels like I missed at lot, so if you're not pressed for time explore more outside of the west coast cities.