Minsu (民宿) is a popular choice of accommodation in Taiwan. Although i am new to its concept, we decided to book one for a night stay in my recent trip to Cingjing Farm.
+-+Supposedly+Singaporeans'+Favourite+Minsu+in+Cingjing+Farm!+(Large).JPG)
There were many to choose from but Misty Villa came strongly recommended as the choice for many Singaporeans; the Great Kon had in fact attempted and failed to book for a room the last time he was there and advised me to reserve a room as soon as i bought the air tickets!
+-+Supposedly+Singaporeans'+Favourite+Minsu+in+Cingjing+Farm!+(Large).JPG)
Do keep in mind that reservation is done via the website and there is a down payment to secure the room (balance would be charged upon your arrival). Although you could always send an email to seek clarification, the website is hard to navigate for those who could not understand Chinese.
As i mentioned in my trip overview, the cab driver from Taichung HSR sent us all the way to Misty Villa and the first thing that appeared was this steep slope leading to the villa. I am thankful i brought along a luggage with four wheels and pushing it up was still pretty manageable.
Reception counter was located within the restaurant in the first building we came upon; despite the typical restaurant layout, the owners did inject some homely elements to differentiate the place from conventional hotels.
For example, an apparently not working fireplace cluttered with decorations, toys and even displays of personal photos to reflect its homely nature.
At the other corner was the "books" section where you can find ample magazines and even comic books to while your time away in a relaxed manner either indoors or outdoors.
Complimentary coffee and tea were provided for those who had time.
There was even an energetic French Bulldog that came to entertain us! He was so bloody adorable and reminded me of the time i used to spend with my late Rubee.
Coming back, here's the outdoor area where you can breathe in the crisp, fresh air while enjoying a platter of warm toast and sunny side ups early in the morning!
Sight right ahead was the picturesque valley that stretched from one corner of your eye to the other. Of course, this was before i realised the view in my allocated room was even more charming!
Even though I booked two months in advance, i was given only the choice of a room on the third floor of the villa. And you know what the best thing is? There wasn't any elevator!
I counted; the number of elevated steps from the entrance (first photograph) to our room was a grand total of ninety-seven! It was an endurance session every time we needed to climb up; it was so tiring that i decided to go out without my gloves when i realised they were still in the room.
The operator was aware it would be a demanding chore for those living on the top floor and have kindly placed a hanging chair at the end of the climb. Don't belittle it; it would really save you from blank out exhaustion!
It's weird; the room allocated to us (two grown up men) was entirely in pink! It was so lovey dovey; we can understand why the lady receptionist was giving us funny looks when she handed over the key!
Couldn't blame her with wall stickers like the above dotting the walls. Damn, i still could not believe the room was assigned to us! The first thing Alex said when he entered was "SO PINK"!
The pink was so excessive; we had to take refuge at the balcony which had a mind blowing view of the surroundings! It was even more spectacular than the area outside the restaurant!
Back to the pinkish room again! Amenities included a flat screen television with many cable channels, hair dryer, free wifi which had rather good speed and a separate water tap for cold and hot water.
There was one item i purposely missed out as i felt that there is a need to single it out to show my gratefulness to its existence. The heated mattress that allowed you the flexibility to set the level of heat. Without it, both of us would have likely frozen to death! No, there wasn't a radiator in the room.
Bathroom was at most basic and provided hot / cold water for showering and washing. As i said, basic and nothing fanciful like a bathtub or a rainfall shower head.
Breakfast was inclusive with our booking; the usual stuff comprising toasts, eggs, sausages, ham, hash browns, porridge etc. There were also local favourites like radish cake, soya milk, spring onion pancakes etc.
I am not complaining; the passive eater in me is easily satisfied with simple jam and butter spread on warmly toasted bread, and eggs.
=====
Location
9號, 榮光巷, 大同村,
仁愛鄉, 南投縣
[Near to the Little Swiss Garden]
Map
As above. Misty Villa is one of the more convenient minsu in Cingjing as its location is near to the Little Swiss Garden and food establishments like Carton King, 7-11, Starbucks, MOS Burger etc.
Website for Booking
Additional Information
I may have complained a lot about the number of steps i have to take in order to reach my room but this problem could be easily resolved by staying on the lower levels!
The main attraction, Cingjing Farm, is unfortunately not very near to the villa. On weekdays, there would be a free one-way shuttle provided by the villa at specific timings. On weekends, you would have to take a chargeable shuttle bus from the main road.
Please also register with the reception counter if you wish to sign up for any optional sightseeing tour (for example, sunrise at hehuanshan, hot spring at lushan). Need a one-way transport to Sun Moon Lake? That can be arranged too (at a price of course)!
For an overview of my 9 Days, 8 Nights Taiwan Trip [Cingjing (清境) - Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) - Taichung (臺中) - Taipei (臺 北)], click HERE.