Jiaming Lake (嘉明湖) at 3310m, is located in Siangyang (Hsiangyang) Forest Recreation Area near Taitung, in the southern part of Taiwan. It is Taiwan’s second highest lake, after Xueshan’s Cuei Pond (3520m), and popularly known as Angel’s Tear because of its teardrop shape. The lake, which is 120m long, 80m wide and 10m deep is said to be formed some 4–10 thousand years ago by a meteor strike. One of Taiwan’s most scenic treks, the trail to the lake is also home to 2 of the ‘top 100’ peaks in Taiwan – Mt Siangyang (3602m) and Mt Sancha (3496m). Due to increased popularity of Jiaming Lake in recent years, a trekking permit, which is by ballot, is required for the trek.
Jiaming Lake trail is 13km from Siangyang Forest Recreation Area to the lake, with 2 mountain lodges. Like Yushan and Xueshan, the Jiaming Lake trail is clear and well marked. Most trekkers do a 3-day trek to the lake and back to Siangyang Forest Recreation Area. Those who want to take a more leisurely trek can opt for a 4-day trek.
Our Jiaming Lake trek is a 3-day trek.
3-Day Jiaming Lake Trek
Jiaming Lake Trek starts at Siangyang Forest Recreation Area. Day 1 is a leisurely short trek (4.3km/2.5-3 hours), in the lower terrain of pine and hemlock forests to the first mountain lodge – Siangyang Cabin (2850m). Day 2 is a long day (17.4km/10-12 hours) to trek to the lake and back to Jiaming Lake Cabin (3350m). Starting at pre-dawn from Siangyang Cabin, the trail continues in the pine and hemlock forests but is steeper. The forested area soon opens up to a ridge line of rolling hills, filled with rhododendron bushes and wind-twisted alpine juniper, all the way to Jiaming Lake Cabin. After Jiaming Lake Cabin, the first 2.5Km is mainly downhill, followed by a split route that heads up to Mt Sancha or runs along the lower edge of a ridge to head to the lake. Most trekkers head to the lake and climb up to Mt Sancha on the return route. The lake itself is down from Mt Sancha in an open area. After a night’s rest at Jiaming Lake, re-trace the route to descend to Siangyang Cabin and the trailhead. Depending on the team’s fitness, weather conditions and timing, it is possible to climb Mt Siangyang before the descent and/or visit the Black Pond near Siangyang Cabin, along the descent.
This trek is graded 2B.
Good to have below 3000m trekking experience. You will be trekking for 3 days with a 5-6kg backpack load. Day 2 is a long day of 10-12 hour trek, in undulating mountain terrain ,at above 3000m. At times, when there is a dry spell and water is not available in the mountain huts, you will be expected to carry drinking water for the trek, which can increase the backpack load to 8-10kg. Though hiring of porters is possible, the cost is high (about S$200/day/porter). Therefore, it is more realistic to train and be prepared to carry your own load.
You will need a lightweight base layer, quick dry t-shirt and long trekking pants for the trek. A water and wind proof outershell is essential to protect from the weather elements. When at the mountain lodges and after sundown a fleece or lightweight down jacket is needed to keep warm. A good sleeping bag is also needed and provided.
A packing list will be provided to all our participants. Please refer to our Resource Centre page for information on the layering system and how to choose the right gear/equipment for your trek.
This 5D itinerary is a more compact itinerary than the 6D. The second day of trek is a long day from Siangyang Cabin to Jiaminghu Cabin and Jiaming Lake, starting at pre-dawn and takes about 10 hours.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION | MEALS |
| 1 |
Arrive in Taipei. Flight arrival before 1pm. Transfer to Hualien. Overnight: Hualien hotel (900m) |
-/-/D |
| 2 |
Transfer to Jiaminghu trailhead (2370m). Trek to Siangyang Cabin. Overnight: Siangyang cabin (2850m) |
B/L/D |
| 3 |
Trek to Jiaminghu Cabin. Trek to Mt Sancha Peak (3496m) and Jiaming Lake (3310m). Return to Jiaminghu Cabin. Overnight: Jiaminghu cabin (3350m) |
B/L/D |
| 4 |
Descend to trailhead via Siangyang Cabin. Transfer to Taipei. Overnight: Taipei hotel |
B/L/- |
| 5 | Depart Taipei. | B/-/- |
This 6D itinerary is a more leisurely itinerary than the 5D, breaking the trek to Jiaminghu Cabin and Jiaming Lake to 2 separate days. The second day of trek is from Siangyang Cabin to Jiaminghu Cabin and the third day trekking from Jiaminghu Cabin to Jiaming Lake and back to Jiaminghu Cabin.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION | MEALS |
| 1 |
Arrive in Taipei. Flight arrival before 1pm. Transfer to Hualien. Overnight: Hualien hotel (900m) |
-/-/D |
| 2 |
Transfer to Jiaminghu trailhead (2370m). Trek to Siangyang Cabin. Overnight: Siangyang cabin (2850m) |
B/L/D |
| 3 |
Trek to Jiaminghu Cabin. Overnight: Jiaminghu cabin (3350m) |
B/L/D |
| 4 |
Trek to Mt Sancha Peak (3496m) and Jiaming Lake (3310m). Return to Jiaminghu Cabin. Overnight: Jiaminghu cabin (3350m) |
B/L/D |
| 5 |
Descend to trailhead via Siangyang Cabin. Transfer to Taipei. Overnight: Taipei hotel |
B/L/- |
| 6 | Depart Taipei | B/-/- |
| DATES (Registration closing date) | PRICE |
| Sat-Wed 22-26 Mar 2025 (18 Nov 2024)** | $875.00 (SGD) / person |
| Sat-Wed 10-14 May 2025 (06 Jan 2025)** | $875.00 (SGD) / person |
| Sat-Wed 18-22 Oct 2025 (14 Jun 2025)** | $875.00 (SGD) / person |
| Sat-Wed 29 Nov – 03 Dec 2025 (26 Jul 2025)** | $875.00 (SGD) / person |
**For trek dates that start on a Wednesday or Saturday, there is an additional fee of $25 per person. This additional fee is due to the higher weekend hotel rate.
Permits need to be applied 4 months in advance.
Above prices are for group size: 6 – 16 people
5D and 6D trek package prices:
| DURATION | 2 PEOPLE | 3 PEOPLE | 4 PEOPLE | 5 PEOPLE | 6-16 PEOPLE |
| 5 Days | $1920 (SGD) / person | $1420 (SGD) / person | $1170 (SGD) / person | $1000 (SGD) / person | $850 (SGD) / person |
| 6 Days | $2020 (SGD) / person | $1540 (SGD) / person | $1230 (SGD) / person | $1050 (SGD) / person | $940 (SGD) / person |
You can also form a private group for this trek. For enquiry, send an email to us at [email protected].
We have also scheduled Yushan (Jade Mountain) to go back-to-back with the above scheduled treks so that you can climb both mountains at one go.
1. Trip briefing and information kit
2. Gear list and gear discount from selected Singapore outdoor outfitters
3. Complimentary group training sessions
4. Rope skill workshop (For climbs that require rope up and/or fixed rope skill)
We carefully select and establish strong working relationship with our local trek operator to ensure safe participation by everyone. Our local climbing guides have extensive experience in guiding treks in Taiwan, possess intimate knowledge of the local surroundings, conditions and culture and are trained in wilderness 1st aid and emergency rescue.
Holders of ordinary passports issued by the following countries do not need a visa to enter Taiwan as long as their trip does not last longer than the visa-free period listed below.
|
Duration |
Countries |
|
90 days |
Andorra, Australia* (effective till December 31, 2020), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini*, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras*, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan*, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Island*, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia*(effective till March 31, 2025), Norway, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tuvalu*, the United Kingdom, the United States of America*,and Vatican City State. |
|
30 days |
Singapore, Malaysia, Belize*, Dominican Republic, Nauru*, St. Kitts and Nevis*, St. Lucia*, St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
|
14 days |
Brunei, Thailand and Philippines (to 31 July 2020) |
For latest updates and details of visa application, please visit http://www.boca.gov.tw.
Moneychangers do not proliferate in Taiwan like they do elsewhere. Hotels will change money for their guests, but banks are the most common option. For conveniences, change your currency at your local moneychangers (if the rates are relatively reasonable) or at the airport, when you arrive in Taiwan. ATMs are widely available at banks and convenience stores using the Plus and Cirrus networks, but may be subjected to daily or per transaction withdrawal limits.
Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, major retail outlets and mid-range to top-end restaurants/cafes. Small local retail or food stalls, like those in the night markets are highly unlikely to take credit cards.
In Taiwan the standard voltage is 110 V. The standard frequency is 60 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of Type A which has two flat parallel pins or Type B which has two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin.
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin. Mandarin is the language of instruction in Taiwan’s schools, and most radio and TV programs are broadcast in the official language as well.
Aside from Mandarin, 70% of the population who are ethnic Hoklo speak the Hokkien dialect of Min Nan (Southern Min) Chinese as their mother tongue. The aboriginal Taiwanese have their own languages too. Some elderly Taiwanese speak Japanese, learned in school during the Japanese occupation (1895-1945).
While majority of Taiwanese speak both their mother tongue and Mandarin fluently, most of them are unable to speak nor understand the English language, except some in the tourism industry or high-end hotels and restaurants.
Water and ice served in restaurants are usually filtered tap water, which is generally safe. Water fountains in Taiwan always incorporate filters, and they can be found in practically every lodge or hotel as well as (for e.g.) larger museums and Taipei MRT stations. You can refill and reuse your bottles at these fountains. If you cannot find one or have a sensitive stomach and have no alternative to boiled water, buying bottled water is the best option. Never drink directly from the tap.
Tipping is generally not practiced in Taiwan. Tipping in hotels is also not expected, with the bellman or porter being the exception. You should plan on tipping the hotel porter US$1 per bag and perhaps a little more at a higher end hotel. Full service restaurants typically impose a service charge and that is usually considered to be sufficient. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar.
With evolving world situations that may occur unexpectedly due to natural disasters, pandemics/epidemics, conflicts and unrests, it is best to read up and keep tabs on news and developments at your destination country and region before the trip. Check on the country’s official website and/or your own foreign ministry website for any travel advisory or safety precautions to be taken while abroad.
As with traveling in anywhere in the world, regardless of the local crime rate, stay vigilant and take care of personal safety. Good to read up on any possible exposure in the country prior to departure.
It is a good practice to register with your respective foreign ministry if there is such a service provided to citizens, to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.) occur when you are overseas.
For Singaporeans, this is the link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ eRegister:
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action.
It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance(s), upon payment of your trip, to cover adverse situations that may occur while you are overseas or even before departure. Ensure that the coverage is suitable for your destination and the activities that you are participating in. Be familiar with the terms and conditions before purchasing and travelling abroad.
There is no compulsory vaccine to be taken to enter Taiwan. You should, however, be up to date on routine vaccinations, especially vaccines against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (examples: hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) while traveling to any destination. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
Recommended routine vaccinations for travellers in general:
|
Hepatitis A |
Spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor. |
|
Hepatitis B |
Spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad. |
|
Rabies
|
Spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite. |
|
Tetanus
|
Spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A primary series of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine is recommended for life. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available. |
|
Typhoid Fever |
Spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited. |
|
Influenza |
A vaccine specific for a given year to protect against the highly variable influenza virus. |
For more information and professional advice on travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or travel clinic.
For people residing in Singapore, you may visit The Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital:
Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Address: Level 4, Clinic 4B, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Website : https://www.ttsh.com.sg/Patients-and-Visitors/Medical-Services/Travellers-Health-and-Vaccination-Clinic/Pages/default.aspx.
