Donghe Township Travel Guide

Donghe is strung along Provincial Highway 11. Dulan village is the main traveler hub with a handful of cafés, guesthouses and surf shops; Jinzun Fish Port lies to the south and is quieter and more industrial. The coast and small inland roads lead up toward Mt. Dulan and into agricultural basins; visitors typically base themselves in Dulan for easy access to beaches and hiking.

Costs: a modest daily budget (guesthouses, local food and buses keep costs low) - Budget travelers can stay in guesthouses or hostels in Dulan; food and local buses are inexpensive.

Safety: Generally safe - Low violent crime but take care on fast coastal roads and when swimming at exposed surf beaches.

Best Time: November - April - Drier months with calmer seas and more pleasant conditions for hiking and surfing.

Donghe Township sits on the windswept Pacific coast of northeastern Taitung County and combines narrow coastal plains with steep foothills of the coastal range. The township includes small villages such as Dulan and the working Jinzun Fish Port; the local economy remains focused on agriculture and fishing. Many residents are from the Amis indigenous group, and the area preserves strong local traditions.

The area has a long history: prehistoric artifacts have been found at the Dulan Site, and under Japanese rule the locality was administered as Toran. Today Provincial Highway 11 threads the coast through Donghe, making it a common stop on east-coast road trips. Visitors come for the surf, the low-key arts and café scene in Dulan, coastal walks and local seafood.

Visit Donghe for its raw Pacific coastline, surf-friendly breaks and a relaxed village atmosphere centered on Dulan. The township offers easy access to sea cliffs, small-scale indigenous cultural encounters and fresh seafood at the fish port. It’s a good base for exploring the eastern Taitung coast and nearby natural attractions without the crowds of larger towns.

The best months to visit are the drier late-autumn to spring months; the summer brings heavy rain and a higher typhoon risk. Peak rainfall and the wettest months are in mid to late summer, which can affect coastal activities.

Donghe is reached most easily from Taitung City by road or public transport along the east-coast route. Provincial Highway 11 runs the length of the township and links it to the regional transport network.

• By Air: Taitung Airport (TTT): Fly domestically to Taitung Airport from Taipei or Kaohsiung, then take a bus or taxi to Donghe; the drive is roughly 30-50 minutes and taxis cost significantly more than buses.
• By Train + Bus: Taiwan Rail to Taitung Station: Take the east-coast train to Taitung Station and transfer to a local bus or intercity bus along Highway 11 to Dulan/Donghe (about 30-60 minutes, fares vary by route and are generally modest).
• By Road: Drive or intercity bus: Drive or catch an intercity bus along Provincial Highway 11 from Taitung or Hualien; driving from Taitung takes about 30-45 minutes depending on stops and traffic.
• By Sea (indirect): There is no direct ferry to Donghe, but Taitung’s Fugang Harbour operates ferries to Green Island and some visitors combine a ferry day trip with time in Donghe.

Getting around Donghe is straightforward: the main coastal road connects villages, and most attractions are short drives or rides apart. Public buses serve the main route but schedules are less frequent than in big cities.

• Walking: Dulan village and the nearby shorelines are very walkable; most cafés, galleries and guesthouses are clustered within easy walking distance.
• Scooter rental: Renting a scooter is the most flexible option for exploring the coast and nearby hills; expect to pay a modest daily rental fee for scooters
• Bus and minibus: Local buses run along Highway 11 connecting Donghe with Taitung and neighboring coastal towns; fares are modest and vary by distance
• Taxi: Taxis are available but can be expensive for long trips; consider hiring a taxi for specific day trips if you don’t rent a vehicle.

Dining is informal and centered on small seafood stalls, roadside grills and Dulan’s cafés. Near Jinzun Fish Port you can find fresh seafood and simple eateries; in Dulan expect cafés serving brunch, coffee and light meals alongside a few places offering indigenous Amis dishes.

Nightlife is low-key: Dulan has a handful of cafés and small bars that sometimes host live acoustic music, and evenings are best for relaxed drink-and-music spots rather than clubbing.

Shopping is limited to surf shops, small craft and jewelry stalls, roadside produce stands and a few galleries in Dulan selling local artwork and handmade goods; for bigger purchases, head to Taitung City.