Jinzun Surf House — Local services in Donghe

It tries to seem like super fun cool surf place (on Instagram), but it's not. No common area (only kitchen), bar closes at 6 and then the place is DEAD (in the photo). You need a scooter to get everywhere, no food in walking distance. Scooter costs 500 NTD, and you have to give them your passport... (hard board you have to have your own leash) Today we almost missed our bus because the employee was late to work and still had my passport 🤷🏻‍♀️. The kitchen and bins could use some cleaning (there was a pot of soup near the sink fermenting in the heat for 2 days at least🤢). There were only 2 or 3 other paying customers, yet we couldn't stay in the basic dorm, we had to stay in "business dorm". There were quite some volunteers, who were basically just talking together 🤷🏻‍♀️, no real will to talk to other people. At least some were nice and friendly when we went surfing and from one guy we got nice tips - so that was the best part.

The dorm was okay (but just because it was just 2 people out of 4), no key or lockers. At least bathroom was clean.

It's not bad, but don't expect "surf house vibes" that you may know from other places. If you come with your own friends and know how to ride scooter, it might be nice. If you expect to make friends / meet new people, this is not the place I guess. And MANY street dogs around. didn't feel safe walking around...

Spent seven days surfing at the Jinzun Surf House in mid-March 2023. Its located within a few minutes walk from two breaks -- small harbor and main harbor. You can have your morning coffee and breakfast while watching the waves at either break at sunrise. You can run along the coast through the beaches, harbor, and onto the local roads and fit in long, tempo, and/or speed work. There are also two separate protected beaches on either side of an isthmus with a cat shaped cave.

Its obvious that Ula (owner) has spent a lot of time and energy making Jinzun Surf House special and perfect -- its in harmony with the village and neighbors and the stunning mountain backdrop. The vibe is effortlessly chill with a minimalist aesthetic. Steps from the open kitchen is a secluded gathering area that is great for meditation, yoga, cross training, reading a book, finishing your novel, taking a nap.

I think the small harbor is also culturally significant -- an indigenous tribe gathered at the beach during an early afternoon session. Its so beautiful here that you feel closer to the gods. Like the waves, the surf house has its own rhythms changing by the day. You'll meet with visitors from across Taiwan and globally, pulled here to surf and make friends and leaving wishing we could...

We volunteered at Jinzun surf house for over 2 months and absolutely loved it! The guesthouse is located a 15 minute walk or short scooter ride from Donghe town. The area is quiet and is just a stones throw away from a number of surf spots suitable for all abilities. As volunteers we would clean the rooms and common area daily as well as various other tasks that might be needed such as painting and gardening for a couple of hours each day. We were given the use of a scooter and surf boards which was great to get to other surf spots and explore the amazing east coast! Ula the host is the nicest guy you will meet and we had so much fun hanging out with him. He was full of information about things to do and the best places to eat and we tried some of the more exotic local foods (Ula is a good man for the chicken feet!) Jinzun surf house has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that instantly made us feel at home. I would highly recommend staying at Jinzun surf house either as a guest or a volunteer. You...