Taiwan - Massage / Sauna / Places To Visit (Compiled)

[calvin87]

Finally booked my ticket for April trip to Taiwan for 8 days via scoot 50% promotion. Haha.

[Guest Love Taipei]

I think the service is just terrible. Now that I called in to explain, there is no more slots available and they insist that it's my fault that I missed my appointment yesterday when there is no mention of 30th of Dec.

Lesson learnt, do not communicate with them via email in English. They either do not reply or may have high chances of miscommunication.

That's odd.  I've never had a problem and I only book via email, in English.  I always book with the day (e.g., Dec 30, not by "tomorrow") and then ask them to confirm.   I guess I've booked 20 massages with them over two years in this way.

[Execguy]

Will be in tpe 16th jan for night only. Anyone wants to go hot spring together?

[Guest Emmanuel]

will be in taipei 24th to 29th of April. Anyone would like to meet up?

[calvin87]

will be in taipei 24th to 29th of April. Anyone would like to meet up?

Haha. I'm there from 26/4 to 3/5.

But can't meet as 26 will stay at Feng Jia

27 at alishan, 28 at Qing Jing. Lol

[Guest Manhood]

Royal Spa just canceled my appointment tomorrow because i did not attend my booking today when I asked about someone on 31st Dec... There was miscommunication. I would suggest do not make any booking in English via email or phone. They struggle to understand even simple English :-(

I asked about Guy A or Guy B on 31st. The receptionist arrange for Guy A. So I replied how about guy B, on THAT day. He gave me another timeslot. So I replied yes, Guy B at 3.15pm is good.

At 10pm, I received the email that I missed an appointment with guy B today without any notice and my reservation for 31st dec will be canceled...

My current guess is that they understand THAT day as TODAY... Which is quite different meaning. Should have made things clearer with the exact date...

 

Hi zzzzz,

 

I feel sorry for you that you have missed the massage. I have booked with them many times and I do not have any problem. After reading your mail, I think I know why they misquoted you. Even I cannot understand what you wrote, I hope you dont get angry over my remarks. When making booking, whether in Taiwan or in Singapore or USA, I always ask: On the 31st Dec at 3pm, is A available? If A is not available, I would ask, on the 31st Dec at 3pm, who is available? After I have chosen the masseur, I would confirm with them, "please confirm the booking for me on the 31st Dec at 3pm, follow by masseur's name. Once they reply with the correct message, I would further confirm what they sent.

 

I have just booked my favourite masseur on the 2nd Jan 2014 at 7pm. My flight would be tomorrow morning.

 

Happy New Year!

[studdyboy]

Hi zzzzz,

I feel sorry for you that you have missed the massage. I have booked with them many times and I do not have any problem. After reading your mail, I think I know why they misquoted you. Even I cannot understand what you wrote, I hope you dont get angry over my remarks. When making booking, whether in Taiwan or in Singapore or USA, I always ask: On the 31st Dec at 3pm, is A available? If A is not available, I would ask, on the 31st Dec at 3pm, who is available? After I have chosen the masseur, I would confirm with them, "please confirm the booking for me on the 31st Dec at 3pm, follow by masseur's name. Once they reply with the correct message, I would further confirm what they sent.

I have just booked my favourite masseur on the 2nd Jan 2014 at 7pm. My flight would be tomorrow morning.

Happy New Year!

Who is ur fave?? and why??

[hausanzai]

Will be in taiwan from 27th March till 2nd April. Anyone would like to meet up?

[zzzzzzzz]

Who?

I went to the other massage in the end. The Massuer is very lean, it was fun but the massage skills was lacking.

I think Royal Spa has the best facilities of the three places I visited. One is taichung, two in Taipei.

The overall experience really depends on the chemistry between the both of u.

Was "upgraded" to b2b on both occasions with other spas. But the massage is not as good as my experience at royal spa. Hard to find the right balance between a good massage plus the sensual part.

[studdyboy]

Hey guys... Below is my itinerary for Taipei... 

Feel free to give some comments n suggestions!!

 

3rd Fri night:
- Arrive at airport… hotel (XMD)
- Shida night market (Taipower builiding station)

4th Sat late morn:
- Taipei Underground mall (Taipei main station)
- Zhongxiao Fuxing & Dunhua Shopping Area
Sat Night:
- Ningxia night market (Zhongshan red Station) - FOOD
- Explore Gay shops at XMD/ Red house... Go back hotel
- CLUB: Gstar

5th Sun late morn
- Explore XMD/Red House OR Taipei Underground mall (Taipei main station) OR Longshan temple OR Huashan Creative Park
- Taipei 101
- Wu Fen Pu (Hou Pi Shan station)
Sun Night:
- Raohe street night market
- PUB: Command D

6th Mon late morn:
- Danshui - Danshui old street, Danshui church, Fisherman wharf/ Lover's bridge Afternoon
- Yanmingshan Hot Spring (Taxi from Beitou station) - Huangchi
Night:
- Shilin night market

7th Tues morn: Free and Easy... Pack up to go back!

Edited January 1, 2014 by studdyboy

[zzzzzzzz]

WFP is quite boring even for my shopaholics male friends.

I would suggest switching Monday with Sunday as huangChi has much more activity and appeal

on weekend than weekday. Went once during weekday and it was uncles and retirees.

You miss out jiefen, shifen, and Keelung night market which are very nice place to visit away from the main city. Can go Longshan in Morning, have breakfast there, then take the local train from Wanhua train station to Jiufen/shifen, then local train to Keelung in the evening.

[abang]

Skip Shida Night Market.. go straight to Shilin instead or walk around the XMD  area.

Yes Jiu Fen is worth the effort but since you have very little time, you should devote your Saturday to Ye Liu, Jiu Fen and back.

 

The trip will take you almost 10 hours.  For Ye Liu, you can board the bus at the main Taipei Bus Station (ask around ...),.  Remember to leave early as the other tourists will be there around 10 am.  The bus trip takes almost an hour and you need to see the Queen Rock and other limestone there.  

 

From Ye LIu, take the bus that goes to Jiu Fen.  It is worth the visit.. and before you go, watch 悲情城市.  Have your lunch/afternoon tea there.    You may take the bus to Rui Fang for the 1-hr local train to Taipei.

 

Enjoy yourself...

[studdyboy]

Okay thanks guys

If anyone wanna meet me up in Taipei, drop me a message!!

Edited January 2, 2014 by studdyboy

[sphere]

Hi studdyboy, I had posted my first trip there in December 2010 (click here for more details), you could take a look for more choices.    

[studdyboy]

Hi studdyboy, I had posted my first trip there in December 2010 (click here for more details), you could take a look for more choices.    

Thanks babe.. its very helpful!!

[sphere]

You're welcome.  

[alien]

Hi studdyboy, I had posted my first trip there in December 2010 (click here for more details), you could take a look for more choices.    

Haha, seems like those places tht u have visted back then, pretty much the same when i went to taipei recently. Except i didnt travel to taichung.

[passby]

Okay thanks guys

If anyone wanna meet me up in Taipei, drop me a message!!

Darling, don't you feel you are super greedy ? You are packing the entire Taipei in one trip, still wanna meat people ? Stay focus else something will go wrong...

Also, why am I seeing repeated postings here and FB ? Spare me pls..... Lol...

Interestingly, why didnt anyone recommend Shi fen ? I like the rustic and slow pace than jiu fen (very commercialize)...

Edited January 2, 2014 by passby

[sphere]

Haha, seems like those places tht u have visted back then, pretty much the same when i went to taipei recently. Except i didnt travel to taichung.

 

Guess they more of the touristy places to visit, hence the itinerary would likely be somewhat similar? Haha...

[Guest Leaving TPE soon]

Live report from Aniki....im a very uncrowded and quiet timing.....

 

All nude theme today, entry at 9.30 am for NTD 500, probably more later, steam room is working and is damn scalding, dry sauna is not working, hot water for showering available. The pools are all dry, but the receptionist mentioned what the things were that were not working before I entered.

 

So all fair game. Of course tonight will be crowded, but then I would have already left.

 

 

[alien]

Guess they more of the touristy places to visit, hence the itinerary would likely be somewhat similar? Haha...

I believe true, everyone seem to go thru the same itineary in taipei.

[azimuth]

@studdyboy never include Aniki in his itinerary? Really not going meh? Bleh  :clap:

[passby]

@studdyboy never include Aniki in his itinerary? Really not going meh? Bleh :clap:

Oh ya... Lol....

[245upz]

Haha... in Taiwan now also xD

[studdyboy]

@studdyboy never include Aniki in his itinerary? Really not going meh? Bleh  :clap:

NEVER!! =) haha... 

Rather spend my money shopping and eating...

 

Anyways its kinda sad... in my 5 days in taipei.. only 2-3 guys talked to me on Grindr n Jack'd... so sad lor

[Manbane]

Depends on where u stay and which period really. I was there during year end period, staying opp world gym of Ximending. Got about 400 messages. Previous year, i was staying near Daan train station, got less than 100.

[245upz]

Heh, I only have one guy talking to me wor... So no market =\ ... and I'm Staying in XMD (T_T")

[studdyboy]

Heh, I only have one guy talking to me wor... So no market =\ ... and I'm Staying in XMD (T_T")

yea i know how that feels... ahahhaha~ =P 

[Guest Guest]

Additional comments further to previous about New Year period:

 

XL had about 20 active cruisers on a Monday evening. Friendly helpful staff. Several young hunky willing foreigners. Gave only small towel, no more for drying after shower. Several gym rooms, some exercising in the nude, guy got BJ while on bench press! Although not great, facilities probably a far second to Aniki (which had already gone downhill a couple of years ago).

 

Someone recommended Han's since renovated (but only painted over the rot) -- on a weekday after office, my friend wanted to leave before I even changed. Too run down and smelly. Dangerous dark areas with beams at face level to walk into. A dozen cruising around, mixed ages. Did one young hookup, then while leaving, saw many various types coming in. Proximity to XMD MRT is a factor.

 

Rainbow as always pretty run down and smelly, mixed ages and types but quite a few interesting hunks, best choice if you happen to be cruising at odd hours. Good location for locals.

 

Commander-D generally very friendly with good drink service but really interesting (totally wild) on weekends and holidays when back room open. Probably should be careful with phone, wallet etc. although no bad reports.

 

The two hot springs have similar cruisy crowds late at night after families and retirees leave. The NT$400 food and free entry deal is not bad. Easy to spend $400 on western BBQ meat and seafood. Taxi back to town after the MRT closes is not horribly expensive  -- maybe NT$3-400 depending on your location.

 

[Guest Guest]

Additional comments further to previous about New Year period:

 

XL had about 20 active cruisers on a Monday evening. Friendly helpful staff. Several young hunky willing foreigners. Gave only small towel, no more for drying after shower. Several gym rooms, some exercising in the nude, guy got BJ while on bench press! Although not great, facilities probably a far second to Aniki (which had already gone downhill a couple of years ago).

 

Someone recommended Han's since renovated (but only painted over the rot) -- on a weekday after office, my friend wanted to leave before I even changed. Too run down and smelly. Dangerous dark areas with beams at face level to walk into. A dozen cruising around, mixed ages. Did one young hookup, then while leaving, saw many various types coming in. Proximity to XMD MRT is a factor.

 

Rainbow as always pretty run down and smelly, mixed ages and types but quite a few interesting hunks, best choice if you happen to be cruising at odd hours. Good location for locals.

 

Commander-D generally very friendly with good drink service but really interesting (totally wild) on weekends and holidays when back room open. Probably should be careful with phone, wallet etc. although no bad reports.

 

The two hot springs have similar cruisy crowds late at night after families and retirees leave. The NT$400 food and free entry deal is not bad. Easy to spend $400 on western BBQ meat and seafood. Taxi back to town after the MRT closes is not horribly expensive  -- maybe NT$3-400 depending on your location.

 

[justaguy]

Hi, does going to Taiwan around May period will meet the monsoon period over there?

Edited January 9, 2014 by justaguy

[calvin87]

Hi, does going to Taiwan around May period will meet the monsoon period over there?

May start hot Liao leh. I will go there from 26/4 to 3/5.

[u1myhotdog2]

any gay hotel? or room in the hotspring?

[alien]

Hi, does going to Taiwan around May period will meet the monsoon period over there?

Monsoon season still early to start in may lar. But there might be more raining days in may due to change of seasons.

[wailo]

you'd be extremely unlucky to meet a typhoon in may. it's possible, but highly unlikely.

 

on the other hand, may is a wet non-typhoon month. meaning to say it rains all the time.

[justaguy]

you'd be extremely unlucky to meet a typhoon in may. it's possible, but highly unlikely.

on the other hand, may is a wet non-typhoon month. meaning to say it rains all the time.

Aiyo, if it rains often also sianz....

[wailo]

At least it's better than June. When it rains just a little bit less, but is significatnly hotter, and the typhoon risk goes up too!

[luv_boiboi]

anyone keen for Taiwan in june? about 4-5 days? Preferably below 30 yo. Please pm me

[alien]

you'd be extremely unlucky to meet a typhoon in may. it's possible, but highly unlikely.

 

on the other hand, may is a wet non-typhoon month. meaning to say it rains all the time.

My impression on taipei is always rain. I had been there in diff mths few times, during my stay there always kena rain!

[wailo]

My impression on taipei is always rain. I had been there in diff mths few times, during my stay there always kena rain!

 

That's true to a very large extent. I wanted to type that last time I remember but decided not to because it'll be too long.

 

Taipei is not like HK which if you go around mid Nov to end Feb/early Mar you probably won't encounter much rain. For Taipei, regardless of the season it does rain around 2-5 days per week. It's just how much rain falls and how long the rains last when it does.

 

From past experience the most rainy months are May and Jun, it's called the 梅雨 season. Jul and Aug are bloody hot, kinda rainy and typhoon prone; you'll definitely get at least 2 during these months. In fact when I went back last Aug, there was one typhoon two days after I arrived and another the day before I left, fortunately for both Taipei wasn't a direct hit. Sep is not too bad but if a typhoon hits in Sep it's likely to be the biggest one to hit Taipei that year (which is similar to HK).

 

Ok maybe my past experience is than 18 years ago, and things might have changed since then heh.

Edited January 26, 2014 by wailo

[alien]

Even during winter also will rain in taipei. Was in taipei during winter for nearly a wk, and it rain 4 out of 6 days!

[wailo]

Exactly; it probably won't rain the entire day and it probably wouldn't be a major downpour, but it'd still rain even in winter. And that's why you leave your suede items and leather jackets for HK's winter. You wouldn't want to wear them at the night markets anyway though.

 

Anyway the other thing I observed when I was a kid was that when it does rain, it's usually going to rain at some point in time everyday for the next few days too. It's like a few consecutive days of rain, then a few consecutive days without rain, and it repeats.

 

But of course, weather isn't something that will follow a hard and fast rule. There may be the occasional thunderstorm in January and also a short drizzle in July. You might just have been unlucky to encounter an abnormally wet winter. But trust me, ask any Taiwanese and they will tell you that winter is definitely the driest, late spring to early summer rains the most, mid summer to early autumn is typhoon season. So everyone recommends people to go there between late October and mid April. It doesn't get that cold there anyway

Edited January 27, 2014 by wailo

[Guest TPE visitor]

Hello all, hope everyone's having a happy new year! Huat arh!

 

Just wanted to give a quick field report on Royal Spa, which I went to a couple of weeks ago. Initially, I wasn't planning to go cos I was there this time last year, and the service I got was only so-so. Back then, I booked a really popular masseur, but service was quite meh. He had his clothes on throughout, massage was so-so, and there was nothing sensual about it, even though it came with HE. I think I tipped him only about NTD200 or thereabouts. I had a much much better experience at YF Spa.

 

Anyway, so trusting all the reviews, I went back to Royal Spa this year, and asked for Dickies. And in short, WOW! Loved the entire experience from when they greet you downstairs, explain stuff to you, carries your bag and makes sure you have a toilet stop before the massage room. Anyway, the good stuff is in the room where (with A1 package) the first hour is dry massage, and the second hour is the oil massage. Massage is only so-so, but Dickies (despite my horrible Chinese) tries to make you comfortable and puts you at ease. A true gentleman and very very nice guy. I'm not a very direct / active person, but needless to say, Dickies was proactive and considerate throughout and was such a tease during the second hour (including ahem, getting au naturel) for a B2B session. The only thing I wasn't too comfortable was him 'sliding in' during the session unprotected, but he was nice about it once reminded. To cut a long story short, it was an amazing second half. I was also his last customer of the day, so not sure if that made him all the more active (although I thought he would be more tired). At the end, he took a shower first, and then lead me to take a shower by myself while he cleaned up. After the shower, he helped to apply body lotion which was a very very nice touch to end the session. I don't know if it was just me, but he gave me the impression that if I had invited him out for drinks or over to my hotel, he would have come! Then again, I'm not that direct so didn't want to ask beyond what I paid for (they are professionals at the end of the day). Anyway, Dickies looks a lot better than in his photo, and doesn't look so much like a twink any more, but a lot more fit. He's 23 and will definitely go back for him if the opportunity arises.

 

A couple of days later, decided to go back to Royal Spa cos of the good experience, but as Dickies was on leave, I went for Karl instead. Again, he was a little different than his photo, much better looking although was shorter than expected (you can't tell height from the photo, and I missed his stats). Nevertheless, the initial experience was the same as the previous day (have to admit that Royal Spa does pay very good attention to the overall experience). Karl was a little more chatty (I was his first customer of the day), and his massage was so-so too. It seems he's only been doing it for 5 months, but he definitely was enthusiastic. The only issue I have with Royal Spa is that their massage styles are very different depending on which masseur you get, but they make up for it by the great service that the masseurs give. Karl was a little bit more playful (nibbling ears and all) so it was a fun time. Yes, he had it all off by the end too until a HE. At the end, we showered together and he was making sure I could touch various parts of his body too (he said I was very 乖, cos I didn't wanna take advantage of these guys). In short, very very good service, very friendly. At the end (no body lotion though - see what I mean about massage consistency), he also gave me the impression he would have given me his phone number if I had asked for it.

 

So, the next time I'm in TPE, would definitely visit them again (and definitely get Dickies!!!). By the way, I'm just an average 36 year old guy, not fit and all, so if you think I was getting special attention from them, let me assure you I'm not worth it. Hope everyone else has a great experience with them!

[Guest dark_jedi]

hey guys, besides the usual pineapple cakes and taiyang biscuits, what other souvenirs from taiwan to consider?

[Guest guest]

Hello all, hope everyone's having a happy new year! Huat arh!

 

Just wanted to give a quick field report on Royal Spa, which I went to a couple of weeks ago. Initially, I wasn't planning to go cos I was there this time last year, and the service I got was only so-so. Back then, I booked a really popular masseur, but service was quite meh. He had his clothes on throughout, massage was so-so, and there was nothing sensual about it, even though it came with HE. I think I tipped him only about NTD200 or thereabouts. I had a much much better experience at YF Spa.

 

 

Happy New Year! Thanks for the review. It's very informative. Is it possible to share who is the popular masseur whose service was so so?

[Guest Ming]

Hello all, hope everyone's having a happy new year! Huat arh!

Just wanted to give a quick field report on Royal Spa, which I went to a couple of weeks ago. Initially, I wasn't planning to go cos I was there this time last year, and the service I got was only so-so. Back then, I booked a really popular masseur, but service was quite meh. He had his clothes on throughout, massage was so-so, and there was nothing sensual about it, even though it came with HE. I think I tipped him only about NTD200 or thereabouts. I had a much much better experience at YF Spa.

Anyway, so trusting all the reviews, I went back to Royal Spa this year, and asked for Dickies. And in short, WOW! Loved the entire experience from when they greet you downstairs, explain stuff to you, carries your bag and makes sure you have a toilet stop before the massage room. Anyway, the good stuff is in the room where (with A1 package) the first hour is dry massage, and the second hour is the oil massage. Massage is only so-so, but Dickies (despite my horrible Chinese) tries to make you comfortable and puts you at ease. A true gentleman and very very nice guy. I'm not a very direct / active person, but needless to say, Dickies was proactive and considerate throughout and was such a tease during the second hour (including ahem, getting au naturel) for a B2B session. The only thing I wasn't too comfortable was him 'sliding in' during the session unprotected, but he was nice about it once reminded. To cut a long story short, it was an amazing second half. I was also his last customer of the day, so not sure if that made him all the more active (although I thought he would be more tired). At the end, he took a shower first, and then lead me to take a shower by myself while he cleaned up. After the shower, he helped to apply body lotion which was a very very nice touch to end the session. I don't know if it was just me, but he gave me the impression that if I had invited him out for drinks or over to my hotel, he would have come! Then again, I'm not that direct so didn't want to ask beyond what I paid for (they are professionals at the end of the day). Anyway, Dickies looks a lot better than in his photo, and doesn't look so much like a twink any more, but a lot more fit. He's 23 and will definitely go back for him if the opportunity arises.

A couple of days later, decided to go back to Royal Spa cos of the good experience, but as Dickies was on leave, I went for Karl instead. Again, he was a little different than his photo, much better looking although was shorter than expected (you can't tell height from the photo, and I missed his stats). Nevertheless, the initial experience was the same as the previous day (have to admit that Royal Spa does pay very good attention to the overall experience). Karl was a little more chatty (I was his first customer of the day), and his massage was so-so too. It seems he's only been doing it for 5 months, but he definitely was enthusiastic. The only issue I have with Royal Spa is that their massage styles are very different depending on which masseur you get, but they make up for it by the great service that the masseurs give. Karl was a little bit more playful (nibbling ears and all) so it was a fun time. Yes, he had it all off by the end too until a HE. At the end, we showered together and he was making sure I could touch various parts of his body too (he said I was very 乖, cos I didn't wanna take advantage of these guys). In short, very very good service, very friendly. At the end (no body lotion though - see what I mean about massage consistency), he also gave me the impression he would have given me his phone number if I had asked for it.

So, the next time I'm in TPE, would definitely visit them again (and definitely get Dickies!!!). By the way, I'm just an average 36 year old guy, not fit and all, so if you think I was getting special attention from them, let me assure you I'm not worth it. Hope everyone else has a great experience with them!

so do these masseurs only do HJ or do some go all the way(penetration and all)

[Guest Guest]

so do these masseurs only do HJ or do some go all the way(penetration and all)

Never had a Royal masseuse go all the way. It's not a brothel, after all.  I find that they are usually willing to play around a bit if you are polite and ask, and then respect their limits.  One of them told me that they have banned people for being too aggressive.  I find they really appreciate some level of mutual respect.  I've had massages from both Dickies and Karl and my experience was exactly as outlined above.  I'm late 40s and not fit either and they were both great.

[dcgmsia]

Never had a Royal masseuse go all the way. It's not a brothel, after all. I find that they are usually willing to play around a bit if you are polite and ask, and then respect their limits. One of them told me that they have banned people for being too aggressive. I find they really appreciate some level of mutual respect. I've had massages from both Dickies and Karl and my experience was exactly as outlined above. I'm late 40s and not fit either and they were both great.

Who else you had your massage session with? Thank you for sharing your experience. (:

[Guest boytoy18]

So many comments about ANiki club being run down. I'm heading to taiwan end feb to march. Wondering whether it's still worth the visit and $$, or are there better options? I heard there are saunas too in taichung and KaoHsuing. Anyone has experience going there

 

Taiwan guys are so cute and fit ~

[Guest Guest]

Who else you had your massage session with? Thank you for sharing your experience. (:

Of those who are currently at Royal:  Hom, Ray, Kay, Dada and Park.  All good.