TAIPEI, Taiwan – The final installment of TVB Plus travel series Nature Girl Travel airs tonight at 10 p.m., featuring hosts Lin Yinghui (known as Hui Ge) and Huang Yingzhuo (Verena) as they conclude their journey in Taitung, eastern Taiwan. The episode takes viewers to a working dairy farm, a cat café, and a remote natural hot spring accessible only by rappelling and climbing.
Close Encounters at Chulu Ranch
The duo began their day at Chulu Ranch, a popular destination known for its grazing livestock and mountain views. Upon arrival, Verena eagerly approached a pony, feeding it by hand. “I always see people posting photos and wanted to play with a pony myself,” she said. “They’re so well-behaved—completely quiet, just waiting calmly for you to feed them.”
Hui Ge, however, kept her distance when the pair reached the donkey enclosure. She admitted she was still recovering from a previous incident at a farm in Jeju, South Korea, where a donkey injured her. “I don’t know if there’s an Oppa here to help stop the bleeding like last time,” she said, adding with a laugh, “and I don’t want to be hurt by the same species twice.”
Cat Café and a Personal Breakthrough
The program later took the hosts to a local cat café, where they donned cat ears to join the theme. Verena, a self-described cat lover who has owned a cat for three years, shared her perspective. “Cats are very special and have strong personalities—each one is different,” she said.
Hui Ge, by contrast, has long been wary of animals. She traced that fear to a scuba instructor’s warning during her childhood: “He told us not to touch marine life, comparing it to how you wouldn’t want strangers touching you randomly in public.” Over time, that caution turned into a broader anxiety around small animals. But filming a pet-friendly program last year helped her confront the fear. “I even adopted a hamster last year,” she said proudly.
A Thrilling Finale: Wild Hot Springs
The episode’s climax involved a challenging trek to a wild hot spring—a natural, undeveloped thermal pool deep in the Taitung countryside. Unlike commercial hot springs, these sites require visitors to navigate rugged terrain, including rappelling down cliffs and climbing over rocks. The hosts successfully located a suitable bathing spot and immersed themselves in the outdoor waters, completing their adventure.
Broader Context
The series, which has aired multiple episodes across Taiwan, highlights the growing trend of nature-based tourism among younger travelers in Asia. According to a 2023 report by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, visits to rural and ecological attractions increased by 18% year-on-year, driven by social media exposure and a post-pandemic shift toward outdoor experiences.
Experts note that programs like Nature Girl Travel encourage viewers to explore less-commercialized destinations, but also caution that wild hot springs and similar sites require preparation and respect for local environmental regulations. “Always check for safety warnings, pack proper gear, and avoid leaving waste,” advises travel safety blogger Chen Wei-ling, who frequently covers Taiwanese outdoor spots.
What’s Next
With the season finale, TVB has not yet announced a renewal. However, the show’s blend of personal stories, animal encounters, and eco-adventure has resonated with audiences seeking authentic travel content. For viewers inspired by the episode, Taitung County’s tourism website offers a guide to Chulu Ranch and other nearby attractions, including hot spring locations that are developed and regulated for safer access.
Nature Girl Travel airs tonight at 10 p.m. on TVB Plus.
