Taimali homestay sparks controversy over towel policy

A homestay located at an altitude of 1,100 meters in Taimali, Taitung, has sparked online controversy after announcing it will no longer provide bath towels to guests. The decision follows environmental regulations introduced last year that restrict the provision of single-use disposable items in the hospitality industry.

The operator explained that the remote mountain location makes laundering towels difficult, claiming a round trip to a laundry service takes approximately three hours. The business also noted that certain stains are difficult to remove without strong chemicals and that they offer towels for purchase on-site for guests who forget to bring their own.

Internet personality Cheap criticized the reasoning, noting that the distance to the nearest laundry facility is roughly 15 kilometers and a 35-minute drive, questioning the three-hour claim. He suggested the policy is a cost-saving measure rather than a geographic necessity. The incident has divided public opinion, with some defending the business's right to set its own service standards and others arguing that such limitations should be clearly communicated before booking.