Learn all about D3 East Cube, the newest haven in Donggang Township, Taiwan and see its undeniable rustic beauty!
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAMILLE DOMINGO
The Welcome There’s not much to learn about D3 East Cube online, so I had no idea what to expect before I stepped foot in this boutique hotel. The facade looked very modern and compact, but when we checked in, I immediately felt a rustic vibe with its fibrous interiors and furniture. The lobby is so small, it’s already part of the dining area—which is the very first thing you’ll see when you enter the hotel. The dining tables and chairs are all made of wood, polished to the shiniest quality possible. I also noticed an abundance of bonsai plants and flowers around, which made the area look very homey. We checked in late at night, so it wasn’t until the next morning that I saw how the natural light coming through the dining area’s window gave a very vibrant look for the place. It was quite a nice feast for the eyes.
The Scene
While the areas surrounding the hotel look very rural (with provincial houses, wide roads, and landing nets for fishing—something the town is famous for), D3 East Cube is actually near many great spots in Pingtung. It’s approximately two kilometers away from 300-year-old Donglang Temple and the Hua Qiao Market (where you can buy some of the best and freshest seafood in Donggang Township), while the Dragonfly Art Studio (an art museum that specializes in beads that are significant for the Pai Wan aboriginal tribe) is just seven kilometers away. It’s also near the Dapeng Bay, which was really convenient for us because our main agenda in Pingtung was to visit the Taiwan Lantern Festival 2019.
The Room
My room was as rustic as the lobby or dining area, with its large wooden bed, timber bedside chair and table, and bucolic gray walls. The bathroom was surprisingly spacious, and replete with amenities you normally get in a boutique hotel room (shampoo and bath gel, hair dryer, and toothbrush and toothpaste).
The Breakfast As someone who wishes to eat healthier, I really enjoyed the breakfast plate. It was not an unlimited or all-you-can-eat breakfast (save for their congee, soy milk, and tea). What D3 East Cube gave me was a plate composed of green salad (given the town’s reputation for agriculture, you can expect fresh vegetables), a hard-boiled egg, fruits, and—this might sound bizarre, but was tasty nonetheless—a mashed potato sandwich. The breakfast set might not impress those who want variety every morning, but I really liked this because it kept me full without the guilt.
The Verdict D3 East Cube may be new, but a stay in it will bring out the countryside enthusiast in you. What it lacks in amenities and facilities, it makes up for in its beautiful interiors, healthy food selections, and the cheerful smiles of the staff—showing well what local Taiwanese hospitality looks like.
D3 East Cube is located in Chuantou Road, Donggang Township, Pingtung, Taiwan. For bookings and reservations, phone (+886) 905 38888 41 or email <[email protected]>
