Hi, I’m Darshan, originally from India and currently based in the United Kingdom. I’ve been volunteering at Toucheng Leisure Farm for six weeks, from July 18th to August 28th, through the AIESEC program, contributing to projects in the field of marketing.
The farm is beautifully nestled between the mountains and the ocean, where you’re greeted by a refreshing breeze. The weather was pleasant—clear skies without much rain—making it perfect to enjoy and connect with nature.
Tina, the farm manager, welcomed me warmly with a friendly gesture and provided me with two working holiday uniforms.
The accommodation was comfortable—I stayed in a double-bedded room with an attached bathroom. On the night I arrived, Tina, Hunter, and I had dinner together, where we discussed the work ahead. That evening, they assigned me to the marketing role.
I was amazed by the buffet, which offered a wide variety of authentic Taiwanese dishes. One of the most memorable was the famous stinky tofu.
The pool is one of the main attractions of the farm. It has seating areas, boats to ride, and even a spot where you can feed the fish. There’s also a swing to enjoy, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after work.
I joined a farm tour alongside a few tourists, where I learned how the farm integrates circular economy practices into its daily operations. The focus is not only on business, but also on protecting the environment. Most of their products are eco-friendly and sustainable. During the tour, I discovered many fascinating aspects of the farm—from spotting a rare bird of Taiwan to exploring the Bug Hotel and the organic farmhouse.
I met Mr. Wang and his wife, a warm and welcoming couple—he is a professor and she is a doctor. We had an engaging conversation during the tour, and he kindly explained many things to me in English. Along the way, we encountered a wild animal on the farm and enjoyed tasting organically grown passion fruit.
The farm has successfully implemented circular economy practices, supported by initiatives such as the green kitchen and DIY activities. It is also home to a water buffalo that visitors can feed, and a newborn calf—affectionately named Shin by a past volunteer.
I was invited to a gathering by Amma, the founder of the farm, along with her friends, and it turned out to be an amazing event. We enjoyed local tequila shots paired with tea—something they said helps balance the effects of alcohol. The evening was filled with engaging conversations, especially with David, who shared fascinating stories about his business ventures and his experiences visiting India. It was truly a pleasure to meet such inspiring people.
The farm is home to rabbits, goats, ducks, and chicken coops, all designed as engaging attractions for visitors. The area is beautifully arranged, making it visually appealing. I often fed the rabbits—they are fearless and will approach people quite comfortably.
Toucheng and Yilan, the nearest towns to the farm, were perfect destinations to explore over the weekends. I tried a seafood hotpot for the first time here with my colleagues—a unique experience where fresh seafood is added directly into the simmering pot in front of us. It was absolutely delicious.
Night markets are everywhere, operating from around 6 PM until the early hours of the morning. They offer a wide variety of unique street foods, especially octopus and shell dishes. I visited the night markets in Toucheng and Keelung, both conveniently close to the farm.
I had the opportunity to meet a delegate from Greece who provides GSTC certification to hotels. I was part of the team that prepared for and facilitated the meeting. Through this experience, I learned a great deal about sustainability, eco-tourism, and natural farming practices. Tina and Hunter were incredibly helpful, explaining in detail how these concepts are implemented on the farm.
I also met a friend of Hunter’s who visited the farm around noon. He is an expert in the carbon capture industry and is deeply passionate about environmental protection and conservation. The farm truly feels like a place where you meet amazing and inspiring people at every turn.
I met many school children who visited the farm for excursions—they were full of energy and curiosity. I participated with them in various DIY activities, which was both fun and rewarding.
Nearby is Waioa Beach, a popular tourist attraction for international visitors. Surfing is a favorite activity there, and occasionally, the beach hosts a DJ, adding a lively atmosphere to the experience.
I heard a lot about the fireflies at the farm, which attract many tourists and are visible only during April and May. I am very curious to see them for myself.
Overall, the experience was truly wonderful, and the time seemed to fly by. I learned a great deal about sustainability, eco-tourism, and organic farming. On top of that, it was a lot of fun! I would love to revisit the farm if I get the chance.