Our Quintessential Taiwan Bike Tour
4.0
4.0
| 4.0 |
New 2019 itinerary - The most recent redesign of our classic bike tour of Taiwan. Cycle tour the length of the country from the northern capital, Taipei, to the southern tip. Along the way, take in the sheer beauty of east Taiwan's rugged Pacific coast, with pristine beaches, exotic inland hot springs and valleys, including the stunning Taroko Gorge.
Overview
This classic cycling route takes us from Taroko Gorge down along the coast, and into the lush East Rift Valley before we re-emerge on the rugged Pacific East Coast and enjoy a rest day at the laid-back surf village of Dulan. Along the way, hike to the beautiful Shakadang stream, cycle narrow paths through banana palms to the coast for a beachside rest stop, and pedal into the little-visited East Rift Valley full of vibrant rice paddies and small communities.
Visit the striking Saoba Monuments and hike along the Walami Trail to spot some wildlife. We’ll take a rest day to enjoy the beach of Dulan before the final leg of the ride takes us past Taitung, south along the increasingly dramatic coastal cliffs and then inland across the mountains to Kenting in the tropical south. At day's end, the island offers yet more surprises: whether marveling at the sheer power of the Pacific, soaking away the stresses of life in one of the island’s numerous hot springs or just slurping down a hearty bowl of delicious noodles, Taiwan assaults your senses and leaves you hungry for more!
355-435 km distance. The terrain varies from gently undulating along parts of the East Coast to steep ascents and descents over the coastal mountain range. Traffic is generally light, although there will be stretches on busier roads.
Pedal assist E-bikes are an available option on this tour for $495 surcharge.
Highlights
Cycle through the dramatic Taroko Gorge on part of the famous King of the Mountain route.
Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, deer, eagles and Formosan bears on a hike into the Central Mountain Range on the Walami Trail.
Pedal through the lush East Rift Valley into the jungle then past gorgeous beaches to Dulan.
Spend a day soaking up the sun or in the bright blue waters of the Pacific as we hit the coast and cycle to the tropical south.
Day to Day
We’ll meet up early in Taipei for introductions before a beautiful train ride along the dramatic east coast to breathtaking Taroko Gorge which forges its way through the Central Mountain Range. Whether shrouded in mist or glowing in sunlight, this sheer marble gorge is a captivating sight. From the station, it’s a short but beautiful drive to our overnight lodgings, situated deep into the heart of the gorge. On arrival, we’ll check in and then have a bike fitting and take a short warm-up ride deeper into the gorge (part of the famous King of the Mountain route!).
We have an early start to make the exhilarating ride down through Taroko Gorge, stopping for a short but stunning hike along the aquamarine waters of Shakadang stream, a tributary of the main Liwu River. On pedaling out of the gorge, we’ll emerge onto the Pacific Coast, and avoiding the main highway we ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking beachside rest stops on our way south. After lunch in Hualien and a visit to a traditional Taoist temple, we’ll move away from the city and into the picturesque but little visited East Rift Valley, a land of lush green rice paddies and small indigenous communities. We spend the night in a unique and boutique bed and breakfast with architecture that takes full advantage of the idyllic views. Dinner this evening is at a wonderful organic restaurant with a menu determined by the best and freshest local produce.
This morning we continue our journey down through the Rift Valley, with towering mountains on either side. We’ll stop for lunch at a community-run organic farm restaurant in an Amis village and have the chance to meet some of the friendly locals. In the afternoon we’ll move on south through prime tropical fruit growing country to our lovely resort set amidst beautiful countryside where a refreshing pool and soothing hot springs await.
This morning we start with a short detour to visit the Tropic of Cancer Monument, the Saoba Monoliths (Taiwan’s version of Stone Henge), and for a cuppa amidst the tea farms of Wuhe. Now officially in the tropics, we continue south through the ever-widening Rift Valley, to our overnight stop, which enjoys fabulous views. In the afternoon there’s the option of a hike into the foothills of the Central Mountain Range along the enchanting Walami Trail where sightings of monkeys, deer, Swinhoe’s Pheasant and eagles are commonplace, and Formosan bears are occasionally spotted!
This morning we pedal away from the Rift Valley, along a magical little road (often with more monkeys than cars) which cuts its way southeast through the low jungly hills of the coastal mountain range. We’ll hit the coast at one of its most impressive stretches, often compared with Hawaii, and after some tasty local baozi (steamed buns) it’s only a short hop south to the laid-back surf settlement of Dulan. As well as being a mecca for surfers, Dulan is also famous for a recent indigenous arts revival which encompasses music, painting and sculpture which can be seen in the warehouse galleries around the focal point of the village, the old Sugar Factory. In the evening we’ll meet for a traditional indigenous meal overlooking the ocean.
Today is free to relax on the beach, hike, surf, visit some of the local sights or just read a book and rest! As well as Taiwanese and indigenous cuisine, Dulan has a host of Western-oriented cafés and restaurants serving food from around the globe, including authentic French, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine. There is also sometimes live music at the Sugar Factory on Saturday nights. Soak up Taiwanese life as you rest your legs.
Fresh from our day out of the saddle, we have the option of taking a longer 80km ride, or shortening it to 40km with a transfer. We'll continue south along the East Coast, bypassing the city of Taitung and then climbing over a series of headlands which afford stunning ocean vistas. This is Taiwan’s premier Buddha Head Fruit (aka custard apple) region and we’ll have the chance to sample some along the way. We stop for lunch at a famous beef noodle restaurant and then a few kilometers before the end of the ride, we bear inland to our simple but lovely overnight stop near the tiny fishing harbor at Shangwu. Dinner this evening is at a simple harbourside restaurant which turns out incredible sushi and seafood.
Fittingly, our last day’s ride is also the most challenging and starts with a long, gradual ascent into the hills of the Hengchun Peninsula. Those not quite up for this final push into the mountains have a shorter route option of 55km that starts with a brief transfer. Following the longer route, we’ll take a brief rest stop at an ornate temple with great views and once we’ve reached the top, we bear off the main east-west and cycle a lovely little road through remote jungle dotted with the odd indigenous village before bringing us back down to the coast. The coastal stretch here is one of Taiwan’s finest, with the road running right alongside the ocean, passing windswept beaches and abandoned military bases before once again ascending into the jungle. The last leg of the ride takes us all the way to the island’s southernmost point, from where it’s just a short ride to Kenting, Taiwan's tropical playground. In the evening we’ll explore Kenting night market and head out for a final dinner to celebrate our incredible Taiwan ride.
This morning is free for you to further explore Kenting’s bounty of activities. A group transfer is available at noon back to Kaohsiung International Airport or High-Speed-Rail Station. The tour ends on arrival in Kaohsiung. For those who want to stay longer in Kenting, we can arrange additional accommodation at our lovely tour hotel, plus a range of activities.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
With our experience in providing bike tours through Asia, we are able to pack a great cycling route, cultural immersion, delicious meals, comfortable resorts, and some incredibly photogenic views into our cycling holiday itineraries. This iconic Taiwan tour takes you through spectacular views in this cycling-friendly country, from the mountains through the valley to the coast for a comprehensive look at this beautiful island nation.
