Overview
Taiwan’s deep south is perfectly suited to a family ride, with great weather around the year, and huge diversity in spite of its small size. Our journey takes full advantage of this and includes everything from urban art districts to remote mountain roads, beaches, hot springs, indigenous villages and even an aquarium. Distances are short enough that there is also plenty of time to soak up the experience, and to take part in a host of other optional activities, from kayaking to jeep rides.
The journey begins in the island’s second city, Kaohsiung, and showcases its variety with a visit to funky Pier 2 Arts District as well as a ride around laid-back Cijin Island. The following day we visit to one of the world’s biggest Buddha statues en route to the bucolic lanes of Meinong. The next day we’ll pedal through jungle and indigenous communities to hot springs. One of the highlights of the trip is the unique chance to spend the night in Kenting’s incredible aquarium. We have two nights to enjoy our last stop, Kenting, Taiwan’s tropical playground. Along the way there will be plenty of activities, sights, smells and sounds to keep everyone in the family captivated.
130-160km / 81-100mi riding - For the most part we ride on small country roads with minimal traffic, although there are short stretches on busier roads (which have designated cycle/scooter lanes) near Kenting town.
Pedal assist E-bikes are an available option on this tour for a $225 surcharge.
Highlights
- Ride around laid-back Cijin Island, light-years from the bustle of Kaohsiung
- Spend the night surrounded by fish in one of Asia’s best aquariums!
- Ride the idyllic backroads of rural Meinong
- Hike through coral passageways and caverns as you spot wildlife in Kenting National Park
- Ride through the jungly hills of the Hengchun Peninsula to enjoy well-earned hot springs
Day to Day
Today we’ll meet at our tour hotel and then make our way to Kaohsiung’s famous Pier 2 Arts District. We’ll have time to explore this lively and fun area and then take some lunch before boarding the ferry for Cijin Island where we’ll switch to bikes! Cijin is a narrow island between the harbor and the open ocean and is spanned by a 20km bike path with possible stops including a lighthouse, a historic fort, a sculpture park, the beach, and of course, ice cream – perfect for families to get a feel for riding in Taiwan. In the late afternoon we’ll return to the city and check into our hotel before heading out to sample some of the culinary wonders at one of the city’s famed night markets.
This morning we’ll leave the city behind and make a short transfer to to the Hakka settlement of Meinong, nestled at the base of the imposing Southern Mountains. After some lunch and a bike fitting at our wonderfully atmospheric lodgings we’ll pedal out for a flat ride through the stunning countryside, passing time-old temples, rice paddies and fruit orchards all to a backdrop of gently swaying bamboo on the hillsides. In the evening we’ll head out for a fabulous local dinner.
This morning we’ll have the chance to try our hand at painting Meinong’s famous traditional miniature parasols before leaving the region and heading south. We’ll stop for an ocean side lunch before we bear inland across the mountains to connect with a beautiful little road which winds its way down through the jungly interior of the Hengchun Peninsula. This is where we’ll start today’s ride and along the way we’ll pass through sleepy indigenous settlements, historic battlefields and try to spot monkeys before the road flattens out and brings us to our overnight rest stop, nestled in a picturesque valley, complete with hot springs and mountain views. This evening we’ll have the chance to sample traditional indigenous cuisine.
Today we ride from the door, back towards the ocean and then south through the pretty Hengchun Peninsula to gorgeous Baisha Beach (which featured in Ang Lee’s Life of Pi) where there’s the chance for a swim before a fantastic seafood lunch at Houbihu Marina. After lunch there’s the option to keep riding, or to transfer by vehicle to our overnight stop, one of Asia’s best aquariums! We’ll have the unique opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about local aquatic life at the coastal rockpools and then get to sleep in the aquarium, surrounded by all manner of weird and wonderful marine life!
After breakfast today we’ll continue our ride, cutting across to the rugged East Coast. Once we reach the ocean we’ll take a break from the saddle and the chance to explore the otherworldlly coastal rock formations, or for an optional kayak or a jeep ride through the idyllic countryside. We’ll then grab some lunch before the final leg of our epic journey, riding alongside dramatic cliffs with spectacular views down the coast to the island’s southernmost tip, and then on to Kenting where we’ll overnight.
This morning we’ll head up into Kenting’s rugged national park, which offers fantastic views of the whole peninsula. We’ll hike through uplifted coral passageways, eerie caverns and past giant banyans, possibly spotting monkeys, eagles, deer and even snakes. After our hike we’ll return to Kenting and the rest of the day is free to relax by the pool or at the beach, do a spot of shopping or explore the lively night market. For a different view of Kenting there’s also the option of a yacht or a speedboat cruise.
Today we’ll say goodbye to Kenting and head north to Foguangshan, one of the island’s largest monasteries. After some lunch we’ll get to see one of the world’s largest Buddha statues and learn a little about Buddhism and life in a monastery. From Foguangshan it’s just a short drive back to Kaohsiung where the tour ends
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
We’ve carefully put together this cycling itinerary with families and young children in mind, allowing for in-depth discovery of southern Taiwan. Enjoy easy cycling routes with stunning views, comfortable accommodations with onsite activities, and plenty of fun scheduled into the route along the way. This tour is an ideal cycling holiday for families in paradise surroundings that will leave you with lasting memories, and we’ve taken care of all of the details so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
