Overview
This classic route takes us from Taipei in the north of the island, all the way to the very southern tip at Kenting. The first day’s ride out through Taroko Gorge down to the Pacific Coast and into the majestic East Rift Valley is hard to beat, but is just the beginning! Riding quiet but amazingly well-maintained roads through idyllic tropical countryside we’ll pass through sleepy indigenous villages, pomelo orchards and endless rice paddies, punctuating our journey with delicious local meals.
At day's end, the island offers yet more surprises: whether marvelling 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!
325-340 km / 201-211 mi cycling - 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 $275 surcharge.
Highlights
- Cycle through dramatic Taroko Gorge on part of the famous King of the Mountain route.
- Ride the Rift Valley, an enchanting lost world of lush green rice paddies, tropical fruit farms, hot springs and tribal villages.
- Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, deer, eagles and Formosan bears on a hike into the Central Mountain Range on the Walami Trail.
- Glide on a Stand Up Paddleboard along the emerald green waters of Donghe River Gorge.
Inclusions
- 7 Nights accommodation in resorts & boutique B&B's
- Meals: Breakfast x7, Lunch x6, Dinner x6
- Quality well maintained bikes & equipment
- Stand up Paddleboard experience
- Experienced Grasshopper Guide
- Full vehicle support
- Snacks & Water while riding
- Complimentary cycling jersey and water bottle
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 luxurious 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 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’ll spend the night in cabins magically set over the water set on the edge of the Rift Valley. In the evening we can enjoy a hearty BBQ dinner and campfire.
Today it’s a shorter ride as 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 in the beautiful Fuyuan Forest Reserve. The reserve has numerous hiking trails through lush jungle to waterfalls and suspension bridges. Monkeys, deer, eagles and huge butterflies are commonplace, and Swinhoe’s Pheasant are occasionally spotted! When you get back from your hike soothing hot springs await! Dinner tonight is at the resort.
This morning’s ride is interjected with a trio of interesting stops, first the Saoba Monoliths (Taiwan’s mini version of Stone Henge), then on to the Tropic of Cancer Monument, and finally for a well-earned cuppa’ amidst the tea farms of Wuhe. We then take a lovely little cut through road back to highway 193, and now officially in the tropics, bear south through the ever-widening Rift Valley, stopping for a delicious dumpling lunch. After lunch we continue on to our overnight stop perched atop a hill on the edge of the Rift Valley. It’s a great spot to sit back, relax and enjoy the views and in the evening our host will put on a gourmet feast for dinner.
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.
This morning we’ll rise early to enjoy a sunrise SUP ride in Donghe River Gorge. Paddling the emerald green waters to a backdrop of giant white boulders and lush tropical forest makes for a magical start to the day. The rest of the day 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!
Today we’ll transfer by vehicle along the beautiful but busy coastal highway to Shouka where we’ll begin our epic final day’s ride through the hills of the Hengchun Peninsula. We bear off the main east-west route and cycle a lovely little road through remote jungle dotted with the odd indigenous village before bringing us back down to the coast where we’ll take lunch at a simple seafood restaurant. 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 in a double hill climb before another lovely descent. 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 the High-Speed-Rail Station. The tour ends on arrival in Kaohsiung. For those who want longer to explore this spectacular region please see our Kenting Explorer tour extension.
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 craft an unforgettable cycling route with cultural immersion, delicious meals, comfortable hotels, and some incredibly photogenic views. This iconic bike tour of Taiwan takes you along the spectacular east coast of what is probably the most cycle-friendly country in Asia. Ride down the epic Tarokok marble gorge, along rugged coastline and through the beautiful east rift valley, all the way to the southern coast for a comprehensive look at this beautiful island nation.
