Overview
This self-guided independent cycling adventure features a carefully crafted and easy to follow route through Taroko Gorge to the verdant East Rift Valley and on to the dazzling East Coast.
With our audio guide, suggestions for must-see stops and best eateries, and a few helpful words in the local language, you’ll seek out your own adventure, stop at places you otherwise wouldn’t find, and make connections with the local people.
After a train transfer from Taipei, the riding begins in Taroko, the world’s deepest marble gorge, and then snakes its way south, with sections on the rugged Pacific Coastline, and on quiet country roads through the idyllic East Rift Valley, a lush landscape of rice paddies, tropical fruit orchards, indigenous villages, and hot springs! You'll emerge from the valley at the southern end of your unforgettable adventure for a final cruise along the coast, before rolling into the laidback surf village of Taitung.
Pedal assist E-bikes are an available option on this tour for $175
Highlights
- Walk along Swallow Grotto in the dramatic Taroko Gorge before heading to your luxurious accommodation nestled within it.
- Pedal through the bright green rice paddies and small indigenous communities of the East Rift Valley.
- Park your bike to explore the rocky volcano-formed Sanxiantai Islet.
- Paddle a SUP on the emerald green waters of Donghe River Gorge
Includes
- Our Self-guided App with audio guide, stop suggestions, food recommendations and more
- GPS bike computer with user friendly navigation
- Included meals: Breakfast x5, Lunch x1, Dinner x1
- Onboarding session with guide
- Phone and emergency support
Ride free & at your own pace along our perfect Taiwan self-guided route which takes in some of the island’s most impressive scenery on quiet, easy to follow roads along the East Coast and East Rift Valley. The ride begins in magnificent Taroko, the world’s deepest marble gorge, and ends in Taitung.
Day to Day
This morning you’ll make your way to the train station for the beautiful journey along the spectacular east coast to Xincheng station (Taroko). Train tickets will be delivered to your chosen hotel in advance. You’ll be met on arrival at Xincheng train station by one of our friendly tour leaders and head for a local lunch and a full briefing to the week ahead.
After lunch you’ll transfer to your overnight lodgings, deep in the gorge, stopping en route for a short walk along Swallow’s Grotto, one of the most dramatic sections. On arrival at the hotel you’ll check in and then have a bike fitting, after which your tour leader will depart. The rest of the afternoon can be spent riding further west into gorge (part of the famous King of the Mountain route), wandering to a nearby monastery, or just soaking up the views.
Today you get an early start to make the exhilarating ride down through Taroko Gorge and to the sea, maybe stopping for a hike along the Lushui-Heliu, or Shakadang trails before emerging onto the Pacific Coast. Avoiding the main highway you ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking beachside rest stops on the way south along the coast. Tonight you stay in a small boutique bed and breakfast overlooking the sea in the fishing village of Yanliao. There is an excellent seafood restaurant just a short walk from the hotel.
For a break from the coast, today you’ll venture into the picturesque but little visited East Rift Valley, a land of lush green rice paddies and small indigenous communities, heading south on a lovely little road to Fuyuan, where walking trails and soothing hot springs await! Dinner tonight is included at the hotel.
This morning you can begin your ride with a short diversion 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. From here today’s ride continues south through the ever-widening Rift Valley, mountains on either side, before bearing east across the Coastal Mountain Range. After a short, steep climb there’s a wonderful long descent offering spectacular views down the coast. Once back on the coastal road it’s just a short ride to your ocean side hotel which has a lovely pool.
For those with the energy in the afternoon there’s the chance to SUP, kayak or just swim at nearby Stone Umbrella Beach, named for the otherworldly coastal rock formations here.
Your final day’s ride takes you south along the ever more impressive coastline, and throws up a host of possible stops including a hike to magical Sanxiantai, a rugged and rocky island formed by a long extinct volcano, delicious baozi (filled steamed bun) in Donghe, a coffee in the laid-back surf mecca of Dulan (also famous as an indigenous arts centre), a swim at beautiful Shanyuan Beach, or exploring the otherworldly coastal rock formations at Xiao Yeliu. The ride ends in Taitung, where there are temples, parks, an arts district and night markets to explore, or you could just take relax in the hotel pool.
This morning you’ll be met by a Grasshopper tour leader, return your bikes and equipment, and then be transferred to the train station or airport for your onward journey.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
This self-guided cycling adventure allows you to discover the natural wonders of Taiwan at your own pace and with your own choice of stops, meals, and activities while incorporating our knowledge of the must-see destinations as well as the hidden gems. We’ve taken care of the details, specially crafting an easy-to-follow and beautiful route in this cycling-friendly country as well as taking care of your accommodations and luggage transfer. Take our expertise and pursue your own adventure as you explore the rugged Pacific coast of Taiwan by bike!
