Overview
This classic route takes us from the spectacular Taroko Gorge down the rugged east coast and then south across the mountains to Kenting in the tropical south. En-route we'll cross the picturesque coastal mountain range into the lush East Rift Valley and then head back to the coast, taking in lush jungle, mountain villages, big sea vistas and stunning temples. You’ll experience a variety of landscapes, indigenous communities, tasty food and hot spring along the way.
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 numerous hot springs on this route, or just slurping down a hearty bowl of delicious noodles, Taiwan will assault your senses and leave you hungry for more!
Highlights
Take an exciting ride down through the Taroko Gorge to the coast with some gorgeous views.
Visit Taiwan’s most famous hot springs to soak your aching muscles.
Cycle along the Laonong River Valley to the mountain settlement Baolai for some great aboriginal food.
Take a walking tour of Taipei as you see another side of this interesting country.
Day to Day
On day one people will be arriving throughout the day. In the evening we'll meet for an introduction to the tour and then head out for a local dinner to get to know everyone on the trip.
This morning we’ll transfer to eastern Taiwan, stopping for a picnic at dramatic Qingshui Cliffs en- route to 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. In the afternoon, we’ll put together our bikes and have chance for a short practice ride.
Approx. Distance: 60km - 37mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 250m - 820ft
We get an early start to make the exhilarating ride down through Taroko Gorge to the sea. Avoiding the main highway, we ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking beachside rest stops on our way south along the coast. We overnight in the pretty coastal settlement of Yanliao, heading out for a delicious seafood dinner in the evening.
Approx. Distance: 80km - 50mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 1000m - 3280ft
Today we backtrack a few kilometers and bear inland into the vast East Rift Valley, a land of lush green rice paddies and small aboriginal communities. At day’s end there’s the chance to soak in the mineral–laden hot spring pools at Ruisui.
Approx. Distance: 80km - 50mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 550m - 1800ft
This morning we cross the Coastal Mountain Range on a beautiful little road which follows the course of Taiwan’s best whitewater rafting river. We emerge on one of the most dramatic stretches of the Pacific East Coast and ride south to our lovely overnight stop right on the ocean.
Approx. Distance: 60km - 37mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 500m - 1640ft
Today’s route hugs the coastline, passing the bustling fishing harbor of Fugang and south past Taitung, before heading inland to Zhiben, arguably Taiwan’s most famous springs, nestled in a beautiful wooded valley. Here we'll have the chance to ease any aching muscles with a soak in the therapeutic hot springs.
Our rest day is free to relax in the springs, or hike through the nearby national park, which is teeming with wildlife.
Approx. Distance: 50km - 31mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 400m - 1300ft
It’s a short but hilly hop south along the East Coast from Zhiben to Shangwu. After lunch, we cut inland along a remote valley, which leads to our simple overnight stop. We’ll head back to town for dinner in the tiny fishing harbor at Shangwu.
Approx. Distance: 100km - 62mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 1000m - 3280ft
Today we ride south through the jungle covered low hills of the Hengchun Peninsula on small, little-used roads passing remote aboriginal communities, eventually emerging at Kenting, Taiwan's tropical playground.
A free day to relax, swim, snorkel (or even surf) on the beach, explore the national park, or take a spin around the beautiful countryside on our bikes.
Approx. Distance: 105km - 65mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 250m - 820ft
Today we’ll head north into Taiwan’s banana belt, skirting the mountains en-route to our overnight stay at Santimen, home to an amazing outdoor museum detailing Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.
Approx. Distance: 60km - 37mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 600m - 1970ft
Today we follow the Laonong River Valley north to the mountain settlement of Baolai where hot springs and tasty aboriginal food await.
Approx. Distance: 80km - 50mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 1000m - 3280ft
This morning we backtrack a few kilometers before heading west on a beautiful mountain road passing lakes and historic settlements before joining ‘the coffee road’ to the mud hot springs of Guanziling. We’ll ride through orange groves and past giant boulders and will break for lunch at one of the local plantation cafes.
Approx. Distance: 60km - 37mi
Approx. Total Ascent: 250m - 820ft
Today we make our way down into the coastal plains to the bustling historic city of Tainan where our ride ends and we’ll re-pack our bikes. In the evening we’ll head out for a banquet of local Tainan specialties.
This morning we’ll take a walking tour of the old city before driving to Taipei with our boxed bikes. In the evening we’ll head out for a final dinner to celebrate the end of our unique journey through “The Beautiful Island”.
Today enjoy a sleep-in and relaxed breakfast marking the conclusion of your Taiwan tour.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
Taiwan is known for its natural beauty along with being an extremely cycling-friendly country. You’ll have the chance to experience this as you make your way through some of Taiwan’s best sights, including the Taroko Gorge, East Rift Valley, Pacific Coast, banana plantations, mountain settlements and historic cities. Learn about aboriginal communities, taste delicious fresh food and enjoy two rest days for more exploration along the way. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a nightly happy hour. This is the ultimate Taiwan adventure and will leave you with a greater appreciation for this beautiful island.
