9 days
From US $1,995
Self-guided East Coast of Taiwan Bike Tour
We set out on a enthralling cycling adventure through Taiwan's diverse landscapes and rich culture. This unforgettable journey takes us from the vibrant city of Kaohsiung to the stunning cliffs of Taroko Gorge. We cycle picturesque coastal roads, traverse mountain ranges, and immerse ourselves in the scenic beauty of the Rift Valley. Enjoy a variety of experiences, from hot springs and cultural encounters to a mesmerizing cliff hike in Taroko Gorge. As we conclude our adventure, we ensure a seamless return to Taipei, making this an all-encompassing and exhilarating exploration of Taiwan's natural and cultural treasures.
Taipei | 17:00hrs
Hualien
casual
moderate
60km or 36mi
7
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Min. 2, Max. 12
Highlights
Scenic Cycling Routes
Explore Taiwan's breathtaking landscapes, from lush mountains to serene coastal roads. Pedal through the picturesque countryside, passing by vibrant paddy fields and enchanting Indigenous villages, offering a unique glimpse into the island's cultural heritage.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Kaohsiung | Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park | |||
| DAY 2 | Kenting | Kenting Tuscany Resort | B | 40km / 25mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Dawu | Oriental Cloud B&B | B | 80km / 48mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Zhiben Hot Springs | Hoya Hot Spring Hotel & Spa | B | 40km / 24mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Antong Hot Springs | An Tong Hot Spring Hotel 981 | B | 45km / 27mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Guangfu | B | 60km / 36mi | cycling | |
| DAY 7 | Hualien | May Ardennes Villa | B | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Hualien | May Ardennes Villa | B | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Train to Taipei | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kaohsiung
You can arrive at Kaohsiung via flight or train journey. Kaohsiung offers a variety of interesting things to do. Explore the city's vibrant arts scene at the Pier-2 Art Center, stroll along Love River, and sample delicious Taiwanese street food at Liouhe Night Market. Night markets in Taiwan come up at sundown and sell everything from local crafts to street food to clothing. We highly recommend visiting at least one night market when in Taiwan.
Pre-trip Briefing:
- For guests staying in Taipei on the pre-tour night, the pre-trip briefing will take place in person before your trip begins.
- For those heading directly to Kaohsiung, the pre-trip briefing will be conducted via a video call to ensure you're fully prepared.
Day 2: Kenting
To avoid the traffic on today's circuit, we will organize a Van to pick you up at Kaohsiung hotel transfer to Kenting. Today, our plan includes a 40 km loop along mostly flat roads around the Southernmost Point of Taiwan, where we visit the Eluanbi lighthouse. In the afternoon, we cycle along the incredibly scenic coastline within Kenting National Park, with the opportunity to spend some time at a beach. After dinner, explore the renowned night market in the area.
Day 3: Dawu
Leaving Kenting, our journey takes us across the southern section of the central mountains, where we pass through enchanting Indigenous villages. We climb to an elevation of 480 meters ( 1,574 ft) before descending to the east coast, offering us our initial glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. If time permits, we can take a stroll on the Alanyi Coastal Trail which features a wonderful rocky trail and indigenous art. Our overnight stay is in a cozy coastal village, and we stay in a small family guest house. Today is a quiet evening given to admiring the natural beauty of this part of Taiwan.
Day 4: Zhiben Hot Springs
As we continue our journey along the east coast, we see a vast expanse of rice paddies open up around us presenting a serene, soothing sight. Our next destination is Zhiben, one of the most famous hot springs in Taiwan. Today's ride is relatively short, covering just 40km, allowing us ample time to explore the Zhiben National Forest Recreational Area in the afternoon. Stay tonight is at a charming resort with refreshing hot springs to rejuvenate us.
Day 5: Antong Hot Springs
Today's adventure combines the best of cycling and scenic train travel. Start your day with a refreshing 20 km ride from your hotel to Taitung Train Station. The road meanders past fields of vibrant green crops—perhaps rice paddies swaying gently in the breeze or neat rows of vegetables stretching to the horizon. From station, board a train that winds through the picturesque Rift Valley, offering stunning views of Taiwan's lush landscapes and coastline. Disembark at Chishang Train Station, and continue your journey with a ride to your hotel in Antong Hot Springs, where relaxation awaits.
Day 6: Guangfu
The Rift Valley, considered the favorite part of the island by most Taiwanese, is likely to win your favor as well. As we cycle northwards, vast paddy fields extend as far as the eye can see. The entire day is spent on a serene country road with minimal traffic, offering picturesque views of the coastal mountains to the right and the renowned Central Mountains to the left. Taiwan boasts an impressive 270 peaks surpassing 3,000 meters in elevation, and gazing at this range while heading north is a truly delightful experience. If time permits, we may visit Hinoki village, a collection of charming Japanese-style buildings built during Japanese rule over Taiwan that are today preserved as a cultural attraction. The Japanese introduced sugar cultivation to this part of Taiwan, and we stay tonight at a 100-year old guest house originally built by the Japanese.
Day 7: Hualien
As we head north, we reenter the valley on our way to Hualien. Later in the day, we return to the coast, where we get our first sight of the cliffs of Taroko Gorge. Taroko Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder, known for its stunning marble canyons, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear rivers, making it one of Taiwan's most iconic and picturesque locations.
Day 8: Hualien
Today, you have two exciting options:
Explore the Taroko Gorge: Spend the entire day discovering the breathtaking beauty of Taroko Gorge by hiking 3-4 different trails. Highlights include the iconic Swallow Grotto, the serene Eternal Spring Shrine, and the stunning Tunnel of Nine Turns. After your hikes, enjoy a well-earned lunch at the top of the gorge, then spend the afternoon visiting other must-see spots in the area.
Hualien Local Loop: Alternatively, set out on a scenic ride around Hualien, taking in its local treasures. This loop can range from 40 to 100 km, with the option to include a ride up to the entrance of the magnificent Taroko Gorge, making for an unforgettable final day.
Day 9: Train to Taipei
Depart as per your onward travel plans.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $500
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $275
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival at Kaohsiung:
- Kaohsiung Main Station: Kaohsiung Main Station is the primary train station in the city, and it's well-connected to the national railway network. It serves as a major transportation hub for travelers arriving in Kaohsiung by train from Taipei International Airport.
Here is a straightforward plan for your journey to Kaohsiung by train from Taipei International Airport:
- Airport to Taoyuan HSR Station: Take the airport link metro train to Taoyuan High Speed Rail (HSR) station. This journey takes about 15 minutes.
- Taoyuan HSR to Zuoying HSR Station: From Taoyuan HSR, board a high-speed train to Zuoying HSR station, which is the closest HSR station to Kaohsiung city.
- Zuoying to Kaohsiung: Upon arriving at Zuoying, I recommend opting for a taxi directly to your hotel.
Tickets are readily available at stations through vending machines and counters, so there is no need to purchase them in advance.
- Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): If you're arriving by air, you'll most likely land at Kaohsiung International Airport. The airport is well-connected to major international and domestic destinations, making it a convenient entry point to the city.
Departure from Hualien:
The bike tour ends at Hualien, and you can take a train from Hualien train station to Taipei. Taipei is Taiwan's capital, and the Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei is the largest airport in the country. You can plan your onwards journey from here.
What to Expect
We want you to have a fantastic experience on your tour, so we aim to be upfront about what to expect along the way. Here are key details to keep in mind:
Taiwan is an off-beat tourist destination, so expect small, but comfortable and tastefully designed boutique hotels at most places. Also, Eastern Taiwan is sparsely populated, so expect a quiet, laid back ambience on most evenings once the cycling is done.
A self-guided bike tour offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it also requires some preparation. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here’s what you can expect:
Basic Bike Maintenance: While we provide well-maintained bikes, you’ll need to handle minor repairs, such as fixing a flat tire or adjusting the brakes. We suggest learning basic repair skills and carrying tools like a multi-tool.
Navigation: You’ll be in charge of navigating the route using provided maps, route notes, or GPS. Confidence in following directions is key, and it's important to be able to correct your path if you stray from the route.
Route Difficulty & Fitness: Our tours cater to various fitness levels, but it’s important to choose a route that matches your ability. Be ready for the distances and terrain outlined in your itinerary.
Safety First: Wearing a helmet is essential, and obeying local traffic rules is crucial. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in new or remote areas.
Luggage Transfers: We take care of transporting your luggage from one accommodation to the next, so you can focus on the ride. Simply drop off your bags at the designated time each morning, and they’ll be waiting for you at your next stop.
Weather
Spring (Feb to April) and autumn (September to November) are the ideal seasons for cycling in Taiwan. During spring, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and there might be occasional rain showers. Autumn offers even more pleasant conditions with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F) and lower chances of rain. These seasons provide comfortable weather for cycling and exploring the scenic East Coast of Taiwan.
January
Good
February
Best
March
Best
April
Best
May
Mixed
June
Offseason
July
Offseason
August
Offseason
September
Mixed
October
Best
November
Best
December
Good
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one soft-sided medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa
Citizens of over 50 nations including the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and the EU are eligible for visa-free entry to Taiwan for visits not exceeding 90 days, provided your passport is valid throughout the duration of the stay. The complete list of countries that are exempt from Taiwan visa requirements for short-term stays can be viewed on the official website of the Taiwanese Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide an app-based navigation system that can also be used offline. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we will share the login details ahead of your trip. Since the app works offline, it helps conserve your phone's battery during use.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
You can pack your regular riding gear such as jerseys and shorts. You should also pack a fleece jacket for wearing during evenings and early mornings, and rain jacket/covering just in case it rains.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
