Essential Taiwan Adventure - 12 Days

Welcome to Taiwan! Make your way to the hostel or contact us to arrange an arrival transfer.

At 2 PM, meet your Adventure Leader and fellow travelers in the hostel lobby for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, the fun kicks off with a hike up Elephant Mountain, offering breathtaking views of Taipei's skyline. In the evening, enjoy a food tour through one of Taipei’s lively night markets. Then, opt to unwind at a local pub with the group or relax back at the hostel.

This morning, immerse yourself in Taipei’s rich culture and history with a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Begin the day at the impressive Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and the serene Longshan Temple, where your Adventure Leader will share fascinating insights into the city’s heritage.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Taipei at your own pace. Indulge in local delicacies, visit fascinating museums, or shop to your heart’s content. Alternatively, unwind at Beitou Hot Spring (closed on Mondays), a lush valley easily reached by metro. Here, you’ll find a charming museum and the chance to experience the soothing thermal waters.

Taipei - Yilan. Start your day early as we journey to Yilan, with a stop at Leshui Village for an immersive Tribal Life Experience with the Atayal community. Here, you’ll connect with local Indigenous culture, learning about their ‘Atayal gaga’ (belief system), tribal totems, and the ancestors of the rainbow. Our hosts will share insights into the Atayal way of life, offering a unique glimpse into their traditions and heritage.

Upon arrival in Yilan, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Relax at the hostel, or venture into the town to explore at your own pace.

Yilan - Hualien. Rise early for an unforgettable sunrise canoeing experience at Mystery Beach in Yilan. Paddle through the Pacific waters as the first rays of light illuminate the horizon - a magical way to start your day.

Afterwards, board a scenic train bound for Hualien, the gateway to the stunning Taroko National Park. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as breathtaking landscapes roll by your window. Upon arrival, take some time to relax and settle into the hostel.

For those feeling adventurous, the afternoon offers an optional whale-watching excursion. Please note: This activity is weather-dependent and can be booked and paid for locally.

In the evening, explore Hualien at your own pace. Be sure to taste regional specialties like Hualien Yam, Taro, or bamboo rice!

Spend the day uncovering the natural wonders of Taroko National Park, renowned for its dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. This full-day adventure will take you through one of Taiwan’s most stunning landscapes.

Visit the majestic Baiyang Waterfall, and take in the striking beauty of Taroko Gorge with its towering cliffs and lush surroundings. Be sure to have your camera ready for countless breathtaking views! Afterwards, return to Hualien in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax or further explore the city.

Hualien - Kaohsiung. Today, we journey south to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, via a scenic local train ride along the south coast. While the journey takes a few hours, the views along the way are nothing short of breathtaking.

After arriving and checking in, you’ll have some time to break for lunch before we head to the Fo Guang Shan Monastery. As the center of Buddhism in Taiwan, this remarkable site features a museum, thousands of holy statues, and a 40-meter-high Big Buddha statue.

In the evening, you'll have free time to explore downtown Kaohsiung at your own pace.

Kaohsiung - Tainan. Today, enjoy a tour of the highlights of Kaohsiung, including the Pier 2 Art Centre, a unique space for art exhibitions housed in old storage warehouses, and the stunning Sanfeng Temple. This 300-year-old temple is known for its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a high-speed train to Tainan, reaching our next destination in under an hour. Once we arrive and check in, head out to explore Shennong Street. This lively area is perfect for soaking in the local vibe and getting a feel for Tainan’s culture before settling in for the night.

This morning, join your Adventure Leader for a half-day city tour to explore Tainan! With over 100 religious sites, Tainan is a city steeped in culture and tradition. One of the key highlights of today is the Anping Old Fort, a historic site dating back to the 1600s.

After your tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, opt to visit the bustling Tainan night market, where you can sample local specialties like eel noodles, steamed sticky rice, and milkfish.

Tainan - Sun Moon Lake. Today, we’re heading to one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations, Sun Moon Lake, by private coach. After checking in, get ready for an exciting electric bicycle tour around the lake, one of Taiwan’s top highlights. The 32km route will take you through scenic views of the stunning alpine lake, the Central Mountain Ranges, Wenwu Temple, and the Ci’en Pagoda.

Afterward, settle in at the hostel and unwind for the evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head out to explore more of the surrounding area on foot.

This morning, we'll visit a tea plantation near Sun Moon Lake. Here, enjoy a guided tour with the plantation staff, learning about the tea-making process, followed by a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own unique tea blend and choose your preferred flavours.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the lakeside at your own pace. For a stunning view, you can take the ropeway over the area, or if you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and explore the lake from the water (additional cost). Alternatively, for a more relaxing afternoon, unwind at one of the lakeside spas.

Sun Moon Lake - Taipei. This morning, we’ll head back to Taipei by bus, arriving in the early afternoon. No visit to Taipei is complete without stopping by the iconic Taipei 101. As a grand finale, we’ll take you up to the observatory for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

In the evening, we’ll celebrate the end of your Taiwan adventure with a farewell dinner at the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant, where you’ll enjoy their renowned dumpling soup, marking the perfect end to your trip.

Today marks the end of your Taiwan adventure. Make your own way to the airport for your onward journey, or contact us to book a departure transfer.

For those extending their stay, post-night accommodation is available upon request. Additionally, an optional day tour to Yehliu, Jiufen, and Pingxi is available. If you’d like to join this tour, simply let us know when you book.

Whatever you choose to do next, we hope your time in Taiwan was unforgettable. Safe travels!