Taiwan Explorer: Lanterns, Lakes & Skyline Views - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What experiences are included in the Taiwan Explorer tour?

  The tour includes a Welcome Moment, a Local Living Moment with the Bunun Indigenous Tribe in Shuanglong Bunun Village, a Taipei Orientation Walk, a Half Day City Tour of Taipei (including Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, and Elephant Mountain), a hike to the Rainbow Suspension Bridge, free time in Sun Moon Lake, free time in Tainan, an Anping Historic District Tour with a visit to Anping Fort, visits to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, free time in Kaohsiung, a visit to Jiufen Historic town, Golden Waterfalls, Yin Yang Sea Lookout Point, and Heping Island. You will also enjoy 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation on this tour consists of hotels for all 8 nights. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators, requiring you to carry your luggage up stairs.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travellers.

• What are the age requirements to join this tour?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Who will be leading our tour group?

  Your tour will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, along with local guides at specific locations. The CEO's role is to provide information, suggest activities, recommend local eateries, and ensure you have the best trip possible.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travellers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement.

• What is the physical activity level of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3 (on a scale of 1-5, where 5 is the most challenging). This implies a moderate level of physical activity which includes walks and some hikes like the one up Elephant Mountain and to the Rainbow Suspension Bridge.

• What should I know about local dress codes or cultural sensitivity?

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. We recommend loose, lightweight, long clothing suitable for hot and humid climates. When visiting temples or holy sites, please dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• What is the local currency, and how much spending money should I budget?

  The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). We suggest bringing US Dollars or Euros to exchange at the airport Bank of Taiwan counter. Spending money requirements vary per traveller for drinks, shopping, and tipping, so consider your own habits. We also recommend having access to an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Is tipping customary in Taiwan during this tour?

  Tipping is customary but not compulsory. Recommendations for local guides and drivers range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. For your CEO, a guideline of $5 USD per person per day is suggested if you feel they did an outstanding job.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities include exploring Shilin Night Market, Ximending Pedestrian District, National Palace Museum, and Taipei 101 in Taipei; a Full Day Sun Moon Lake Bike Tour, Tea Plantation Visit, or Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry at Sun Moon Lake; Ten Drum Cultural Village or Chimei Museum in Tainan; and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum or Cijin Island in Kaohsiung.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the tour?

  The tour will utilize walking, the local Metro, Bullet Train, private vehicles, and local trains.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the tour price. You are responsible for booking your own flights.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We also strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects.