Totally Taiwan - 5 Days

Taipei - Sun Moon Lake / Taichung. Our tour departs at 7:30 this morning from central Taipei. We begin our journey to the heart of the island and the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area.

Arrive at Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest freshwater lake, named for its unique shape—sun-like in the east and moon-like in the west—divided by Lalu Island. Home to the indigenous Thao people, the area is famed for its rich culture and natural beauty. There will be free time for lunch.

Continue with a scenic bus tour around the lake, exploring its most iconic attractions. Begin at Ita Thao, an indigenous village offering insight into Thao culture and lifestyle. Then marvel at Ci’en Pagoda, a striking landmark built by President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother.

Visit two significant temples: Xuanzang Temple, a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the monk Xuanzang, and Wenwu Temple, a grand Taoist site with halls honoring the Martial God and the God of Literature. Our guide will share the area’s cultural and historical background. Later, we will be transferred to our hotel.

Tour Pick Up: This tour departs from central Taipei early this morning - you will need to arrive the night before your tour. You can be collected from any hotel in the city centre - please make sure you tell us in advance of your tour where you wish to be collected from, so arrangements can be made. Should you have any issues with colelction, please call the Emergency Contact Number on your tour documentation.

Please note: Our preference is always to stay at Sun Moon Lake. However, due to limited availability, this is not always possible. Should we be unable to stay at Sun Moon Lake tonight, we will stay at a comfortable hotel in Taichung instead.

Sun Moon Lake/Taichung - Tainan - Kaohsiung. After breakfast, board a bus to Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, known for its historic sites and cultural heritage. Visit Fort Zeelandia, originally built by the Dutch East India Company during their 38-year rule over western Taiwan. Though nearly destroyed by the British in the 19th century, it was later reconstructed under Japanese occupation.

Continue with a stroll along Anping Old Street, Taiwan’s first officially named street, established over 300 years ago by the Dutch. Lined with historic charm and local delicacies like tofu pudding, shrimp rolls, and beef soup, the street offers a flavorful taste of Tainan’s culture.

Later, travel to Kaohsiung, the most populous city in southern Taiwan. Visit the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery, founded in 1967 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Admire the 36-meter golden Buddha Amitabha—the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia—surrounded by 480 smaller statues and engage with a monk who will share insights into Buddhist teachings and the monastery’s significance.

We will then head to our centrally located hotel, ideal for picking up any last-minute essentials for the days ahead.

Kaohsiung - Kenting National Park - Zhiben. This morning, we continue our journey south toward the border to explore Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first and most iconic national park. Famed for its dramatic coastlines, lush landscapes, and vibrant marine life shaped by tectonic forces and a tropical climate, Kenting is also a haven for surfers and divers.

Our first stop is Maopitou, meaning "Cat's Nose," is named for its rock formation that resembles a crouching cat. We’ll also see Chuanfan Rock, "Sail Rock," resembling a ship’s sail or, reportedly, former US president Richard Nixon. Next, we visit the Eluanpi Lighthouse, a Qing Dynasty landmark once part of Taiwan's Eight Views during the Japanese era. Finally, we’ll explore Longpan Park, a coral limestone plateau offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, shaped by rainfall erosion.

After that, we’ll drive along the scenic South Link Highway, winding through picturesque landscapes as we make our way from Kenting National Park to Zhiben, Taitung. The route offers breathtaking views of the coastline, lush hills, and rural Taiwan, making it a memorable journey before we arrive in Taitung.

Tonight, you’ll have the chance to relax at a peaceful hot spring resort in Zhiben, Taitung, famous for its carbonate hot springs that promote circulation and relieve fatigue.

Zhiben - East Coast National Scenic Area -Hualien - Yilan. Today, we depart as we journey along Taiwan's stunning east coast, often referred to as the island’s last unspoiled paradise. The area’s natural beauty will leave us in awe as we visit some of its most impressive scenic spots, including Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai, Shitiping, and Fanshuliao, each showcasing unique geological formations and breathtaking landscapes.

Our first stop is Xiaoyeliu, or Fugang Geopark, known as "Little Yehliu." This area features unique rock formations, similar to those at Yeh Liu Geopark, shaped by weathering and sea erosion.

Next, we visit Sanxiantai, "Terrace of the Three Immortals," featuring an offshore island and coral reefs. A cross-sea bridge connects the mainland to the island, making it a key landmark in the East Coast National Scenic Area.

Next, we travel to Hualien area to visit Shitiping, known as the "Stone Steps," a sea erosion terrace with promontories shaped by millions of years of coastal erosion. The area features abrasion platforms, sea grooves, cliffs, and potholes, making it a geological marvel. From Hualien, we’ll enjoy a comfortable one-way train ride to Yilan. Once we have arrived, we will make our way to a hot-spring hotel in Jiaoxi, where we will spend the night.

Yilan - Taipei. After our final breakfast, our guide will take us to the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery, internationally acclaimed for its award-winning whiskies crafted using pure mountain spring water from the Central and Xueshan mountain ranges. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the distillery’s rich aromas and explore the intricate process of barrel-aged whisky making.

Afterward, we will make our way to the National Center for Traditional Arts, a cultural park showcasing beautifully preserved Taiwanese architecture. Here, we’ll delve into Taiwan’s vibrant heritage through live performances, hands-on workshops, and exhibits ranging from puppet theatre to traditional crafts like pottery and paper art.

Later we will take a bus back to the city of Taipei, where we will be dropped off at the Howard Hotel at 17:00. Please allow plenty of time before your flight out of Taiwan, or consider staying in the city for an additional night.