Cycle Southern Taiwan

Let's begin your Taiwan adventure at Taipei Main Station. Meet at 08:15am at Starbucks Cafe there. We'll take the express train to Hualien, the entryway to the East Coast and Taroko Gorge. During the two-hour train ride, you'll enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and tropical mountains on the other. After arriving in Hualien, we'll have lunch and then head to our accommodations right in Taroko Gorge. We'll make sure your bike fits perfectly before we set out. Along the way, you'll see the impressive gorge that the river has carved over time. The views throughout the journey are stunning no matter the time of day. The canyon through this marble gorge is 19km long with caves, scenic walks and suspension bridges high above the Liwu river. Tonight we’ll enjoy a traditional indigenous feast, with local organic, seasonal foods. And after dark, you’ll be able to see some of the clearest star dusted skies. Cycle Distance: 23km. Elevation +690m Descent -767m

Meals:  Nil

After a hearty breakfast (and an optional picturesque hike) we’ll cycle from the door of our accommodation down through more of the beautiful gorge to the ocean before taking quiet beachside roads. Along the way we’ll stop at a picturesque temple shrine then head towards the rice-growing region of the East Rift Valley where we’ll have lunch (fresh, local food) by a picturesque lake. We’ll then continue our fantastic, mostly flat, ride alongside an impressive mountain range and meandering rivers, all the way to a beautiful bed and breakfast with stunning panoramic views overlooking the valley and distant mountains. Cycle Distance: 70km. Elevation +486m Descent -722m

Meals:  B

Today, we'll keep following the East Rift Valley with mountains on both sides. You'll bike past rice fields, tropical fruit farms, and even see the Tropic of Cancer marker. We'll take a break in Wuhe to enjoy locally grown tea, especially the famous Honey Black Tea of this area. The view is stunning, making it a great spot for a tea break. If you're interested, there's a pretty nature park we can visit along the way called Butterfly Valley. It's best to see the butterflies from March to August, and we can take a short walk over a clear river there. Lunch will be at a local Hakka restaurant, giving you a chance to try more of the fresh and tasty food of this region. Our ride for the day ends at a hot spring hotel, where you can relax in a hot spring or in a cool creek. Cycle Distance 67km. Elevation +477m Descent -312m

Meals:  B

From the hotel we’ll ride through the richest rice growing area in Taiwan. This is where the highest quality rice in the country comes from, according to many Taiwanese. We will pass agricultural villages and townships where time is marked by the seasons and harvest celebrations. As we start our descent through jungle-covered hills towards the coast we’ll cycle through prime monkey habitat where it’s common to see family troupes relaxing on the surrounding cliff sides. Once on the coast, we’ll also stop for some famed local baozi (steamed buns) before finishing at our nearby accommodation, complete with a mountain backdrop and ocean views, where there’s also a set of stairs across the road heading down to a beautiful, big empty beach. Cycle Distance 70km. Elevation +664 Descent -781m

Meals:  B

Following breakfast we'll jump in the van and head further down the coast and up into the Southern mountain ranges. At the peak we’ll jump onto the bikes and enjoy a beautiful ride down the hills and continue on peaceful roads that run right next to the vast blue Pacific. We’ll stop by a secluded harbor and beach that are perfect for a dip. We can finish here or we can continue riding for another 22km through the coastal hills, finishing at an agricultural village for lunch. We’ve also the option of heading to a secluded waterfall and swimming hole (and butterfly haven), close by, if you’d like some freshwater serenity. We’ll then take a quick drive to our accommodation tonight at South Bay, with Nanwan Beach across the road. The south of Taiwan is often compared to Hawaii; with beautiful beaches and warm water, and no wonder, as it’s almost on the same latitude. Cycle Distance 42km. elevation +232m -677m

Meals:  B

Today's ride is starting and ending at our accommodation. We'll pedal uphill to Hengchun National Park, passing through beautiful tree-lined paths, bays, and sandy beaches. We'll reach Taiwan's southernmost point and Baisha Beach, known from 'Life of Pi'. A stunning lookout offers panoramic peninsula and mountain views. Lunch at the best seafood restaurant follows, before a quick ride back to the hotel. Relax and catch the sunset on the beach or terrace. Cycle Distance 67km. Elevation +289m Descent - 280m

Meals:  B

Following breakfast we will take you to any activities you may not have had the chance to do on our rest day. Snorkeling, surf lessons, a visit to the aquarium, morning market, numerous beaches, a stroll in the national park or a hot & cold spring.We’ll then head back to the hotel where you can shower and pack. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Kaohsiung’s International Airport (KHH) or High Speed Rail in time for your departure flight, train or onward accommodation.

Meals:  B