East & South Coasts - 6 days / 5 nights
Expect to see butterflies, monkeys, & starry night skies
Cycle through tropical hills & along the beautiful Pacific coastline
The picturesque East Rift Valley, Taiwan’s rice bowl+ hot & cold springs
Day 1: Express Train Transfer To Hualien & Welcome Ride
Cycle: 20km / 12 miles - Mostly Flat
To start your Taiwan adventure, we’ll meet at Taipei Main Station, jump onto the express train to Hualien, and enjoy an incredibly scenic two-hour train journey. The Pacific on one side and tropical mountains on the other.
After arriving in Hualien, we’ll start with a delicious lunch before heading to our accommodations in the city. Once settled, we’ll ensure your bike is adjusted for a perfect fit and set off for an afternoon ride along Hualien City’s scenic coastal bikeway.
This route connects various attractions, winding through lush parks and leading to the fishing harbour. It’s a relaxed ride where you can observe the laid-back lifestyle of the locals while soaking in stunning views and the refreshing sea breeze. In the evening, we’ll have dinner together at a fantastic local restaurant.
Hotel: hualien
Amenities:
+ Sea view (perfect for sunrise)
+ Balcony
Day 2: hualien - ruIsui, East Rift Valley
Cycle: 53 km / 33 miles
After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive out of Hualien, then cycle towards the serene rice fields of the East Rift Valley. Following the morning ride, we’ll pause for lunch by a picturesque lake, enjoying fresh, locally sourced food.
Our journey continues with a fantastic, mostly flat ride, following meandering rivers and tracing the base of an impressive mountain range. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at a charming hot spring hotel where you can take a relaxing mineral-rich soak and unwind at your leisure.
Cycle: 53 km / 33 miles
Hotel: rural area
Amenities:
+ Hot Spring & Swimming Pool
+ Restaurant
Day 3: East Rift Valley
Cycle: 53km / 33 miles
Today we’ll continue to follow the East Rift Valley, where you’ll see mountains on either side and ride alongside rice paddies, tropical fruit farms and on past the Tropic of Cancer marker, meandering rivers and sample some locally grown tea.
This region is known as Taiwan’s rice bowl and is home to the country’s highest-quality crop. Agriculture is the beating heart of this picturesque valley community.
We’ll have lunch at a local Hakka restaurant, so you can try more of the fresh and delicious food this region offers, and then finish todays ride at our rural hotel where you can relax in comfort, surrounded by nature. Also of note, the stargazing here is fantasitc, with beautifully clear skies.
Cycle: 53 km / 33 miles
Hotel: rural area
Amenities:
+ Rural views
+ Peaceful & perfect for stargazing
Day 4: East rift Valley - taitung, East Coast
Cycle: 54km / 33.5 miles
Cycling from the hotel, we’ll leave the rift valley and head towards the Pacific. Taking a pleasant, and quiet winding road, we’ll zip past tropical greenery - oh, and expect to see monkeys on this route, curious families peeking out from the canopies and cliffs.
Once we’re at sea level, expect stunning ocean views, as well as witnessing the curious case of ‘Water running Up’. We’ll also stop for some famed local baozi (steamed buns).
We’ll stay in the coastal Taitung city tonight, where there are many dining options, along with night markets - four nights of the week.
Cycle: 54km / 33.5 miles
Hotel: East coast
Amenities:
+ Central hotel with Swimming Pool & Restaurant
+ Walking distance to markets, and shops
Day 5: Southern Mountain Range - nanwan beach
Cycle: 42km / 26 miles (+ optional 22km / 14 miles)
This morning we'll jump in the van and head further down the south-east coast (bypassing a section of road now frequented by heavy trucks and buses due to recent road changes) 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. Saying this ride has absolutely stunning views barely does it justice. We’ll stop by a secluded beach. We can finish here, or we can continue riding for another 22km (if you’d like) through the coastal hills, finishing at an agricultural village for lunch.We’ll then take a quick drive to our accommodation at South Bay, with Nanwan Beach across the road. You can enjoy the afternoon relaxing here, watching the sun set into the ocean from the golden sands, or from the picturesque rooftop terrace.
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: 42km / 26 miles + optional 22km / 14 miles
Hotel: nanwan Beach
Amenities:
+ Rooftop with outdoor area. Beautiful sunset & ocean views
+ Beach, restaurants and convenience store less than 100m away
Day 6: SouTHern Peninsular Ride
Cycle: 24km / 15 miles
Following breakfast (and maybe a morning beach walk and swim, yes?), we’ll do a spectacular ride around the peninsular this morning.
We’ll cycle by the most southerly point of Taiwan, past beautiful bays, grasslands, and sandy beaches. This coastal route hosts dramatic cliffs, along with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Bashi Channel.
After cycling, we'll head to a fantastic hot & cold spring, complete with massage jets.
We’ll then take you to Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) or Tainan High Speed Rail in time for your departure flight or train.
Cycle: 24km / 15 miles
Route Map
Map reflects approximate cycle routes - not actual roads taken
