For cyclists looking for something new and exotic, Taiwan offers an extraordinary opportunity to see parts of the country and experience the culture in way tourists who only visit the city simply can’t. Let’s take a look at some of the cool destinations you can explore on bike when you visit Taiwan.
Along the way, make sure to include plenty of time to explore on foot by taking a side hike or a long break sitting on the beach watching the waves roll in. Taiwan is one of the most beautiful places in Asia and this is a great way to explore the area.
Take an Organized Tour or Do it On Your Own?
Most Americans who have never visited Taiwan will probably want to take their first cycling tour with an organized group. While most Taiwanese speak excellent English, that is less of a certainty once you leave the cities. Plus, it’s nice to have someone else take care of all your logistics including lodging, food, and repairs.
However, you can do it on your own if you are looking for shorter trips or a more bespoke Taiwan cycling trip. Whatever you prefer, take the time to get off your bike for a bit … take a hike, go for a swim, enjoy a noodle house, talk with the people and enjoy your time in this beautiful and vibrant country.
Here’s two sample itineraries that guys will love …
Experience The Eastern Coast of Taiwan
Starting from Taipei at the northern tip of the island and then working your way south, you’ll be able to explore rugged gorges in the Saoba Mountains and Taroko, followed by coastal surf towns. Make sure to stop at some of the natural hot springs and enjoy the food along the way. In the US you might feast on pasta before a long ride but here you can enjoy hearty bowls of fresh noodles in a delicious broth and fresh vegetables.
Explore Taiwan’s Southern Coast
Cyclists looking for a shorter adventure can head straight down to the southern coast of Taiwan and peddle through banana palms and pineapple fields as well as exploring local sights ranging from the Fo Guang Shan Monastery or Paiwan Village and take a soak in the natural hot springs there to rest your muscles.
Shorter Day Trip Cycling Routes
If you are more interested in shorter trails to explore around the cities Taiwan has plenty of those too. For instance, the Keelung River trail passes through Daijian Riverside Park and takes you to the “Fountain of Hope” water and light show. Along the way you can enjoy views of the river, artists along the banks, and the melding of temple architecture with modern office buildings for a fascinating old meets new, west meets east experience.
Sun Moon Lake Bike Route
While not a long route, this central Taiwan destination is among the most beautiful cycling spots in the world. With views of the beautiful lake, gardens, and temples you can spend as much time as you want exploring … or just do the whole thing in a couple hours.
No matter where you explore in Taiwan, the Taiwanese people are known around the world as being one of the most cyclist-friendly cultures in the world. Generally speaking there are plenty of dedicated bike lanes, pedestrians and motor vehicles follow proper traffic procedures and there a plenty of repair shops to help you recover when things break.
