When Portuguese sailors first caught sight of a lush, mountainous island off the coast of China in the 16th century, they named it Ilha Formosa, or beautiful island.
Today that island is known as Taiwan and it’s still just as stunning. Venture out away from the capital, Taipei, and you’ll discover an adventure playground just waiting to be explored.
Hiking
Two thirds of Taiwan is covered in mountains with five ranges running across the east of the island and more than 200 peaks reaching over 3,000 metres. The most famous climb on the island is Yushan or Jade Mountain. It’s the highest mountain on the island and a must-do for keen hikers in Taiwan. The trek is moderately difficult on a well laid out, good quality trail, so it’s suitable for just about everybody. For something more challenging, experienced hikers can tackle Snow Mountain. The two- to three-day trek is tough, but you will be rewarded with arguably the most beautiful scenery on the whole island.
Rock climbing
Around an hour northeast of Taipei a spectacular sandstone cliff rises 80 metres straight out of the ocean. This is Longdong, or Dragon Cave, and it is Taiwan’s premier rock climbing destination. More than 500 routes criss cross their way along the two-kilometre cliff face with permanent bolts and anchors in place. The whole site is incredibly beautiful and you’ll be climbing right above the pounding waves of the Pacific.
Cycling
There are few better ways to see Taiwan than from two wheels. There are three cross-island highways that wind through the central mountain ranges, making for challenging cycling coupled with spectacular scenery. Multi-day cycling tours will take you through majestic gorges, past rolling green rice paddies and into small local villages.
Cycling is also a great way to explore Taipei and there are more than 6,000 bicycles available to rent through the city’s bike share program. There are thousands of kilometres of cycling paths that make for a smooth and safe way to get around.
Taiwan Cycling Festival is held on October 2-November 13 for details see link.
The major events include:
- King of Mountain Challenge held on the 28th October. The race starts from ground zero passing through Targo Gorge of Taro National Park and finishes at 3275 meters high above sea level at Wuling of Mt. Hehuan
- Formosa 900, held on 5 – 13 November 2016
- Sun Moon Lake Come! Bikeday held on 13 November 2016
Surfing
Taiwan doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a top surfing destination, but there is actually some fantastic breaks along the Pacific-facing east coast. The most popular surf spot is Jinshan, an hour north of Taipei. There are two breaks along the one-kilometer beachfront offering the most consistent surf in the country. There are also a number of surf shops that rent boards and even a few instructors that speak English. It’s a great spot for beginners with manageable waves that rarely rise above shoulder height – though that can all change in an instant during typhoon season.
Taiwan Open of Surfing Nov. 23~27 There’s at least 34 Aussie surfers traveling to Taitung to compete in this event. More information: here and here
Whitewater rafting
Taiwan’s steep mountains and heavy spring rains combine to make for some excellent whitewater rafting. The best routes are on the Xiuguluan River, the longest in the country, that cuts through the east coast mountain range. You’ll raft through around 20 sets of rapids over a 24-kilometre stretch, surrounded by unforgettable scenery. It’s an exhilarating adventure that will give you a different perspective on Taiwan’s rugged mountains. Just be prepared to get wet.
