Taiwan Explorer by Bike

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Meet in Kaohsiung

   Welcome to Taiwan! Today you will arrive in Kaohsiung, the country's second biggest city and nicknamed the “Harbor Capital '' due to its primal role as a hub for maritime trade. Depending on your arrival time feel free to explore on your own or relax at the hotel. In the afternoon you will meet for a bike fitting and trip briefing before enjoying a delicious Taiwanese welcome dinner.
   

   • Kindness Hotel Chi Hsien Branch
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Kaohsiung - Kenting

   Let the adventure begin! This morning, you'll transfer from Kaohsiung to Pingtung County (about 1.5 hours) to reach the starting point of the inaugural ride. You'll set off along mostly flat roads down “Taiwan’s Tail”, reaching the island’s southernmost point after 20 km, where you'll take a break and a short walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Pacific.

   Back on the bikes, you'll tackle a 3 km climb, followed by a swift descent and a flat stretch before veering inland through a patchwork of rice paddies and forests. A final short climb brings you to the top of a hill before cruising back south, retracing your route past Kenting National Park to tonight’s hotel. This is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful beach areas — but don’t take our word for it; Life of Pi filmed many of its beach scenes here. After checking in and some free time, you'll regroup for dinner and a stroll through Kenting’s buzzing night market.
   

   • 34.8 miles
   • 6.6 ft
     1,466.5 ft
     1,460 ft
   • Howard Beach Resort Kenting
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

3. Day 3Kenting - Dawu

   Today, you'll journey coast to coast from Kenting to Dawu, crossing the southern part of Taiwan’s mountainous spine. The first 20 km retrace part of yesterday’s loop before merging onto Road No. 199 — one of the most scenic stretches of tarmac in the country! As you meander through rolling terrain filled with forests, you’ll pass several Indigenous villages, where your guide will share insights into the history and culture of Taiwan’s diverse ethnic groups. While the ride includes several climbs, the effort is rewarded with a gradual descent towards the east coast, offering sweeping views over the Pacific. Tonight, you'll stay in a small coastal village in Dawu Township.
   

   • 42.9 miles
   • 3.3 ft
     2,378.6 ft
     2,375.3 ft
   • Oriental Cloud B&B OR Anshuo Stone Garden
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

4. Day 4Dawu - Zhiben

   You'll start the day by heading further up the east coast, enjoying continuous views of the Pacific Ocean as you ride along Road No. 9. Though you're on the coast, Taiwan's Central Mountain Range often presses right up to the shoreline, so expect some climbs and descents along the way. Before reaching the hot spring town of Zhiben, you’ll detour to explore a National Forest Recreation Area, where you can stroll through tropical forests. A final few kilometres bring you to your accommodation, where you can unwind with a soothing soak in the hot springs!
   

   • 41 miles
   • 167.3 ft
     2,047.2 ft
     1,879.9 ft
   • Hoya Hot Spring Hotel & Spa
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

5. Day 5Zhiben - Chenggong

   Today is your final day riding along Taiwan’s scenic east coast before heading inland. You'll begin by departing from Zhiben, cycling through a series of charming coastal towns and traditional fishing villages. The route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you make your way north to Chenggong.

   In Chenggong, you’ll visit the stunning Samxianthai, a small island known for its beautiful, arched bridge and panoramic views of the coastline. The area is also renowned for its incredible seafood, so you'll savor some of the freshest local dishes for dinner, wrapping up a memorable coastal experience before continuing your journey inland.
   

   • 49.1 miles
   • -170.6 ft
     1,784.8 ft
     1,955.4 ft
   • Sanxiantai Dazhaxie B&B
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

6. Day 6Chenggong - Antong

   Today you'll trade blue ocean vistas for visuals of emerald green as you enter the Rift Valley of Taitung. In the morning you'll depart from Chenggong and embark on the second mountain range crossing of the trip, transitioning from coast to inland river valley. It is well worth the effort as you’ll be greeted by a lush landscape of meandering rivers, rice paddies, quiet country roads and quaint local villages. This is the incredible Rift Valley of Taitung and it will be your cycling paradise for the next few days. Tonight you will stay at another hot spring resort southwest of Yuli, one of the 5 hot springs established during the Japanese colonial period from 1895 – 1945. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and don’t be shy to go for a therapeutic soak in the hot spring!
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • 669.3 ft
     2,129.3 ft
     1,460 ft
   • Antong Hot Spring Hotel OR TWSPA Hot Spring
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

7. Day 7Antong - Guangfu

   This morning you'll say goodbye to the hot springs hotel and spend the day cycling through the Rift Valley. Nestled between the central and coastal mountains this is the most fertile part of the island - in fact, the Rift Valley is referred to as Taiwan’s “rice basket” epitomized by a seemingly endless sea of rice paddy fields along the valley floor. If you ask around, many Taiwanese consider this to be the most beautiful part of the country and we’re sure you’ll probably agree with that! You'll cycle on an undulating route that hugs the foothills with views of the coastal mountains on your right and the towering peaks of the famous Central Mountains on your left. Taiwan has 270 peaks which are over 3,000 m in elevation and looking at this range as you ride north is a joy. You'll spend the night at a heritage-themed guesthouse in the rural township of Guangfu.
   

   • 44.7 miles
   • -147.6 ft
     1,863.5 ft
     2,011.2 ft
   • Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

8. Day 8Guangfu - Taroko Gorge

   Get ready for the final ride of the trip! You'll follow the Rift Valley to its northernmost point at the mouth of the Liwu River, where you'll find yourself back on the coast facing the vast Pacific Ocean. This is also the gateway to the incredible Taroko National Park, home to Taiwan’s most awe-inspiring geological formations which will be your adventure playground the following day. Departing from Guangfu you’ll cycle leisurely on meandering country roads before ascending another mountain crossing which will carry you down back to the coast. You’ll cruise through Hualien City and, as you approach the Liwu River Delta, you'll get your first glimpse of the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge. You'll spend the remainder of the day at leisure near the coast as you save your exploration of the Gorge for the following day!
   

   • 50.3 miles
   • -285.4 ft
     2,270.3 ft
     2,555.8 ft
   • Liiko Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

9. Day 9Taroko Gorge

   Your last day is off the saddle as you explore the natural wonders of Taroko Gorge, the world’s deepest marble gorge. While you won’t be biking, you’ll certainly still be active as you explore the gorge's most impressive sites, such as the Swallow Grotto Cave, Baiyang Water Curtain Cave, and Tunnel of 9 Turns. You'll be hiking to these locations, covering distances of 2 - 4 km. From various vantage points, the views are simply stunning - you’ll see the bright blue water of the river raging through the canyon and marble-walled mountains and peaks partially blanketed by lush vegetation. In the evening you'll gather for a farewell dinner.
   

   • Liiko Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
10. Day 10Hualien Departure

    After breakfast and your goodbyes, you will be dropped off at the Hualien train station for your return to Taipei and onward journey. A vehicle transfer can be arranged if you prefer.
    

    • Breakfast