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Are you an adrenalin junkie looking for your next extreme adventure? Well look no further than Taiwan. You may think it’s all about temples, food and culture, but Taiwan has been stealthily setting itself up as South East Asia’s number one outdoor destination, and our current favourite.
canyons and waterfalls
the hiking trails of taroko gorge
The east coast of Taiwan is simply stunning with enormous cliff faces, marble-walled canyons, cascading waterfalls and luscious jungles. The perfect outdoor playground if you ask us. Your first day will be spent exploring the awe-inspiring Toroko Gorge. Toroko means ‘magnificent and beautiful’ which perfectly hits the spot with this place. We’ll point you in the direction of the most spectacular trails: Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns and Sha-Ka-Dang are just three of our favourites and are perfect for spotting indigenous plants and wildlife. If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, why not negotiate the seven tunnels of The Pai-Yang Waterfalls to reach the spectacular Water Curtain. At the end of each day, return to the sumptuous luxury of the Silks Place Hotel and rest your weary feet.
the bright blue waters of taroko gorge
rapids and rice cakes
For those needing to up the adrenalin ante somewhat, a day of white-water rafting down the awe-inspiring rapids of the magnificent Hsui-Ku-Luan River should get your blood pumping. After a day dodging huge boulders and dicing cold waters, recover from the exhilaration of the day’s activities in one of the meticulously designed rooms of the Hualien Promised Land Resort. Relax and unwind with perfect views over the ocean or mountains. Wrap up the day with a more sedate trip to Hualien’s famous night markets where a tempting array of fresh seafood is served up against a stunning backdrop of the sun setting over the sea.
the gorgeous views of the hua highway
sheer cliffs and ocean views
Su-Hua Highway is undoubtedly the jewel in Taiwan’s pretty sparkling crown. Our expert guides will manoeuvre you along the Pacific Ocean Road as the highway snakes along the sheer rock face 1,000 high with a terrifying drop to the ocean floor. Stop along the way at aboriginal villages where your guide will translate stories and legends to you before tucking into some delicious homemade grub. Continue on your journey towards Taipei, making one last stop at the Su-Ao fishing port to sample freshly caught delicacies, or simply paddle on the smooth stoned beach.
the night markets of hualin
night markets in taipei
Staying at the lavish Éclat Hotel you’ll have the chance to chill out before hitting Taiwan’s largest night markets, Shilin. The hustle, bustle and maze of stalls offer more in the way of Taiwanese seafood delicacies. Here you can get pig blood cakes, stinking tofu and coconut dough rolls on offer (trust us, way more enticing than they sound). Any hovering locals are just waiting to take your seat when you’re done, so don’t be too put off.
Whether you want an adrenalin-fuelled adventure, or simply to witness untouched stunning scenery, the East Coast of Taiwan has something for everyone. It truly is Ilha Formosa, the ‘beautiful island’, and nowhere is that more prevalent than here. Still lounging in the sanctity of being off the beaten tourist trail, it won’t stay that way for long. Take our word for it; the East Coast of Taiwan is not to be missed.
