If you’re looking for some of the best independent hiking in the Far East, Taiwan’s the place to go.
We weren’t wowed by Taiwan’s cities but the countryside and hiking trails were pretty spectacular.
It’s not the easiest of places to visit and certainly not the cheapest but if you’re looking for some off the beaten track experiences (at least as far as Western tourism goes) then you are heading to the right place.
Bucket List Taiwan
Quick Summary
Top Tip: Organise accommodation or anything you do in advance. Hotels in even the most rural areas can sell out weeks ahead.
Currency: Taiwanese Dollar (About $30 TWD = $1 USD)
Visa: For a lot of countries, Taiwan offers a free 90 day visa on arrival
Safety: Taiwan is generally very safe.
When to go: Taiwan can get incredibly hot and humid during the Northern Hemisphere Summer (which is also peak season). We visited in November when it was cooler and “off peak”. Weekends are always manic everywhere in Taiwan, so book ahead.
Peak Season: July - August
Low Season: November - February
Walk My World Cost Index: $$$$ - put Taiwan in the bracket of Hong Kong and the Far East. It certainly isn’t cheap, but not quite in the realms of Japan.
Blogs on Taiwan
All the information you need to know to visit the incredible view in Taipei - Elephant Mountain: how to get there, difficulty, how many steps, when to go and the best viewpoints to get that stunning photo.
What no one tells you about the best things to do in Taipei: what is actually good, where to miss, how to avoid the crowds and the best ways to plan your trip to the capital of Taiwan.
The most instagrammable places in Taiwan - how to find those perfect photography spots, the best times to go and how to get the best photos in Taiwan.
Our guide to one of our favourite walks in Asia - The Fenrui Trail, including how to do it, how to get there, what to expect, distance, elevation and difficulty.
Everything you need to know about visiting Jiufen & Shifen: best time to go, the stunning Jiufen Old Street, how to get there and why you should stay at least one night.
Everything you need to know to have an amazing time in Alishan: the best hikes, what to see, where to stay, how to get there and the stunning bamboo forests of Fenchihu.
Everything you need to know about the epic Teapot Mountain Trail: how to get there, how difficult it is, the route and more.
The best things to do in Taroko Gorge including bright blue rivers, epic hikes, stunning waterfalls and everything you need to know about one of the best national parks in Taiwan.
Things to do and things to miss in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan as well as how to get there and where to stay. Plus our opinion of whether it’s actually worth going to.
Everything you need to know to have an epic day at Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou Hot Springs: what the trails are like, how to get there, how to get from Yangminshan to Beitou and the best ways to enjoy Taipei’s nearest national park.
A detailed Taiwan budget for all travellers and the surprising costs of hotels, food and transport. We'll also detail the average spending money per day you will need for a trip to Taiwan.
A Taiwan itinerary for an epic trip including stunning mountains, ancient history and unique culture of this incredibly diverse country.