Bike, hike and snack your way through Taiwan’s East Coast
*This tour was previously called: East Taiwan Self-guided Cycle Tour
Taiwan’s East Coast has it all — peaceful country roads, epic mountain views, and unforgettable coastal descents. Bike past lush rice paddies, hike through misty mountains and SUP over glassy lakes. Along the way, soak in hot springs, taste-test local Taiwanese treats, and kick back on hidden beaches. You pick the pace, we’ve got the route, and your only job? Ride, refuel, repeat.
Learn more about the Self-guided style of touring
Special Announcement: Taroko National Park is currently closed until further notice due to earthquake damage and the subsequent repair work to make it safe for visitors again. We have adjusted our programs to offer alternative experiences and eagerly await the park's reopening to resume our regular operations.
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Overview
A self-guided ride through Taiwan’s wild and ridiculously good-looking east coast at whatever pace your legs (or snack breaks) allow. Pedal to marble canyons, past rice paddies that stretch to the horizon, and down quiet coastal roads where the only traffic is the occasional water buffalo.
This tour is all about freedom. Want to start your day with a sunrise ride? Go for it. Prefer to linger over fresh seafood in a sleepy fishing village? No rush. No strict schedules — just you, your bike, and a whole island of adventure waiting.
With your luggage transfers sorted, boutique stays reserved in advance, and our app guiding you to must-see stops, and the best local eats, all you have to do is pedal (and maybe figure out how many bowls of beef noodle soup are too many?!)
And speaking of food — Taiwan’s got it all. Fresh-off-the-boat seafood, fluffy baozi, piping-hot bowls of beef noodle soup, and boba so good it might change your life!
When it's time to rest your helmet hair, s-t-r-e-t-c-h out those limbs as you kick back in steaming hot springs, then curl up in comfy beds — whether it’s a gorge-side lodge, a boutique B&B, or a beachfront retreat. With our guide in your pocket, you’ll cycle, snack, and beach-hop your way through Taiwan. Are your bags packed yet?!
What's the riding like?
This tour is Riding Level 4, which means you can expect to cycle an average of 40 mi (64 km) per day — and usually no more than 55 mi (88 km) — with occasional breaks to recharge. Expect some longer stretches and uphill climbs (up to 5,000 ft (1,524 m) a day), meaning you’ll need a good level of fitness if you’re on a standard bike.
In Taiwan, you’re in for a smooth ride as almost all the roads are well-maintained with designated cycling lanes. You'll mostly cycle a mix of gently rolling sections along the East Coast and a few short but steep ascents with rewarding long descents over the Coastal Mountain Range, covering roughly 148 mi (254 km) in total.
For an extra boost, upgrade to our pedal-assist E-bikes for $375.
Single Room Option: +$700 USD
Traveling with companions but prefer your own space? Choose this option to have a private room while sharing the tour with fellow travelers.
Solo Rider Option: +$1200 USD
Traveling alone? This option ensures you have a private room to yourself and covers all the extra costs of solo travel.
Highlights
- Pedal along the Pacific coast, where towering cliffs kiss the sea, and every twist in the road offers a jaw-dropping view.
- Spin your wheels through a patchwork of neon-green rice paddies and laid-back indigenous villages in the East Rift Valley.
- Ditch the bike and wander across the rugged, lava-forged landscapes of Sanxiantai Islet
- Soak in the steamy bliss of Ruisui Hot Springs.
- Sip, savor, and soak in the views at Wuhe’s lush tea farms.
Inclusions
- 5 nights in comfortable hotels, mostly with outdoor pools
- 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- Quality bikes and equipment
- Luggage transfers & on-call support
- Self-guided mobile app & navigation equipment
- Memento cycling jersey and water bottle
What our Guests Say
Day to Day
Kickstart the day with a stunning train ride along Taiwan’s jaw-dropping east coast — think ocean on one side, mountains on the other. Your tickets? Sorted. Your welcome committee? One of our awesome Tour Leaders, ready to greet you at Xincheng station, whisk you away for a tasty local lunch, give you the lowdown on the adventure ahead and answer any questions you may have.
Bellies full, it’s check-in time at your oceanside dig, followed by a quick bike fitting before your tour leader heads off.
What’s on the agenda for the afternoon? The choice is yours — pedal alongside the ocean, hang out on the beach, or simply kick back by the pool with an ice-cold Taiwan beer.
Rise and shine, Grasshopper! Today’s all about easing you into the Taiwan ride experience. We’ll roll from the mouth of Taroko Gorge to the sea, avoiding the hustle and bustle of the highway for quiet lanes flanked by banana palms and hidden temples. Need a pit stop? Swing by the stunning Qixingtan Beach for jaw-dropping coastal views, a scoop of ice cream, and some fresh coconut juice
This adventure is YOURS — want to stop and wander through a temple? Go for it! Feeling the urge to sink your toes in the sand and stuff your face with some local Taiwanese dessert (hello, shaved ice)? The choice is yours!
Tonight, you’ll check into a cozy boutique B&B overlooking the sparkling sea in the charming fishing village of Yanliao. Feeling hungry? You’re in luck — an amazing seafood joint is just a short stroll from the hotel, ready to serve up some of the freshest catches around. *bliss*
Slurp up your coffee, zǒu ba (let’s go!) Hop on your bike, it's time to ditch the coast for the lush, green heart of Taiwan — today you're heading into the East Rift Valley. Picture this: endless rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with small Indigenous villages, and all wrapped up in fresh mountain air.
Along the way, our app’s got you covered with some epic must-visits — hike through the *gorge*ous Fanshuliao Gorge, then soak those muscles at Ruisui Hot Springs. *bliss*
Adventuring is hungry work, and we've got just the spot — a community-run organic farm restaurant in an Amis village that treats the mountains and the sea as their pantry (a.k.a where we’ll dig into some seriously fresh farm-to-table goodness!)
Back on your bike, you'll roll straight into your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore! Stroll through the gardens, kick back by the pool with a book, and let the day sink in before tonight’s included dinner.
This morning = ancient history (and a little bit of geography). First stop: the Saoba Monoliths — Taiwan’s very own mini Stonehenge! Some say they were used for ceremonies, others think they’re simply a tribute to nature’s power. Either way, no one really knows how or why they were built, but it’s the perfect spot to dream up your own wild theories.
Next, you're riding straight into a geography lesson: the Tropic of Cancer Monument. Yup, you’re about to cross the imaginary line that marks the start of the tropics, where the sun is directly overhead! Then it's time to relax with a cuppa at one of the tea farms in Wuhe. Imagine lush green hills, cool mountain air, and the aroma of freshly brewed tea hitting all the right notes — warm, smooth, and utterly soothing.
Enjoyed your hug in a cup? Back on your bike to head south through the ever-expanding East Rift Valley. Picture this: mountains rising on either side, like nature’s fortress. Then, take a turn east across the Coastal Mountain Range, where the mountain practically shows its teeth, giving you a short but steep climb. But don’t worry — the payoff comes quick. You’ll be treated to an otherworldly beautiful, long descent.
Our final destination? A charming hotel with some incredible ocean views! Kick back, grab a drink, and take in the beautiful coastline. If you've got a bit of energy left, make your way down to the beach to snorkel (or just floating like a carefree fish.) THIS... is what vacations are all about!
Pack your sunscreen and stretch those legs, today's ride takes you south along the dazzling coastline, with plenty of tempting stops along the way.
Take a hike to magical Sanxiantai — a rocky island shaped by a long-extinct volcano that feels like it’s straight out of a fantasy novel. Next, treat yourself to delicious local baozi (soft, fluffy, filled steamed buns) before you continue your journey south to the laid-back surf village of Dulan. But hold up — Dulan isn’t just for surfers! It’s also a hotbed for indigenous art with a very hip coffee culture!
Feeling the urge to cool off? Dive into the turquoise waters of Shanyuan Beach, a picture-perfect spot to catch some sun and waves. Or, get lost in the otherworldly coastal rock formations at Xiao Yeliu — nature's quirky sculptures that’ll leave you in awe.
Your day wraps up in Taitung, where there’s a ton more to explore: temples, parks, art districts, and lively night markets. Or, if you’re feeling like taking it easy, just kick back and enjoy the hotel pool. It’s your vacation, at your pace!
Can't believe it's the last day? Us neither! Time flies when you’re having this much fun.
A Hopper will meet you for the final goodbye. It’s time to say goodbye *sob* to your trusty two-wheeled steed and hand back your gear. Then you’ll be whisked away to the train station or airport.
With a full heart, your mind might just start planning your next adventure. Did you know we have an excellent self-guided bike tour in Japan?
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
This self-guided cycling adventure allows you to discover the natural wonders of Taiwan at your own pace and with your own choice of stops, meals, and activities while incorporating our knowledge of the must-see destinations as well as the hidden gems. We’ve taken care of the details, specially crafting an easy-to-follow and beautiful route in this cycling-friendly country as well as taking care of your accommodations and luggage transfer. Take our expertise and pursue your own adventure as you explore the rugged Pacific coast of Taiwan by bike!
