Taiwan is often an overlooked destination when it comes to the exotic oriental east. However, the country has many gems packed in the small island. The picturesque mountain centre and the beautifully sculpted coastline offer travellers many breath-taking sights. Famed for its bustling night markets, Taiwan is also a heaven for street-food lovers.  

With its history of origin and colonisation, the Taiwanese culture is a unique blend of Chinese, Aboriginal and Japanese influences. There is no shortage of cultural festivals and events to fit into your travel.

Taiwan is also regarded as the scooter capital of the world. The scooter is the primary means of transportation among the locals. It is no surprise that there are many places to rent them. Scooter rental shops are usually conveniently located near major railway stations.  As a tourist, it is also not difficult to rent one, as long as you have the valid International Driving Permit. 

Travelling by scooter is one of the best way to explore Taiwan. It is convenient and also allows room for spontaneity. Here is a 14-day anticlockwise round island itinerary. If you wish to be close to the sea, I recommend travelling in an anti-clockwise direction. (P.S, Taiwan drives on the right side of the road.)

Getting In and Out

Currently there are four international airports in Taiwan – Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, Taichung International Airport, and Taipei Songshan Airport. The two primary airports are Taoyuan International Airport in the north, and Kaohsiung International Airport in the south.

Day 1: Kaohsiung

Pick up from your scooter from the city upon arrival. One scooter rental shops recommended by my friends and followers is 555 Scooters. It is conveniently located next to Kaohsiung railway station.

Kaohsiung is the third largest city in Taiwan, and houses Taiwan’s largest port. Evolving from it’s manufacturing past, Kaohsiung is now a vibrant modern city with wide streets, hippy night markets, and cafes.

Lotus Pond

As the name implies, Lotus Pond is a small lake containing many lotus plants. You will not miss the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas which has interiors decorated with paintings.

Pier 2 Art Centre

Famed for its unique street art, Pier 2 is the result of passionate and persistent artists and students expressing themselves.

Ruifeng Night Market

This is one of the largest and most popular night market in Kaohsiung. Be spoilt by the variety of street food and stalls selling apparels and accessories.

Day 2: Kaohsiung – Taitung [260km, 6hr]

Head southwards and ride through Kenting National Park via Route 26. Visit the southern-most point of Taiwan, Cape Eluanbi before heading northward to Taitung.

Just half an hour north of Taitung is Dulan, a place of arts and music of the aborigines. There is a closed down sugar factory that has been converted into a cultural centre. If you are here on a Friday or Saturday night, there are live performances scheduled.

Day 3, 4: Taitung – Green Island

From Taitung, catch the morning ferry to Green Island. The journey takes about an hour and you can bring your scooter onboard the ferry to Green Island. The main activity on Green Island is scuba diving. More experienced divers can attempt to swim with hundreds of scalloped hammerhead sharks. Other activities on Green Island include snorkelling, cycling, hiking, and rock climbing. In addition to the island is Zhaori Salt Water Hot Springs, one of the only three salt water hot springs in the world.

Be sure to bring enough cash for the entirety of your visit to Green Island as there is only a single cash machine operating on the island.

Day 5: Green Island – Taitung/Green Island – Hualien  [1 hour ferry, 170km, 3.5hr] 

Here you can choose between two very scenic routes. They run parallel between Taitung and Hualien – Road 9, an inland valley road or Road 11, the coastal road. Along the inner valley,  you will be surrounded by rice paddy fields, flower gardens, mountains, and many small towns. The coastal Road 11 hugs along the rugged coastline with splendid view of the Pacific Ocean and natural coastal sculptures. To experience the best of both worlds, I suggest departing Taitung via the Inland Valley Road. You will pass by the rustic town of Chishang with its soothing green swathes of rice paddy fields.  

Then, continue northbound on the valley road until Ruisui where the Tropic of Cancer Landmark lies. Ruisui is also famous for its hot springs. Then, ride westward through the windy Road 64 to meet coastal Road 11. The natural rock stairs formation of ShiTiPing is not too far from that junction. Other places of interests along this route include BaXianDong, Liushishi Mountain and Fengbin Skywalk. 

Day 6, 7: Hualien

Hualien serves as a good base to explore surrounding areas. Taroko Gorge is a must go for all visitors to Taiwan. There are several hikes available in Taroko Gorge with Zhuili Old Trail being the most popular. This 8-hour hike requires advance booking. If you are unable to secure booking, do consider the Shakadang Trail. It is an easy hike with excellent views of the turquoise river and marble boulders.

While you are at Hualien, why not try white water rafting excursions too? A session lasts three to four hours and is suitable for fun seekers of all skill levels.

Day 8: Hualien – Taipei [180km, 4.5hr]

Ride along Road 9, Suhua Highway, and marvel at the majestic Qingshui Cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Day 9: Taipei

If you would like to learn more about Chinese history and culture, start your day at the Longshan Temple. Built in 1738 in traditional Fujianese style, it is located in the heart of what was once the Qing dynasty settlement of Bangka. Next, visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Plans has been laid out to be converted into a public park. Then, admire the classical Ming architecture of the National Martyrs Shrine. It is also worth visiting the National Palace Museum. The museum houses the world’s largest collections of ancient Chinese Imperial artifacts, calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain.

Built to withstand typhoon winds and earthquakes, the Taipei 101 held the title of the world’s tallest building from 2004 until 2009. Take one of the world’s fastest elevator to the 89th floor observatory where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city.

Alternatively, take a day trip east into the mountains of Shuangxi District and north towards Ruifang. If you are a cat lover, don’t miss the Houtong Cat Village. Continue on to the winding Road 106 and head south back towards Taipei. Along the way, you will come across Shifen Waterfall and Shifen Old Street.

If you are into rock climbing, it is worth a trip to Long Dong (Dragon Cave) which is 60km, 1.5hr ride east of Taipei.

Day 10: Taipei – Taichung [180km, 5hr]

It is a pleasant ride along road 3 and 4 towards Taipei where you pass many rural Taiwanese towns.

At Taichung, you will be spoilt for choice with many places of interests such as Rainbow village, Feng Chia Night Market, Gaomei Wetlands. Do all these exploration while sipping bubble tea from Chun Shui Tang – the supposedly birthplace of bubble tea.

Day 11: Taichung – Sun Moon Lake [90km, 2hr]

Along this route, visit the Geographic Center of Taiwan in Puli. You will arrive at Sun Mook Lake after riding along mountain roads with steep drop offs. At the lake, you may rent a bicycle to experience the picturesque lakeside or take a cable car for a stunning overview of the lake.  Alternatively, take a short trip up the mountain road 14 to Qingjing Farm, also known as “Foggy Eden” or the Switzerland of Taiwan. If you wish to add on to your badge of honour, conquer the Wuling Pass which is the highest road in Taiwan at 3,275m above sea level.

Day 12: Sun Moon Lake – Alishan [120km, 2.5hr]

Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most scenic places. Take a walk on the misty Giant Trees Trail and be humbled by the towering millenia-old trees. If you are an early bird, you may wish to catch sunrise above the clouds in Zhushan the next morning.

Day 13: Alishan – Kaohsiung [122km, 3hr]

On the way back to the flatland of Kaohsiung, stop by Fo-kwang Shan, Taiwan’s largest Buddhist monasteries. In the centre sits the 36m tall golden statue of Buddha flanked by eight pagodas.

Day 14: Kaohsiung

If you have time before the return flight, visit the world’s largest stained glass installation, Dome of Light. It is right in the Formosa Boulevard MRT Station. 

This is just a recommendation and of course, you can craft out an itinerary that suits you. Check out my other blog on the popular riding routes and things to bring for your Taiwan scooter adventure.