Taiwan has always been known for its bustling night markets, street food and culture. What its natural landscapes have to offer is probably lesser known.
The country is surrounded by water and off-shore islands. Two-third of its land is mountainous. It is no wonder that the islands also have a lot of activities for nature lovers and thrill seekers. The good thing is many of these adventurous activities are accessible. Just a day trip from the capital city of Taipei can bring you a variety of adrenaline-rushing escapades.
Rock Climbing
Long Dong is the definite rock-climbing destination in Taiwan. It is located about 45 minutes from central Taipei on the northeast coast. 2km of cliff lines the coast that faces the Pacific Ocean. There are routes suitable for all levels.
In the south, there is also limestone in Kaohsiung’s Shoushan and Tainan’s Guanziling.
Hiking
Taiwan offers many hiking trails all around the island. One of the top scenic locations has to be Alishan, where it is known for sunrise over a sea of clouds.
Do consider climbing Yushan while you are in Alishan area. Despite being Taiwan’s highest mountain, it is one of the easier high mountain hikes. Most people complete the climb (round trip) in 2 days.
There are several hikes available in Taroko Gorge. The most popular of all is the Zhuili Old Trail because it brings you to the most breath-taking bird’s eye view of Taroko Gorge. This 8-hour hike requires advance booking. If you are unable to secure booking, do consider the Shakadang Trail for an easy hike. Along this hike, you will get to appreciate the turquoise river and marble boulders.
River trekking
River trekking, or river tracing, involves heading to a river and hiking through it. It is a combination of trekking, bouldering, wading, sliding, and sometimes swimming.
Hualien has one of the best terrains in the world for river trekking, or river tracing. The most popular route is along Sanzhan River to Golden Grotto in Hualien.
Just south of the Taipei, Jiajiuliao Stream in Wulai is easily within reach by a short bus ride from the city.
Paragliding
Taiwan offers excellent year-round weather that permits paragliding. Glide through the sky as you experience bird’s eye views of Taiwan’s mountain, lakes and coasts.
Wanli district in the north offers scenic coastal views of Yehliu Geopark, Green Bay, and Keelung Island. In the middle of the island, Puli is the place to paraglide over the Taiwan’s central mountain ranges.
Other popular paragliding spots are located along the East Rift Valley of Taiwan. They include Luye Highland and Fenglin. The flight there runs over rice paddies and fruit farm with views of Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountain Range in the horizon.
Cliff Jumping
Beside rocking climbing in Longdong, thrill-seekers can also jump off some cliffs into the ocean water. Do take extra caution here to land away from rocky edges.
Many of the river trekking routes also offers plenty of opportunities to jump off from a height.
Surfing
The surfing scene in Taiwan is in its infancy but growing. At the moment, Taitung is the hub of surfing. The country is located in the middle of the Typhoon Alley. During the typhoon season of July to October, the strong wind can draw up immense waves in the east coast. Since 2008, the international surfing competition has been held annually in Jinzun of Donhe County.
For beginners, just an hour and half ride from Taipei is Waiao Beach. This black sand beach in Yilan also has other sea sports activities to offer.
The other surfing spots include Jialeshui, Pingtung in the south and Fulong Beach, New Taipei City in the north.
River rafting
The two main rivers suitable for river rafting in Taiwan are the Xiuguluan River in eastern Taiwan and the Laonong River in southern Taiwan. Xiuguluan River is the largest river in eastern Taiwan and is the more popular rafting route. A rafting trip here lasts 3-4 hours, spanning 22km.
Laonong River route is around 10km and takes around 1hour to complete. It rides over muddy waters with adrenaline rushing rapids between the scenic mountains.
Scuba Diving
Taiwan offers excellent scuba diving experiences with varied marine life all year round.
Green island is the most popular scuba diving destination in Taiwan. The Shark Point is famed for schools of hammerhead sharks, in the hundreds, from January to March. Due to strong currents, that dive site is only recommended for experienced divers. Apart from that, the island offers approximately 30 dive sites for divers of all level. That includes the world’s deepest underwater post box!
Offshore coral island, Xiao Liu Qiu guarantees sightings of green turtles is a coral. Other diving sites include Kenting Marine Park, Penghu Island and Orchid Island.