Taiwan East Coast Ride, 7 days

An unforgettable journey through some of Taiwan’s most spectacular landscapes, from the rugged mountain passes to the serene rice paddies. The adventure begins with a climb followed by a thrilling descent a scenic coastal ride. The journey continues through Longtian’s lush green tunnel, past Chishang’s iconic utility-pole-free Brown Avenue and the famous Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree, before circling the tranquil Dapo Pond. The route then winds through Danongdafu Forest Park, explores Amis indigenous culture at Taibalang Museum, and follows the longest county road in Taiwan – County Road 193 – to the architecturally stunning Starbucks Container Store in Hualien.

The tour culminates with two contrasting rides: the legendary “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, climbing to the County Boundary high point before a gentle descent to Pinglin’s tea-growing town. The finale is a scenic riverside ride along the Tamsui River, crossing bridges to Bali’s Old Street and the newly opened Tamsui Bridge with its dedicated cycle lanes, before concluding at vibrant Tamsui Old Street. Each day balances physical challenge with cultural immersion and culinary discovery, creating a comprehensive experience of Taiwan’s diverse beauty.

Downside the challenge, opt for an e-bike!

Duration: 7 days

DEBUT Departure Date: 8 – 14 April 2026

Itinerary

Highlights
~ Ride legendary “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” with curves of ascents and descents;
~ Enjoy scenic coastal rides along Taiwan’s eastern shoreline;
~ Cycle through Chishang Brown Avenue – a utility-pole-free rice paddy paradise, closed to motor vehicles;
~ Visit the iconic Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree and serene Dapo Pond natural wetland;
~ Explore Danongdafu Forest Park’s cycling routes;
~ Discover Amis indigenous culture at the immersive Taibalang Museum;
~ Ride a section of County Road 193 – Taiwan’s longest county road with scenic tribal villages;
~ Visit Asia’s first Starbucks Container Store, designed by Kengo Kuma from 29 recycled shipping containers
~ Pedal across vibrant cityscape of Taipei with tranquil natural riverside scenery.

Day 1 Arrive Kaoshiung

Late arrival at Kaohsiung International Airport, meet the group and a 5-minute transfer to tonight’s accommodation near the airport.

Meal: nil

Stay: hotel, Kaohsiung

Day 2 Kaohsiung – Pingtung – Taitung

Transfer to starting point of today’s ride which is part of Taiwan’s round island cycling route. Starting at Shizi Township in Pingtung County, embark the ride challenge along the Provincial Highway 9E (台9戊) with an uphill ride, leading to Shouka (壽卡) – a high point at an altitude of approximately 460 metres. It is also the border between Taitung and Pingtung counties.

After summiting Shouka, the most exhilarating part begins: a long downhill stretch that leads directly to Dawu Township (大武). Seafood restaurants near Dawu Fishing are excellent choices for lunch. Continue the ride passing a beautiful coastal road, until Jinlun (金崙). The Jinlun Bridge and the surrounding sea view are popular photo spots.

The ride ends in Jinlun and relax in a café before the transfer to Taitung.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: inn / B&B, Taitung

Cycling Distance: 40 KM approx. Cycling Hours: 5 – 6 hours est.

Accumulated Elevation: +250 M

Day 3 Taitung – Hualien

Transfer to Longtian Village which is famous for its green tunnel shaded by small-leaved irises, offering a comfortable ride. The Longtian bike path (龍田綠色隧道) is relatively flat. Keep an eye out for Longtian Grassland. During the ride, the scenery is pristine and expansive.

The Chishang Brown Avenue’s (伯朗大道) most distinctive feature is the complete absence of utility poles, offering pristine rice paddy scenery for photos. This road is closed to cars and motorcycles year-round, allowing only bicycles and pedestrians, making for a very pleasant ride. The famous Takeshi Kaneshiro (金城武) Tree (Fengcha Tree) is located right next to the avenue, a popular photo spot made famous by its use in advertising.

Dapo Pond (大波池) is a well-known natural wetland in Chishang, with its shimmering lake reflecting the surrounding mountains. Ride the circular bike path that connects to the floating canal loop of Brown Avenue.

Enroute to Hualien by car, make a stop at Fuli Straw Art Landscape Area (富里稻草藝術景觀區). Its most distinctive feature is that every autumn after the harvest, local residents, artists, and schools collaborate to create large-scale installation art using harvested straw, bamboo, and rattan, transforming agricultural waste into a creative field art gallery.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Hualien

Cycling Distance: 30 KM approx. Cycling Hours: 4 – 5 hours est.

Accumulated Elevation: +250 M

Day 4 Hualien – Suao

Transfer to Danongdafu (大農大富) Plain Forest Park. The forest bike path is divided into a north loop and a south loop. Enjoy the aromas of the forest as you cycle along. Taibalang (太巴朔) is one of the oldest tribes of the Amis people. The Taibalang Museum uses innovative “immersive curation” and digital technology to tell the tribe’s mythology and history, making it a must-visit for understanding local indigenous culture.

County Road 193, connecting to Taibalang, is the highlight of this route. At 110 kilometres long, it’s the longest county road in Taiwan and a renowned cycling route. Passing through many Amis tribe villages with relatively little traffic, making cycling a section of it enjoyable.

Complete today’s ride at Starbucks Hualien Store. This is Asia’s first Starbucks store built entirely from shipping containers. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, it uses 29 recycled shipping containers from major ports around the world, making the building itself a landmark. Grab a beverage here as the perfect ending to the ride.

Pack up our bicycles and transfer to Taroko National Park (太魯閣) – one of Taiwan’s most iconic natural wonders, famous for its spectacular marble canyons, soaring cliffs, and deep river valleys. Visit Taroko Visitor Centre and its archway for photo opportunities.

Transfer to Suao.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Suao

Cycling Distance: 35 KM approx. Cycling Hours: 4 – 5 hours est.

Accumulated Elevation: +230 M

Day 5 Hualien – Yilan – Taipei

Early departure for the transfer to Taipei-Yilan Highway intersection.

Ride the famous “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” (九彎十八拐) with numerous uphill and downhill curves at a stable gradient, making it a true test of endurance.

County Boundary (縣界) is the highest point on the route and the border between Taipei and Yilan. Mobile cafes or vendors are often found here, making it a popular rest stop and photo spot. From here, the route towards Pinglin (坪林) is a gentle downhill slope.

Lunch at Pinglin and the day of ride is completed.

Transfer to Taipei.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Taipei

Cycling Distance: 30 KM approx. Cycling Hours: 4 – 5 hours est.

Accumulated Elevation: +150 M

Day 6 Taipei

The finale ride seamlessly blends vibrant cityscape of Taipei with tranquil natural riverside scenery.

Starting from the hotel, ride towards Dadaocheng Pier (大稻埕貨櫃). From here, cycle along the bike path on the right bank of the Tamsui River, crossing the bridge towards Sanchong Riverside (三重河岸).

Continue towards Bali which the route is flat and easy to ride. Take note of the wetland ecosystem as we ride pass it. Upon reaching Bali Ferry Terminal Old Street (八里老街), we’ll make a stop and you may try the famous squid skewers (own expense).

Ride across the Tamsui Bridge (淡江大橋) which both sides of the bridge have 5-metre-wide pedestrian and bike lanes, making it very user-friendly. Enter the Golden Waterfront Bike Path after crossing the bridge and our ride concludes at Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街). There is free time at leisure, and you may savour a wide variety of delicious food and local snacks (own expense).

Savour lunch at an instagrammable waterfront restaurant as the ride concludes.

After the transfer back to the hotel, the rest of the day is free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: hotel, Taipei

Cycling Distance: 30 KM approx. Cycling Hours: 4 hours est.

Accumulated Elevation: +50 M

Day 7 Depart Taipei

Simply rest and relax until it’s time for the transfer to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and the tour concludes. Official check out time is 12 PM.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 6 nights in accommodation;

~ 6 breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 4 dinners;

~ beverages (non-alcoholic) during lunches and dinners;

~ return airport group transfers on day 1 and day 7;

~ luggage transfer on change of accommodation days;

~ provision of hybrid bicycle (straight handlebar) during cycling days;

~ provision of water and snacks during cycling hours;

~ provision of support vehicle during cycling days;

~ service on an Mandarin-Speaking Cycling Lead;

~ Tipping for Cycling Lead and Driver;

~ FREE Travel Wander cycling jersey;

~ supported by a bilingual (English/Mandarin-Speaking) Travel Wander Trip Facilitator.

Exclusions

~ air/land travel to Kaohsiung – Taipei Taoyuan, Taiwan;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ meals not mentioned within the itinerary;

~ provision of cycling helmet;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure on personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the trip inclusion and itinerary.

Recommended Flights to Book (after trip confirmation)

by China Airlines

08-April-2027 Singapore (SIN) – Kaohsiung (KHH) CI 758 1815-2245 hours

14-April-2027 Taipei (TPE) – Singapore (SIN) CI 755 2000-0035 hours+1 (15-Apr)

(schedule may subject to change)

Price

Twin/Double Occupancy: SGD 2,958 per person

Single Occupancy: SGD 3,524 per person

< WBWG Rate Applicable >

E-Bike Upgrade Supplement: SGD 186 (additional)

Early Bird Discount:

SGD 100 per person (book by 31-OCT-2026)

SGD 50 per person (book by 31-DEC-2026)

Important Notes

~ A deposit, SGD 300 is required at the time of booking. Deposit paid is non-refundable unless trip is withdrawn or cancelled by Travel Wander.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Kaohsiung – Taipei Taoyuan, Taiwan when you have been informed to do so.

~ Trip requires minimum 5 cyclists to depart and the maximum group size is 12 cyclists.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Taiwan, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ For cyclists who are travelling alone and have opted for twin-share occupancy, Travel Wander will do our utmost to pair you with another cyclist of the same gender to share the room. If this is not possible, cyclists are required to top up the difference for a single room. Should you choose not to go on this trip, there is no refund of the deposit paid.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Cycling
Country	Taiwan
Cycling Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner, Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	03 – March, 04 – April, 05 – May

Taiwan East Coast Ride, 7 days