About this activity
| Operation Day | Mon |
| Departure | 7:30AM; Pick up from hotel |
| Duration | 5 Days |
| Group Size | Public Tour; Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 participant |
| Language | English / Mandarin |
Overview
When Portuguese sailors first encountered the Island of Taiwan in the 16th century, they were so impressed with the scenery, they immediately named it “Ilha Formosa”, which translates to “beautiful island”.
The relatively small island of Taiwan is filled with amazing, awe-inspiring and fascinating places to explore. But accessing them takes some planning, and maximizing your vacation with limited time and budget can prove challenging even for experienced travelers.
Highlight
- Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sun Moon Lake
- Discover the unique landforms and biodiversity of Kenting National Park
- Explore the East Coast National Scenic Area, where wilderness and natural beauty are right by the road
- Enjoy 4-nights accommodation at 5-star hotels
- Soak in the rich cultural heritage and folk arts at National Center for Traditional Arts
- Elevate your spirit at award-winning King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery
- Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 participant
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off is available (within city limits)
Description
Day 1
Taipei – Sun Moon Lake
On the first morning of your tour, you will depart from Central Taipei and head for the heart of the island, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area.
The biggest natural lake in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is divided by Lalu Island; the east side of the lake is said to resemble the sun while the west side is said to resemble the crescent moon, hence its name. The area around the lake is the ancestral home of the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s 16 officially recognized indigenous ethnic groups. Sun Moon Lake’s rich culture and abundant natural beauty has propelled it to its status as one of Taiwan’s top-ranked vacation destinations.
After lunch, you will tour around the lake by bus and visit the area’s most popular destinations: Ita Thao, an indigenous village where Thao culture and lifestyle are shared with visitors; Ci’en Pagoda, a majestic pagoda and famous landmark built by the late president Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother; Xuanzang Temple, a Buddhist temple devoted to the prominent monk Xuanzang; Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist temple with 3 halls dedicated to the Martial God and the God of Literature. Through the professional commentary of your tour guide, you will learn more about this place.
Tonight, you will spend the night in a charming 5-star resort hotel on Sun Moon Lake or in the vibrant heart of Taichung.
Overnight: Fleur de Chine Hotel – Mountain View Room, Sun Moon Lake (5-star) or Le Méridien Taichung, Taichung (5-star) or equivalent
Day 2
Sun Moon Lake – Tainan – Kaohsiung
Begin your second day of your 5-day Taiwan adventure by indulging in a delightful breakfast, setting the stage for another day filled with exploration. Board the bus and head to Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, celebrated for its wealth of historic structures and profound historical legacy.
Your journey continues with a visit to Fort Zeelandia, constructed by the Dutch East India Company during their 38-year reign over western Taiwan. Although the original fortress faced near destruction by the British army in the 19th century, it was subsequently reconstructed by the Japanese.
After exploring Fort Zeelandia, take a leisurely stroll along Anping Old Street, which is situated on the eastern side of the fortress. This historic street was established by the Dutch over 300 years ago and holds the distinction of being Taiwan’s first officially named street. In addition to its captivating history, Anping Old Street is renowned for its local specialties such as tofu pudding, shrimp rolls, fish skin dishes, beef soup, and more. While you’re here, make sure to savor the city’s signature delicacies, enhancing your historical journey in Tainan with a delightful culinary experience.
Following lunch, your next destination is the enchanting harbor city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in Southern Taiwan. Upon your arrival in Kaohsiung, your first stop will be the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery (FGS), a significant Buddhist monastery founded by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967. The monastery is best known for its Great Buddha Land, which features a majestic 36-meter-tall golden statue of Buddha Amitabha, standing as the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia. Surrounding it are an impressive array of 480 smaller statues depicting Buddha Amitabha. During your visit to Fo Guang Shan Monastery, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with a knowledgeable monk who can provide insights into the doctrines and development of Buddhism, the most widely practiced religion in Taiwan.
Tonight’s stay will be in a centrally located 5-star hotel. The hotel will feature easy access to convenience stores and drug stores. In your free time, you can shop around or and get extra supplies.
Overnight: Grand Hi Lai Hotel, Kaohsiung (5-star) or equivalent
Day 3
Kaohsiung – Kenting – Taitung
After breakfast, you will head to Taiwan’s southernmost county, where Taiwan’s first national park is located.
Kenting National Park, known for its coastal geology, beautiful tropical landscapes and marine biodiversity, is a paradise for surfers, divers, and beach lovers.
In Kenting National Park, you will visit: Maopitou, literally “cat’s nose”, a unique natural rock formation that looks just like a giant crouching cat from a distance; Chuanfan Rock, literally “sail rock”, another unique natural rock formation that looks just like the sail of a ship, or a portrait of former President of the United States Richard Nixon; Eluanbi Lighthouse, built during the Qing Dynasty, it was listed as one of the Eight Views of Taiwan during Japanese colonization; and Longpan Park, a coral limestone tableland facing the Pacific Ocean that is the result of erosion by rainwater.
After that, you will head off to Taitung via the South Link Highway, enjoying the scenery along the way. Tonight you will stay in a 5-star hot spring resort in Zhiben (Jhihben), Taitung County. Zhiben is a hot spring town famous for its hot spring water which improves circulation and relieves muscle fatigue.
Overnight: Hotel Royal Chihpen, Taitung (5-star) or equivalent
Day 4
Taitung – East Coast – Hualien – Yilan
After a good night’s sleep and a substantial breakfast, the tour will continue along Taiwan’s enchanting East Coast, which is considered Taiwan’s unspoiled paradise.
Today’s route takes you along the East Coast’s most famous coastal scenic spots: Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai and Shitiping; each of them a unique and picturesque example of Taiwan’s diverse geological phenomena.
The first stop is Xiaoyehliu, literally “Little Yehliu”, or officially “Fugang Geopark”. The park is named for its unique natural rock formations which resemble those of Yehliu Geopark on the Northern Coast of Taiwan. Here you can have a close-up look at the unique and flowing sandstone formations that weathering and sea erosion create.
Next, you will visit Sanxiantai, literally the “terrace of the three immortals”, which is composed of an offshore island surrounded by coral reefs. The eight-arch pedestrian bridge that connects the island with the mainland is an iconic landmark of the East Coast National Scenic Area and a favorite spot for local photographers.
Further north, we will stop at Shitiping, literally “rock steps”, a well-developed rock terrace that is also the result of coastal erosion. Over millions of years, the rocks along the coast here have been eroded into picturesque and sweeping shapes featuring grooves, cliffs, and potholes. Shitiping is a world-class outdoor geology classroom.
After visiting Shitping, we will head to the train station and have a comfortable train ride from Haulien to Yilan.
Tonight, you’ll stay at a 5-star hot-spring hotel in Jiaoxi.
Overnight: Wellspring by Silks Jiaoxi or Hotel Royal Chiaohsi or equivalent
Day 5
Yilan – Taipei
After enjoying hotel breakfast, get ready for the last day of your five-day island tour. Today, the guide will take you to visit the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery and the National Center for Traditional Arts.
Start the day with a visit to “King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery”, known worldwide for its exquisite flavors brewed from the clear water sources of the Central Mountain Range and the Xueshan Mountain Range. Immerse yourself in the rich aroma of whisky and experience the unique flavors nurtured in oak barrels, embarking on a fascinating distillery exploration journey.
Continue to visit “National Center for Traditional Arts”, a vast park featuring various exquisite traditional Taiwanese buildings. Here you can immerse yourselves in Taiwan’s rich heritage through exhibitions, performances, and workshops. From puppet shows to pottery making, there’s something for everyone.
Subsequently, you’ll return to Taipei and reach your hotel or the designated drop-off location in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day tour of Taiwan.
Inclusions
- Professional licensed tour guide (Mandarin / English)
- Local transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
- 4 night hotel accommodation
- Hotel breakfast*4
- Local general liabilities insurance
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Gratuities
Remarks
- Tour commentary will be provided in English and Mandarin.
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by adults.
- Infants must sit on laps and share existing bedding with adults.
- 2 people will share 1 twin room; for an odd number of individuals, 3 people will share 1 triple room.
- The sequence and time of stay at tour stops might be adjusted according to the traffic/weather conditions.
- Please advise your designated meeting point (within Taipei city limits) and provide your SMS contact info or e-mail address. We will contact you directly and advise the pick-up time.
- If the tour has to be canceled due to bad weather, the tour operation will contact you no later than the evening before the excursion day by e-mail or SMS.
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes earlier than the pick-up time.
- This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities.
- Ensure you carry enough cash with you to cover your expenses for meals, beverages, souvenirs, tips, etc. Convenience stores and most of the eateries in Taiwan don’t accept credit cards as a form of payment.
- We regret to inform you that due to the recent earthquake, the Taroko leg of your itinerary has been replaced with Tainan and Yilan.
Rescheduling, Cancelations and Refunds
If you need to cancel or reschedule the activity for any reason, please contact us via email at info@getmetotaiwan.com. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch.
Cancelations made 8 days or more prior to time of departure – 100% of tour price refunded.
Cancelations made 5-7 days prior to time of departure – 50% of tour price refunded.
Cancelations made 4 days or less prior to time of departure – no refunds will be given.
Please be aware Taiwan Time is (UTC +8 CST)
Activity provider: Edison Tours
