Cycle the Length of Wild Taiwan: Self-Launched Edition
11 days · Taiwan
Much Better Adventures charges £2,800
No-markup version: ~£525 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Ride the full length of Taiwan independently — from Taipei's riverside cycle paths to the sun-drenched beaches of Kenting — on a rented hybrid bike, staying in budget guesthouses and fuelling up at night markets and roadside convenience stores along the way. This self-launched version follows the same epic route through the East Rift Valley, over the Coastal Range and down the Pacific coastline, swapping the guided group tour for your own pace, your own schedule, and a fraction of the cost. Taiwan is one of the world's most cycle-friendly countries, with well-marked routes, dedicated bike paths and a culture that genuinely loves cyclists — making it ideal for an independent adventure.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Taipei
Taipei
Fly into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (~40 mins, around 160 TWD / £4). From there, hop on the Blue Line (Bannan Line) two stops west to Longshan Temple MRT Station, a short walk from most budget guesthouses in the Wanhua or Ximending areas. Check in, stretch your legs, and spend the evening exploring a night market — Shilin or Huaxi Street are both classics for your first taste of Taiwanese street food.
🚌Airport MRT from TPE to Taipei Main Station: ~160 TWD (£4). Bannan Line metro to Longshan Temple: ~£0.50.
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in central Taipei (e.g. Flip Flop Hostel, Star Hostel Taipei Main Station) — dorm from £12/night, private room from £25/night
- →Arrive and check in to hostel/guesthouse in central Taipei
- →Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (~£4)
- →Evening stroll around Ximending or Wanhua district
- →Dinner at Shilin or Huaxi Street Night Market
Riverside Cycling and Taipei Highlights
Taipei
Rent a hybrid bike from a local shop near your hostel or use YouBike (Taipei's public bike-share) for shorter sections — a full-day rental from a proper bike shop costs around 300–500 TWD (£7–12). Head out along Taipei's dedicated riverside cycle paths beside the Tamsui River towards Bali Old Street, a flat and well-marked route of around 40km return. In the afternoon, visit Taipei 101 (observation deck ~£15 if you want to go up, free to admire from outside), the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (free entry), or browse Yongkang Street for bubble tea. End your evening at a night market.
🚌Bike rental: ~£10. Metro top-ups as needed: ~£2.
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in central Taipei
- →Rent a hybrid bike from a local shop (~£10/day)
- →Ride Taipei's riverside cycle paths to Bali Old Street (~43km round trip)
- →Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (free entry)
- →Optional: Taipei 101 observation deck (~£15)
- →Evening at Raohe or Ningxia Night Market
Pedal along the Dahan River into the Mountains
Fuxing District, Taoyuan / Mingchi
Take a bus from Taipei's Zhongxiao Fuxing area towards Fuxing District in Taoyuan (local buses run this route; allow 1.5–2hrs, ~£3). Ride from Jiaobanshan down alongside the jade-green Dahan River gorge, passing Atayal indigenous villages and the historic Old Baling Bridge (~30km, 610m elevation gain to follow). The roads are quiet and dramatic. Book a budget guesthouse or simple inn near Mingchi National Forest for the night — options are limited so book ahead. Dinner at your guesthouse or a local restaurant in the area.
🚌Local bus Taipei to Fuxing District: ~£3. Bike ridden/transferred.
🛏Simple mountain guesthouse or inn near Mingchi (~£20–30/night)
- →Bus from Taipei to Fuxing District (~£3)
- →Cycle the Dahan River gorge route past Atayal villages (~30km)
- →Stop at Old Baling Bridge viewpoint
- →Climb through dense woodland towards Mingchi National Forest
Rolling Down to the East Coast
Yilan County / Hualien
Ride east and downhill from your Mingchi-area base through the Lanyang Plains towards Yilan County (~47km, mostly downhill). Follow the Annong Creek Bike Path — a beautiful, quiet riverside route — and detour to Meihua Lake for a peaceful break. After the ride wraps near Dongshan, take the train from Dongshan or Su-ao to Hualien (Taiwan Railways, ~£5–8, under 2hrs). Check into a hostel in Hualien and spend the evening at the legendary Dongdamen Night Market — the largest on the east coast.
🚌Train to Hualien (Taiwan Railways): ~£6.
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Hualien (e.g. Traveller Bear Hostel) — from £12 dorm, £25 private
- →Ride downhill through Lanyang Plains to Yilan County (~47km)
- →Cycle the Annong Creek Bike Path
- →Visit Meihua Lake
- →Short hike to a local waterfall near Dongshan
- →Train from Dongshan/Su-ao to Hualien (~£5–8)
- →Evening at Dongdamen Night Market
The Queen Stage – Hualien to Ruisui via the East Rift Valley
Hualien to Ruisui, East Rift Valley
This is the big one — 84km with around 900m of climbing, but absolutely stunning. Pedal out of Hualien and loop around Liyu Lake (fresh fruit smoothie stop mandatory), then enter the legendary East Rift Valley at Shoufeng Township. Quiet roads thread through rice paddies between the Coastal Range and Central Mountain Range — some of Taiwan's most iconic cycling. Stop at roadside 7-Elevens and Family Marts (Taiwan's convenience stores are a cyclist's best friend). Grab lunch near Guangfu Township before pushing south to Ruisui Ranch for their famous dairy ice cream. Stay the night in a simple guesthouse near Ruisui.
🚌Self-powered cycling day.
🛏Simple guesthouse or homestay near Ruisui (~£20–28/night)
- →Cycle Hualien to Ruisui via the East Rift Valley (~84km, 900m climb)
- →Loop Liyu Lake on dedicated cycle path
- →Ride through rice paddies of Shoufeng and Guangfu Townships
- →Stop for ice cream at Ruisui Ranch
- →Refuel at roadside convenience stores along the valley
Rice Paddies, Waterfalls and the East Rift Valley
Ruisui to Chishang, East Rift Valley
Continue south on quiet East Rift Valley backroads (~62km). Stop at the geological marker where the Philippine Sea Plate meets the Eurasian Plate near Yuli — a free and fascinating roadside attraction. Roll into Yuli for a snack and visit the ruins of Yuli Shrine. Detour into the Yushan National Park foothills to Nanan Waterfall — free to enter, a short easy hike. Ride through open rice fields into Chishang, Taiwan's rice basket. Book into a local guesthouse in Chishang and seek out an Amis-run restaurant or cultural dinner experience in the evening — ask your guesthouse to recommend one.
🚌Self-powered cycling day.
🛏Guesthouse or homestay in Chishang (~£18–25/night)
- →Cycle Ruisui to Chishang via East Rift Valley backroads (~62km)
- →Visit Philippine-Eurasian Plate boundary marker (free)
- →Explore Yuli Shrine ruins
- →Hike to Nanan Waterfall in Yushan National Park foothills (free)
- →Arrive in Chishang — Taiwan's most famous rice-growing town
- →Dinner at an Amis community restaurant
Crossing the Coastal Range to the Pacific
Chishang to Chenggong, Pacific Coast
Start with an unmissable early ride along Brown Boulevard — a car-free network of farm lanes through Chishang's rice paddies with mountains on all sides, consistently ranked one of Taiwan's most beautiful cycling landscapes (free, open all day). Continue north to the base of the Coastal Mountain Range and climb steadily over the pass before a long, glorious descent as the turquoise Pacific comes into view. Smooth coastal roads lead south into the fishing town of Chenggong. Check into a simple guesthouse and spend the evening exploring the harbour and local seafood restaurants.
🚌Self-powered cycling day.
🛏Simple guesthouse or homestay in Chenggong (~£18–25/night)
- →Morning ride along Brown Boulevard, Chishang (free, iconic)
- →Climb over the Coastal Mountain Range (~68km, 480m up, 655m down)
- →Descend to the Pacific coast with ocean views
- →Arrive in Chenggong fishing harbour
- →Fresh seafood dinner at a local harbourside restaurant
Surf Towns and Black Sand Beaches
Chenggong to Taitung, Pacific Coast
Ride south along Taiwan's spectacular east coast (~55km). Start with a detour to Sanxiantai Arch Bridge — an iconic eight-arch pedestrian bridge to a small offshore island (free to walk). Continue through the surf town of Donghe (stop for the famous local soy milk and steamed bun) and into the laid-back arts and surf village of Dulan, where beachfront cafés make for a perfect break. The final stretch follows the palm-lined coast south into Taitung city. Check in to a hostel or budget hotel — Taitung has great options — and enjoy a free evening in the city.
🚌Self-powered cycling day.
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Taitung (e.g. Taitung Backpackers) — from £12 dorm, £25 private
- →Cycle the east coast south from Chenggong (~55km)
- →Walk Sanxiantai Arch Bridge and offshore island (free)
- →Coffee and soy milk snack in Donghe surf town
- →Stop in Dulan for arts village and beachfront café
- →Optional swim at a black sand beach
- →Arrive in Taitung — explore the city at leisure
Riding to the Southernmost Tip of Taiwan
Taitung to Kenting
Take a local bus or taxi from Taitung to Dongyuan Visitor Centre (southeast coast gateway; ~£5–8 by bus). From here, ride Provincial Highway 199 south through lush forest and open grasslands towards Taiwan's southern tip (~70km, 625m climbing). Pass through Manzhou Township with its mix of grasslands and Pacific views. Reach the iconic Eluanbi Lighthouse at the southernmost tip of Taiwan — a genuinely emotional moment after days of riding. The final few kilometres bring you into Kenting National Park. Check in to a guesthouse and celebrate with a proper dinner — you've earned it.
🚌Bus/taxi to Dongyuan: ~£6. Self-powered cycling for main ride.
🛏Guesthouse or budget hotel in Kenting (~£20–30/night)
- →Bus from Taitung to Dongyuan Visitor Centre (~£6)
- →Ride Provincial Highway 199 through forest and grasslands (~70km)
- →Pass through Manzhou Township
- →Reach Eluanbi Lighthouse — Taiwan's southernmost point (entry ~£2)
- →Arrive in Kenting National Park
- →Celebratory dinner in Kenting
Kaohsiung Temples, Street Food and the Bullet Train
Kenting to Kaohsiung to Taipei
Take a morning bus from Kenting to Kaohsiung (~1.5–2hrs, ~£5–7 by Kenting Express bus). Head to Lotus Pond to visit the famous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas — free to enter and one of Taiwan's most photogenic temple complexes. Grab lunch from the street vendors clustered around the lakeside. Make your way to Zuoying High Speed Rail Station and board the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) bullet train to Taipei (book online at thsrc.com.tw — around £25–35, ~1.5hrs). Check in to a hostel in Taipei for your final night.
🚌Kenting to Kaohsiung bus: ~£6. THSR bullet train Zuoying–Taipei: ~£30.
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Taipei — from £12 dorm, £25 private
- →Morning bus from Kenting to Kaohsiung (~£6)
- →Visit Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung (free)
- →Street food lunch near Lotus Pond
- →High Speed Rail (THSR) from Zuoying to Taipei (~£30, ~1.5hrs — book at thsrc.com.tw)
- →Check in to Taipei hostel for final night
Farewell Taipei
Taipei
Spend a relaxed final morning in Taipei — grab a coffee from a local café, take a last walk through Da'an Park or along the riverside, or pick up souvenirs in Ximending. Check out and make your way to the airport: take the Airport MRT from Taipei Main Station to TPE (~40 mins, 160 TWD / £4), or the metro to Songshan Airport for regional onward flights. Taiwan has been a hell of a ride — literally.
🚌Airport MRT to TPE: ~160 TWD (£4).
🛏Check out — departure day
- →Relaxed final morning in Taipei
- →Coffee and breakfast at a local café
- →Optional: last walk in Da'an Park or Ximending
- →Airport MRT from Taipei Main Station to TPE (~£4)
Self-launched vs. Much Better Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Much Better Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£525 | £2,800 |
| Duration | 11 days | 11 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £2,275 per person (81%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Much Better Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£525
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Cycle the Length of Wild Taiwan: Self-Launched Edition cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £525 per person for 11 days in Taiwan. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Much Better Adventures?+
Yes — Much Better Adventures charges around £2,800 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £525 — a saving of roughly £2,275 (81%) per person.
How long is the Taiwan trip?+
This itinerary runs 11 days, covering 11 day-by-day stops through Taiwan.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a cycling, adventure, culture trip through Taiwan, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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