Dear Valued Travelers,
Unfortunately, we must inform you that due to the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake on April 3, 2024, resulting in significant damage to Taroko National Park’s infrastructure, our 5-day tour including the park in its itinerary will be revised for safety reasons. Your well-being is our top priority, and we deeply appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging period. As we witness Taiwan’s resilience and commend the swift actions of its rescue teams and recovery teams, rest assured, we’re fully committed to ensuring your safety and delivering an exceptional experience. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to rearrange the itinerary, aiming to preserve Taiwan’s beauty and cultural richness. We’ll keep you informed of any updates and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to experience the splendor of Taroko National Park once again.
Sincerely,
Get Me To Taiwan Tour Planning Team
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
- Marvel at the biggest marble gorge in the world—Taroko Gorge
- 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
- 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(5-star), Sun Moon Lake 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(5-star), Kaohsiung 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(5-star), Taitung or equivalent
Day 4
Taitung – East Coast – Hualien
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, Shitiping and Fanshuliao; each of them a unique and picturesque example of Taiwan’s diverse geological phenomena.
The first stop is Xiaoyehliu, literally “Little Yehliu”. 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.
The final stop along the Eastern Coast will be Fanshuliao, a unique and narrow canyon that was carved between the farmlands of Shuilian and the sea, and is regarded as a small version of Taroko Gorge.
Upon arriving in Hualien, today’s last stop will be a marble factory. Marble mining and processing was an important industry in Hualien. Although marble mining has been phased out for ecological reasons, it is still an important part of the city’s history, and one of the reasons for its prosperity.
Tonight, enjoy a peaceful night stay in a 5-star resort hotel. Tomorrow, you will view Taiwan’s greatest natural wonder—the world-famous Taroko Gorge.
Overnight: Hotel Silks Place Taroko – Garden View Room(5-star), Hualien or equivalent
Day 5
Hualien – Taroko – Taipei
On the last day of your 5-day tour in Taiwan, you’ll explore the most awe-inspiring destination in Taiwan, Taroko National Park. Get your camera or phone ready for an unforgettable adventure in the world’s largest marble canyon!
Situated in the eastern part of Taiwan, Taroko National Park was established in 1986. This national park is renowned for its dramatic gorges, diverse wildlife, unique geological formations, and particularly, its towering marble cliffs, which can reach heights of up to 1,100 meters. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the park’s most famous attractions, including Cimu Bridge, the Tunnel of Nine Turns, Buluowan Suspension Bridge, Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Temple), Swallow Grotto Trail, and Qingshui Cliff.
Embark on your day at Cimu Bridge after a hearty breakfast. The name “Cimu” directly translates to “loving mother,” as a homage to a touching story of maternal love. At the eastern end of the bridge proudly stands the Cimu Pavilion, a structure commissioned by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his own mother. Originally constructed with white marble from the region, this red steel bridge, resembling a cable-stayed design, was known as the “Marble Bridge” before being swept away by a typhoon in 1990. On its eastern end, visitors can take in the scenic beauty of a riverbend where millions of years of powerful rapids have artistically shaped the riverbed.
Following your visit to Cimu Bridge, the next enchanting highlight on your Taroko adventure is the Tunnel of Nine Turns, considered the most picturesque section of Taroko Gorge. After extensive repair work, it reopened to the public in 2019. As you walk along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the meandering river below, running through the deep and spectacular canyon. Additionally, you’ll get a closer view of the geological faults and folds in the towering marble cliffs, as well as the unique vegetation clinging to the canyon walls.
Your next stop is Swallow Grotto Trail. The distinctive potholes on the cliff surface were formed by the combination of groundwater and the swift-flowing river. These natural formations were once the favored nesting spots for swallows, giving the trail its name. As you stroll through the tunnels, get ready to be amazed by the stunning vistas of the soaring marble cliffs that seem to reach the sky.
Your adventure persists as you explore the awe-inspiring Buluowan Suspension Bridge. Spanning 196 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and soaring approximately 152 meters above the Liwu Valley, this bridge offers visitors a remarkable vantage point to witness the twists and turns of the Liwu River. As you gaze eastward from the bridge, you will be captivated by the sweeping panoramas of the Liwu River Valley. Likewise, when you turn your gaze to the west, you’ll be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes of the Swallow Grotto.
Next, you’ll stop by the Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial shrine built in 1958 to commemorate the 225 personnel (military veterans) who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. From a distance, you’ll witness a waterfall gracefully descending over the sheer cliff beneath the shrine, forming a poetic and picturesque sight.
As your Taiwan round-the-island tour nears its conclusion, you’ll have the chance to visit one of Taiwan’s renowned “Eight Wonders” – the Qingshui Cliff, offering yet another visual spectacle. This towering cliff, standing at over 1,000 meters in height and stretching for 21 kilometers, plunges almost vertically into the sea. At the viewing platform, you’ll be able to relish a breathtaking panoramic view of this natural wonder.
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.
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
