Taiwan Tour 2025

Anyone toured in Taiwan?

I'm in the planning stages. Currently thinking 3 weeks in November, 3 days in Taipei, cycle around for 2 weeks (probably with some rest days) then another 4 days in Taipei.

Think I'm going to risk doing it without a tent but obviously could change that nearer to the date.

Vibes as always are no lycra, normal shoes, having fun, buying cool shit, seeing if I can arrange a date with a local, etc.

Anyone been there? Any intel? Routes?

I assume you know this already, but there’s a cycle route that goes around the island called cycling route no 1. Very popular, kids there usually do it before they head off to uni. It’s about 600 mile, so three weeks would give you plenty of time for stops and detours.

The east coast is nicest, with spectacular scenery and beaches along the way. I’d spend more time there if I were you.

I never saw anyone camping at random spots the four years I lived there. Camping is popular on sites these days, but in national parks I don’t think it’s allowed. Not a ‘camper’ myself so can’t offer much feedback, so best look for some blogs online, but I’d be inclined to suggest air bnb or the like. Lots of mozzies and bugs there too, worth bearing in mind.

When I lived there I cycled mostly local short routes (less than 100km) north of Taipei, or east of Hsinchu or Chiayi. Mostly mountainous routes, probably not the best for touring, but if you’ve got the legs for it the scenery is breathtaking. We’re in Taipei for about 2 months each year, so any questions I can try to answer.

I went in 2018. Loved it. Great food, amazing scenery and very friendly locals. The east coast is gorgeous. We didn't ride most of the built-up west. Here's a write-up I did of the trip.

Some tips that spring to mind:
If you are doing the whole island, it's best to go anti-clockwise because of the prevailing wind on the west coast. We spent the last two days riding into a headwind.
Be prepared for torrential rain in the north-east.
If you are planning on taking your bike on the train, double-check the rules. In some parts you can just stick your bike on. In others you need a plastic cover as minimum. And in others you need a proper bike box - as we discovered too late.

Ah very good info thank. You. I love a write up so will digest this at work today, but on a skim I notice you went in November. Would you recommend? I went to Japan in November and it was quite cold up some mountain passes, but Taiwan is further south.

Ah perfect, thank you so much for offering your wisdom. I had heard of route one. I was planning to have it as a base, but maybe skip some of the built up areas by using the train and spend a bit more time in the mountains.

Need to book tickets and then I'll start planning my route I think!

I'll be looking forward to reading about your trip. I still go back to your piece on bikepacking.com every once in a while.

We didn't go up any high passes, so you'd have to check temps there. It was typically 25-31 degrees where we went.

Dunno if you saw but it's now an award winning piece 😎

Congratulations! Well earned imo.