MOTORCYCLE & SCOOTER TOURING IN TAIWAN
HIDDEN GEM OF ASIA
While Thailand and Bali get most of the attention when it comes to traveling in Asia, Taiwan is the hidden gem. It's a mecca of gorgeous motorcycle roads. In the US, people travel many hours to ride The Tail of the Dragon. In Taiwan, you can link roads that rival the Dragon together all the way down the mountains of central Taiwan. With 268 peaks over 3000 meters (9800 feet), Taiwan has endless natural scenery to explore. Yushan is the tallest mountain in Taiwan at 3952 meters, 200 meters taller than Mt. Fuji and the highest road in Taiwan goes over Mt Hehuan at 3200 meters.
The streets of Taiwan offer up plenty of opportunities for photographers with their rustic charm mixed with new architecture.
Northern Taiwan
Northern Taiwan has gorgeous beaches and rock cliffs along the north coast and Yilan, in the northeast. Many surf breaks dot the coasts with surf hostels that will put you up and rent you a board. Gorgeous roads wind their way along the coast with spectacular views and nice curves. In Taipei, there's the famous Taipei 101 and many great museums, and the inland regions of the west side have plenty of waterfalls and hot springs to explore.
Scooter nation, it's called, because there are more scooters than people. Not that more than one is always necessary.
Central Taiwan
Sun Moon Lake is the largest fresh body of water in Taiwan
Central Taiwan boasts some of the most gorgeous scenery you'll find in Taiwan. About 2 hours ride from Taichung, you'll find Sun Moon Lake, the largest fresh body of water in Taiwan.
Alishan and Yushan
Jade Mountain (Yushan) and Alishan are famous for gorgeous sunsets and high altitude tea farms. It's truly stunning scenery.
Rent a bike and ride over Alishan.
Taroko Gorge
On the central east side of Taiwan you'll find Taroko Gorge, a sight to behold, with towering cliffs, deep cuts, natural hot springs, and trails that skirt the edge of certain death. Plenty of beautiful waterfalls are within easy hiking distance.
Hehuansan
The highest road in Taiwan twists its way past Cingjing, an alpine village with sheep and European style chalets, and on up to Hehuansan at 3275 meters. After stopping at many gorgeous overlooks, you face 2.5 hours of twists and turns all the way down into Taroko. It's truly one of the greatest roads in the world.
East Coast
The east coast is wild with large cliffs and weather that can shift in an instant. Wind and waves pound the coast, carried many thousands of kilometers from across the open Pacific. Surf towns dot the east coast of Taiwan. You could link surf hostels together and surf every day the waves are pumping.
Get a bike and ride to the top of Hehuansan, 3275 meters high!
Southern
Taiwan
Sanxiantia Bridge is one of the most famous stops on the southeastern coastline near Taitung. From Taitung, you can take a ferry to Green Island.
Southern Taiwan has many famous spots that make the guidebooks such as Kenting and Green Island.
Of course, there are a lot of hidden spots in the south which are easier to find by motorcycle or scooter.
Taitung is famous for natural hot springs, Pingtung has quaint aboriginal villages nestled in the mountains, and several of the greatest roads in Taiwan can be found in the mountains near Kaohsiung and Tainan.
The gorgeous south coast is a great place to relax in the sun and enjoy cool breezes off the ocean. If you enjoy water sports, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, and scuba diving are all great activities.
Roads of Taiwan
A 2 part vlog series on riding around the central and southern parts of Taiwan.
A vlog of riding the 20, one of the most incredible twisty roads in the southern part of Taiwan.
The 21 is THE go-to road for those who live in Taichung. The convenience of location, beautiful twists and turns, and good asphalt make it the sport bike riders first choice.
If you want to find these roads yourself, check out our page on the Best Motorcycle Roads in Taiwan.
Don't have a bike?
Rent one and go see these beautiful sights!
