Most Comprehensive Travel Guide in Taiwan: 8 Days 7 Nights for Families and Group of Friends (with Time Stamp)
As a frequent traveler, I always seek out new experiences and hidden gems. This time, I embarked on an 8-day, 7-night adventure in Taiwan with three friends, steering clear of the typical tourist hotspots like Taipei 101. Instead, we focused on Taiwan's breathtaking scenic views, exploring the country's coastal and mountainous landscapes. Here's a detailed account of our unforgettable journey. By the way, we hire a private car for the 8 days 7 nights trip for 4 adults.
Day 1: Arrival in Taiwan
Zhongshe Flower Market in Taichung
PHOTO: Marina Wee2:00 AM - 6:40 AM: Our journey began with an early morning flight from Singapore to Taipei, arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. After clearing customs, we picked up our rental car and set off for Taichung.
8:00 AM: Our first stop was Zhongshe Flower Market. The vibrant, colorful blooms made for perfect photo opportunities, setting a delightful tone for the trip.
10:00 AM: Next, we visited the Lukang Wenwu Temple and strolled along Lukang Old Street. The red-tiled street, traditional shops, and street food vendors offered a nostalgic glimpse into Taiwan's past.
Lukang Old Street (鹿港老街)
PHOTO: Marina Wee12:30 PM: We headed to Rainbow Village, a former veterans' village turned into an open-air art exhibit. The vivid murals and street art were both inspiring and whimsical.
Rainbow Village (彩虹眷村) Taichung
PHOTO:Marina Wee2:00 PM: Checked into the Beacon Hotel in Taichung. After a brief rest, we explored the nearby Feng Chia Night Market. The bustling market was a sensory delight, with a plethora of food stalls, clothing, and accessories.
Day 2: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
6:00 AM: After an early breakfast, we drove to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. The journey took us through winding mountain roads, with each turn revealing more of Taiwan's lush greenery.
Alishan Forest
PHOTO:Marina Wee9:00 AM: Alishan was a haven for nature lovers. We took a scenic hike through the forest, marvelling at the towering trees and serene environment.
1:00 PM: Visited the Alishan Shouzhen Temple, a high-altitude temple surrounded by beautiful forest scenery. The temple's colorful carvings and peaceful atmosphere were captivating.
5:00 PM: Arrived in Tainan and checked into Tainan Fushin Hotel. After settling in, we headed to the Garden Night Market, where we indulged in local delicacies and enjoyed the vibrant night market atmosphere.
Day 3: Exploring Tainan
9:00 AM: Our day began with a visit to the Anping Tree House, a fascinating site where banyan trees have taken over an old warehouse.
10:00 AM: We then explored the Anping Old Fort and Anping Old Street. The historic sites and traditional shops provided a unique blend of culture and history.
Anping Old Fort and Anping Old Street, Tainan
PHOTO:Marina Wee12:00 PM: We took a ferry from Kaohsiung to Cijin Island, a charming island known for its scenic coastal views and delicious seafood.
Cihou Mountain, Cijin Island, Kaohsiung
PHOTO:Marina Wee1:00 PM: Upon arrival, we rented bicycles and toured the island. Highlights included the Cijin Windmill Park, where we enjoyed stunning views of the ocean and the Kaohsiung skyline.
3:00 PM: We visited the Cijin Shell Museum and Cijin Seaside Park, where we relaxed by the beach and sampled local seafood dishes from nearby vendors.
Cijin Shell Museum, Cijin Island, Kaohsiung
PHOTO:Marina Wee
5:00 PM: Returned to Kaohsiung and headed to the Zuoying Dragon and Tiger Tower, climbing to the top for panoramic views of the Lotus Pond.
Day 4: Kaohsiung and Surroundings
9:00 AM: We spent the morning at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, a serene and spiritually enriching experience.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Kaohsiung
PHOTO:Marina Wee12:00 PM: After lunch, we explored the Railway Art Village, a creative space built on a former railway platform.
Rong Shu Xia Rice Noodles (榕树下米台目), Taitung
Address:
No. 1-3號, Lane 362, Bo'ai Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 950
PHOTO:Marina Wee3:00 PM: We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the Little Fishes Kitchen, sampling local seafood delicacies.
Little Fishes Coffee & Tea/ Accommodation (台東小魚兒的家, 海邊咖啡廳＆民宿)
Address: No. 32 Shanyuan, Beinan Township, Taitung County
PHOTO:Marina Wee5:00 PM: Arrived in Taitung and checked into the Chi Shing Hai Hotel, where we rested up for the next day's adventures.
Little Fishes Coffee & Tea/ Accommodation (台東小魚兒的家, 海邊咖啡廳＆民宿)
Address: No. 32 Shanyuan, Beinan Township, Taitung County
PHOTO:Marina WeeDay 5: Discovering Taitung
8:00 AM: Our day started with a visit to Jialulan, an oceanfront destination known for its dramatic views and unique art installations.
Jialulan Recreation Area, Taitung
PHOTO:Marina Wee10:00 AM: Next, we visited the Water Running Upward site, a quirky attraction where water appears to defy gravity.
Water Running Upward site (水往上流), Taitung
An optical illusion that the water is flowing upwards
PHOTO:Marina Wee1:00 PM: Sanxiantai, a rocky seaside area with hiking trails and a footbridge to an offshore island, offered stunning coastal views.
Sanxiantai (三仙台), Taitung
PHOTO:Marina Wee5:00 PM: We ended the day at the Dongdamen Night Market, enjoying the lively atmosphere and delicious street food.
Day 6: Taroko National Park
9:00 AM: We drove to Taroko National Park, famous for its Taroko Gorge. The park's rugged landscape and marble-walled canyons were a highlight of our trip.
Taroko Gorge (太魯閣), Hualien
PHOTO:Marina Wee1:00 PM: Visited the Eternal Spring Shrine, a picturesque spot within the park.
3:00 PM: Stopped at the Qingshui Cliffs, where the towering marble cliffs met the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Qingshui Cliffs (清水斷崖), Hualien
PHOTO:Marina Wee6:00 PM: Checked into Silks Place Taroko, a luxurious retreat nestled in the mountains, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Day 7: Yilan
9:00 AM: Our morning began with a drive to Yilan. We visited the Zhang Mei Ama's Farm, where we experienced rural Taiwanese life and enjoyed fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm (张美阿嫲农场), Yilan
PHOTO:Marina Wee1:00 PM: We then relaxed at the Water Geothermal Square, dipping our feet in the thermal springs.
3:00 PM: The National Center for Traditional Arts was a cultural highlight, showcasing traditional Taiwanese crafts and performances.
National Center for Traditional Arts (国立传统艺术中心), Yilan
PHOTO:Marina Wee5:00 PM: Checked into Silks Place Yilan, a high-end hotel offering both comfort and luxury.
Day 8: Departure
9:00 AM: On our final day, we explored the hotel amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools and a spa.
12:00 PM: We made our way back to Taipei, taking a scenic route along the coast. We visited Ximending for last minute shopping and local food such as Ah Zhong Mian Xian (阿中面线).
5:00 PM: After returning our rental car, we headed to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for our evening flight back to Singapore.
Conclusion
Our 8-day adventure through Taiwan was nothing short of magical. By avoiding the usual tourist traps and focusing on scenic experiences, we discovered a side of Taiwan that few travelers see. From the serene mountains of Alishan to the rugged coastlines of Taitung and the cultural richness of Tainan, every day was filled with wonder. Whether you're traveling with family or friends, I highly recommend this off-the-beaten-path journey for a truly unforgettable Taiwanese experience.
