Travellers seeking a holiday centred around exploring the outdoors and open spaces in Taiwan will not be disappointed. With 60 per cent of the country covered by forest, Taiwan is home to secluded islands, beautiful national parks and a vast, serene coastline for adventurers to take part in a plethora of exhilarating outdoor and adventure experiences. Whether travelling solo, in a couple or with the family, visitors to Taiwan will not be disappointed as they explore the cherry blossom, sample tea without another soul in sight, and enjoy long stretches of undiscovered coastline.
TEA TASTING AND STARGAZING AT WULING FARM
Wuling Farm is renowned for its production of fruit and Oolong tea which has been the main source of income for locals over the years. After a day of hiking to see the waterfalls, mountainous landscape and the botanical gardens, the tea garden is a must-see. As they overlook the tea fields, travellers can sample a warm cup of home-grown Oolong tea as they overlook the stunning landscape. With travellers capped to ensure the protection of the area, this might be the most remote and secluded tea break that travellers have ever experienced. For those wishing to truly immerse themselves in the remote area of Wuling, camping is a great way to enjoy tea tasting and hiking by day and stargazing by night. Camp sites are available to book from £30 per night. www.camping.wuling-farm.com.tw/camp/#&ui-state=dialog
TAKE THE ALISHAN FOREST RAILWAY THROUGH THE LANDSCAPES OF TAIWAN
The Alishan National Park region is known for its wilderness landscape, waterfalls, wasabi farms and tea plantations where adventurers can hike numerous off-the-beaten-track trails without seeing another soul for miles. As one of the world’s most historic and beautiful mountain railways, the Alishan Forest Railway is the best way to travel through the national park. Explorers should hop on the early morning train from Chiayi Station and reach the summit in time for sunset over the magnificent Jade Mountain. Constructed over 100 years ago, the train operates in the same way that it did then as it travels through the diverse scenery to the summit at 2,451 metres. Prices for the Alishan Forest Railway start from £40 per person. www.afrch.forest.gov.tw/EN/0000119
ENJOY CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON IN WULAI
Located in northern Taiwan, Wulai is a mountain district close to Taipei that provides the perfect day trip for those keen to explore outside of the city. The region is famed for its rich natural resources, aboriginal culture and mesmerising cherry blossoms that can be seen from February to March every year. Wulai is home to several cherry blossom species and travellers will be treated to an array of vibrant colours whilst they spend the day exploring the rows of blossom trees. Whilst in Wulai, holidaymakers should take in the famous hot springs and the Wulai Waterfall that towers over the landscape at 80 metres high. On Wulai Old Street, foodies can sample local delicacies and traditional aboriginal dishes that are native to Wulai such as millet mocha, bamboo rice and almond tea. Visitors can spend the night in Wulei at the Longmen Hot Spring Homestay from £95 per room. www.taiwanstay.net.tw/room/11570
DISCOVER ORCHID ISLAND
Located off the east of Taiwan, Lanyu, or Orchid Island can be reached by a small plane or by ferry. After reaching this island paradise, travellers can spend their time taking in the beautiful natural landscapes and learning more about the indigenous Yami culture. Holidaymakers to the region shouldn’t miss the chance to watch the sunset at Tiger Head Slope or relax on the grey sands at Ba Dai Wan Bay. For those keen to explore what lies beneath the ocean, Orchid Island offers opportunities to snorkel the coral reefs in search of schools of fish and sea turtles. The best way to travel is on two wheels and explorers can hire a bicycle to explore the small towns on Lanyu. After a busy day, the natural and undeveloped Yeyin Cold Spring is the best way to cool off. Visitors can reach Orchid Island from Taipei Songshan Airport by plane from £85 per person. www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx
TAIWAN’S BEST BEACHES
Taiwan is home to a selection of beautiful, unexplored coastline. Famous for its green troughs and trenches carved out of volcanic rock, Laomei is a must-visit beach location and a great spot for avid photographers to capture the green algae that meets the expansive blue ocean. The sand beach is a great place to spend the day relaxing by the ocean. For those looking for a more remote and quiet beach location, Dawan is a great choice. The beach is in pristine condition and is the perfect choice for those keen on a tranquil and relaxing beach experience.