Land of Jade & Tea – Active Taiwan

Land of Jade & Tea – Active Taiwan

60 Views
9 Days From

$3118

$3020

Land of Jade & Tea – Active Taiwan

9 Days Starting and ending in Taipei City, Taiwan

Visiting: Taipei City, Yangmingshan National Park, Yilan City, Yehliu Geopark, Hualien City, Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake

Tour operator:

Crooked Compass

Tour code:

11514

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

From: $3118 $3020 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$98

NB: Prices correct on 10-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview


  • Hike through Jinmian Mountain, the Mt Moalan Trail, and Yangmingshan National Park

  • Visit the impressive Thermal Valley.

  • Wander through the city of Taipei where modern skyscrapers meet ancient temples.

  • Trek along a century-old path between villages which was used as a trade route to deliver fish, tea and sulphur

  • Explore Sun Moon Lake


Hike on century-old paths, through a land of lush forests, rolling tea plantations, towering ocean cliffs and through impressive gorges. The landscape of Taiwan will leave your jaw hanging and there is no better way to explore it than on foot.

Discover volcanic geysers and tranquil lakes, witness Zen drumming on a mountaintop, and follow your taste buds through local markets as you savour incredible local delicacies. Climb to spectacular viewpoints, and lose yourself in the teahouse lined alleys of quaint historic villages and laid-back coastal towns. Follow paths over rolling green hills adorned with alpine wildflowers and accompanied by the sound of birdsong. The adventurous landscape, paired with Asian elegance, 15,000 temples and the morph of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and all other walks of faith, makes Taiwan one of the most blended nations on the planet. Taiwan really does have something for everyone.

Highlights

  • Hike through Jinmian Mountain, the Mt Moalan Trail and more

  • Visit the impressive Hell Valley or Ghost Lake and Explore Sun Moon Lake

  • Trek along a century old path between villages which was used as a trade route to deliver fish, tea and sulphur

  • Witness U-Theatre, a drum beating performance with a focus on zen

  • Walk in the impressive Taroko National Park, home to the only marble gorge in the world

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - Arrival In Taipei

Location: Taipei City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: ArTree Hotel or similar

Welcome to Taiwan! Upon arrival in Taipei, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.


Taiwan’s sprawling capital city is an exciting mix of South East Asia, US and Japanese influences. The skyline is dominated by the impressive Taipei 101 Tower, once the tallest in the world, and made more impressive by its backdrop of rolling mountains in the North.  The city is quirky and friendly and one of the safest capitals in Asia. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to get acquainted with the city.


 


Meals

N/A


Accommodation

3 nights ArTree Hotel or similar


Services

Airport transfer


Day 2 – Taipei

Location: Taipei City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: ArTree Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before departing to explore Taipei.


Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

You will start at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, an impressive local monument with a square with the National Concert Hall and National Theatre on either side. Similar in shape to Beijing’s Tiantan, the building has been designed to invoke the character of the number 8, which represents good fortune and abundance.


Lunghsan Temple and Herb Lane

You will continue to Lunghsan Temple, one of the oldest and largest temples in Taiwan, built in 1738 and housing the statues of hundreds of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist Deities.  Close by is Herb Lane, a fresh produce market that sells a wide variety of herbs, to be used primarily in traditional healing.  The range of herbs includes rare and specialty herbs such as Japanese Knotweed and saxifrage – learn how they have been used in the past and the present day.  


Taipei 101 Tower

Next, it is time to get an incredible aerial view over Taipei, as you head to the 89th floor observation deck of Taipei 101 Tower. From 2004 to 2010, this was the tallest building in the world and it is the perfect place to take in a bird’s eye view of the city.


Mt. Elephant and Jinmian Mountain

From here you will continue to Mt. Elephant, where a trail of around 600 stairs will take you to a lookout from where you can get impressive views of the city, but this time the iconic Taipei 101 Tower is included in the skyscape.


For something slightly more challenging, your next stop will be Jinmian Mountain, which will be the first trail walk that you do in Taiwan. This trail is classified as moderate, and in certain areas, you will need both hands to climb, with ropes permanently attached to these areas for you to use to assist you as you walk. The view from Jinmian Mountain is simply breathtaking.


Raohe Night Market

You will continue to Raohe Night Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Taipei and bustling with street food stalls, carnival games and quaint little shops. You might like to try some of the interesting local specialties as you walk around the eateries (paid locally).  Afterwards, you will return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

ArTree Hotel or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Sightseeing: Chiang Kae-Shek Memorial Hall, Lunghsan Temple Herb Lane, Taipei 101 Tower, Jinmian Mountain and Raohe Night Market


Travel time and distance

Taipei 101 Tower to Mt. Elephant:Distance: Approx. 1.5 km/ 10 mins drive


Mt. Elephant to Jinmian Mountain: Approx. 6.5 km/ 20 mins drive


Jinmian Mountain to Raohe Night Market: Approx. 9 km/ 25 mins drive


Day 3 – Taipei

Location: Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei City, Taipei City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: ArTree Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Yangmingshan National Park

After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart to visit Yangmingshan National Park, a stunning National Park that is well known for its sulphur crystals and hot springs. At the western entrance of the park, you will see the Flower Clock, a large garden artwork formed of colourful flowers.  From here you walk to the volcanic landscape of Thermal.


Jinbaoli Path Hike (Yulu Historical Trail)

Your hike today is known as the Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail), a century-old path that linked the villages of Daping and Dapu and was used as a trade route to deliver fish, tea and sulphur.  This 6.3km route will take around 3 hours to hike, and you will see wildflowers and tantalising glimpses of the coast as they follow the dirt trails and stone steps that make up the path.


Dunshui Harbour Town

This afternoon, you will visit Dunshui Harbour Town, a laid-back coastal town with a main shopping street full of historic buildings and interesting street vendors. You will explore Fisherman’s Wharf which is full of little cafes and restaurants as well as being a hub for fishing boats. Here, you can walk along Lover’s Bridge, a curved white cable-stayed pedestrian bridge that gets its name from its original opening which was on Valentine’s Day. At night, it is lit up with changing colours and a great place to watch the sunset. After enjoying the Danshi River bank with its interesting variety of wetland plants, you will take a ferry ride to the other side of the river.


At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel in Taipei and have the evening at leisure.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

ArTree Hotel or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Sightseeing: Yangmingshan National Park, Flower Clock, Thermal Valley, Jinbaoli Path, Dunshui Harbour Town, Fisherman’s Wharf and Lover’s Bridge


Travel time and distance

Yangmingshan National Park to Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail): Approx. 10 km/ 20 mins drive


Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail) to Danshui Harbour Town: Approx. 30 km/ 45 mins drive


Danshui Harbour Town to Danshui River Bank: Approx. 2 km/ 5 mins drive


Danshui River Bank to Taipei: Approx. 25 km/ 40 mins drive


Day 4 – Taipei – Yehliu Geo Park – Yilan

Location: Yilan City, Taipei City, Yehliu Geopark

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Lakeshore Hotel Suao or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Yehliu Geo Park

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Yehliu Geo Park. Located on a strip of land that stretches into the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful park is known for its bizarre rock formations formed by wind and sea abrasion. These include mushroom and honeycomb-shaped rocks, and one particularly regal rock tower known as the Queen’s Head which looks like either Queen Nefertiti or Queen Elizabeth in likeness, depending on which angle you are looking at it from.


Jiufen (Chiufen) Village

You then continue to Jiufen (Chiufen) Village, a quaint and charming small town packed with history.  The word “Chiufen” means nine pieces and refers to when this town was originally so small and isolated that its inhabitants were made up of just nine families. With markets far away, when they needed supplies they would send just one family who would come back and divide the spoils into nine pieces.  For a while in the 1890s, the town swelled to a larger size as it became a site of the gold rush, and there are multiple historic sites to be seen as you explore the narrow alleyways lined with teahouses, giving a glimpse of the past glory of this location. Throughout the town you will find nooks that have beautiful mountain views, as well as vistas that take in the Yingyang Sea.


Caoling Historic Trail

This afternoon, you will trek for around 3.5 hours on the Caoling Historic Trail, which cuts across Sandiao Cape (Sandiaojiao) starting at Yuanwangkeng, and finishing at Dali on the coast. It is the only section that still remains of the old Ching Dynasty Trail, which is over 130 years old. The present trail is approximately 10 kilometres long and beautifully scenic, as you walk over rolling green hills, with stunning ocean views.


Yilan

When you have finished your hike, you will drive to Yilan, where you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Your unique accommodation includes hot and cold spring water baths in your room, perfect for soaking in as you relax at the end of a long day.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

2 nights Well Springs by Sllks, Lakeshore Suao or similar

*hot springs only at Wellsprings by Silks


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Sightseeing: Yehliu Geo Park, Jiufen (Chiufen) Village, Yingyang Sea, Caoling Historic Trail and Yilan


Travel time and distance

Yehliu Geo Park to Jiufen (Chiufen) Village: Approx. 38 km/ 1 hr drive


Jiufen (Chiufen) Village to Caoling Historic Trail: Approx. 37 km/ 50 mins drive


Caoling Historic Trail to Yilan: Approx: 30 km/ 40 mins drive


Day 5 – Yilan

Location: Hualien City, Taroko National Park, Yilan City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Taroko Village Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Taipingshan National Forest

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a journey to Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, which is about a two-hour drive. Taipingshan, one of Taiwan’s three major national forest recreation areas, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring valuable Taiwan cypress trees and geothermal energy from the Renze Hot Spring. Here, you’ll visit the Bailing Giant Tree and experience the Bong Bong Train.


Next, you’ll explore the Jioujhihze Scenic Area, where Qingshui Geothermal Park, nestled deep in the valley, offers foot soak pools, raised cooking pools, and bathhouse facilities. Enjoy the unique experience of cooking eggs and corn in the hot-spring water using a wicker basket. Following this, a walk along the Jioujhihze Natural Trail awaits, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature along its 1.2-kilometre path.


After a day of exploration, you’ll return to your hotel for a relaxing evening at your leisure. You might choose to unwind in the hotel’s hot springs.




Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

Well Springs by Sllks, Lakeshore Suao or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Sightseeing: Taipingshan National Forest, Bailing Giant Tree, Bong Bong Train, Jioujhihze Natural Trail


Day 6 - Yilan - Sun Moon Lake

Location: Taroko National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Taroko Village Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to central Taiwan to a famous lake resort.


Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in the country. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, with the lake’s eastern side resembling the sun and the western side resembling the moon. Surrounded by lush mountains, the area offers a tranquil setting and is popular for boating, cycling, and hiking. The lake is also home to cultural sites like the Wenwu Temple and Ita Thao Village.


Once you check in to your hotel the rest of the day is at your leisure.




Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

2 nights Sun Moon Lake Hotel or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Travel time and distance

Yilan to Sun Moon Lake: 300km / 3 hrs 34 min drive


Day 7 – Sun Moon Lake

Location: Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Richforest Hotel Sun Moon Lake or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and enjoy the beautiful views of Sun Moon Lake. The lake sits at an altitude of 762m in the mountains of Nantou County.


Wen Wu Temple

After breakfast, you will drive around part of the lake to visit Wen Wu Temple. This impressive temple is the only Confucius temple in Taiwan where you will see a statue of Confucius himself, and some of the other bronze statues also represent his disciples. If time permits this morning, you will also visit Tse En Pagoda and Tehua Village.


Mt Moalan Trail

It will then be time for your hike of the day, the Mt Moalan Trail (approx. 3 hours). This is a relaxed scenic walk that takes you to a weather observatory that was built by the Japanese in 1940. From the summit, at 1020m, you can see as far as Puli. The 3km trail is paved, and you will wind through villages, cedar trees, and vast tea plantations, accompanied by the sound of birdsong.  The scenery around you is spectacular, with the view of rolling green hills and silhouetted mountains in the distance.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

Sun Moon Lake Hotel or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide


Sightseeing: Wen Wu Temple, Mt Moalan Trail, Tse En Pagoda and Tehua Village if time permits.


Day 8 – Sun Moon Lake - Mt. Hehuan - Taichung

Location: Sun Moon Lake

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Richforest Hotel Sun Moon Lake or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Mt. Hehuan National Forest Area

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a drive to the Mt. Hehuan National Forest Area, situated 2900-3000 meters above sea level. This region is renowned for its breathtaking high mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife. Depending on the season, you can witness various types of flower blossoms.


Mt. Shimen Trail

Your adventure includes a walk along the Mt. Shimen Trail, which sits at 3,237 meters above sea level. This 0.8-kilometre trail is one of the most accessible high mountain trails in Taiwan, suitable for both young children and the elderly, allowing for a relaxed stroll with stunning views of open grasslands and the surrounding mountains.


Mt. Hehuan Main Peak

Next, continue to Mt. Hehuan Main Peak, which reaches 3,416 meters above sea level. The 1.8-kilometre trail to the summit rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. There may even be time to walk to the East Peak of Mt Hehuan if time permits.


Taichung City

Following your hike, you will drive to Taichung City for an overnight stay. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.


 


Meals

Breakfast


Accommodation

Overnight Millennium Hotel Taichung or similar


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Mt Hehuan National Forest Area, Mt Shimen Trail, Mt Hehuan Main Peak.


Travel time and distance

Sun Moon Lake to Taichung City: 77km / 1 hr 30 min by car


Day 9 – Departure From Taichung

Location: Taipei City, Sun Moon Lake

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit the Taichung Opera House (external visit only), taking in the fascinating architecture. Continue to Rainbow Village where you will see how this retired soldiers community has been transformed into a colourful and eye-catching attraction.


Alternatively, you may choose to explore the elegant Wufeng Lin Family Mansion, known for its intricate details and traditional architecture.


You will be transferred to Taichung International Airport in time for your onward flight.


Meals

Breakfast


Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Airport transfers


What's Included

  • Return Airport transfers

  • 8 nights of accommodation as mentioned on the itinerary

  • Meals as mentioned on the itinerary

  • Private English-speaking guide

  • Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary

  • 1 bottled water per pax per day

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Visas

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • All services, meals other than those indicated above

  • Personal porters

  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.

  • All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, The local guides on the tour is English speaking

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Return Airport transfers are included.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary are included.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in itinerary.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Yes, Single Supplement will be chargeable at AUD$ 1,491.00.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.

  • What sort of transportation is used for your tours?

    Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels

  • Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?

    Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.

  • What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?

    Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.

  • Who do your tours cater for?

    Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.

  • I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?

    Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au

Reviews of this operator

Jeff Rehn  

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass

07-Apr-2022

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass. Considering the country is just opening up to tourism everything went very well - flights, trips, transfers, guides and accommodation - thank you CC - highly recommended

Tripadvisor
Pauline Mavis Rusby  

We were kept safe at all times.

09-May-2022

We were kept safe at all times. When unexpected hurdles appeared they were handled without fuss. Our tour was informative, picturesque and comfortable.

Tripadvisor
Tina Watts-Seale  

Family holiday to Vietnam

01-Aug-2022

We booked a family holiday to Vietnam with Crooked Compass and it was perfect. The booking process was easy and Lisa took all of our requests on board so that the trip was exactly what we wanted. All flights, transfers, accommodations, guides and activities were fantastic, with great communication throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend, we will be booking again soon!

Tripadvisor

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Wednesday

Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
$3118 $3020

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$98

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
$3207 $3106

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$101

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025
$3207 $3106

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$101

Sunday - Monday

Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 23, 2026
$3431 $3323

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$108

Thursday - Friday

Oct 15, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026
$3431 $3323

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$108

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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