Hike
Taiwan
HikeTaiwan is the only Taiwan-based
and expat-run trekking company in Taiwan. We have exploring
the mountains and valleys of our chosen home for over 17 years.
We have a passion for Taiwan, and are delighted when our clients
discover what a great destination Taiwan really is.
We put a lot of effort into getting right the balance between
comfort and real adventure, providing the service that we
would hope for if visiting Taiwan for the first time. We aim
to make our operation carbon neutral and conform to the highest
standards expected of modern ecotourism. Whenever possible
we employ people from disadvantaged backgrounds and work with
communities at the grass-roots level.
Taiwan has mountains?
Oh yes! See Taiwan's
Ranges or Taiwan's
top 100.
Are there National Parks in Taiwan?
Yep, see Taiwan's
National Parks.
What is it like trekking in Taiwan?
Hiking is a popular pastime in Taiwan. While
most Taiwanese limit their adventures to early morning suburbs
and weekend day trips to the hills or low mountains, getting
into the higher/remoter areas is increasingly popular. On
a typical multi-day trek it is common to meet another 4-6
person group on the trail or at shelters, in other areas weeks
can go by without another human passing by. Some 95% of hikers
are Taiwanese, 4% Japanese/Koreans, 1% westerners/Singaporeans.
Trails are usually easy to follow, with signs (often bilingual)
or markers at appropriate stages. Occasionally some mild scrambling,
under-over-around, obstacles, is required. Caution needed
when crossing sections damaged by earthquakes and typhoons.
Our trips require varying degrees of endurance and effort
but no specialized rock climbing skills.
Many routes will have mountain huts along the
way. Most are unmanned, do not supply food or bedding but
have a water supply, solar powered lights and basic toilet
facilities. Some must be booked in advance, and some will
be full at weekends or holidays.
Toilets are invariably of the squat kind, and are above average
in terms of cleanliness/environmental-consciousness. 'Wild
toileting' is usually an option.
When can I hike in Taiwan?
Hiking is possible all year round, but September
to April is recommended.
May/June often are the wettest months, it's
very possible to hike but there is a high chance of multiple
wet days. The summer months (June September) are the hottest,
most humid, and run the risk of typhoons interrupting schedules.
(When a typhoon is approaching permits are cancelled - must
be obeyed, if on trail should hunker down in a shelter for
a day or two).
If there is a lot of snow and ice, main peaks may be closed
to regular hikers. (2008 was 'cold', Yushan was closed for
several weeks in February)
For more on the weather(and geography) read Taiwan's
Geography & Climate.
BTW. Do not look to the weather in Taipei
as as guide to how it will be in the national parks.
Be aware transport to and around Taiwan at Chinese New Year
can be troublesome.
I hear permits are needed to hike,
what's the story?
The situation has improved in recent years,
but it's still not the easiest system to use - never mind
just to explain. Most mountains require an easily acquired
police-issued mountain permit, and in other areas, usually
national parks, an additional Park Permit must be applied
for. Some can be issued at short notice, others such as for
Yushan must be applied for at least a month in advance. Don't
worry, we take care of all this for you.
How do HikeTaiwan hike?
Our groups usually consist of between 4 and
8 people, with everyone carrying their own gear and a portion
of the group's common supplies. The HikeTaiwan guide carries
additional gear and prepares the meals (help accepted!). If
requested we can arrange for porters for load-carrying and
meal preparation - not particularly cheap compared to Nepal
or Tibet.
Will my cell phone work?
Most GSM cell phones from overseas will work
fine on the highly developed Taiwanese phone network. Reception
is excellent until you get deep into the mountains, away from
public roads and villages. Some hiking maps indicate remote
locations that do have a signal - often only for emergencies.
Chung-hua telecom is by far the best network operator to use
while in the mountains.
How easy is it to communicate
in English in Taiwan?
All Taiwanese study English in school but with
mixed results, the further from Taipei you go the worse it
gets. Try to speak clearly and if stuck try writing things
down. Many people also speak some Japanese. All our (foreign)
guides speak fluent Chinese. Signs are written in Chinese
and English.
Quality hiking maps are usually only available
in Chinese, we provide maps that we have annotated with English
ourselves.
For more on Language in Taiwan see People
and Language.
How will I arrive in
Taiwan?
Virtually everyone arrives in Taiwan at either
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport - TPE, near Taipei in
the north of Taiwan, or at Kaohsiung International Airport
- KHH, in the south.
From the airport to downtown Taipei your best
options (if we are not picking you up) are either Taxi NT
$1500 NT (US$50), or the airport shuttle bus $150 NT.
From Kaohsiung airport either take the metro or taxi for the
short ride downtown.
Note: at the time of writing there are still
no direct flights from China. This may change in the near
future but be aware talk of 'direct flights' may not be yet
a practical option for most foreign visitors. Travellers between
Taiwan and China have to transit in a third territory - often
Hong Kong.
What about visas and medical issues?
Holders of passports from most western countries
are issued with a 30 day visa on arrival. For further information
consult the Bureau
of Consular Affairs or check with us if
you are holding a less 'valuable' passport. Before you travel
check your passport to ensure it is valid for at least 6 months,
and that there is room for a visa and entry/exit stamps. You
may be required to show an outbound ticket.
High quality medical care is available in Taiwan at a reasonable
price. You should carry personal medication with you when
you travel. There are no specific health requirements for
travelling to Taiwan unless you have been in Africa or South
America within the last six days in which case a Yellow Fever
Vaccination Certificate is required for entry.Taiwan is rabies
and malaria free. However we recommend taking precautions
against mosquito bites (small risk of dengue fever) and avoiding
extended exposure to the at-times strong sun. The WHO advises
vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis A &
B, Typhoid, Japanese B Encephalitis and Tuberculosis.
Places in Taiwan?
Taipei is the seat of Taiwan's
government, its center of commerce, home to the world's currently
tallest skyscraper, Taipei 101, and the National Palace Museum.
Kaohsiung is the second-largest city on the
island. It has one of the busiest sea ports in the world and
it has the island's second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International
Airport (KHH).
Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was
the capital during imperial times. It is famous for its historic
buildings, rich culture, numerous temples, excellent food,
and being the home base for
HikeTaiwan.
Kenting Beach resort on the
southern tip of the island is excellent for surfing, swimming
and diving.
Taroko Marble Gorge - breathtaking
strolls along the cliffs.
Money & Costs?
Taiwan may not be as cheap as China or South-East
Asia, but generally speaking, is much cheaper than Japan,
Europe or North America. Our prices cover virtually all of
your costs while here but you should carry some money for
extras - souvenirs and the such.
The official currency of Taiwan (and the only
one accepted for most transactions) is the New Taiwan Dollar
(NT$). Taiwan has a modern banking system and there are ATMs
accepting foreign cards on every other corner. Credit cards
are commonly used but it is worth carrying some extra cash
with you. The best foreign currency or travellers check to
bring are US$, Euros or Japanese Yen.
Any favorite Taiwanese
festivals?
As Taiwan is dominated by ethnic Chinese, traditional
Chinese festivals are celebrated by most Taiwanese. Among
the most notable are:
* Chinese New Year
This is the most important festival for the
Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close on the first
three days so it is not an ideal time to visit. However, the
days leading up to the festival as well as the fourth to fifteenth
days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere of the lantern
festival. One particularly lunatic event takes place near
us in the Tainan County town of Yen Shui involving fireworks
on the fifteenth day. If you are into adrenalin rushes and
possible early death, go here.
* Ching Ming Festival
This is when many Taiwanese pay respects at
their ancestors' graves. Also known as 'Tomb-sweeping day'
* Dragon Boat Festival
This festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic official
from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of
Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river
when Chu was conquered by Qin. To prevent the fish eating
his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to
feed the fish and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten
on them to scare away the fish. Since then, sticky rice dumpling
eating, and dragon boat racing has been carried out on this
day.
* Hungry Ghost Festival
This festival runs throughout the seventh month
on the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of
hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed
to roam freely into our world. In order to appease the ghosts
and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese will offer food and
burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese
performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held
to appease these wandering spirits. Many Taiwanese will avoid
'dangerous' (such as swimming or hiking) or 'important' (getting
married, starting a business) activities at this time.
* Mid-Autumn Festival
Legend has it that on this day, a woman known
as Chang E swallowed some pills to prevent her power hungry
husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by
her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that
the moon shines brightest on this day. This is when many lanterns
will be put up for decoration, mooncakes are eaten, and everyone
lights up a barbecue while admiring the dazzling moon.
Christmas and western New Year are also very popular holidays.
Do not be surprised to see Chistmas trees still around well
into the spring.
See 'Taiwan's People
and language for some info on the various
aboriginal tribal festivals.
Any Guidebooks to recommend?
Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide
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