Master chartered tours on your first try: A lazy guide to 12 routes across Taiwan

Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert

Do you get excited about traveling during holidays but often struggle with inconvenient transport or the fatigue of driving? In recent years, a new way of traveling—chartered tours in Taiwan—has emerged. Not only do you not have to plan the itinerary yourself, but you also don’t need to constantly check maps for directions. Choosing a chartered tour allows travelers to relax and enjoy their trip with peace of mind.

Chartered tours in Taiwan offer not just the convenience of transportation, but also a variety of themed itineraries. Tailored options are available to meet individual needs, allowing you to simply pack a suitcase and go. This is one of the reasons why many people opt for chartered tours these days.

For example, the carefully selected Taiwanese chartered tour teams by Funbaa often dig up hidden local spots and secret gems that aren’t on the typical tourist radar. You’ll not only experience classic routes but also enjoy a deeper, more immersive journey. That way, even during holidays, you can get the most out of your trip. Now, let’s explore how you can enjoy a chartered tour in Taiwan with us.

The biggest fear during holiday travel is traffic jams. In such cases, consider opting for short-distance chartered tours to reduce time on the road, or choose lesser-known scenic spots where chartered tours can truly shine.

Since the Hsuehshan Tunnel opened, many travelers from Taipei have flocked to Yilan, and fewer are using Highway 9. But this route actually boasts several mountain hideaways, such as Shiding’s Thousand Island Lake, known as the “Taiwanese version of the Thousand Islands.” The layered mountains and lake reflect the surrounding Bajia tea fields, creating a dreamy thousand-island scenery. I never thought such a view could be seen without leaving the country before.

New Taipei Shiding Thousand Island Lake. (Photo/Tripbaa Funbaa!, guided by experts)

After exploring the hidden gems, you’re probably getting hungry. On the way back, stop by Shenkeng Old Street to find some must-try local foods. Shenkeng delicacies include tofu, rice dumplings, taro, and more, but the most famous is Shenkeng tofu. Its biggest feature is that it’s mostly handmade and follows the traditional “salt brine” method. It’s then grilled over charcoal and a stove, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior that becomes even more fragrant when topped with chopped scallions.

■ Recommended Route: New Taipei Shiding Thousand Island Lake → Yong’an Divine Turtle Island → Pinglin Fish-Watching Trail → Shenkeng Old Street

You may have heard of Gongliao and Fulong or visited the North Coast, but you’ve probably rarely noticed that there’s a beautiful green field and a cycling-friendly tunnel here in the Northeast Corner. Taoyuan Valley features a lush green landscape that rivals or even surpasses Yangmingshan’s Qingshui Cliff. Without having to fight crowds or take crowded buses up the mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Guishan Island where land meets sea.

The Old Caoling Tunnel is one of the most famous bike paths in Northern Taiwan. In summer, enjoy the cool breeze; in winter, feel the waves of silver grass. Experience the tranquility of a peaceful holiday. Don’t forget to try the seasonal Gongliao Abalone Bento Box along the way and travel all the way from Taipei to Yilan.

■ Recommended Route: Taoyuan Valley Green Field → Old Caoling Tunnel → Sandiao Cape Lighthouse → Jiaoxi Tangwei Gorge Hot Springs

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When talking about Yilan, do you only think of the National Center for Traditional Arts and hot springs? Actually, Yilan’s abundant geothermal resources are not only great for soaking but also offer fun DIY cooking experiences for the whole family. The most fun and delicious options are boiling eggs, corn, and sweet potatoes. Just watching the white steam rise as these treats slowly cook is incredibly soothing.

Besides Sanying Scallions, Yilan is also known for its locally grown “Magnolia Tea.” Stand at the viewing platform of the Magnolia Tea Garden and enjoy the emerald-green tea terraces that wrap around the slopes. Pair it with a pot of fine tea and savor this rare moment of tranquility. Who says holiday trips have to be crowded everywhere?

■ Recommended Route: Qingshui Geothermal → Changpi Lake Lakeside Walking Trail → Magnolia Tea Garden → Meihua Lake Scenic Area

Although Jiufen is very well-known, taking public transportation up the mountain has always been quite time-consuming and tiring. Plus, if you only visit one old street and then have to rush back down, it’s really hard to fully appreciate the mountain-town culture of Jiufen.

Therefore, I recommend that if you’ve gone all the way to Jiufen, you should explore the nearby natural and cultural attractions too. Feel the golden cascades tinged with mineral sands, and experience mining and gold panning. After visiting the old street, step out of the bustling alleys, sip a cup of Jiufen tea, and take home memories of your Jiufen adventure.

■ Recommended Route: Jinguashi Gold Waterfall → Gold Museum → Jiufen Old Street → Jiufen Teahouse

The western part of Taiwan is often the most congested during holiday travel. How can you avoid the crowds while still enjoying great attractions? Today, let me share some of my hidden gems to help you plan a perfect one-day trip.

First up, what I thought was the most beautiful bamboo forest path in Kyoto, Japan… no, wait—it’s the Wugayen Bamboo Tunnel in Miaoli. With its towering green bamboo forming a natural tunnel, it’s known as the “Taiwanese version of Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.” It’s a great spot not only for young people to take photos and selfies, but also perfect for families with kids.

As for the Fairy Valley, it served as one of the filming locations for the Taiwanese film “Seediq Bale.” This place was once a habitat for the ancestral spirits of the Atayal people, and the sound of the canyon and waterfalls adds an air of mystery.

These two attractions are quite popular on Instagram lately but are a bit off the beaten track in Miaoli. So, if you’re planning a chartered tour in Miaoli and love bamboo forests and mountain scenery, these two spots are definitely worth a visit.

■ Recommended route: Wugayen Bamboo Tunnel → Shenxian Valley → Seasonal highlights—peach blossom viewing / cherry blossom viewing / tung blossom viewing

Don’t say our editor always talks about food whenever introducing Tainan. This time, we’re recommending the ecologically educational “Taiwan version of a mini Amazon”—the Sicao Green Tunnel. Take a boat slowly gliding through the tunnel along the waterway, and you’ll feel embraced by the forest. The green before your eyes isn’t the overly saturated artificial green from a screen, but a soothing and relaxing hue. What you hear is the sound of birds interwoven with the woods, almost making you forget all your worries.

This Tainan route can actually be called a “color journey,” because after experiencing the comforting green tunnel, the next stop, the salt pans, presents a pure white like snow, which turns light purple under the sunset. If you’re a traveler who loves photography, then this chartered tour option is perfect for you.

■ Recommended route: Anping Tree House → Sicao Green Tunnel → Beimen Crystal Church → Sunset over Tainan Salt Pans

Because southern Taiwan has a relatively higher temperature, it doesn’t get too cold in winter, but there’s one place where snow actually falls—how is that possible? Actually, it’s because in Meilin, Tainan, the white plum blossoms are in full bloom every January, looking so lush and bright they resemble a dreamy blanket of snow. It attracts many travelers every year for a pilgrimage, and of course, you shouldn’t miss trying a bite of “plum chicken,” made with pickled plums—now that’s the true spirit of traveling in Tainan.

Aside from well-known historical sites like Chihkan Tower and Anping Fort, there’s also the Jiang Family Ancestral House featured in the film “The Chef,” which has fully preserved earth-brick houses and bamboo-woven buildings over a hundred years old, as well as red-brick and exposed-aggregate concrete structures from the Japanese colonial period. It’s truly a diverse and unique cluster of historic houses. If you enjoy exploring cultural architecture, don’t forget to pay it a visit—Up!!

■ Plum-picking season: Seasonal highlight, October to February
■ Recommended route: Meilin Plum Blossom Viewing → Yongxing Suspension Bridge → Jiang Family Ancestral House in Nansi Township

Eastern Taiwan can be said to be the best region for chartered tours, because many of its hidden scenic spots are not accessible by public transport, and renting a scooter means long rides. So even many locals opt for chartered tours to ease the burden.

Among them, the South Loop Coastal Route is especially popular. It features the Hua Yuan Bay, known as “Taitung’s Hawaii,” where the dreamy scenery of blue sea × blue sky × soft sandy beaches is perfect not just for relaxation, but also for IG photos.

Of course, Taiwan’s most beautiful Taron Station and the romantic Tuba Lover’s Suspension Bridge are also must-sees on the South Loop. When you’re tired, just find a café to sit down, sip on the unique island coffee of eastern Taiwan, and fully enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of a holiday getaway.

■ Recommended route: Hua Yuan Bay → Tuba Suspension Bridge → Island Coffee → Nantian Stone Coast

If you think the Taitung east coast route is only about scenery, you’re very wrong. Because at the highly productive Chenggong Fishing Port, you absolutely have to experience the life of a fisherman—roll up your sleeves and try making fish balls together.

Next, I’ll recommend a hidden gem even locals don’t know much about—Duli Beach. It’s not only rich in natural ecology, but also, when the sunrise comes, the sea and beach are dyed golden, with a dreaminess that can rival Penghu’s fantasy beaches.

■ Recommended route: Chenggong Fishing Port → Sansiantai → Duli Mysterious Beach → Taitung Black Forest

If you’ve already decided to focus on Taitung but are struggling to plan a smooth itinerary, then chartered tours are your best helper. Our editor is also providing an example of a “customized Taitung chartered route,” instantly connecting multiple Taitung day-trip themes so you can explore the whole of Taitung.

When talking about must-dos in Taitung, it’s the East Rift Valley and the coastal route. So how about choosing a one-day trip to explore the beauty of the Luye × Chihshang rift valley? Go see the cows and drink the freshest milk at the Luyeh Ranch, then take in the panoramic view of the Huatung Valley from the Luye Highland. Finally, walk along the “verdant paradise road”—Beigan Boulevard—and see if you can still catch the faintest trace of Takeshi Kaneshiro’s aura.

Stay overnight at a homestay to enjoy the rural vibe, and the next day head south to Luanshan. Start by stretching your limbs to pick some plums—don’t miss Up!! Then step into a living forest museum, breathe in the rich phytoncides, and visit the Moon World to see its moon-like barren gray-brown landscape, experiencing the wondrous craftsmanship of nature in eastern Taiwan.

■ Best plum-picking season: March 20 to April 30

After seeing the forests of the rift valley, you definitely can’t miss the spectacular coastal scenery of eastern Taiwan. After all, it’s a rare long holiday trip to Taitung—you have to make the most of it. Especially Little Yehliu and Sansiantai are essential geographical landmarks in Taitung. There’s also a hidden gem—Nnabiya Café, one of the filming locations for the goddess-starring movie “Mystery Family.” Immerse yourself between the mountains and sea of Dulan, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon.

If you're worried about crowds and traffic jams, our recommendation is to go in a different direction from the crowd—explore hidden gems first, then hit the main attractions, and wrap up your long holiday trip with a classic itinerary for a perfect ending!

■ Recommended 3-day Itinerary: Initial Deer Ranch → Luye Plateau → Brown Highway → Luanshan Forest → Devil’s Valley → Little Yehliu → Sanxiantai → Ennaibia

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By now, are you starting to feel a little tempted? In addition to the convenience and flexibility of a private car tour, there are many important details to consider before you go, including vehicle type selection, legality, driver-guide arrangements, and other issues that need to be confirmed in advance.

These key details about Taiwan private car tours shown above are essential factors Tripbaa has always used when selecting fleet partners. Now, we’re sharing them openly with travelers to help those who love independent travel enjoy more convenience in trip planning and experience highly flexible short getaways during holidays!

[Authorized Repost from Tripbaa Fun Guide] Original article: [Taiwan Private Car Tours: A Lazy Guide to 12 Routes Across North, Central, and South Taiwan]