Top 5 Easy and Scenic Hiking Trails with Ocean Views Across Taiwan – Balancing Health and Leisure

Tripbaa Fun Travel Tips – Asia’s Free Travel Expert

Want to visit a quiet spot to relax and unwind on the weekend but can’t think of anywhere fun to go? Actually, Taiwan has many worthwhilehiking trailsthat aren’t as challenging as Yushan or Snow Mountain, nor as crowded as Kenting Beach. These are hiking trails offering expansive sea or lake views. Take your first step into hiking by using your own two feet—this hiking journey will bring you not just health and leisure, but also a deep appreciation for nature and culture.

Who says Kenting only offers beaches, water activities, and bustling streets? Kenting’s “Alangyi Ancient Trail” boasts one of only two remaining natural coastlines in Taiwan—a pristine, undeveloped shoreline that showcases the trail’s unique charm. Step on uneven cobblestones, listen to the sound of waves crashing, and gaze at the endless blue sky and coastline; beauty is everywhere here.

However, hikers planning to explore the Alangyi Ancient Trail must remember to wear proper hiking shoes, as there is a section of the trail that is steep and winding, requiring careful walking. Also, those wishing to visit the Alangyi Ancient Trail must apply for a mountain entry permit from the Hsuhai–Guanyinbi Nature Reserve 8–30 days before departure. Only 300 people are allowed in per day, and a guide is required.

Scenic ocean hiking trail – Alangyi Ancient Trail. (Photo/credit: dern37, Instagram)

Ruifang is home to a fairytale-like hiking trail – Wuer Cha Hu Shan (Earless Teapot Mountain), which stands only 600 meters above sea level. From the pavilion at the summit, you can see the full panorama of Jinguashi, overlook the Yin-Yang Sea, and gaze at the Banpingshan mountain range. Climbing Teapot Mountain is like escaping the hustle and bustle of the city—you can quietly enjoy a moment of undisturbed peace here.

There are three entrances to Teapot Mountain, all featuring stone steps and gravel paths. The only challenging part is a climbing path at the top, which, although equipped with ropes, remains dangerous and is not recommended for visitors. Overall, the hike is fairly easy. If you’re not looking for a challenge but just want to relax and enjoy the ocean view over the weekend, why not take a stroll along the Earless Teapot Mountain hiking trail?

Scenic ocean hiking trail – Earless Teapot Mountain Trail. (Photo/credit: conniewu423, Instagram)

When talking about Gongliao, the first things that come to mind might be the music festival and Fulong Beach, but there’s also Taoyuan Valley Green Grassland in Gongliao, featuring vast green fields. Lush green grass, cattle quietly grazing, bright blue skies and white clouds, and a backdrop of both mountains and sea make the whole scene look like a postcard—simple yet full of charm.
However, to see the beauty of Taoyuan Valley, you must first walk along a hiking trail. The hiking trails of Taoyuan Valley are divided into the Neiliao Line, Daxi Line, Shiguanyin Line, and Caoling. Among them, the Neiliao Line is the easiest, with the entire path made up of stone steps surrounded by dense bamboo forests. As you approach the wide-open grassy field of Taoyuan Valley, you’ll instantly feel a sense of openness.

Scenic ocean hiking trail – Taoyuan Valley. (Photo/Credit: Tripbaa Fun Travel Tips – Asia’s Free Travel Expert)

There are numerous hiking trails along the North Coast, and among them is Bitou Cape, known as part of the North Taiwan Triangle. It’s not only a famous spot to watch the sunrise, but its hiking trail and scenery are also quite captivating. The Bitou Cape hiking trail spans 3.5 kilometers, but the journey doesn’t feel tiring. With flat and easy-to-walk stone steps, the trail aligns with the undulating mountain terrain, and there are also rest spots at observation decks along the way.

Of course, nothing helps visitors relax and feel at ease more than the ocean view. Looking back at the path you’ve taken, you’ll see the rolling mountains and hiking trail blend seamlessly together, complemented by the orange hues of the setting sun and the clear, vast sea. This dreamlike landscape is what makes the Bitou Cape hiking trail so appealing.

Scenic ocean hiking trail – Bitou Cape. (Photo/Credit: Tripbaa Fun Travel Tips – Asia’s Free Travel Expert)

Aside from ocean-view hiking trails, Taiwan also offers many beautiful lakeside and mountainous trails, such as the Cuifeng Lake Loop Trail and Momonaer Trail hidden within the forested mountains. These trails shift with the seasons and drift through mist, presenting a variety of ever-changing sceneries that captivate hikers and draw them back time and time again.

Scenic ocean hiking trail – Bitou Cape. (Photo/Credit: Tripbaa Fun Travel Tips – Asia’s Free Travel Expert)

In Yilan’s Taipingshan, there’s the largest alpine lake in Taiwan—Cuifeng Lake. The lake remains crystal-clear year-round, with the blue sky and white clouds mirrored perfectly on its surface. Its purity is truly unforgettable. Moreover, the appearance of Cuifeng Lake changes with the seasons—lush green leaves, misty clouds, red autumn foliage, and white snow all offer unique views to explore, attracting many to take a relaxing stroll along the Cuifeng Lake Loop Trail.

In fact, the most famous trail in Yilan’s Taipingshan is the Jianqing Hiking Trail. Originally a railway used to transport timber, this hiking trail retains its old tracks, with only the middle section covered in gravel for easier walking. Coupled with its rich natural ecosystem, it has created the “moss-covered old railway.” The scenery around the Jianqing Ancient Trail changes with the mists, offering different atmospheres, and you can also enjoy distant views of the Holy Ridge and snowy landscapes.

■ Friendly Reminder: An entry permit is required for Cuifeng Lake

Lakeside hiking trail – Jianqing Ancient Trail. (Photo/Credit: Tripbaa Fun Travel Tips – Asia’s Free Travel Expert)

On the way to the Momonaer Trail in Nantou, you’ll first pass a high point with a view of the Wujie Dam. The real highlight begins when you step into the woods. Although the Momonaer Trail is generally flat and easy to walk, crossing the iron pipe bridge can still be a bit daunting. After going through the hiking trail, you’ll arrive at the “hidden gem” known as the Momonaer Waterfall.

The steep cliffs frame the Momonaer Waterfall into a narrow crevice, even the rock walls themselves display unique colors—with hanging green leaves and orange minerals. Below, the clear waters allow you to see fish swimming freely. The Momonaer Waterfall is not only visually stunning, but the powerful sound of the falling water is also an experience worth feeling in person.

[Tripbaa Fun Travel Tips] Authorized Repost | Original Article: [Weekend Hiking Adventure: Top 5 Easy and Scenic Ocean Hiking Trails]

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