With so much on your plate, it’s only natural that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, nothing can’t be solved by taking a trip abroad to escape the concrete jungle here in Singapore! So, head overseas to admire some of Taiwan’s nature. From stunning beaches to towering mountains, you won’t be disappointed. Read on to find out the best spots to experience Taiwan’s nature firsthand!
1. Shen’ao Rail Bike
Family-friendly activity that’s rooted in nature’s beauty
Best time to visit: Spring (Mar – May) or autumn (Sep – Nov)
Price: Tickets from NT150 (~SGD6.60)
If you’re travelling with kids, this is a great activity for them to have some fun while still enjoying nature in Taiwan! You’ll get to pick your favourite of the marine-themed carts (my favourite was the pufferfish), which all come with safety features like seat belts and buckles. The ride is slow and leisurely, so kids taller than 145 centimetres can ride alone!
This rail bike runs along the decommissioned Shen’ao railway station, making it a great way to enjoy the colourful seaside homes and coastal views. Views aside, you’ll also pass through a sculpture tunnel that’s complete with music and colourful lights on your ride. As you emerge, you’ll even be able to catch a glimpse of famous landmarks such as Elephant Trunk Rock and Wangyou Valley, so steady your camera and capture those spectacular shots!
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: Take Bus 1579 from Taipei City Hall Bus Station to Badouzi Rail Station. The commute takes around 1 hour.
Address: Number 121, Section 2, Jianji Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
2. Shifen Waterfall
Great for stunning pictures and to enjoy the cooling breeze
Best time to visit: Oct – Apr
Price: Free
Doubly known as the “Little Niagara of Taiwan”, the Shifen Waterfall boasts a thundering flow as the water rushes downwards. Although I didn’t have the chance to experience it myself, I’ve heard that lucky visitors may even be able to catch a rainbow on the water’s curtain. Thanks to the waterfall, the area is cool and provides some respite from the overhead sun. So, it’s a great spot to cool off after shopping at Shifen Old Street while basking in the beauty of Taiwan’s nature.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowd, take a walk along the Siguangtan bridge to spot other interesting geological features like potholes and concealed caves. Don’t forget to snap some photos of this majestic waterfall – you won’t regret it!
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: Take the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then transfer and take the Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. Travelling time is around 1.5 hours.
Address: Number 10, Qiankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening hours:
Daily, 9am – 5.30pm
3. Sun Moon Lake
Picturesque sights with exciting activities and attractions
Best time to visit: Spring (Jan – Mar) or autumn (Oct – Nov)
Price: Free
This is a stunning alpine lake that’s located right in the middle of Taiwan. Since this is one of the most renowned spots to admire nature in Taiwan, I’d recommend renting a bicycle to cycle around the area. It’s faster than exploring on foot, so you’ll be able to cover a much wider range of attractions while enjoying the breeze! For some great memories and photos, check out the majestic Longfeng Temple, or take a stroll down the Hanbi Trail.
Other than the beautiful scenery, you’ll also get to experience the rich culture of the indigenous Thao tribe at Sun Moon Lake. From the cuisine to the performances and even the Zhulu Shopping Market, there’s plenty to do here that makes it one of the best natural attractions in Taiwan that you just can’t miss out on.
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: Take the High Speed Rail (HSR) from Taipei to Taichung. From Taichung HSR Station, take the direct Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 6670. The journey takes around 1.5 hours.
Address: Number 599, Jhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555203
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 5pm
4. Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Magical bamboo forest with rare flora and fauna
Best time to visit: Spring (Jan – Mar) or autumn (Oct – Nov)
Price: Tickets from NT300 (~SGD13.15)
Nestled within Chiayi is this forest recreation area that’s known for its towering bamboo groves and misty forest. Unlike some other places where tourists commonly admire Taiwan’s nature, this one remains breathtaking all year. That said, it’s a good idea to visit around March if you love cherry blossoms like I do!
A ride on the iconic Alishan Forest Railway Line will give you some Insta-worthy pictures if you’ve been thinking of sprucing it up. As the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is also rich in both Taiwan Red and Yellow Cypress, it’s one of the top five mountain ranges in Taiwan today. Pro tip – bring a jacket as it can get quite chilly.
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: From Taipei, take the HSR to Chiayi Station. Then, take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan Line A (Route 7329 or 7329A) directly to Alishan. This route takes 3hours.
Address: Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan
Opening hours: 24/7
5. Yangmingshan National Park
Gorgeous blooms and misty trails
Best time to visit: Spring (Jan – Mar) or autumn (Oct – Nov)
Price: Tickets from NT300 (~SGD13.15)
If you’re a flower lover like me, you’ll love this spot as a visit will allow you to enjoy fresh blooms of many flower species. This includes seasonal blooms like hydrangeas and even Taipei’s official flower – the Azalea Camellia! Fret not, as there’s something for everyone, so thrill seekers can also snap a photo with the active Datun Volcanic Range that’s in the background. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to dress accordingly for a more comfortable experience.
Like the Alishan Forest, Yangmingshan National Park can get misty. A cap might also be a handy addition to your packing list should you intend to go hiking on the Qingtiangang Circular Trail, which can get sunny. As one of the more scenic areas to admire Taiwan’s nature, the Yangmingshan National Park is a great addition to your itinerary if you’re thinking of things to do in Taiwan.
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: Take the Taipei Metro to Jiantan Station, then transfer to take either Bus R5, 260, or S8/9. The commuting time is around 40 minutes. Alternatively, take Bus 260 from Taipei Main Station to Yangmingshan Bus Terminal for a direct ride that’s around 1.5 hours.
Address: Number 1-20, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening hours: 24/7
6. Yehliu Geopark
Fascinating geological landscapes and interesting limestone formations
Best time to visit: Spring (Jan – Mar) or autumn (Oct – Nov)
Price: Tickets from NT120 (~SGD5.25)
Drawing visitors from around the world, this spot is best known for its unique geological formations and limestone masses. These include renowned sights such as the Queen’s Head, Bean Curd and various mushroom rocks that are worth visiting. This magnificent landscape has also been compared to the Martian landscape, so it’s one of the best destinations for space enthusiasts to visit, too!
The area can get warm if you’re planning to visit during summer. Hence, make sure to pack adequate sunscreen and hats to shield yourself from the sun! After a day of fun here, you’re bound to be hungry. To fuel up, head over to the nearby Guihou Harbour to indulge in some well-deserved seafood to conclude your day of exploring.
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: Take Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 from Kuo-Kuang Bus Taipei Terminal to reach within 1.5 hours.
Address: Number 167-1, Gangdong Road, Wanli District, New Taipei City
Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 5pm
7. Gaomei Wetlands
Scenic mudflats and stunning sunsets
Best time to visit: Oct – Mar
Price: Free
If you’re travelling with your significant other, Gaomei Wetlands is one of the most romantic spots to bring them to admire the magnificent nature in Taiwan. Apart from being an ecological conservation area, it’s also one of the few places where wild ducks can be spotted in Taiwan!
I recommend arriving around dusk to catch the sunset views if you’re planning to head over. Besides the beautiful skyline, the shallow waters and tidal flats create a mirror effect that elevates the beauty of the sunset tenfold. While most choose to cycle around the area to immerse themselves in the relaxing ambience, taking a stroll down the boardwalk is also a great way to visit attractions such as the Gaomei Lighthouse.
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: From Taipei, take the HSR to Taichung HSR Station. Walk to the nearby Xinwuri Station and take the TRA to Qingshui TRA Station. After, take Bus 178 or 179. The commute is around 3 hours in total.
Address: Qingshui District, Taichung City
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 6pm
8. Green Island
Island getaway for summer activities
Best time to visit: Summer (Apr – Jun) or Sep – Oct
Price: Free
A trip to Green Island makes for the perfect getaway if you’re beginning to get weary of mainland Taiwan. While you’re here, don’t miss out on going snorkelling to admire the abundant corals and diverse marine life. This island is also home to one of the only three saltwater hot springs in the world, so you should plan to go for a dip. Other key attractions here include General’s Rock and Hai Sheng Ping, where you’ll be able to enjoy the ocean breeze from one of many pavilions overlooking the sea.
To get here, budget-friendly options include taking an hour-long ferry ride from Fugang Harbour to Green Island. If you’re willing to splurge for comfort, take a 15-minute flight from Taitung to the island instead. With so many things to do and see, a trip to Green Island may be one of the more unique activities to admire Taiwan’s nature.
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: Take a domestic flight from Taipei’s Songshan Airport to Taitung City. From Taitung, take a short 15-minute flight to Green Island. The total travelling time via this route is 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take an hour-long ferry from Fugang Harbour in Taitung to Green Island.
Address: Number 298, Nanliao Village, Ludao Township, Taitung County
Opening hours: 24/7
9. Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area
Perfect for hiking enthusiasts to enjoy the views
Best time to visit: Oct – Nov or Feb – Mar
Price: Free
Avid hiking enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Hehuanshan for its magnificent mountain terrain and natural sights. This mountain range boasts a whopping ten peaks that are all accessible for hiking without a permit, including five of Taiwan’s Baiyue, a list of 100 mountain peaks in Taiwan that are most worth hiking. Don’t fret if you’re a beginner, as trails like the Xiao Qilai are also very manageable. These easy trails are below 3 kilometres and are much less daunting for newbies like me.
For the best hiking experience, I’d suggest visiting between February and May for clearer roads. You might even get to see the Taiwan Alpine Rhododendron Blossoms as they bloom. Alternatively, fans of colder conditions may wish to visit in December or January to view the snowy peaks. If you’ve always wanted to pick up hiking, this is a highly recommended activity to immerse yourself in Taiwan’s nature while learning a new hobby!
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: Take the HSR from Taipei to Taichung HSR Station, then take the Nantou Bus to Puli. From there, take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Cingjing Route to Cingjing Farm, then take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 6658A or hire a private taxi. Overall travelling time is slightly less than 5 hours.
Address: Ren’ai Township, Nantou County
Opening hours: 24/7
10. Kenting National Park
Large beach community and gorgeous coastal views
Best time to visit: Spring (Mar – May) or autumn (Sep – Nov)
Price: Tickets from NT120 (~SGD5.25)
As Taiwan’s oldest national park, Kenting National Park also boasts some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Taiwan. Due to the sheer number of beaches here, you can have your pick. Whether it’s the quiet and serene Baisha Beach or the bustling Nanwan area, you’re in for a treat! As there’s something for everyone, this makes the park one of the ideal places to be if you’re a fan of Taiwan’s nature.
Visiting the Kenting Main Street isn’t a bad idea either if you want to get a taste of the area’s largest beach communities. You’ll find that the street vendors are all clad in beachwear. As you travel down the beach, you’ll also get to enjoy the booming music that contributes to the lively atmosphere. If you’re a fan of these atmospheres, it’s best to visit in April to attend the Taiwan Music Festival that’s held here!
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: Take the HSR from Taipei to Zuoying HSR Station. There, transfer to the Kenting Express Bus. The total travelling time is around 2.5 hours.
Address: Number 596, Kenting Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
Opening hours:
Tue – Sun: 9am – 5pm
11. Beitou Hot Springs
Perfect for a hot soak after days of exploring
Best time to visit: Autumn (Oct – Nov)
Price: Free
As the Beitou Hot Springs are located right at the base of the Yangmingshan National Park, it’s a good idea to visit both of them on the same day to make your trip worthwhile. After all, you’ll probably need some pampering once you’re done exploring the park. To kick off your tour of the area, head to Beitou Thermal Valley. Immediately, you’ll be able to spot the green sulfur that’s bubbling in the water, which also causes the area to remain perpetually foggy.
If you’re just there for the experience, the Fuxing Hot Foot Spa will give you a feel of what it’s like in a public one. Otherwise, a stay at one of the many hot spring resorts nearby might be more suitable if you’re more conscious about cleanliness and comfort. Regardless, a visit to the Beitou Hot Springs is one of the best places to experience the magnificence of Taiwan’s nature for yourself! Just make sure to pack a conservative bathing suit and a towel, as most places don’t provide them.
Fastest way to get there from Taipei: From Taipei, take the Taiwan Metro to Beitou Station. Then, take the Xinbeitou line. Commuting time is around 30 minutes.
Address: Number 65, Zhonghe Street, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening hours:
Tue – Sun: 8am – 6pm
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Taiwan’s nature at these best spots!
We’re simply in awe of the incredible spots to admire nature in Taiwan. From awe-inspiring waterfalls to serene beaches, there’s no shortage of places if you’re looking for a getaway to bask in the beauty of Mother Nature. Want to experience Taiwan in a whole different way? Check out our itinerary for a hassle-free Taiwan road trip that’s sure to leave you wanting more. And because you’ll need some top-notch Internet connectivity to navigate the streets of Taiwan, we’ve got you covered with the best e-SIMs in Singapore for your trip to go without a hitch!
