Best of Taiwan 5 Days

Mon Day 1: Taipei – Sun Moon Lake (No Meals)
**This is a set-departure group tour departing each Monday

Travel by bus to the heart of the island, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area. Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island. This picturesque area is also the ancestral home of the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous groups. After a lunch break (lunch is not included), enjoy a scenic bus tour around Sun Moon Lake, where you’ll explore the most renowned attractions in this area. Begin with a visit to Ita Thao, an indigenous village that offersinsights into the culture and lifestyle of the Thao people. Then, marvel at the grandeur of Ci’en Pagoda, an iconic Sun Moon Lake landmark constructed by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother. Following your visit to Ci’en Pagoda, your exploration of Sun Moon Lake continues with stops at two significant temples. First, you’ll arrive at Xuanzang Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the esteemed monk Xuanzang. Then, your journey takes you to Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist temple featuring three halls devoted to the Martial God and the God of Literature
Stay one night at the Fleur De Chine Hotel (Mountain View room) in Sun Moon Lake, or Le Meridien Riviera Hotel(Run-Of-House room) in downtown Taichung, or similar. 

Tue Day 2: Sun Moon Lake – Tainan – Kaohsiung (B)

Hop on the bus and make your way to Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, celebrated for its abundance of historic buildings and profound historical heritage. Visit Fort Zeelandia, constructed by the Dutch East India Company during their 38-year administration of western Taiwan. The original fortress faced near destruction by the British army in the 19th century but was subsequently rebuilt by the Japanese. Take a leisurely walk along Anping Old Street. Situated on the east side of Fort Zeelandia, this historic street was established by the Dutch over 300 years ago and holds the distinction of being the first officially named street in Taiwan. Besides its fascinating history, Anping Old Street is also known for its local specialties such as tofu pudding, shrimp rolls, fish skin dishes, beef soup, and many more.
Continue by road onto the romantic harbor city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in Southern Taiwan. Upon arrival, visit the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery (FGS), a significant Buddhist monastery founded by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967. The monastery is most famous for its Great Buddha Land, featuring a majestic 36-meter-tall golden statue of Buddha Amitabha, which stands as the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia. It is encircled by an impressive array of 480 smaller statues depicting Buddha Amitabha. During your visit to Fo Guang Shan Monastery, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with a knowledgeable monk who provides insights into the doctrines and development of Buddhism, which is the most widely practiced religion in Taiwan. Stay one night at the Grand Hilai Kaohsiung Hotel (Run-Of-House room) in Kaohsiung, or similar.

Wed Day 3: Kaohsiung – Kenting – Chihpen – Taitung  (B)

Head south toward the border, where Taiwan’s first national park awaits. Kenting National Park is celebrated for its coastal geological formations, scenic landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity, fostered by its unique combination of crustal deformation and tropical climate.
Stop at Maopitou, literally cat’s nose, aptly named as it resembles a colossal crouching cat when viewed from afar; Chuanfan Rock, literally sail rock, another distinctive natural formation that resembles the sail of a ship or a likeness of the former US President Richard Nixon; Eluanpi Lighthouse, a Qing Dynasty-era construction that was recognized as one of the Eight Views of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period; and Longpan Park, a coral limestone plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean, shaped over time by rainfall erosion. Following your exploration of Kenting National Park, your journey will take you to Taitung via the scenic South Link Highway, allowing you to savor the continually shifting landscapes throughout your drive.
Tonight, you’ll enjoy the pleasure of staying in a serene hot spring resort in Zhiben, Taitung County. Zhiben is renowned for its carbonate hot springs, which are known for enhancing blood circulation and alleviating fatigue, making it the perfect place to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Enjoy natural hot spring at the hotel.

Stay one night at the Hotel Royal Chihpen (Run-Of-House room) in Taitung, or similar.

Thu Day 4: Taitung – East Coast – Hualien – Yilan (B)

Travel by bus along the east coast, known as the last unspoiled place of the island. Wherever you go, it never ceases to amaze you with its enchanting natural beauty. You’ll visit some of the most impressive scenic spots along the way, including Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai, Shitiping, and Fanshuliao, each boasting its own distinctive geological features. The first stop is Xiaoyehliu (literally “Little Yehliu, or officially “Fugang Geopark”). This area is known for its natural rock formations, resembling those found in Yehliu Geopark on the northern coast of Taiwan, hence the name. Here, you can get up close to these unique landforms, shaped over time by weathering and sea erosion. Your adventure continues with a visit to Sanxiantai (literally the terrace of the three immortals), which comprises an offshore island and coral reefs, with a cross-sea bridge that connects the mainland to the island, serving as a prominent landmark in the East Coast National Scenic Area. After exploring Sanxiantai, you will make a stop at Shitiping (literally stone steps). This area is a well-developed sea erosion terrace, featuring promontories along the coastline that have been eroded by sea water over millions of years. This natural process has created an abrasion platform, sea grooves, sea cliffs, and potholes, making Shitiping a world-class outdoor geology classroom. From Hualien to Yilan, you will experience one-way comfortable train ride.
Stay one night at the Wellspring by Silks Jiaoxi (Run-Of-House room) in Jiaoxi, or the Hotel Royal Chiaohsi (Run-Of-House room) in Jiaxi, or similar.

Fri Day 5:  Yilan – Taipei (B)

Today, the guide will take you to visit the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery and the National Center for Traditional Arts. Start the day with visit to “King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery”, known worldwide for its exquisite flavors brewed from the clear water sources of the Central Mountain Range and the Xueshan Mountain Range. Immerse yourself in the rich aroma of whisky and experience the unique flavors nurtured in oak barrels, embarking on a fascinating distillery exploration journey. Continue to visit “National Center for Traditional Arts”, a vast park featuring various exquisite traditional Taiwanese buildings. Here you can immerse yourselves in Taiwan’s rich heritage through exhibitions, performances, and workshops.

Continue by road onto Taipei.
You will be dropped off at your own hotel or designated drop-off point in downtown Taipei.

SKU: IJDB-SGJ-14-2024 / 2025 / 2026

Exclusions:

• All air arrangements to, from and within the quoted destinations with taxes
• Accommodation in Taipei
• Lunches and dinners
• Beverages
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities
• Expenses of personal nature such as minibar, telephone/fax/email/internet costs, video/camera fees, medical costs, laundry etc.
• Early hotel check in and late hotel check out
• Any other meals, tours or services not specifically covered herein

Group Departure Dates and Prices

Black-out departure dates

• Monday 16^th February, 2026