Waving Taiwan Waters
- A Secret Retreats journey -
Originally from Yunnan in China, Tina has travelled extensively around Taiwan and is sharing with us her favorite spots for culture, food and sightseeing across Taiwan to explore both the original traditions of China and Aboriginal traditions of the island.
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- Wulai Thermal Valley
- Yehliu Geopark
- Yangmingshan National Park
- Sun Moon Lake
- Kenting beach
Discover the breathtaking contrasts of Taiwan, from the steamy hot springs of Wulai and the otherworldly coastal rock formations of Yehliu to the lantern-lit skies of Shifen and the misty mountain charm of Jiufen. You’ll hike volcanic terrain in Yangmingshan National Park, cycle and cruise across the serene Sun Moon Lake, and immerse yourself in Indigenous Seediq culture with hands-on hunting and banana millet cake making. The adventure continues south to Kenting National Park’s tropical beaches and coral reefs, ending with a seamless departure from Kaohsiung. Blending natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor exploration, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of guided discovery and free time to relax, soak, and savor authentic Taiwan.
NEED HELP ?
Contact the concierge on
dream@secret-retreats.com
Your Journey Day by Day
from 4,250 USD /person for 8 days / 7 nights
based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room
Day 1 : Arrival – Taoyuan Airport (-/-/-)
Welcome to Taiwan - a beautiful island with charming nature and diverse culture. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Wulai - a thermal valley with hot springs which sits about one hour from Taipei. Once you have checked-in and you will have the the rest of the day to relax or explore at your own pace.
HOTEL: Sokali Maho Wulai
Day 2 : Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen (B/-/-)
This morning you will enjoy your breakfast before getting picked up by a guide and a driver to take you to visit Yehliu is a renowned coastal geological area, famous for its sea-eroded formations such as the Queen’s Head and Candlestick Rock. Jiufen, nestled in the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was once a prosperous gold mining town before the 1970s. Today, with its picturesque stone houses, narrow streets, and traditional tea houses, it has become a popular destination for travelers. Shifen is well known for its old street, which is crossed by a railway line, and for its sky filled with “ make-a-wish” lantern releases. After seeing the sky lit up by lanterns, head back to rest at your hotel.
HOTEL: Sokali Maho Wulai
Day 3 : Yangmingshan National Park (B/-/-)
You will have the morning to yourself this morning to relax and enjoy breakfast at your own pace. You will be picked up around noon, and driven to get lunch in Yangmingshan National Park, where you will be spending the rest of the day. Yangmingshan National Park, located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, is renowned for its rich ecology and volcanic terrain. It is a popular destination for flower viewing: cherry blossoms bloom in spring, calla lilies flourish from April to May, and silver grasses bloom in autumn. The park features magnificent mountain views and numerous hiking trails that captivate visitors throughout the year.
HOTEL: Sokali Maho Wulai
Day 4 : Taipei - Sun Moon Lake (B/-/D)
After breakfast and check out, you will be transferred from your hotel to the Taipei High Speed Rail Station which is around forty minutes away. Then take high speed rail from Taipei to Taichung, an hour train ride which is one of the best ways to travel around Taiwan. Once you have arrived at the station, you will be picked up by a driver to take you to Sun Moon lake. This lake is located in the middle of Taiwan, with an elevation of 748 meters above sea level, is the only natural and the largest lake in Taiwan. The southern part is shaped like a new moon, and the northern part is a sun; hence the name Sun Moon Lake. Once you reach the lake you will take a bicycle tour around the lake’s idyllic scenery along the lake shores. After the bicycle ride, you will take a private boat around the lake to enjoy exclusive views. Once finished sightseeing you will be dropped off at your hotel to check-in, and enjoy dinner that will be prepared for you this evening.
HOTEL: Fleur de Chine
Day 5 : Sun Moon Lake (B/-/D)
After breakfast today, you’ll be taken to meet the Mexi Tribe where you immerse yourself in the culture of the Seediq at Meixi Tribe, where you can try traditional Seediq hunting techniques and discover skills passed down through generations. Experience authentic cultural activities and take part in a creative local workshop to make the Seediq’s beloved banana millet cake. You will also get the option to clam pick along the coast of Changhua, there are numerous typical fishing villages renowned for their oyster aquaculture industry and rich natural landscapes. We will take a tractors to visit the intertidal zone, learn about the oyster aquaculture industry, observe intertidal zone organisms, and pick clams. After the coastline, you will get the chance to relax by getting learn tea culture and share stories in a hundred year old tea house. Then you will head back to your hotel where dinner will be waiting for you.
HOTEL: Fleur de Chine
Day 6 : Sun Moon Lake - Kenting (B/-/-)
Have your breakfast and check out, a driver will be waiting to take you to Kenting National Park, located at the southernmost tip of Taiwan, is the island’s first national park. It features a diverse range of natural landscapes, including tropical forests, coral-fringed coastlines, white sandy beaches, and dramatic rocky cliffs. After your visit to the park, explore and relax on Kenting street, the liveliest night market area in Kenting, offering a wide variety of local foods, souvenirs, and entertainment stalls. Its relaxed evening atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to experience local nightlife and enjoy delicious Taiwanese snacks. Once you have finished your exploration, you will be taken to your hotel to rest for the evening.
HOTEL: Dùa Kenting
Day 7 : Kenting (B/-/-)
Since you will be staying by the beach, today you will have the freedom to spend the day as you please. We recommend you can go snorkeling in the ocean, following the water up and down the rhythm, you can experience the colorful underwater world. With rich biota, plus clean beautiful underwater scenery, it is a very suitable spot for snorkeling. You can also go for a walks in Kenting National Forest Recreation Area, you will find bamboo groves, limestone caverns, birds and monkeys in Visiting Area II. Reaching for the top of the tower in the middle of the forest you will get a breathtaking view!
HOTEL: Dùa Kenting
Day 8 : Kenting to Kaoshiung (B/-/-)
After breakfast and you will check out and be transferred to Kaohsiung International Airport for your departure flight or to the train station back to Taoyuan Airport so that you can head home.
****
End of our services.
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Sokali Maho Wulai
Fleur de Chine
Dùa Kenting
Waving Taiwan Waters
8 days / 7 nights
from 4,250 USD /person
based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room
The total price includes:
Accommodation for 7 nights.
All transportation from Taipei airport to Kaoshiung Airport or station
All meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
All excursions and activities as detailed within the program.
A licensed English speaking guide for excursions
All entry fees for places visited within the program.
Government taxes as currently in force.
The total price does not include:
International flights to /from Taipei or Kaoshiung.
Visa to Taiwan
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program
Beverages, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
Travel insurance (recommended)
This Journey was designed by Secret Retreats (TAT License 21/01327)
Travel Asia with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly.
Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats.
A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
Get inspired and make savings!
By booking direct with Secret Retreats and enjoy peace of mind from our full on the ground support. Contact our concierge and plan then book your Asia holiday now!
Over 100,000 subscriptions and counting, don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter an discover Asia with Secret Retreats
