Slow Travel Taiwan: A Month of Discovery and Delight

Slow Travel Taiwan: A Month of Discovery and Delight

Taiwan was our first “new” country as we began our world travel adventure, and it was everything we had hoped for—and so much more.

We were excited, a little nervous, and incredibly curious. And from the moment we arrived, Taiwan greeted us with warmth, delicious food, stunning natural beauty, and unforgettable cultural experiences. It was the perfect beginning to our journey of slow, intentional exploration.

Discovering Taipei: A Delicious, Dynamic Start

Our adventure began in the buzzing capital of Taipei, and we instantly fell in love. From the towering presence of Taipei 101 to the irresistible night markets filled with mouthwatering street food, Taipei was an incredible blend of modern city life and traditional Taiwanese culture.

We’ve shared our practical travel advice and favorite activities in two detailed blogs—

Tips on Arriving in Taipei and

8 Things You Should Do When You’re in Taipei

So be sure to check them out for helpful info and a few surprises!

We had so many memorable moments in Taipei, but one of our favorites was a spontaneous day that started at a golf course—yes, golf in Taipei!—and ended cheering for the Taipei Monkeys at a lively baseball game. (You can read more about that fun-filled day here).

We also took unforgettable day trips from the city:

  • Yehliu Geopark, where nature sculpted wild rock formations like the iconic “Cleopatra’s Head.”
  • Shifen, with its waterfalls and sky lanterns.
  • And the charming Houtong Cat Village, where cats rule the streets and tourists happily follow.

Around the Island: Our Slow Travel Taiwan Route

We took the train clockwise around the island, starting in Taipei. Our journey was filled with natural wonders, small towns, and local flavors. And honestly, we could’ve stopped at every single place we passed.

First up was Jiufen, a misty mountain town that felt like a scene from a movie. Then Fulong, with its golden beach and peaceful vibe. But it was Taroko National Park that truly took our breath away—massive marble gorges, hanging bridges, and lush cliffs that left us speechless.

The east coast of Taiwan, through Hualien County, was a dream to travel. The train hugged the coastline, and we stared out the windows in awe, thinking this is slow travel at its best.

Southern Beauty: Kenting National Park

The southern tip of the island brought us to Kenting National Park, with dramatic coastlines and warm breezes. Did you know parts of The Life of Pi were filmed here? We wandered the beaches and rocky cliffs, imagining scenes from the film—and it felt like walking through a storybook.

West Coast Wonders: Kaohsiung and Temples

Heading back north, we stopped in Kaohsiung City, where modern waterfronts met bustling markets. The food was spectacular, and one of the highlights was visiting the famous Fo Guang Shan Monastery, a massive Buddhist temple complex with a peaceful and powerful energy. It was a place that stayed with us long after we left.

Taichung and the Rainbow Grandfather

Next stop: Taichung. We used this colorful city as a base to explore the serene Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan’s top destinations. In Taichung, we also visited the Rainbow Village, a formerly forgotten military settlement transformed into a vibrant work of art by one elderly man. His story—and his art—deeply moved us.

And just like that, we found ourselves back in Taipei, closing the loop around Taiwan, filled with memories and already dreaming of returning.

Golf in Taiwan

From surprise rounds in Taipei to scenic greens along the coast, we discovered that Taiwan is also home to some amazing golf experiences. If you’re curious, head over to our Golf in Taiwan page where we dive into the fairways and the fun.

Facts About Traveling in Taiwan

Where is Taiwan?

Taiwan is a beautiful island located in East Asia, off the southeastern coast of China, between Japan and the Philippines.

How Do You Get to Taiwan?

We arrived via a short and easy flight from Hong Kong, but Taiwan is well-connected to the rest of the world.

  • From Europe: Direct and one-stop flights are available via major hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Istanbul.
  • From North America: Fly directly from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
  • From Australia: Easy flights are available from Sydney and Melbourne, usually with one quick layover.

When is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?

Taiwan is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush.

We traveled in early spring, and although we had some rainy days, we also enjoyed many warm and beautiful ones.

What are the Top Highlights of Taiwan?

Some of our favorite places—and top travel highlights—include:

  • Taipei’s food scene and night markets
  • Taroko Gorge
  • Yehliu Geopark
  • Sun Moon Lake
  • Fo Guang Shan Monastery
  • Kenting National Park
  • Jiufen and Hualien’s coastal train ride
  • The colorful Rainbow Village

How Long Should You Spend in Taiwan?

We’re full-time travelers and spent a month in Taiwan—and honestly, we could’ve stayed even longer.

If you’re visiting for vacation, 1 to 2 weeks will give you a fantastic overview of the island with time to explore both cities and nature.

Where to Stay in Taiwan?

Taiwan offers a range of accommodations from boutique hotels and guesthouses to modern apartments. In Taipei, we loved staying near a metro stop to easily get around. In smaller towns, look for locally run inns or hostels—they’re full of character and charm.

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