11-Day Taiwan Island Adventure
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
From diving mouth-first into beef noodle soup at the night markets to tasting the OG bubble tea in the very spot it was invented, there’s no ‘hit-and-miss’ with Taiwan’s cuisine.
The Patchie way to travel means stepping into the shoes of the locals. But this time, we’re going beyond just footwear. You’ll slip on an apron, too… and there might be some hunting gear in the mix!
Taiwan’s got stories to tell. You’ll connect with locals and learn about Indigenous Taiwanese traditions from the people who keep them alive.
No true Patchie sticks to the cities. You’ll head out to the villages and seaside towns for wow-worthy views of Sun Moon Lake and Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range. Yes, that’s local wildlife you see from your boat!
Old traditions get a modern glow-up in Taiwan. It’ll teach you many a-lesson on renewal, as you learn how the locals keep their heritage alive while reinventing how they live, cook and create.
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
|---|---|
|
|
|
$1,902 AUD
Private Supplement: +$496
|
Price
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: max 6 spots.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
11 days, 10 nights
Meeting point
Illume Taipei Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan
Ending point
Illume Taipei Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 2 dinners
- Comfortable transport from start to finish
- Train rides: Day 3: Taipei – Kaoshiung & Day 8: Taichung – Taipei
- 10 nights premium accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1 -Welcome to Taipei
Welcome to Taipei! A smiling face will be there to greet you and whisk you straight to your hotel to freshen up after your flight. Take it easy today – settle in, soak up the buzz of Taipei and get ready for 11 days of adventure in the ‘Heart of Asia’.
Your love story with Taiwan starts with a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, home to the largest public square in the country. Stroll through green zones dotted with ornamental trees, and begin noting any questions you have for your local guide. To close out your first evening in Taiwan, you’ll break the ice with your fellow Patchies while enjoying a welcome dinner at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant.
Accommodation: Illume Taipei (or similar), Taipei
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Taipei
Your second day in Taipei is a foodie’s dream! Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on dive into Taiwanese cooking traditions. You’ll be bursting with pride when you plate up your (first ever?) homemade Taiwanese lunch – maybe beef noodles, pillowy Xiao Long Bao (dumplings), or even buttery pineapple cake. Whatever’s on the menu, it’s bound to be delicious.
After lunch, let your feet guide you along Dihua Street, Taipei’s oldest street in the neighbourhood of Dadaocheng. This was the centre of Taipei’s dried foods trade, with merchants selling tea, medicine, herbs, and more. So, you know what to do! The high mountain oolongs that Taiwan is known for, await you.
The day winds down with an evening stroll through Raohe Night Market. You’ll see why Taiwan’s night markets get so much love when you take in stall after stall of sizzling oyster pancakes or the aptly named stinky tofu.
Accommodation: Illume Taipei (or similar), Taipei
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3 – Kaoshiung
This morning, it’s a quick ride from Taipei to Kaoshiung on the high-speed rail. Then, you’ll slow things down a bit at Kaoshiung’s Lotus Pond, sitting serenely on the northern outskirts of the city. Secure your lakefront viewing spot and take in the famous Spring and Autumn Pavilions that sit side by side in the water.
Did you ever think you’d willingly walk right into the mouth of a dragon? You can at the Lotus Pond – when you walk through the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. You’ll want to take your time, to gaze at the art in the belly of the beast.
Your next stop after grabbing a bite to eat is Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Hall, a grand Buddhist complex with a surprising – and toothy – twist. In addition to the famous 36-metre Fo Guang Big Buddha statue, the hall also houses one of the tooth relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism!
Accommodation: TAi Urban Resort (or similar), Kaoshiung
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4 – Tainan
After a short drive to Tainan City, your day begins with a boat ride down the Sicao Green Tunnel. You’ll quickly see how it got its name, when your boat glides through the lush canopy of overhanging mangrove trees teeming with tide crabs or black-faced spoonbills.
Back on solid ground, it’s time to hit Anping Old Street. Follow your guide to the bites you absolutely can’t miss – from sizzling grilled sausages to chewy handmade taro balls – or maybe you already have a favourite in mind? Wash it down with a hand-shaken drink, the way it’s meant to be enjoyed here.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Tainan (or similar), Tainan
Included: Breakfast
Day 5 – Sun Moon Lake
Today, you’ll make your way to Sun Moon Lake, the largest in Taiwan. It’s a tranquil little world on its own, framed by forests and mountains. Naturally, your hotel comes with off-the-charts views, so it’s good news that you’re staying here for two nights!
Once you arrive, shake off the three-hour journey with lunch at a local lakeside restaurant – have you tried Lu Rou Fan (AKA braised pork rice) yet? With six million visitors each year, Sun Moon Lake could easily feel overwhelming and touristy – but not when you’re taking in views of the mountain peaks and temples from your seat on a boat cruise. Sit back and think – how am I only halfway through the adventure?
Accommodation: Hotel Del Lago (or similar), Sun Moon Lake
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 – Sun Moon Lake
Wake up to the views that greet you on your second day at Sun Moon Lake. Bright and early, you’ll meet an indigenous hunter for a hands-on peek at tribal life – learn about their traditions from clothing and carry baskets, to trap ecology and archery. Most people never get to experience Taiwan’s indigenous culture like this, so soak up every moment.
You’ll have the rest of the day to wrap up any loose ends of your Sun Moon Lake strolls. Yep, that’s a cable car you see in the distance. Fancy a ride to the top?
Accommodation: Hotel Del Lago (or similar), Sun Moon Lake
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7 – Taichung
Greet the day with a cup of tea at Sun Moon Lake’s Antique Assam Tea Farm. Known for its earthy, malty aromas, the tidy rows of Assam black tea enjoy lake views of their own. Soon, you’ll bid goodbye to Sun Moon Lake and set off for your next taste of Taiwan – Taichung, Taiwan’s third-largest city.
Your first stop is the Wufeng Lin Family Mansion and Garden, where you can see how one of 19th-century Taiwan’s wealthiest families lived. Strolling the mansion’s grounds, you’ll get a close-up look at the harmony of traditional Taiwanese garden design. Check out the theatrical stage, where the Lin family once hosted operatic troupes to entertain their guests.
Accommodation: Halo House (or similar), Taichung
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8 – Taichung and Taipei
Maybe you’ve sipped bubble tea at home, but have you ever made it yourself? Spend the morning at Chun Shui Tang – the very place bubble tea was born – and make your own bubble milk tea.
The day now takes a creative turn at Shen Ji New Village, the beating heart of Taichung’s artsy scene. Renovated old dormitories, kitschy shops and quirky art installations keep your imagination buzzing as you wander through the compound. Then, it’s goodbye Taichung and hello again to Taipei, for a good night’s rest before you set off for Keelung.
Accommodation: Illume Taipei (or similar), Taipei
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
BREAKOUT: What is the Bubble Tea ‘phenomenon’?
Did you know bubble tea was invented in Taiwan? It’s not just a thirst-quencher. Those chewy tapioca pearls and endless flavour combos are what make it such a tasty hit. But it’s more than a drink – it’s a social connector, an actual reason for people to gather. And possibly the most interesting bit? It’s a source of Taiwanese pride. Yes, really! Bubble tea has modernised the 300-year-old tradition of tea culture, and it’s something that Taiwan has given the world (like Japan with sushi or Italy with espresso). These days, there’s even a wave of hip little spots serving top-notch, single-origin Taiwanese teas.
Day 9 – Keelung
Your first stop after a short drive to Keelung is Heping Island GeoPark, a coastal park known for its rock formations and head-turning ocean views. Despite the rocky coastline, the park’s trails are a calm, easy walk, guided by the soothing sounds of crashing waves. Get your camera ready – the viewing platforms are handy for sea shots and spotting local creatures.
Wander down Jiufen’s narrow alleys and it hits you – the smell of tea, sizzling street food, lanterns swaying overhead, vendors calling for attention and people chattering around you.. The old railroad at Shifen Station is also worth checking out. You might want to write a wish on one of the famous lanterns and release it from the train tracks (just don’t tell anyone, if you want it to come true)!
Accommodation: Illume Taipei (or similar), Taipei
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 10 – Taipei
It’s your last day in Taipei, so let’s make it hands on and memorable. Start at the Shuhuo Memorial Paper Museum with a floral paper-making class. You’ll press delicate flowers into each sheet by hand, creating special keepsakes, ready for a letter home, journalling your Taiwan adventures or just keep it as a memory. No two sheets are the same.
Next, wander through U-mkt, a restored historic market with all sorts of interactive arts and crafts, and local goodies. If you wanted a real deep dive into Taiwanese culture, this is it… one discovery at a time. Then, head to the Healing Herbar for a hands-on experience – but we’re keeping that under wraps for now!
Your farewell dinner will be a heartfelt one – don’t say we didn’t warn you! Reminisce about your time in Taiwan with your Patchie crew, and gather for one last He Cai (Taiwanese-style family feast), sharing dishes, laughs and stories from your adventure.
Accommodation: Illume Taipei (or similar), Taipei
Included: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Day 11 – Home
After ten days of snacking, trekking, and crafting your way through some of Taiwan’s most memorable spots, it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll leave Taipei with new friends, new skills and a bigger love for the stories and experiences that make Taiwanese culture so special. Don’t forget to swap details with your Patchies – you never know when or where you’ll meet next but it could be sooner than you think. Until next time, Taiwan!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.66 USD
A deposit is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Level 1
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There is no specific exercise planned for this trip, but there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet – sometimes on uneven ground and unpaved tracks. Daily activities may include morning walks and getting on and off various forms of transport. Art classes may include getting up from ground level or low-lying seats.
You’ll need to be capable of occasionally using a squat toilet. We do our best to accommodate sit-down toilets (all the hotels have them) but when you’re out for the day, and nature calls, sometimes they can’t be avoided.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Citizens of Australia and New Zealand can travel to Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days. A passport valid for at least six months and proof of a return or onward ticket will be needed.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
We’ll be updating this section with the tipping amount and how it’s distributed, soon.
This trip begins and ends in Taipei, Taiwan. We recommend that you fly into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. Both transfers – on arrival and on departure are included in your price.
Several airlines offer direct flights from Australia and New Zealand to Taiwan. One-stop flights are also available, usually connecting through hubs such as Hong Kong or Singapore. The same options are available for the return journey from Taiwan.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier is recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
