Hiking in Taiwan
You can find a list of all the hikes that I’ve done and any extra information that might be useful here. Each link leads to the page for that hike and has details on the trail, how to get there, what you need, maps etc…… If there’s any more info, please feel free to contact me.
Bai Yue – 百岳
The Bai Yue are the top one hundred mountains in Taiwan. They’re all over 3000m above sea level and Yushan 玉山, just shy of 4000m, is the tallest. Permits are needed to climb most, particularly the more difficult ones and they usually need to be applied for in advance. Barking deer, a Tainan Westerner run hiking company, are excellent and can help with applications and/or guided hikes. There are some of the Baiyue are just an hour long walk up from a road and are very easy to do.
Overnight Trips
Taiwan is fantastic for hiking and camping in the mountains. While everyone else sweats it out in Taipei, you can take in some cool mountain air and escape the heat and pollution of the city. Sometimes you need to apply for a permit and for smaller mountains that is a simple case of turning up at the local police station and telling them what you’re going to do. After that you’re pretty much free to hit the trail and whack your tent down wherever you like.
Syaroko Historic Trail – 霞喀羅古道
Day Trips
Most of the hikes that I do are day trips from Taipei. Transport can be problematic and usually I ride my bike to the trailheads, however, where pblic transport is availavle I’ve tried to give details.
Two excellent books are available in English, Taipei day trips 1 and 2. Book 1 can still be found in Eslite, Caves and Page One but book can only be bought from the community centre directly as some of the trails listed have changed/disappeared.
The Four Beasts and others – 四獸山
Zhuzishan and Alibang Waterfall – 竹子山與阿里磅瀑布
Stinkyhead mountain – 臭頭山 (and others)
