Introducing East Coast
For many travellers, a love affair with the east coast begins with a journey to Taroko Gorge. Wandering this bedazzling marble canyon, visitors often find a private paradise in the form of a deep waterfall-fed pool or rocky lookout. Such delight does this discovery give that most people fear losing the spot to the masses and try to keep it secret.
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But fear not, there are places like this all over the east coast. If ever you should take our recommendation to get off the beaten track, this is the time and place to do it.
Two main highways run through the east; try to travel them both (one down and one up). Hwy 11 is the coastline route and offers stops for swimming, biking and visiting aboriginal and fishing villages. Hwy 9 runs through a wide valley, rich in hot springs and local flavour. This is also prime farmland and the vast fields of rice, backed up by dark green hills, are wonderfully photogenic.
Eastern Taiwan has the highest concentration of indigenous peoples in Taiwan and many tribal members maintain both their language and lifestyle. Visiting an aboriginal village or attending a traditional festival is a highlight for most travellers.
For years, people have been saying that the time to visit the east coast is now before its backwater charms are lost forever, but we see no danger of that happening for a while yet. In any case, if you happen to find one piece of this paradise has gotten too crowded, there’s always the next valley over.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Taiwan Chinese New Year
by aquacait 20 January 2011
Hey! I was in the same situation a week ago and decided to stay in Taiwan when I realized every flight anywhere was booked ... The East…
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RE: Taiwan Chinese New Year
by channamasala 08 January 2011
ummm, onetour, Taiwan is not in China! The two cannot even be compared. The east coast in Taiwan will be crowded, true, but this year…
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RE: From Taroko National Park to Sun Moon Lake and Taichung...
by nightwalker 24 November 2010
There is a cross-island highway that you can take, but when I was there in September it was still closed. I don't think there is a way…
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East Coast
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East Coast Overview
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Make it happen
Our Top Picks For East Coast
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1 Taroko Gorge
Hike ancient hunting trails in Taroko Gorge
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2 Hsiukuluan River
Raft the scenic Hsiukuluan River
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3 Highway 11
Cycle down the winding coastline on Highway 11
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4 Sixty Stone Mountain
Photograph colourful fields of orange day lilies on Sixty Stone Mountain
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5 Mataian
Visit the wetland classroom of Mataian
Our favourite East Coast Blogs (beta)
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Mishaps & Adventure in Taroko Gorge
Blog: To China... and Beyond! - 9 November 2010
Today, I learned an important lesson: When heading out on a 7-hour hike, eat more than 2 slices of toast beforehand. And bring snacks! I spent most of my first week in Taiwan in Taipei, but on Monday morning, my roommate Michael and I hopped on a train to the east coast.
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Wai Guo Ren’s: We’re Big in Taiwan (Kara’s Taroko Gorge guest post!)
Blog: 12FOOT3 - 10 May 2009
Note: We have a special treat for you today! Kara wrote this awesome guest post about the 3-day trip we took to Taroko Gorge. Thanks to K for lending us her voice…and thanks again to K & P for coming out! It means so much to us to share this adventure with you. We love [...]
