The Ultimate Adventure Through Wild Taiwan

After a stint in Taiwan in 2019, I knew I had to get back. This tour was a way to get exposure to the outdoor activities along the east cost, without needing to do the logistics, and bring along my wife for the adventure too! Overall this Much Better Adventure had a well rounded experience of the entire east coast of Taiwan with a good balance between physical activity, scenery and culture. Getting beyond the urbanised centres is a must. The itinerary was well organised, met a decent range of abilities, and I think the difficulty rating is appropriate also. Starting off strong on the hiking front with back to back hiking days, both Yilan and Matcha Mountain hikes were demanding enough to feel like a challenge, and the whole group was able to tackle them. Weather is highly variable, and the kit list came in very handy for switching between raincoats, hiking poles, warmer inner layers and more breathable attire as conditions changed. We could imagine the views that clearer weather would’ve brought - but expect clouds. Mixing paddle boarding, river tracing (new to me!) and cycling meant constant variety, while still being immersed in the outdoor environment. Committing fully to being wet and walking upstream in the canyon-like creeks is a great way to explore them, and there’s pretty much no other way you could get there! Without being seasoned at paddle boarding, I still found it accessible and everyone in the group was able to get up (some had more chances to practice than others, after a few dips!) Our Guide Yessika kept the tour on track, with good timing, planning ahead of each day’s activities and handling logistics. She provided cultural knowledge about each area and the Indigenous people we visited, plus explanations of local geological phenomena, weather patterns and hiking tips. When adapting to traveller needs, she was able to give options and make accomodations if unable to complete parts of an activity. She kept the group moving without feeling rushed, and kept count of everyone to ensure all were accounted for. The local context was invaluable! Our bus driver, Mr Lee was on top of transport. With good control and judgement on the road, especially the windy passes, the smooth driving skills were appreciated. I’m prone to carsickness, so I was glad we had him at the wheel. The air conditioning was always prepped in advance so when we boarded, it was refreshingly cool after an activity. And, he was on time - every time! For packing, the provided list was excellent. Multiple layers and options were essential for the dynamic weather and conditions, especially when managing rain, wind, and heat in high humidity. The moisture wicking under layers and ability to shed waterproof layers quickly were great. Our tour attracted a great group of travellers from across the world, and the group dynamic was positive, friendly and supportive throughout. A pleasure to chat on the bus, over breakfast or on the trail. Overall, this tour is a great one for exploring Taiwan outside the major metropolitan areas, with a good combination of adventure, views, and cultural experiences. Particularly worthwhile for those into more active travel, and while not overly difficult, it is more active than I’d have had the energy to organise myself. I got exactly what I wanted - and came home with a memorable experience. Would definitely recommend to prospective travellers wanting the scenic route along Taiwan’s east cost.

Rarely do I come back from a holiday feeling truly enriched… though finding a piece of jade while river tracing certainly helped. So much of this trip was made up of hidden gems from breathtaking sights to hilarious conversations with the locals. The east coast of Taiwan had something to offer every single day. I couldn't help but feel that so much of what we experienced in such a short time wouldn't have been possible without the polished expertise of this holiday's organiser(s), who truly left no stone unturned. Yessika, our tour guide, really went above and beyond and added a sparkle to the whole trip. Not only did she guide us through harder terrain, but she took the time to educate us on Taiwan's rich history, providing context to every step we took. Mr Lee, our bus driver, was a shining example of reliability. Always on time, and even thoughtful enough to source us fresh fruit after hard days of activity. Whether we were lucky or not is subjective, but what I can say is this trip attracted a rock-solid crew. Always bringing great banter and funny moments, but also real wisdom and life lessons shared through experience. Although not widely publicised, the wildlife was another attraction. Hard to spot, but we could hear birdsong throughout, and the rustlings in the undergrowth (possibly the endangered bears we hoped for!) which provided layers of natural jewels. Thanks for showing us the treasure that is Taiwan!

A colleague of mine once joked that I had “the central nervous system of an 85-year-old man,” which was probably a sign that I needed the kind of holiday that would pull me out of my head and back into my body. The trip delivered exactly what I wanted from an adventure holiday: physical challenge, incredible scenery, and zero logistical stress. Booking & Pre-Trip Experience: Pre-trip experience was excellent. MBA made sign-up simple, kept everything clear, and regularly updated me on itinerary changes with helpful reminders to submit key information. Accommodation: Well chosen locations and very comfortable. Obviously not all accommodations had the same facilities and amenities, but I got a good night's rest regardless of where we stayed. Loved the hot springs where it was available. Food & Dining: The meals that were provided catered to a variety of preferences. I especially enjoyed the local indigenous cuisines, which offered a deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s cultural heritage and traditions. Definitely not experiences easily accessible without MBA. Also randomly stumbled on the BEST shaved ice and coffee in the same place?!?! The Crew: Yessika – BEST tour guide Passionate and knowledgeable about the places we visited. She was very organised and kept the group moving from place to place on time. For each place we visited where we had personal downtime, she provided a variety of recommended places to check out. A true Taiwanese patriot too—she can sing the Taiwan National Anthem by heart 😉 Mr Lee – The BEST driver Always friendly, polite, and consistently punctual. A silent guardian, a watchful protector, who got us everywhere safely and on time. Fellow Travellers – The BEST travelling crew Who knew that bringing together random people from across the world could result in so much camaraderie and laughter? Activities: --Hiking Review-- The first two days of the trip were the most physically demanding, with back-to-back 5–6 hour hikes. For an inexperienced hiker like myself, it felt more challenging than a “moderate” difficulty rating. However, the serenity of the mist, greenery, and waterfalls was totally worth it in the end. For both safety and comfort, I’d strongly recommend bringing hiking poles; otherwise, you may find yourself, as I did, placing an unreasonable amount of trust in random wooden sticks collected from the side of the trail in desperation. Also, prepare to be wowed by local hikers effortlessly gliding past you in nothing but flip-flops, powered seemingly entirely by impossibly sculpted, aerodynamic calf muscles. --Cycling-- Peaceful and relaxing. Cycling was the least physically demanding of all the activities. Cycling through the rice fields of Chishang was pure peace—super scenic and unforgettable. --Water Activities Review-- Really Fun!!! We participated in both stand-up paddle-boarding and river tracing. All the water sports came with adequate gear such as wetsuits and life vests, so even inexperienced swimmers like me felt safe. Watch your step though—there is a fair amount of walking on rocks and uneven surfaces. The cold water could be uncomfortable for some at times. The local guides were lovely and highly experienced. --Overall-- 10/10

As with the UK, the climate and culture differ considerably whether you are in the lake district or the south coast and thus this trip requires the full range of factor 50 face cream and waterproof attire. There is a certain amount of flexibility needed to adapt as weather conditions change by the day and location but there was in May, a certain pattern in terms of levels of humidity. This was my third MBA trip and at 58, I would say that I needed to pace myself as some days were harder than others. Subject to which day you wished to opt out of, the alternatives depended on whether we were travelling or not. Some negotiations in advance with the hotels for an early check in would be prudent and helpful for future trips. Taiwan is blessed with an incredible diversity of mountains, gorges, rivers, seas and oceans and under the expert driving of the legendary Mr Lee, you always felt safe and secure, Yessika, our tour leader was knowledgeable and passionate about all the many experiences the group would go on to share. The local guides were also superb, whether paddle boarding or river tracing, they really enhanced the day's adventures. We were also very fortunate to have such a well-balanced and bonded team, with fathers and sons, brother and sisters, husbands and wives and a few solo adventurers all working together to support one another and share in the various activities. As a vegetarian, I can vouch that the meals provided were sufficient and on occasion, exceptional and given the ubiquitous 7/11 stores, it was easy to supplement and widen the dietary offerings should the need arise. The accommodation was the best I have experienced on my previous MBA trips, really spacious and many with laundry facilities. At the final meal, when we all shared our favourite day's adventures, between us, we all pretty much covered every activity, some preferring the water based trips, others the hikes and still others, the days where there were multiple activities (Cycling and paddle boarding) and this broad range of responses, was a really good example of the incredible range of landscapes, cities and villages that Taiwan has to offer. I will definitely be encouraging others to visit Taiwan and to explore the MBA offer, as it would be impossible to cover as much ground as we did, without their expertise.

1st time travelling with Much better Adventures and it didn't disappoint! The trip through Taiwan had everything: great hikes, cycling through paddy fields, amazing river adventures, a gentle SUP excursion, hot springs and so much more all brilliantly managed by our wonderful guide Yessica. The love of her county, its people, and culture was a joy to share and I especially loved the food tasting in the night markets and the visit to the stone village on the last day. Yessica made it a magical adventure and I would love to come back to Taiwan again. Thank you Yessica!

My husband and I travel frequently on our own but decided to do this tour due to the variety of activities in hard to reach places. I’m so glad we did it because the trip is a great combination of outdoor adventure and learning about the Taiwanese food and culture, including the indigenous communities living in this part of Taiwan. Our guide Yessica was awesome and the trip felt very well organized and well balanced between fun and travel to the next destination. The 10 days flew by. Taiwan is a beautiful place and the people are very welcoming. I highly recommend this tour!

This trip pulled together an amazing itinerary which varied everyday. The east coast was stunning and the trip afforded access to areas which would otherwise be difficult to get to. Yessika our guide was incredibly helpful and a joy to be around. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting a fun adventure in Taiwan.

Challenging the Trails On the second and third days of our journey, we tackled two historic trails, truly hitting the ground running. I quickly realised I’d underestimated the humidity in northern Taiwan—day two turned into a complete sweat fest, with endless stairs to conquer. If you’re chasing that perfect Insta-ready shot, be warned: the cloud cover can be low and the humidity sits at a sweltering 95%. At times, you could barely make me out through the misty mountain air. This is a place where you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Discovering River Tracing River tracing was an absolute revelation for me. We started with baby steps on day four, enjoying a gentle introduction to the sport, before taking on a more challenging river tracing adventure on day eight. At 62 years old, I managed it—proof that with a bit of grit and determination, anything’s possible! More Than Just Adventure This trip was about more than just physical challenges. Our itinerary also included cycling, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), as well as numerous cultural and culinary experiences. Along the way, we met some truly wonderful guides whose passion for Taiwan and joy in sharing their skills and indigenous heritage was inspiring. Travelling down the east coast and moving further from the capital, we noticed the cultures change and diversify. Incredible Guides and Group Support Our indigenous guides, along with our dedicated guide Yessica who accompanied us throughout, worked tirelessly to share and translate local insights. I have to commend Yessica for her commitment to our group and her enthusiasm in sharing her love for her home country. She was wonderful. Reliable Support on the Road We couldn’t have managed the adventure without Mr Lee, our driver. Always punctual and reliable, Mr Lee was a welcome sight, especially on the hottest days or after six hours out on the trail. There was nothing better than seeing his air-conditioned bus waiting for us at the end of a tough day. Reflections on Taiwan I loved every minute of my time in Taiwan.

I had a great time on the March Wild Taiwan trip. The group were pleasant, and Yessica and Mike were both a wealth of information on Taiwan, its Indigenous culture and the Taiwanese way of life.

Enjoyed the activities very much - we didn't always have great views on the hikes (too grey / misty) but the cycling, SUP and river tracing were fun. The hot springs were a nice way to ease tired muscles and the accommodation exceeded my expectations. Great to go to the indigenous village and be blessed by the witch! Our guides ( we had 2 as one fell ill ) were great and encouraged us to try local food and drink and treated us on several occasions. They were keen to make the trip a positive experience which it absolutely was.