Tour the idyllic ‘Isla Formosa’
Home to more than 23 million people, Taiwan is a densely populated island off the coast of southeast China. Known for its heaving crowds and industrious factories, Taiwan’s scenic beauty is somewhat overlooked. When Portuguese mariners first glimpsed the island they were said to have pronounced it the ‘Isla Formosa’, meaning the beautiful island. And indeed it is. Almost two-thirds of Taiwan is covered by heavily forested mountains, giving it a dramatic and verdant landscape. While the capital, Taipei, and other parts of the west coast are pulsating with high-rises, electronics factories, bustling streets and interesting ancient temples – the rest of the island has a very different feel. Unless you are on a mission to find as many cheap electronics as possible, heading out and exploring the spectacularly beautiful national parks and high mountains should be on your itinerary.
Why Go?
Go to enjoy the frenetic metropolis that is Taipei, to buy the latest hi-tech gadgets, to see the world’s tallest skyscraper – Taipei 101 - and to enjoy Taiwan’s beautiful scenery. Exploring the national parks, climbing some of the peaks and riding the mountain railway are wonderful experiences.
When to Go?
Taiwan has a subtropical climate with cool winters and hot, humid summers. Winter weather can be chilly and damp, particularly in the north of the island, with temperatures falling to around 8°C at night. Summer temperatures soar to a sweltering 30°C from June to September. The best times to visit Taiwan are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasantly hot. Typhoon season is around September to November, and tend to hit the east coast.
How to get there
There are direct flights to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) from London Heathrow. There are also a number of indirect flights from across the UK. The airport is 25 miles south of Taipei and buses, high-speed trains and taxis are available into the city. Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) also serves Taiwan and there are indirect flights to here from the UK, many with stopovers in Hong Kong.
Must see
Shop till you drop for the very latest gadgets in bustling Taipei. Take a ride on the narrow-gauge train to Alishan and see the lovely scenery in the centre of the island. Visit Kenting National Park and enjoy its beaches. Go hiking in Yushan National Park and see the stunning mountainous scenery, gorgeous sunrise and sunsets. Visit Taiwan’s number one tourist destination, the Taroko Gorge, and see the incredible 12-mile long marble and granite canyon. This is Taiwan at its most spectacular.