Out of all of the places we got a chance to visit during our time in Taiwan, Taroko was my most highly anticipated. This national park, built around a massive, river-cut canyon, contains some of the most picturesque and stunning landscape on the island. Also, unlike Sun Moon Lake, there was a surprising lack of tourist infrastructure that allowed the area to maintain its “local” feeling. All in all, it was my favorite place in Taiwan and is a must-do for anyone passing visiting Taiwan.
THINGS TO DO
Hike Hike Hike!
Taroko Gorge offers some world class hiking, with routes ranging in difficulty from relaxing strolls to mountain climbing. Our favorite was our hike from the Visitors’ Center to Dali Village and back down through Shakadang Trail, which you can read about here. We also enjoyed Swallow Grotto Trail, Lushui Trail, and Baiyang Waterfall.
Cruise Around the Park
Although hiking will provide the most in-depth views of the parks’ wonders, you can see a great deal by just driving through. Going along the park’s cliffside road, you’ll go through tunnels, over bridges and get great views of the massive canyon. If you have the opportunity (and the confidence), we recommend renting a motor scooter, as it will make both parking and stopping for pictures much easier.
WHERE TO STAY
As I said before, Taroko lacks the heavy tourist infrastructure of Sun Moon Lake. This makes the area feel much more remote and helps it maintain its “local spot” character, but it does make finding cheap accommodation a bit of a struggle. If you don’t mind driving an hour to and from the park every day, there are multiple Airbnb’s in Hualien for as low as $20/night for two people.
However, we chose to stay in Dai Yi Shia B&B for just over $30/night for a double room, and we highly recommend! The location of the property could not be beat and we were less than five minutes from the entrance of the park. Our hosts were some of the nicest people we’d ever met and made us custom breakfasts every morning, along with cooking us a massive wild boar feast one night. The matriarch of the house, who is a traditional aboriginal seamstress, also gave us a lesson in weaving and traditional beading. It was by far the best hospitality we’d ever experienced.
COMPLETE COST BREAKDOWN
For the 5 days we were in Taroko Gorge, we spent $354.47 USD which averages out to $35.45/person/day.
Accommodation: $163.05 or our homestay
Activities: $61.15 for massages
Food: $98.35 for all our meals out
Transportation: $31.92 for parking and gas
Misc: No other cost