Ride Kaohsiung to Kenting

Taiwan’s deep south is a land of banana palms, pineapple fields and fringing coral reefs. Away from the coast huge mountains dominate the landscape, and are home to a number of indigenous Taiwanese communities, including the Rukai and Paiwan, many of whom continue to live a traditional existence (albeit with a few modern twists), just a stone’s throw from the bright lights of Kaohsiung. Little known outside of Taiwan, the island’s indigenous communities have been thriving here for nearly four thousand years, and offer an unexpected view of the island, which provides the perfect antidote to city life. 

Our ride presents an ever-changing pastiche of the rich Taiwanese countryside, mango orchards, papaya and dragon fruit plantations, Buddhist temples, Christian churches, and maybe even the odd monkey or snake. Like the rest of Taiwan, the south is blessed with numerous hot springs which are perfect to soothe aching muscles after a day in the saddle. The ride ends in Kenting, Taiwan’s tropical playground, where there are endless activities on offer including hiking, snorkelling, kayaking and surfing. 

The distances and predominantly downhill nature of the ride makes it readily achievable for most riders of reasonable fitness. Our first day in the mountains around Baolai allows riders to get a feel for their bikes and the gears on traffic-free roads at altitudes of 500-1000m. The next couple of days are predominantly downhill, whilst the longest day’s riding, from Santimen to Sizhongxi is almost entirely flat.