Destinations & Things To Do

For an alternative to Taipei, consider these 5 hidden gems in Taiwan

Published

3 months ago

May 5, 2025

To many travelers, a trip to Taiwan begins and ends in Taipei, for its dense night markets and syrupy-sweet bubble tea. But beyond the capital’s crush of scooters and skyscrapers lies an island defined not just by its food, but by its astonishing biodiversity.

More than half of Taiwan is forested with ecosystems ranging from subtropical jungle to alpine cedar groves. In just a few hours, you can drive from sunlit coastlines to mist-covered peaks. These five destinations show Taiwan’s wilder side—from Indigenous seaside villages to remote mountain forests—where tradition and nature are deeply intertwined.

1. Pinglin District

Just an hour’s drive southeast of Taipei, Pinglin is a mountain town and district shaped by tea. Nestled in the lush hills of New Taipei City, it sits upstream of the Feitsui Reservoir, the main source of drinking water for more than six million people in the Taipei metro area.

To safeguard the watershed, the government introduced strict environmental regulations in the 1980s, limiting large-scale construction and industrial development. While these restrictions have frustrated some locals and developers, they’ve helped preserve one of Taiwan’s most pristine rural landscapes.

“Pinglin is incredibly rich in tree ferns,” says Phaedra Fang, an assistant researcher at the National Taiwan Museum and occasional tour guide. “They’re an ancient group of plants—around since the dinosaurs. And there are just so many of them there.”

Terraced fields ripple across the hillsides, blanketed with tea bushes used to make baozhong, a lightly oxidized oolong prized for its melon-like sweetness. The town hums with birdlife year-round: Taiwan barbets, crested goshawks, and swallows flit through the undergrowth. “Swallows like to build nests underneath the roofs of locals,” Fang notes.

Stop by the Pinglin Tea Museum for a comprehensive look at how tea is grown, processed, and brewed. Just down the road, Pinglin Old Street is lined with cozy teahouses serving the season’s newest flush—often steeped and poured by the farmers themselves.

Located eight miles from the mainland of Taiwan, Xiaoliuqiu is the country’s only coral island with a significant number of residents. It is known for its sea turtles, beaches, coral reefs, and off-shore diving adventures.

Photograph by Jui-Chi Chan, iStock/Getty Images

2. Xiaoliuqiu Island

Just off Taiwan’s southwest coast, Xiaoliuqiu is a coral island framed by gliding green sea turtles and shimmering tide pools. It’s one of the island’s most accessible dive spots—under five hours from Taipei, including a quick 25-minute ferry from the port town of Donggang.

Taiwan straddles a unique geographic divide. Its northern half is largely subtropical, while the southern half shifts into a tropical zone. “Taichung is the dividing line,” says Dennis Wong, co-owner of Fun Divers Taiwan. The dive shop has been guiding underwater excursions around the island since 2013. Located in central Taiwan, Taichung marks where the waters start to warm and the marine life becomes more vibrant. “South of that, you get more coral, more color, and much more variety,” Wong says.

Thanks to its position in the Taiwan Strait on the west coast, Xiaoliuqiu is shielded from the strong currents that batter other southern sites. Visibility often stretches 40 to 65 feet, and the waters brim with life: blue-spotted stingrays, juvenile barracuda, moray eels, and native lionfish.

Scooters make it easy to explore the island’s volcanic terrain above ground, but most divers head out by boat to access the best offshore sites such as Broken Shipwreck, where you can explore the remains of a small cargo boat and the glittery reef that surrounds it. Peak season runs from May through September when the sea is glassy and clear.

3. Dulan, Taitung County

With some of the best surf in Taiwan, Dulan draws wave-chasers year-round to its black sand beaches and wild Pacific swells. But this east coast village is more than a surf spot—it’s also home to the Amis, the largest of Taiwan’s Indigenous groups, known for their deep ties to the ocean.

At low tide, Amis women still wade into the shallows to gather shellfish by hand, just as their grandmothers did. Inland, trails thread through fields of wild taro and thickets of edible greens, foraged from forest edges and folded into everyday meals.

Today, Dulan is also a magnet for creativity. A growing community of artists, musicians, and expats have settled here, drawn by the scenery and spirit of the place. Visit the repurposed Dulan Sugar Factory, a former relic of Taiwan’s industrial past that now buzzes with weekend concerts, artisan studios, and pop-up galleries. Or grab lunch at Taitung Tea House, a fish and chips joint slinging deep-fried locally caught mahi mahi.

Occasionally, the village plays host to the Amis Music Festival, a grassroots celebration of indigenous identity that brings together artists from across Taiwan and beyond. Performances spill into open fields with the ocean on one side and green slopes rising behind.

Travelers can time their trip to witness firsthand the Millet Harvest Festival, a traditional festival celebrating the Rukai Indigenous people in Dulan, Taiwan.

Photograph by Frederic Petry, Hans Lucas/Redux

4. Pingtung

Taiwan’s southernmost county is often called the island’s breadbasket. Its sun-drenched plains produce much of the nation’s fruit—from wax apples and lychees to pineapples, mangos, and bananas—thanks to a tropical climate and year-round growing season. But its mountains hold stories just as rich as its plains. The region is layered with biodiversity and history, which includes the ancient trails once used by Indigenous people and early Western explorers to get to remote Indigenous stone-slab villages. Tropical flora thrive in these hills—like prickly ash and hibiscus—and you might spot wild boar, macaques, or the elusive crested serpent eagle.

“The clouded leopard may be gone, but its spirit still lingers in the forests here,” says Fang. Once sacred to Indigenous communities and considered a guardian of the mountains, the Formosan clouded leopard hasn’t been officially sighted since the 80s—but stories persist. Locals speak of fleeting shadows slipping through the undergrowth of something leaping from cliffs or vanishing into trees. Whether myth or memory, its presence still haunts the hills.

That deep connection to land and memory is still alive in places like New Laiyi Village, a relocated settlement of the Paiwan—an Indigenous group native to Taiwan’s southern mountain ranges. In the years since, residents have returned to traditional farming, cultivating millet, red quinoa, taro, and shell ginger using low-impact methods. Their vegetable shop serves as both a farmers’ market and cultural hub—selling seasonal produce, and hosting workshops on agricultural knowledge once at risk of being lost. It’s part of a wider effort across Pingtung to sustain indigenous lifeways through food, storytelling, and land stewardship.

The Alishan Forest Railway runs through the Alishan National Scenic Area, a nature reserve and mountain resort in Chiayi County, Taiwan.

Photograph by Aaron Chen PS2, iStock/Getty Images

5. Alishan Township

Best known for its sunrise views and century-old forest railway, Alishan is a high-mountain region in Chiayi County about a two-hour drive from the nearest high-speed rail station. Crisscrossed with hiking trails, it’s a place of ancient cypress groves, fog-laced ridgelines, and wild lilies in spring. “Alishan is key to understanding Taiwan’s forestry and transportation history,” says Fang.

The narrow-gauge Alishan Forest Railway—originally built during Japanese rule to haul cypress logs from deep in the mountains—still clatters through switchbacks and spirals, linking trailheads, tea farms, and fog-shrouded villages. The century-old trains, some restored with cypress wood interiors, feel more like a time machine than public transit. After years of storm damage and partial closures, key sections have recently reopened, part of Taiwan’s broader effort to restore its historic railways.

At over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) above sea level, Alishan’s high elevation and eastward-facing ridgelines make it one of the best places in Taiwan to catch the sunrise. At Zhushan, a popular viewing point, early risers gather to watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds, flooding the Central Mountain Range with golden light. On clear mornings, Yushan—Taiwan’s tallest peak—emerges in a sharp silhouette.

In Alishan, farmers cultivate Taiwan’s celebrated high mountain oolong at elevations above 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), where cool, misty air slows leaf growth and concentrates aroma. The sharp contrast between warm days and cold nights intensifies the tea’s floral flavor, while the mineral-rich soil adds clarity and depth.

Clarissa Wei is an American freelance journalist and award-winning author who lives in Taipei, Taiwan. Her debut book, Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation, was nominated for a James Beard Award and won the IACP Julia Child First Book Award.

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Destinations & Things To Do

Into the High Sierra – Thunderstorms, Snowfields & Mt. Whitney Prep

Published

49 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Patrik and Adela

The Sierra is showing her true face – with marmots, thunderstorms, snowy climbs, and mosquito swarms. We’re officially in the high country now. Our group is back together, we’ve had our first real alpine lake swim, and we’re camping above 3,000 meters. With wet boots, sore legs, and full bear cans, we’re ready to tackle our biggest challenge yet: Mt. Whitney.

Day 55 – Marmots, Mosquitos & Mountain Views

Last night was warm enough to sleep with just the sleeping bag draped over us. Morning was a bit of a scramble to dig out our hand sanitizer and wet wipes from the bear can, but we made it work. Packing still takes a while – we’re getting used to fitting all our food into the can – but we eventually hit the trail. A long climb awaits, and we’re happy to have gotten a head start on the rest of the group.

The landscape is fully transformed. No more desert – we’re walking through cool, shady forest, sometimes even crunching over old snow patches. Instead of snakes, we spot a marmot. Yep, we’re in the mountains now. We stop for breakfast at a gorgeous overlook and still haven’t been caught by our crew. Weird.

Veary finally catches up during snack break. The trail drops down to lunch. Turns out Timo and Lea got delayed – they forgot to collect water and even had to set up their tent at breakfast to escape the mosquito apocalypse. Apparently, the season has begun. We got lucky with a breezy, bug-free breakfast spot, but the Swiss were swarmed. And to make matters worse, a mouse chewed a hole in Lea’s sock.

We eat lunch by a creek but don’t linger – dark clouds are forming. The forecast had warned of storms. We still have to climb a ridge, so we push on. Thankfully, the clouds move the other way. The views are spectacular – even the dried-up lakebeds look dramatic.

We hike further than planned. The original camp is too early and the weather holds, so we go for it. Our new camp is beautiful, but the water source is a bit of a hike downhill. By 5 p.m., we have tents up, stretched our legs, and counted the 70 steps to dinner rock. That’s where the bear cans and anything smelly go for the night.

We’re camping at 3,144 meters. We’ll see how sleep goes – apparently, the mosquitos have no issue with elevation.

Day 56 – Storms, Snowfields & a Glacial Lake Dip

Rain during the night! Not everyone was ready. Some scrambled to throw on their tent fly, Patrik climbed out to grab his backpack from a tree, and a few of us slept through the whole three-minute shower like champs.

Out of camp by 6 a.m. The trail is beautiful – forest, meadows, and increasingly frequent snow. Our shoes are starting to get damp. Clouds start gathering late morning, and by the time we reach our lunch spot at Chicken Lake, the thunder is rolling.

On the way, we lose the trail while navigating a snow patch and have to bushwhack a bit to find it again. Luckily, we spot Lea and follow her to the lake.

The sun is still out, so we seize the moment – glacial lake swim! Absolutely freezing, but refreshing and wonderful.

The Swiss are planning to wait out the storm here – they’ve already set up their tent. We eat quickly and hit the trail again in jackets. The climb is steep and the rain eventually starts, but we’re well prepared. No lightning near our ice axes, thankfully.

After filtering water for the night (no source at camp), we come across a massive snow wall – that’s the trail. We climb it, feeling tiny in the landscape. Just before camp, we stop for a snack – no eating at camp in bear country.

Camp comes early today, which is nice. We stretch, build the tent, and relax. The Swiss arrive much later – they got caught in the rain after packing up.

Dinner is 70 steps away again, and the evening is spent making a plan for tomorrow’s Mt. Whitney summit attempt. We’re sleeping at 3,362 meters. It’s getting cold – time to tuck in.

Day 57 – River Crossings & Ready for Whitney

No alarm this morning – we’re taking it easy. Today is just 11 miles to the base of Mt. Whitney. We plan to arrive early and rest up before tomorrow’s big climb.

I try packing the bear can inside my backpack for once. Not great. First, we have to cross a river to get to breakfast. It’s a proper river, but luckily there’s a fallen tree across it. We use that to get over.

Breakfast by the water. I’m still fiddling with my pack – the can is hard and presses uncomfortably into my back. Eventually, Lea arrives… but no Timo. After a while with no sign of him, we ping him on Garmin. Turns out there was a miscommunication, and she hikes back to find him. Eventually, we’re all together again and ready to move.

What a climb. Steep, relentless. We huff and puff our way up and are rewarded with an epic view – and storm clouds building once again.

The descent feels more like a retreat from the weather. We cross another river – this time no log, so in we go, boots and socks soaked.

Thankfully, camp is just around the corner. We pitch tents fast and stash the ice axes far away, just in case. We wait in the tent, hoping for a break in the rain so we can eat.

The sky clears just in time for a late lunch. We meet up with the group, then head back for a nap.

Later, the sun comes out – we hang up our soggy shoes and socks to dry before nightfall. Nap until six, then it’s dinner time.

We sit in a cozy hiker circle with our little trail family – and a surprise guest. A coyote trots casually past our camp!

Doug starts a new tradition: a dinner conversation topic. Today’s is books. Yes, please.We prep our snacks for tomorrow’s climb, stash everything in the bear can, and crawl into our bags. It’s time. Whitney tomorrow.

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Destinations & Things To Do

Kennedy Meadows & Into the Sierra

Published

2 hours ago

July 20, 2025

Patrik and Adela

Three whole nights in one place – our first proper break! Kennedy Meadows marked the end of the desert and the start of something new. Between laundry, gear upgrades, bear can drama, and one homemade Czech trail magic, we wrapped up the desert chapter in style. On Day 54, we finally stepped into the Sierra – with snow gear strapped on, a bear can full of food, and a banana bread in our pack.

Day 52 – Pancakes, Packages & Planning

The downside of hiker hubs? Too many hikers. Some partied a little too hard last night, so the early morning hours were full of loud voices and wobbly footsteps. Still, we slept surprisingly well.

We stayed in our sleeping bags until almost 7:30, but when we finally rolled out, breakfast was calling! Turns out, so was everyone else. Long line, and a delayed opening. We didn’t get food until after 10.

Patrik got a burrito; I went for the “Hiker Breakfast” with Lea and Tim – eggs, hashbrowns, sausage, and a pancake so massive it didn’t fit on the plate… or in our stomachs. We packed the leftovers for lunch.

Next mission: resupply. We waited a bit, but at least there was Wi-Fi. New shoes (finally – over 700 miles!), food, and cute little birthday beanies. Patrik gifted me mine.

Then it was time for Triple Crown Outfitters – this little shack has everything: food for 7 days, bug nets, fresh socks, gaiters, and the big-ticket items – bear canister and ice axe. The bear can is that lovely blue barrel we now have to store all our food, trash, toothpaste, and smelly stuff in overnight. The folks there also gave us a quick rundown on ice axe basics.

Next up: the chaos of repacking. Somehow, we made it work. While Patrik finally got a hot shower (the water just started working again), I queued up for the laundry.

Reward? A milkshake and a well-deserved rinse.

By dinner, we met up with Doug and Veary – our new hiking crew for the Sierra. We went over route planning and snow strategies.

Laundry pickup had one final surprise: all of us were missing a sock. We searched everywhere. Then I remembered Marlen has the same ones as me… and sure enough – she had both of ours. Sock mystery solved. Good night.

Day 53 – Double Zero = Double Chill

First time taking a double zero – three nights, two full days. Yesterday was busy. Today? Nothing but chill.

We still woke up around six (ugh, body clocks), but at least there was no rush. Breakfast: leftover pancake.

We spent the morning catching up on calls – even got to chat with our friend Marťa. Then one last trip to TCO for a few forgotten odds and ends. Slowly, it was time for lunch: we shared a pizza (no hiker hunger today).

Then came a fun moment – decorating our ice axes with nail polish and snapping a group photo.

Finally, time for real relaxation. We laid in the tent and watched a few episodes of our show.

And then: the big moment! Patrik’s Czech trail magic. A few weeks ago, he came up with a small project – to share a little piece of home with the trail. So many hikers and strangers have helped us, and he wanted to give something back. He made a post on LinkedIn asking for support, and ended up partnering with To není možný, a Czech brand. They sent us a package of Liluka snacks, which we handed out to hikers around Kennedy. We were so happy to share a bit of Czech flavor with this awesome community.

Before dinner, one last hot shower. Then burgers for dinner and a quick round of card game instructions from Timo. I was a little disappointed – they ran out of ice cream. No milk either! And I’d been looking forward to it all day…

Anyway. We repacked our food one last time, brushed our teeth, and called it a night.

Day 54 – Banana Bread & Bear Cans

We woke up naturally – a mix of excitement and nerves. New terrain, new routines. Packing took a while as we figured out how to attach everything. Patrik and I decided to keep our food inside our packs and strap the bear can (empty or with clothes) on top. Others carried their cans vertically inside the pack.

Before we left, a fellow hiker gave us banana bread – his wife had baked it for him. Then we waited for the shuttle back to trail.

Miraculously, we squeezed six hikers and their packs into the car. Back on trail! Today was a training day – hiking together as a group, even though it wasn’t strictly necessary yet.

Barely two miles in, we hit trail magic: pancakes and oranges. Yes, please!

The trail is already changing. Still a bit sandy, but no longer desert-like. We crossed a proper river and had water almost the whole way. What a luxury!

Only desert memory left? A snake watching us from the bushes.

Snack break = banana bread. Then we filtered water and had lunch by a creek. We decided to go a bit farther than planned. Doug even showed us a tree that smells like caramel!

Later, from a bridge, we saw fish in the river. From cacti to trout – what a transition. We reached our camp by 4 – a quiet spot in the woods near a little stream. We rinsed off, stretched, and set up camp.

Dinner had to be 70 steps downwind from our tents. That’s also where we left our bear cans overnight – filled with food, toothpaste, sunscreen, even trash. Everything a bear might love. Not all of it fit tonight, but we’ll eat some tomorrow. Walking there and back in camp shoes? Something to get used to.

Goodnight from the edge of the Sierra.

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Destinations & Things To Do

Untouched Destinations: Stunning Hidden Gems You Must Visit

Discover the magic of untouched destinations—hidden gems where nature’s beauty and local culture remain pure, offering travelers a serene escape from the crowds and a chance to experience the world in its most authentic form.

Published

2 hours ago

July 20, 2025

the Editor

The World’s Most Untouched Destinations: Where Mass Tourism Hasn’t Reached

In an age dominated by Instagram-worthy spots and heavily trafficked landmarks, many travelers yearn to explore truly off-the-grid places, where crowds are absent, and nature or local culture remains undisturbed. These untouched destinations offer a rare glimpse into serene beauty and authentic experiences, often preserved by geography, accessibility challenges, or conscious local stewardship. For those seeking adventures away from the conventional travel sphere, understanding where to go — and how to respectfully engage — is crucial. Here, we delve into some of the world’s most pristine locations, enriched by insights from locals and explorers who have ventured beyond the beaten path.

Explore Truly Off-the-Grid Places: The Appeal of Untouched Destinations

The appeal of untouched destinations is multifaceted. Beyond the aesthetic and environmental purity, these sites often carry a sense of solitude and intimacy that mass tourism struggles to deliver. They provide a chance to reconnect with nature and local cultures on a deeper level, away from commercialized settings.

Locals from these regions often have a distinct perspective shaped by years of living in harmony with their environment. For example, indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest emphasize sustainable practices that preserve their land while welcoming curious travelers with respect and openness. Similarly, remote islanders in the Pacific encourage visitors to immerse themselves in their traditions rather than simply observe from a distance.

Explorers who specialize in off-the-grid travel often emphasize preparation and sensitivity. Understanding local customs, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting small-scale, locally owned businesses all contribute to sustaining the fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage of such places.

Hidden Gems of the World: Where Mass Tourism Has Yet to Bloom

1. The Faroe Islands, North Atlantic

Nestled between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands have escaped heavy tourism despite breathtaking cliffs, dramatic fjords, and vibrant birdlife. With fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, the islands maintain a quiet, authentic charm that travelers find irresistible. Locals welcome visitors but advocate for cautious tourism development to keep the place unspoiled.

According to a community leader in Tórshavn, the islands prioritize small-scale eco-tourism initiatives that promote hiking and wildlife-watching without overburdening the local infrastructure. Exploring this archipelago means wandering serene coastal paths, dining on fresh, locally caught seafood, and engaging with a rich cultural tapestry of Viking history and Nordic influences.

2. The Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Far removed from European Russian cities, Kamchatka offers volcanic landscapes, steaming geysers, and extensive wilderness. Few tourists venture this far east due to the region’s remoteness and challenging logistics. However, those who do are rewarded with unrivaled natural beauty and encounters with bears, salmon runs, and traditional reindeer herders.

Native Koryak people and other indigenous groups emphasize living in balance with nature, inviting respectful visitors to learn about their customs and traditions. Explorers emphasize that traveling here requires preparation for rugged conditions and a spirit of adventure, but the payoff is a rarity in modern travel — pristine solitude.

3. Taveuni Island, Fiji

Often overshadowed by Fiji’s more popular islands like Viti Levu or Vanua Levu, Taveuni remains a hidden paradise with lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rich coral reefs. The local communities are active in conservation efforts to protect Taveuni’s biodiversity, which includes rare bird species and vibrant marine life.

Visitors who come here to explore off-the-beaten-path trails and dive pristine reefs are urged to support community-run eco-lodges and cultural tours. Local guides share stories passed through generations, providing travelers with a deep connection to the land and sea far away from typical tourist crowds.

How to Travel Responsibly in Untouched Destinations

When exploring truly off-the-grid places, it’s important to embrace responsible travel practices. Many local residents have expressed concerns about preserving their environment and culture, as unchecked tourism can bring unintended harm.

Here are several guiding principles recommended by locals and experienced explorers:

Respect Local Customs: Take time to learn about and respect the traditions and ways of life of indigenous communities. Friendly inquiry and cultural sensitivity go a long way.
Minimize Environmental Impact: Stick to established trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and use eco-friendly products to reduce your footprint.
Support Local Economies: Choose locally owned accommodations, hire guides from the community, and purchase handmade crafts to contribute positively to the local economy.
Travel Light and Slow: Reduce the frequency of travel and extend your stay when possible to lower carbon emissions and engage more deeply with your surroundings.
Stay Informed: Keep updated on local conservation efforts and challenges. Being an informed traveler helps advocate for sustainable tourism.

The Future of Untouched Destinations in a Connected World

As global connectivity increases, few places will remain completely untouched forever. However, the growing awareness of sustainable travel’s importance may help safeguard many of these hidden gems. Technology can be a double-edged sword — while it spreads awareness and attracts visitors, it can also overwhelm fragile environments if not managed correctly.

Both local stakeholders and travelers hold responsibility for ensuring that these rare sanctuaries remain intact. Responsible travelers can act as ambassadors for preservation, sharing the beauty and cultural richness of these places while respecting their boundaries.

Ultimately, the allure of truly off-the-grid places lies not only in their pristine landscapes but in the unique human stories they preserve. To explore these corners of the world is to embark on a journey of humility and discovery — a profound reminder that some of the greatest travel experiences occur away from the trodden tourist trails.

For those inspired to step beyond familiar destinations, embracing patience, respect, and curiosity can unlock unforgettable adventures that few have had the privilege to experience. The world’s most untouched destinations are not simply places on a map; they are living testaments to nature’s and humanity’s enduring harmony.