Tropical Taiwan

The Asian continent is well known and loved for its stunning beaches, from the jaw-dropping beauty of Thailand’s many islands to the emerald green waters of Vietnam’s Halong Bay. Most people tend to overlook Taiwan as a beachgoers destination, associating the island more with city life and shopping than with tropical beaches. If you think along these lines you will be pleasantly surprised to discover the stunning coastline of this tiny island with its almost empty beaches and bays.

Taiwan, like it’s sister island Hainan, is an island that experiences tropical and sub-tropical climates. Situated under the Tropic of Cancer and on the same latitude as Miami, Florida, it is not hard to understand why. As a result, Taiwan has an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius all year round, without cold winters or brutally hot summers.

This climate makes it ideal for a summer holiday, and its abundance of beautiful beaches completes the package. Picture-perfect beaches with white sand and emerald water or golden, surf beaches can be found within an hour of almost any location on the island. You may even be lucky enough to stumble upon one of Taiwan’s rare black sand beaches.

If you have limited time and are based in Taipei, Fulong Beach is a good choice for a day trip. This stretch of golden sand beaches lies on the north coast in Fulong Village, Gongliao Township, by the river beach of the Shuangsi River. With deep, calm water this beach is perfect for canoeing and windsurfing as well as swimming. Trains run from Taipei to Fulong daily. To get to the beach, turn right along the main road from the train station and take the first left from the small stream.

Keen surfers should head to Honeymoon Bay in Ilan County, also known as Dashi. The Bay lies 90 minutes from the city of Taipei and can be reached by a daily train to Tahsi station. Waves can be 2 to 3 metres high, so is a good option for surfers. There are several small surf companies offering hire and teaching options. Swimming is also good here but currents may be strong so be careful.

Perhaps the most popular beach destination for Taiwanese locals is Kenting, located in southern Taiwan. The stunning beaches are surrounded by an 18,000 hectare national park, placing a popular beach destination amongst an incredible natural setting. Due to its popularity there are plenty of water activities available like diving, surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing and boating.

For a more secluded and private feel head to Baishawan Beach, situated on the northern coast of Taiwan between Linshanbi and Cape Fugei. With over a kilometre of white sand and clear, clean water, Baishawan is the perfect tropical island experience, without the development of places like Phuket or Hawaii.

If you would rather get off the mainland and experience some of Taiwan’s smaller island beaches, Jibei Island in the Penghu archipelago is a good option with its stunning Baishawei Beach. Nearby Bikini Island is worth a visit if you have the time for its excellent diving and snorkelling.

So before you dismiss Taiwan as lacking in beaches, think again. The best season to experience Taiwan’s beaches is from May through to October, when the weather is warm and slightly humid but you will avoid the hot, rainy months.