Why TAIWAN?
Taiwan is located north of the Philippines and southwest of Japan. Taiwan is a sub tropical island straddling the Tropic of Cancer with a high mountain range running from the north of the island to the southern tip. Being sub-tropical, whilst the North of the island can be cold and wet in winter the Southern and Eastern coast enjoy sunshine with clean waters and fresh air.
With yellow sandy beaches in the south, palm trees, and dramatic mountain backdrops Taiwan can be considered to have an outer Island Hawaiian feeling. The East Coast with mountains meeting the ocean offers black sand and boulder-type breaks, again warm clear water and unpolluted air.
With many beach conditions on offer, surfing is suitable for beginners to experienced surfer alike.
South Taiwan and Surf Spots
Southern Taiwan sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea offers an opportunity to surf different swells in different seasons. Kenting National Park is located on the most southern end of Taiwan, being a peninsula there are three different seas, on the West we have the Taiwan Strait, to the South, The Bashi Channel and the Eastside is facing the Pacific Ocean.
Southern Taiwan surf breaks range from white sand beach breaks, A frame river mouth, reef breaks and massive boulders all in close proximity to each other. Located just above the Philippines, during the summer season the swell normally comes from typhoons forming in the Pacific and southwest monsoon season from April to late August. Starting from September till the following February is the northeast monsoon season, which can send in a good swell to both sides of the island. Surf can be found all year round, with warm water even in winter time although the NE Monsoon winds can be a little chilly.
All of the surf spots are within 30 minutes drive from the Red Garden Resort, which even has a summertime break in front of the resort.
East Taiwan and Surf Spots
Taidong (in Mandarin means East Taiwan) is an elongated coastal province on East Coast facing the Pacific Ocean with a stunning high mountain range as a backdrop. This region feels the full force of Pacific pulses during the winter months. Summer season the swell normally comes from typhoons forming in the Pacific and southwest monsoon season from April to late August. Starting from September till the following February is the northeast monsoon season, which can send in a good swell Offering a range of different surf breaks such as black sand beach breaks, river mouths, reef breaks, and big boulders. The surf breaks are mostly on cobblestones and river mouths around Donghe and Jinzun, on the bigger swell there is Cheng-gong which is a long left-hand reef point break, one of the most protected stops on the East coast. Famous for the World Long Board Championship. The breaks are usually slightly further from each other but with many uncrowded breaks to explore.
The selected hotels are within ten minutes of all main breaks for convenience.
To fuel your surf sessions Taiwan has some of the most varied available, produce straight from the fields and fish directly from the Ocean results in some of the cleanest and freshest you will ever taste. Be your choice seafood, vegetarian, aboriginal BBQ meat feasts, simple fresh make noodles and dumplings to the famous stinky tofu you won't be disappointed.
The beauty of Taiwan is the diverse cultural background, with 16 indigenous tribes and Chinese influence there is plenty to see and experience. Watch aboriginal festivals with vibrant costumes and dance or visit the intricate Taoist Temples. Learn how coffee is harvested and how to make tea the Chinese way.
If surfing is unsuitable spend the afternoon in a mountain side hot spring, paddle boarding or hiking along undiscovered mountain trails.
