Magazine Articles

The Surfers Journal V19 #6

Pacific Longboarder V14 #5

Australian Surfing Life

Pacific Longboarder V14 #2

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Situated between the Philippines and Japan, the mountainous island of Taiwan teems with people in thriving, modern cities, but at the same time offers picture-perfect breathtaking vistas behind the scenes. Jet into the capital, Taipei or the port city of Kaohsiung and the island below greets you with majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins and inlets, tropical beaches and green forests.

High-rise buildings and ancient temples play backdrop to numerous traditional folk festivals and ceremonies. Old and new live in harmony in Taiwan.

While the north of the country is heavily populated, the south and east coasts retain a laid back, countryside atmosphere of old. Rice paddies, fish farms, temples and small towns dot the landscapes.

In the country’s six national parks there are thousands of species of wildlife, 20 percent of which are rare or endangered. With its volcanic origins, tropical climate and Polynesian flavour Taiwan has often deservedly been dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Asia’. In 1544, a Portuguese ship sighted the main island of Taiwan and dubbed it ‘Ilha Formosa’, which means ‘Beautiful Island.’ Just look at the photos, you’ll see why.

Area: 35,801 km2 / 13,822.8 sqmi
Population: 23 million
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) 30 cents make 1 dollar.
Religion: Over 93% of Taiwanese are adherents of a combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Christianity is dominant with the indigenous tribes – of which there are 11 throughout Taiwan.

In Taipei for business? Want to escape the city for the day and hit the surf?

We offer convenient, personal and professional day tours . . .

• Hotel (Taipei area) pickup and drop-off, take you to best surf of the day
• Surf beaches are an easy 50/60-minute drive
• Board of your choice included – short, long, SUP

For info –contact Surf Taiwan

• Situated between the Philippines and Japan, tropical Taiwan is almost smack on the same latitude as Hawaii. The nickname ‘Tawaii’ is often used!
• The South and East coasts retain a laid back, countryside atmosphere of old. Rice paddies, fish farms, temples and small towns dot the landscapes. Majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins and inlets, tropical beaches and greenforests are hallmarks of Taiwan.
• Bays, beaches, reefs, rivermouths, points – a variety of surf and flatwater options can be found.
• There is a surfing scene here but the SUP scene is very much in its infancy. In the entire country there are less than a dozen SUPers. It’s not hard to find empty SUP areas!
• Waves year-round.
  

  

  

  
  
  

South Coast

Much of Taiwan’s southern peninsula – a crescent-shaped coastline of white sandy beaches, coral gardens and lush topical uplands – falls within the boundaries of a protected national park. Dense forests cover hills and valleys. Monkeys, water buffaloes and dozens of species of butterflies call this area home.
Other than surfing there are many options to keep all amused – night-markets, temples, the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium (housing a whale shark, beluga whales, penguins and host of aquatic ife), go-karts, diving, snorkeling, and hanging out on a tropical beach. Basically the south of the country is a world away from the frantic pace of Taipei in the north.

East Coast

Locked between Taiwan’s central mountain range and the Pacific ocean, the island’s rugged and largely unspoiled east coast presents the island’s most beautiful river and coastal scenery. Steep, towering cliffs drop into the sea and rivers cut deep and spectacular chasms into the mountains. A stones throw inland you can find rustic hamlets on rolling hills, tea plantations, hot springs and sweeping valley views down to the rice paddies.

Surf + Flat Water

South Coast

Best SUPing: May through to October
Water Temp: 24 – 28C / 75 – 82F
Climate: 25 – 32C / 77 – 89F

As the south of the island is a peninsular, surf can be found on either side. Plus if it’s onshore on one side, it’s offshore on the other. Surfbreaks are either cobblestone rivermouths, sandy beach breaks as well as the odd rock/reef break. Situated between Japan and the Philippines the surf in Taiwan is far less crowded than the former and more consistent and in a much safer environment than the latter.
The waves on the south coast are many and varied and there are spots suitable for all levels of SUPers – from beginners to pro’s and families.
Summertime brings typhoons, and with it plenty of waves. But even without the bonus of typhoon swell the surf is consistent – just check the vast unobstructed fetch of the Pacific Ocean to Taiwan’s East.
If a typhoon does get too close authorities will call a land and sea warning, restricting boat and water activities. Even when a warning is called our guides know some out-of-the-way spots where you’re still likely to get wet – plus a weather pattern from a typhoon rarely affects the country for more than 48 hours as they tend to move quickly.
On average, there are 19 typhoons per season in the Asia-Pacific region – with perhaps 3 making landfall in Taiwan, usually in the E and NE regions. This is the best season for surf on Taiwan’s south coast – away from the typhoons and open to nice, groomed groundswell.

For flat water there are reefs, sheltered headlands and some great opportunities for snorkeling (gear provided) and fishing from your SUP.

East Coast

Best SUPing: All year
Water Temp: 22 – 28C / 72 – 82F
Climate: 24 – 32C / 75 – 89F

The sparsely populated East Coast of Taiwan offers a host of rivermouths, beachbreaks and pointbreaks. Sitting within a wide swell window the coast receives an abundance of groundswell. In addition this, there is enough fetch from storms in the North Pacific for plenty of good windswell that’s groomed and delivered in clean, stacked lines.
The waves on Taiwan’s East Coast are suitable for all levels of SUPers – from beginners to pro’s and families.

There are miles of coastline to explore by SUP with palm-covered mountains always within view, as well as a couple of small scenic rivers.

Accommodations

Prices include Accommodation, Tour and a whole lot more.
For info –contact Surf Taiwan

Fast Facts

Water Temp: 24 – 28C / 75 – 82F
Climate: 25 – 32C / 77 – 89F
Best Time of Year: May through to October

Waves

As the south of the island is a peninsular, surf can be found on either side. Plus if it’s onshore on one side, it’s offshore on the other.
Surfbreaks are either cobblestone rivermouths, sandy beach breaks as well as the odd rock/reef break. Situated between Japan and the Philippines the surf in Taiwan is far less crowded than the former and more consistent and in a much safer environment than the latter. The waves on the south coast are many and varied and there are spots are suitable for all levels of surfers – from beginners to pro’s and families.

Summertime brings typhoons, and with it plenty of waves. But even without the bonus of typhoon swell the surf is consistent – just check the vast unobstructed fetch of the Pacific Ocean to Taiwan’s East.

If a typhoon does get too close authorities will call a land and sea warning, restricting boat and water activities. Even when a warning is called our guides know some out-of-the-way spots where you’re still likely to get wet – plus a weather pattern from a typhoon rarely affects the country for more than 48 hours as they tend to move quickly.

On average, there are 19 typhoons per season in the Asia-Pacific region – with perhaps 3 making landfall in Taiwan, usually in the E and NE regions. This is the best season for surf on Taiwan’s south coast – away from the typhoons and open to nice, groomed groundswell.

The Place

Much of Taiwan’s southern peninsula – a crescent-shaped coastline of white sandy beaches, coral gardens and lush topical uplands – falls within the boundaries of a protected national park. Dense forests cover hills and valleys; Monkeys, water buffaloes and dozens of species of butterflies call this area home.

Other than surfing there are many options to keep all amused – night-markets, temples, the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium (housing a whale shark, beluga whales, penguins and host of aquatic life), go-karts, diving, snorkeling, and hanging out on a tropical beach. Basically the south of the country is a world away from the frantic pace of Taipei in the north.

Prices include Accommodation, Tour and a whole lot more!
For info –contact Surf Taiwan

• Situated between the Philippines and Japan, tropical Taiwan is almost smack on the same latitude as Hawaii. The  nick-name ‘Tawaii’ is often used!
• Taiwan is a perfect mix of the old and the new. For example, our tour includes visits to one of Asia’s largest and well stocked malls as well as generations old shops crafting traditional handmade umbrella’s. While trips to small, family owned dumpling and tea restaurants are a daily occurrence.
• From bustling cities to small towns complete with rice paddies, fish farms and little temples – there’s a pace of life to suit everyone. Majestic peaks, tropical beaches and green forests are hallmarks of Taiwan’s natural beauty.
• Bays, beaches, mellow reefs, rivermouths and points offer a huge variety of surf options. There are waves year ‘round.
• Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world. There is such little theft that surf shops leave their hire boards outside overnight. And they’re always there the next morning.
• Depending on your accommodation preferences we offer single, double and group rooms.

South Coast

Much of Taiwan’s southern peninsula – a crescent-shaped coastline of white sandy beaches, coral gardens and lush topical uplands – falls within the boundaries of a protected national park. Dense forests cover hills and valleys. Monkeys, water buffaloes and dozens of species of butterflies call this area home.
Other than surfing there are many options to keep all amused – night-markets, temples, the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium (housing a whale shark, beluga whales, penguins and host of aquatic life), go-karts, diving, snorkeling, and hanging out on a tropical beach. Basically the south of the country is a world away from the frantic pace of Taipei in the north.

East Coast

Locked between Taiwan’s central mountain range and the Pacific ocean, the island’s rugged and largely unspoiled east coast presents the island’s most beautiful river and coastal scenery.
Steep, towering cliffs drop into the sea and rivers cut deep and spectacular chasms into the mountains. A stones throw inland you can find rustic hamlets on rolling hills, tea plantations, hot springs and sweeping valley views down to the rice paddies.

Waves – South Coast

• Best surf: May through to October
• Water Temp: 24 – 28C / 75 – 82F
• Climate: 25 – 32C / 77 – 89F

As the south of the island is a peninsular, surf can be found on either side. Plus if it’s onshore on one side, it’s offshore on the other. Surfbreaks are either cobblestone rivermouths, sandy beach breaks as well as the odd rock/reef break. Situated between Japan and the Philippines the surf in Taiwan is far less crowded than the former and more consistent and in a much safer environment than the latter.

The waves on the south coast are many and varied and there are spots suitable for all levels of surfers – from beginners to pro’s and families.
Summertime brings typhoons, and with it plenty of waves. But even without the bonus of typhoon swell the surf is consistent – just check the vast unobstructed fetch of the Pacific Ocean to Taiwan’s East.
If a typhoon does get too close authorities will call a land and sea warning, restricting boat and water activities. Even when a warning is called our guides know some out-of-the-way spots where you’re still likely to get wet – plus a weather pattern from a typhoon rarely affects the country for more than 48 hours as they tend to move quickly. On average, there are 19 typhoons per season in the Asia-Pacific region – with perhaps 3 making landfall in Taiwan, usually in the E and NE regions. This is the best season for surf on Taiwan’s south coast – away from the typhoons and open to nice, groomed groundswell.

For flat-water fun, there are reefs, sheltered headlands and some great opportunities for snorkeling – gear provided.

Waves – East Coast

• Best surf: November through April – longboard and SUP, all year.
• Water Temp: 22 – 28C / 72 – 82F
• Climate: 24 – 32C / 75 – 89F

The sparsely populated East Coast of Taiwan offers a host of rivermouths, beachbreaks and pointbreaks. Sitting within a wide swell window the coast receives an abundance of groundswell. In addition this, there is enough fetch from storms in the North Pacific for plenty of good windswell that’s groomed and delivered in clean, stacked lines.
The waves on Taiwan’s East Coast are suitable for all levels of surfers – from beginners to pro’s and families.

Prices include Accommodation, Tour and a whole lot more!
For info –contact Surf Taiwan

1. DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT TAIWAN?
   30-day visa’s are automatically granted on entry at no cost for holders of valid Australian/British/New Zealand or USA Passports. South African nationals require a visa for travel to Taiwan.
2. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST I PACK FOR MY TRIP?
   The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. There are a couple of small surfshops so spare sunscreen, wax, fins and leashes are easy to find. The weather is warm so t-shirts and shorts are fine for most of the year. Boardshorts and rash vests are all you’ll need to surf in. And a rain jacket is always an appropriate item in the tropics. It may not be needed but always a smart thing to have.
3. HOW MANY BOARDS SHOULD I TAKE?
   Most people bring two boards. For the majority of days in Taiwan whatever you ride at home is fine.
4. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT MALARIA?
   No, not at all. Malaria is non-existent in Taiwan.
5. DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
   Basically, if you can’t afford travel insurance you shouldn’t be traveling. A decent travel insurance package will provide coverage for the following: trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay, baggage coverage, travel delay, emergency medical and dental, medical transport and evacuation, and travel accident insurance.
6. PLUGS & POWER?
   Taiwan operates on the USA 2 flat pin outlets (110V 60Hz). You’ll need an US/Nth America plug adaptor if you wish to recharge any batteries or computers. Please note that if you travel to Taiwan with a device that does not accept 110 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
7. ACCESS TO MONEY?
   You can exchange foreign currency at the airport or any bank (you’ll need to bring your passport to the bank for identification) and there are plenty of ATM’s that accept credit and savings account cards providing they are linked to Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB or Cirrus.
8. DO I NEED TO TIP?
   Tipping is not customary, although if offered it will be gladly accepted. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill.

South Coast – May through October

Prices include Accommodation, Tour and a whole lot more.

Ocean Room One – 2 People Room

• Facing Ocean, 150 meters from the beach
• 1 double bed – Private bathroom
• Free wifi – Cable TV – AC – Fridge
• Rollaway (extra single bed) Available

7 days/6 nights:  US$999 – per person (2 people min)

10 days/9 nights: US$1499 – per person (2 people min)

Ocean Room Two – 2/4 People Room

• Facing Ocean, 100 meters from the beach
• 2 double beds + 1 large couch
• share shower/toilet outside room
• Free wifi – Cable TV – AC

7 days/6 nights

4 People – US$549 per person

3 People – US$749 per person

2 People – US$1099 per person

10 days/9 nights

4 People – US$815 per person

3 People – US$1085 per person

2 People – US$1599 per person

Ocean Room Three – 2 People Room

• Facing Ocean, 100 meters from the beach
• 1 double bed – share shower/toilet outside room
• Free wifi – Cable TV – AC

7 days/6 nights: US$999 per person (2 people min)

10 days/9 nights: US$1449 per person (2 people min)

Back Room – 2/4 People Room

• 150 meters from the beach
• 2 double beds – Private bathroom.
• Free wifi – Cable TV – AC – Fridge

7 days/6 nights

2 People – US$949 per person

4 People – US$470 per person

10 days/9 nights

2 People – US$1399 per person

4 People – US$699 per person

BUDGET ROOMS – 1 to 8 People

• 10 minutes drive from the beach
• Single and double beds – Share bathrooms.
• Free wifi – AC (fans in single rooms)- share fridges – Cable TV

3 day/2 night package:

1 person – US$335

2 people - US$299 per person

3 people – US$259 per person

4 people – US$229 per person

5 day/4 night package:

1 person – US$525

2 people – US$459 per person

3 people – US$429 per person

4 people – US$399 per person

7 day/6 night package:

1 person – US$599

2 people – US$529 per person

3 people – US$499 per person

4 people – US$459 per person

10 day/9 night package:

1person – US$999

2 people – US$919 per person

3 people – US$889 per person

4 people – US$859 per person

14 day/13 night package:

1 person – US$1299

2 people – US$1219 per person

3 people – US$1189 per person

4 people – US$1149 per person

East Coast – November through April

Prices include Accommodation, Tour and a whole lot more.

Double Room

• Double Bed – Private Bathroom
• Free wifi – Cable TV – AC – Fridge
• Free pushbikes for use

7 days/6 nights: US$999 per person (2 people min.)

10 days/9 nights: US$1444 per person (2 people min.)

Family Room

• 2 Double Beds – Private Bathroom
• Free wifi – Cable TV – AC – Fridge
• Free pushbikes for use

7 days/6 nights: US$1165 per person (2 people min.)

10 days/9 nights: US$1650 per person (2 people min.)

Group Room

• 6 Single Beds – Private Bathroom
• Free wifi – Cable TV – AC – Fridge
• Free pushbikes for use

7 days/6 nights:

6 people – US$510 per person

5 people – US$610 per person

4 people – US$765 per person

3 people (min) – US$1015 per person

10 days/9 nights:

6 people – US$670 per person

5 people – US$830 per person

4 people – US$1030per person

3 people (min) – US$1380 per person

Fast Facts

Water Temp: 22 – 25C / 72 – 77F
Climate: 24 – 27C / 75 – 79F
Best Time of Year: November through to April

Waves

The sparsely populated East Coast of Taiwan offers a host of rivermouths, beachbreaks and pointbreaks. Storms forming near Japan move through the North Pacific and deliver swell to Hawaii in their peak winter season. Taiwan’s East Coast, sitting within this wide swell window receives an abundance of groundswell. In addition this, there is enough fetch from storms in the North Pacific for plenty of good windswell that’s groomed and delivered in clean, stacked lines.
The waves on Taiwan’s East Coast are suitable for all levels of surfers – from beginners to pro’s and families.

The Place

Locked between Taiwan’s central mountain range and the Pacific ocean, the island’s rugged and largely unspoiled east coast presents the island’s most beautiful river and coastal scenery. Steep, towering cliffs drop into the sea and rivers cut deep and spectacular chasms into the mountains. A stones throw inland you can find rustic hamlets on rolling hills, tea plantations, hot springs and sweeping valley views down to the rice paddies.

Extra Activities

There are plenty of non-surf options available; From Temples to restaurants (local and western), scenic tours, tea plantations, night-markets, national park, hot springs (many to choose from – small entrance fee) Aboriginal display villages, art gallery, museum and more. In addition, there are mellow bike trails all around the town (suitable for families – free bikes provided). All drives and routes are very scenic.

Prices include Accommodation, Tour and a whole lot more!
For info –contact Surf Taiwan