Round-the-Island: The Ultimate Guide & Map Tutorial

Cycling around the island is the most intimate way to connect with the land of Taiwan. Although it is the slowest speed, the emotions gained are the deepest.

🚴 Option A: Cycling Route No. 1 (Official Route)

This is the standard route planned by the Ministry of Transportation. Signs are clear along the way (markings on the ground), and supply points are plentiful.

• Route Backbone: Provincial Highway 1 (West) and Highway 9 (East).
• Total Length: Approx. 968 km.
• Suggested Duration: 9 - 12 days.
• Key Challenge: The 'Shouka Iron Horse Station' (壽卡鐵馬驛站), the highest point of the South-Link Highway, is a mandatory checkpoint for ring-road cyclists.

🌊 Option B: The Grand Loop (Coastal Route)

If you want the ocean by your side at all times, this is the top choice.

• North: Take Highway 2 (North Coast).
• West: Switch to Highway 17 (West Coast Expressway side roads) to avoid cities. Windy but flat.
• East: Take Highway 11 (Coastal Highway). The scenery is stunning, but supply points are fewer and hills are steeper than Highway 9.
• Tip: Counter-clockwise riding is recommended so the ocean is always on your right, and you benefit from tailwinds in winter on the west coast.

lighthouse Option C: The 4-Poles Challenge

Targeting the four extreme lighthouses of Taiwan's main island: East (Sandiao Cape), North (Fugueijiao), West (Guosheng Port), and South (Eluanbi). This adds about 1-2 days to the itinerary.

A point-to-point island hopping journey. Safe, comfortable, and no driving required.

🚂 Option A: TRA Full Loop (TR-PASS)

Using the Taiwan Railways (TRA) network to circle the island.

• Mountain vs. Sea Line (Miaoli-Taichung): Choose the 'Sea Line' for windmills and ancient wooden stations (like Xinpu); 'Mountain Line' for bustling cities and old bridges.
• South-Link Line: The most beautiful railway segment in Taiwan, running between mountains and the sea.
• Ticket Strategy: Buy the TR-PASS (Student or General version) for unlimited rides on designated train types within 3 or 5 days.

🚄 Option B: Dual Rail Combo (HSR + TRA)

Use money to buy time. Ideal for travelers with limited schedules.

• West: Take the High Speed Rail (HSR) from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying) in just 1.5 hours.
• East/South: Switch to TRA to slow down and explore Pingtung, Taitung, Hualien, and Yilan.

✨ Option C: Luxury Tourist Trains

• Formosa Express: A package tour including meals and accommodation.
• The Future (Mingri): High-end aesthetic train with 5-star service.
• Breezy Blue: A retro non-AC train on the South-Link line. Open the windows and feel the sea breeze.

Scooters offer the highest mobility, allowing you to go deep into paths cars can't reach without the physical exhaustion of cycling. Note the difference in rights between 'White Plate' (under 250cc) and 'Yellow/Red Plate' (over 250cc).

🛵 Option A: Classic Outer Loop (White Plate)

Most popular for students. Recommended to ride Counter-Clockwise (keep the ocean on your right).

• West: Highway 17 (Coastal) has fewer cars but many speed cameras. Highway 3 (Inner Mountain) is for curve lovers.
• South: Highway 26 to Kenting, then County Road 199/200 connecting to Shouka.
• East: Highway 11 (Coastal) offers the best views.
• Duration: 5-7 days.

🏍️ Option B: Fast Cruising (Yellow/Red Plate)

• West: West Coast Expressway (Highway 61). No traffic lights, no tolls, just cruising.
• East: The improved Suhua Highway (Suhua-Kai) is open to heavy bikes for speed and safety.
• Duration: 3-5 days.

⛰️ Option C: The 'Figure-8' (Cutting the Watermelon)

An advanced route cutting through the Central Cross-Island Highway (Wuling/Hehuanshan). Warning: High altitude and low temperatures.

Best for families with children, elders, or pets.

🚗 Option A: Highway Efficiency

• West: Freeway 1 (City food stops) or Freeway 3 (Scenic, smoother traffic).
• East: Freeway 5 (Snow Tunnel) to Yilan, then Suhua Improvement Highway.

camp Option B: RV / Slow Life

• Features: Drive and sleep anywhere legal. Look for coastal campsites along Highway 11 (East Coast) or the Ping-E Highway.

🛣️ Option C: Provincial Road Depth

• Route: Avoid freeways and take Provincial Highway 3 (Inner Mountain).
• Highlights: Passes through Hakka villages and old streets (Beipu, Neiwan, Dahu). A route full of culture and food.

Don't want to keep switching apps? Create your own navigation map to save all hotels, spots, and routes in one place.

Step 1: Create New Map

Search for 'Google My Maps' on a PC browser. Click 'Create A New Map' and name it (e.g., '2026 Ring Road Plan').

Step 2: Create Layers

Organize your map by layers to avoid clutter:

• Layer A - Accommodation: Mark your hotels/hostels.
• Layer B - Supplies & Food: Mark must-eat restaurants and bike repair shops.
• Layer C - Route: For drawing lines.

Step 3: Mark & Draw

• Add Places: Search for a place (e.g., 'Shouka') and click '+ Add to map'. Use the paint bucket icon to change colors (e.g., Blue Bed icon for hotels).
• Draw Lines: Click the 'Draw a line' icon. Select 'Add driving/biking route'. Click your start and end points.
• Tip: Drag the blue line with your mouse to force the route onto the specific roads you want (like Highway 1 instead of a random shortcut).

Step 4: Import to Phone

1. Open Google Maps App on your phone.
2. Tap 'Saved' at the bottom.
3. Scroll down and tap 'Maps'.
4. Select your map ('2026 Ring Road Plan'). It will now overlay on your standard map!

💡 Accommodation Tips

• Backpackers: Use Agoda/Airbnb to find beds, then mark them on your map.
• Call to Confirm: Always call ahead! Ask: 'Do you have indoor parking for bikes?' and 'Do you have a spin dryer?' (Essential for laundry).
• Store Shipping: If mailing luggage, mark the specific 7-11 location on your map so you don't ride past it!

🔗 Recommended Route Links

Here are some pre-made routes you can import for reference:

• Cycling Route No. 1 Official Map

Rounding the island is a dialogue with yourself. On cold, cloudy days, you'll be thankful it's not raining. In storms, you'll be thankful for the crazy friends beside you. At the finish line, you'll understand that 'simple is happy'.

Ready to start? Bon voyage!