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Discover Taiwan on a 10-day family adventure that’s brimming with culture, nature and authentic local experiences. Learn to make soup dumplings and bubble tea in Taipei, hear stories from local grandparents, explore the lantern-lined streets of Jiufen and learn about Indigenous culture and traditions from a local tribe. Cycle along one of the world’s most scenic lakeside bike paths in Sun Moon Lake, relax on Kenting’s beautiful beaches and snorkel alongside green sea turtles on the coral island of Xiaoliuqiu. With hands-on activities, delicious food and plenty of opportunities for family bonding, this journey showcases the very best of Taiwan for both kids and adults.
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Sarah
Petra
CharlotteHuan ying! Welcome to Taipei. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Taiwan with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the hot springs at Yangmingshan National Park. After the meeting, head out with your group to visit the night market and have dinner together to kick off the adventure.
This morning, you’ll join a fun, hands-on culinary journey to create three beloved Taiwanese classics from scratch. First, you’ll learn the art of dumpling folding, carefully sealing flavourful broth inside each xiao long bao (soup dumpling). Then, explore the depth of Taiwanese comfort food by preparing a fragrant beef noodle soup from broth to bowl. To complete the experience, shake, mix and customise your own bubble (boba) tea in the country of its birth! Find the perfect balance of tea, milk, sweetness and chewy tapioca pearls that makes this kid favourite so addictive. After lunch, you’ll join a storytelling session with local elders – this experience is held by the social enterprise organisation, Rock YeNai (Rock Grandpa/Grandma), which trains seniors to become professional picture book storytellers, evolving into cultural ambassadors.
Today, you’ll take a daytrip to Shifen and Jiufen. In Shifen, you can browse the souvenir shops and snack stalls squeezed along the railway. Unlike a traditional closed market, the street intersects the Pingxi Line train, making for a good photo op as the train parts the crowd. Look up, so you don’t miss the impressive sight of the many sky lanterns filling the sky! Then, visit the Shifen waterfall, also known as ‘Taiwan’s Niagara Falls.’ Strolling along the trail, you can admire the cascade up close and feel the refreshing coolness from the mist. Next is Jiufen, often referred to as the inspiration for the Japanese anime film Spirited Away, with its red lantern tea houses set against a mountainous backdrop. Explore the iconic Old Street and smaller laneways filled with snacks and stalls before heading back to Taipei for the night.
Today, you’ll move on to Sun Moon Lake, stopping in a small rural township to immerse yourself in the culture of the Indigenous Meixi Tribe. Try your hand at traditional Seediq hunting techniques and learn about the skills passed down through generations. Get creative in a DIY workshop where you’ll make the Seediq’s beloved banana millet cake – because it’s easy to preserve and carry, this cake was a common snack for men going out to work or hunt. The sweet, sticky flavours of millet and banana also represent family togetherness and cohesion. Later, continue to your guesthouse, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
This morning, take a leisurely bike ride around Sun Moon Lake. The round-the-lake track has attracted cyclers from all over the world and has been nominated as one of the most breathtaking cycle paths by CNN! After, experience the art of traditional papermaking at the Suho Paper Memorial Museum. Kids can admire delicate paper artworks while learning about the history and process of handmade paper. During the workshop, you’ll also create your own handmade paper fan using traditional techniques – perfect to keep you cool on the rest of the trip and take home as a souvenir. Tonight, tuck into a share-style, chef’s-choice menu in a century-old traditional courtyard house, surrounded by forest. Try some traditional home-style dishes lovingly prepared, as if by family.
Travel from the Nantou region to Kenting. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Kenting National Forest Recreation Area – a world-class ‘high coral reef’ landscape with stunning limestone caves and ancient tropical forests that resemble a natural open-air museum. The park offers well-paved, gentle paths and an elevator at the Sea View Tower, allowing you to enjoy 360-degree ocean views without climbing any stairs. Soak up the peaceful ‘forest bath’ filled with fresh air, exotic tropical plants and frequent sightings of Formosan macaques.
Today is a free day for you to relax and enjoy as you like. This morning, you might like to check out Baishawan Beach – one of the best beaches in Taiwan. This bay, renowned for its white sandy beach, is less developed compared to other beaches in Kenting, offering a more tranquil environment. Spend the rest of the day however you like – maybe explore the town, take on some water sports or ask your leader for their best recommendations based on your interests.
This morning, travel to Xiaoliuqiu (Lambai Island) – Taiwan’s only coral island, just a short ferry ride off the coast. Renowned for its laid-back tropical vibe and year-round warm waters, it’s world-famous for its massive resident population of green sea turtles. Don your mask, then get out snorkelling with these magnificent creatures and spot an abundance of other marine life. Later today, when the tide is low, you’ll have the option to join an intertidal zone guided tour – a fantastic opportunity to safely observe marine life like sea urchins, starfish and hermit crabs in shallow, exposed reef pools.
This morning, you’ll have some free time on the island to perhaps go snorkelling again or rent a transparent kayak to paddle out and see turtles from above the water. There’s also an option to explore geographical formations on some short hikes through coral caves, or swim in one of the many sandy coves. Then it’s time to ferry back to the mainland and take a fast train back to Taipei for your final night. The high-speed rail is one of the world’s fastest at an average speed of about 300 km per hour (186 m). Tonight, visit the Din Tai Fung restaurant for a delicious feast of xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and share your favourite memories of your trip with your fellow families.
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With no activities planned for the day, you’re free to leave the hotel any time after checkout. If you want to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. MINIMUM AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old unless otherwise approved by Intrepid. 3. CHILD PRICE: Children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full adult price. 4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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