Ultimate List of Things to Do in Taitung

If you like beaches you can also check out Taitung Beach, located between Taitung City and Taitung Forest Park. It’s a nice place to go for a walk or a swim when the weather is nice. This beautiful beach is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and take beautiful pictures. South of Taitung City, you’ll find another 台東特產店 nice beach worth checking out, Taimali beach, known for its grey sand and stunning surrounding scenery. During summer, boats leave frequently so you can plan a day trip from Taitung. If you want to spend the night, consider staying at Sanasai Inn right on the beach with ocean view rooms with AC and private bath.
what to do in taitungTiehua music village was originally an old warehouse of the Railway Bureau, but musicians and artists in Taitung renovated it to turn it into a music performance venue. In the village there is a market selling handicrafts, stalls, together with the Eslite bookstore and the nearby railway art village, forming the cultural and artistic complex of the area. From Wednesday to Sunday, there is a different musical performance every day.

Expect to see long queues at the front door though as this place is incredibly popular. Their Milk SunCake (yes, it’s a thing) was recently voted one of the best souvenirs to take home from Taichung. In every Australian city and town, you’ll find Australian handicrafts and handmade gifts from Australia. Plus, find all the details of where to buy Australian souvenirs, and the best shops for Australian themed gift ideas below. Food items are some of the easiest souvenirs to find – in most shops, they’re already pre-packaged for travel.
If you have your own wheels, also consider making the trip to Wuling Green Tunnel (武陵綠色隧道), one of several “green tunnels” across Taiwan. Also read about the more famous Sicao Green Tunnel in Tainan. Luye Highlands, which can be reached on a 30-minute scooter ride from Luye, are the site of the famous Taitung International Hot Air Balloon Festival every summer. Witnessing the festival, or riding in one of the ballons, is one of the top experiences to be had in Taitung. From Taitung Forest Park, the trails connect all the way to the sea via Green Tunnel Bridge (綠水橋). Called Taitung Seaside Park (台東濱海公園), the coast here is lined with an expansive black sand beach.
After two years of lockdowns and border closures due to COVID-19, we’re all itching to get on the road and start travelling again. A tattoo by Apo Whang-od will definitely be a constant reminder of your trip to the Philippines. Don’t forget to make an appointment and bring stuff as an “offering” to Apo and her family. Filipinos are a musical people what better way to remember the friends you made than bringing home some music? You can always buy a track or two of Original Filipino Music but playing an instrument is just more fun.

Alternatively, spend one day driving from Hualien to one of the towns I recommend, spend the night, then spend the next day driving from that town on to Kenting National Park or Kaohsiung. Many travelers only spend one night in Taitung as a part of their round-island trip, or as an overnight trip from Hualien before heading back to Taipei. There are small coastal rock formations, swimming spots, SUP experiences, snorkeling, and scuba diving to be enjoyed on the island. If you do find yourself in town, Railway Art Village (鐵道藝術村 or Tiehua Music Village) is the coolest spot in town. It’s best to visit in the evening or weekends, when the small shops, bars & restaurants are open and there are regular concerts, often by aboriginal performers. Taitung is a spread out city with limited attractions, so I only really recommend spending a night here if you’re planning to catch a tour or ferry from there.
Balancing the variables of temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours, the optimal time to enjoy Taitung City's offerings unimpeded by uncomfortable weather is between March to May. During these spring months, temperatures rise from a comfortable 23.1°C to a warm 29.8°C. Concurrently, rainfall remains relatively low, particularly in March and April, with only 43mm and 74mm observed respectively.

The list above describes the pineapple cake’s texture and taste. If you, or whoever you’re getting these for, doesn’t like the taste and texture, don’t buy them. Postcards are the lightest souvenir you could pack and take home for your family, friends, and colleagues. Though, they’re a bit of a pain to prevent from crinkling in luggage. Counter this by stuffing them in a book and placing the book in your luggage.
To experience aboriginal culture in the area, consider visiting or spending the night at Bunun Leisure Farm (布農部落休閒農場), which is run by the local Bunun tribe. Chishang (池上) is the first town you’ll reach in Taitung, and it’s my most recommended town for spending a night in Taitung. If you’re taking the train from Hualien, I recommend just coming directly here. Driving south from Taitung city, Highway 9 will become the coastal highway.
The best way to access the park is Bo’ai Road, which is right across from the Railway Village. The road leads uphill into the park, terminating at the staircase to Taitung Martyr’s Shrine (台東鯉魚山忠烈祠). If you’re walking in, it only takes 5 minutes to reach it.

Walking along the East Coast Scenic Area, you may see Sanxiantai from afar. If you visit early in the morning, you can witness the Sunrise at Sanxiantai as well. The Amis is one of the largest tribes living along the East coast of Taiwan. An Amis tribal village near Sanxiantai is Pisirian, meaning “goat-herding” in their aboriginal language. The East Coast of Taiwan boasts the most gorgeous coastal view – yet the most underrated – that you don’t want to miss. The easiest way to get around Taitung is by car or scooter.
The park’s artificial lake is also home to the annual dragon boat races. Walk up and down the coast in either direction to enjoy the best views of the bridge. There is a cluster of shops and tourist amenities in the parking lot.