Taiwan
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
16
Coastline
1,566 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Taipei
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- SE typhoon & NE monsoon swells
- Large tropical island
- Powerful beachbreaks & left points
- Cheap, easy access from Asia Beautiful east coast
Negatives
- No world-class breaks
- Suffocating summer heat
- Densely populated Taipei
- Risk of destructive typhoons
Where to surf in Taiwan
When Portuguese sailors stumbled upon Taiwan in 1547, they named it Ilha Formosa meaning 'Beautiful Island'. Taiwan is only 160km (100mi) from the mainland where the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) have ruled since winning the civil war against the Republic of China (ROC) in 1949. The ROC government withdrew to Taiwan and continue to dispute the political rights of the PRC and maintain some sovereignty over Taiwan and the 90 small islands of Penghu (Pescadores).
Despite the confusing situation, surfing in Taiwan has a long history and surf arrives from a generous 225º swell window hitting all sides of the island. US soldiers were the first to ride the north coast beach of Jin Shan in 1965 and local pioneers like Mao Guh and his brothers ignored the government ban on access to the ocean, to take up surfing and open the first surf shop. With the lifting of Martial Law in 1987, surfing clubs popped up across the island and the R.O.C Surfing Association estimates that there could be 30,000 people riding waves across Taiwan. This is no surprise as the seasonal monsoons bring consistent waist to headhigh waves and a pair of boardshorts will do for all but the depths of winter, making Taiwan an increasingly alluring tropical destination.
Surf spots in Taiwan
Research the 16 surf breaks in Taiwan and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Taiwan.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Taiwan
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 11,100,000
- Population
- 23,816,775
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- TWD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +886
- Dialing out
- 002
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most nationalities can visit Taiwan visa free for visits up to 90 days.
Getting There
You can fly to Taiwan from almost anywhere and Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) is a good option rather than Taipei (TPE). Airport transfer to Kenting; High Speed Rail connects Taipei with Zuoying, Kaohsiung (90mins, $50e/w). Bus to Kenting (2.5hr, $12e/w).
Getting Around
Once you get out of Taipei or Kaohsiung, traffic is smooth and parking is ok. Get used to lawlessness on the roads! No boards on public buses from Taipei to any surfing beach. Car rentals cost $84/day for a car and $106 for a 9pax van. Motorbike rental from $15/d. Many east coast surfers ride trains. Stay in Kenting, use local transport.
Accommodation
Dorm rooms for $10/night and $20-30 in hotels in off-season, but typhoon season is high summer season. Plenty of 'Surf Houses' in Nanwan, backpacker style ($15). Motels and hotels price range is $45 to $120/p/n. surfingtaiwan.com do premium guided surf trips from Taitung county plus multi-activity and cultural tours (fr $750/p/dbl/6n). Similar deals from surftaiwan.com (fr $949/p/dbl/6n) with east and south coast options. Food is $3-10 per meal.
Activities
A steep central mountain range means the east coast is much less developed than the overcrowded west coast, which makes Taiwan second only to Bangladesh in population density. Lots of sightseeing near Taipei like museums, temples (Shihtoushan Buddhist) and waterfalls (Wulai). Tamsui Grass skiing resort near Baishawan. Many mountain peaks reach 3000m+, try hiking near Chushan or rafting on Hsiukuluan River (east coast). Kenting National Park protects some beautiful forests.
Hazards & hassles
Waves hardly ever reach dangerous size except during typhoons when all beach activities are banned if a warning has been issued. Some volcanic reefs can be treacherous. Beware of concrete tetrapods! Crowds are increasing near Taipei and Nanwan, riding skills are improving and localism is an issue in places. Big cockroaches and aggressive mosquitoes.
Handy Hints
There's good gear among the dozens of surf shops. Expect $600 for a shortboard and $900 for a longboard. Rentals are $20/d. In Taipei (Johnny Rose, Tube Factory), Yilan (Blue Ocean, Cool), Kenting (Hotel California, Beach House) or Jialeshuei (Pintung), will help find lodgings, tours, school, rentals.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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