Taitung National Forest Park Bike Adventure | Bus Ride, Mountain Trails & Rural Taiwan

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Today’s adventure takes me by bus into the countryside near Taitung to explore Taitung National Forest Park.

The journey starts with rural views from the bus, mountains, hot springs, and small roadside hotels rolling past the window. Getting there is straightforward, but bus schedules are infrequent, and I definitely should have checked the return time in advance.

After getting off the bus, I walk toward the park entrance. The area feels surprisingly tropical and it reminds me a bit of Costa Rica, minus the parking attendants watching every roadside stop. Entry into the park is simple, and the staff help point me toward the trails. Naturally, I choose the steepest path up and take the scenic route down.

The climb rewards me with wide open views of the surrounding landscape. On the way back down, I even spot monkeys in the trees. One of those unexpected moments that makes rural Taiwan feel wild and untouched.


I miss the return bus and realize the next one isn’t for another 90 minutes. Instead of waiting, I walk to the nearest YouBike station and decide to ride toward the closest train station. What starts as a mistake turns into one of the most memorable parts of the day, biking along quiet rural roads with mountain views in every direction.

When I finally reach the station, I discover the next train isn’t for hours. Rather than sit around, I bike 40 minutes back toward town. Along the way, I run into Taiwan’s iconic musical garbage truck, a surreal but very local experience and say hello to some friendly people.

Taitung County is one of Taiwan’s least densely populated regions and is known for its dramatic coastline, Indigenous heritage, and slower pace of life. Unlike the urban energy of Taipei or Kaohsiung, this area feels open, green, and refreshingly unpolished.

00:35 – Rural views from the bus
2:10 – Passing hot springs, hotels & mountain scenery
3:27 – Off the bus, walking toward the park
5:15 – Bridge crossing
5:45 – Starting the steep trail
6:24 – Making it to the top
6:35 – The view
6:42 – Heading back down the scenic path
10:15 – Monkeys spotted
12:05 – Missed the bus (90-minute wait)
13:22 – Walking to the nearest YouBike
15:30 – Renting the YouBike
16:30 – Riding rural roads
17:33 – Reach the station (train delay surprise)
17:48 – The musical trash truck
18:12 – Friendly locals

📍 Location: Taitung, Taiwan
🕒 Filmed: January 2026
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