JRRNY presents : Cycling Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan

I flew into Taichung and took an easy bus ride to Puli, made a transfer directly to Sun Moon Lake.

*Insider Travel Tip: If you bus in, you will most likely be dropped in on the north side of the lake, most of the accommodations which are on the other side of the lake, about 10KM away. The taxi drivers have knowledge of this and usually charge a flat rate of NT$500. The earlier the better!

Before my trip, I found some information that said Sun Moon Lake is one of "10 Breathtaking Cycling Routes" in the whole world by CNN News (2012). I decided I must right the route, there is an "easier" trail that is around 7.5 miles in and out, or cycle the entire 18 mile loop. This is what I decided to do.

The scenic experience was unlike anything I have experience. The water sparkles in turquoise beauty with colorful boats and breathtaking skyline views. There are small beaches, wildlife look out points, amazing trees, and more to look at while on your ride.

One of my favorite things on the bridges while I rode was the modern bridges that are simply a work of art, their modern stylings were abstract and simplistic. Just over one of the bridges is the Xiangshan Visitor Center where you can find some of the best tasting street food, fishing, and walk your bike down the walking path to take in the scenery. You can also see where they worship the God of Matchmaking (Longfeng Temple) and the Shui she Dam.

I rented a Giant bike from a shop right by where the trail started. It cost me around $7USD per hour.

After my ride I stayed at the beautiful Sun Moon Lake Hotel, which rents bikes for free to guests (I did not know this until after). The hotel has floor to ceilings which provides amazing aerial views of the lake and trail.

While visiting, the staff at the hotel told me that in November each year, the country hosts the Taiwan Cycling Festival. The event features an entire month of organized and themed bike rides. Check out the Taiwan Tourism Board for more information. There are different events for all levels of riders. The major events include: Taiwan King of the Mountain Challenge (http://www.taiwankom.org/en/index.asp) and Sun Moon Lake Come! Bikeday Festival (http://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/comebike2016/en/index.html)

Finding out this information make me really want to go back on a full trip to just visit Taiwan to bike. Biking in Taiwan can be as easy or difficult as you want to make it. If you want a challenge, hit the mountains and cycle one of the cross island roads. If you want to take it a little easier, stick to biking the quiet roads of Taiwan's east coast. There are so many choices for bike touring in Taiwan. I cant wait to explore them all!