1. Mountain Climbing

Made up mostly of mountains, Taiwan is above all is a hiker's delight. There are heights to ascend in every county, so pack those boots when you come.

The highest peak of Taiwan, Mt. Jade is just under 4000 meters above sea level, so the chances of developing acute high altitude sickness are negligible. However, some climbers may develop mild forms of altitude sickness, involving dizziness and nausea. (In most cases, this is brought on by being out of shape.) If these symptoms become serious, rest and descent are in order.

The biggest concern for a hiker in Taiwan is hypothermia. Most of the major ascents on the island begin, deceptively, in the low-altitude subtropics, but end well into the temperate zone. Taiwan gets a lot of precipitation year-round, and you always stand a chance of getting drenched. During the winter, the weather can start out mild or even warm, and turn to snow. Cold air, wind and wet clothes, plus the extra factor of fatigue, are the perfect conditions for hypothermia, which can be fatal if you're far away from shelter.

If you begin to shiver uncontrollably or begin to feel disoriented, you may be experiencing the onset of hypothermia. Tell your traveling companions, stick with your group, get warm, get dry, and drop to lower elevation if possible. To prevent hypothermia, bring warm, water-resistant clothes, even when it's scorching out. Pack to be able to dress in layers, and bring a hat.

It never pays to underestimate Taiwan's Central Mountain Range - they are full-fledged mountains, not foothills.

Many of the best hiking trails require a mountain permit, which includes registration with a certified mountaineering club. Although it is possible to arrange all the necessary paperwork and go it alone, it is highly recommended that you sign up with a group, which will provide a knowledgable guide, and usually meals.

Make sure to check how many people are signed up in the group - sometimes there are 30 or more, which can make for a thoroughly raucous affair.

Nantou County, at the crest of the Central Mountain Range, offers the best climbing and perhaps the most splendid scenery in all of Taiwan.

Tragically, many of Nantou County's most beautiful destinations were devastated by what has been called the worst earthquake in Taiwan's history, which shook the entire island on Sept. 21, 1999. The hardest hit area was in northern Nantou County, around Chi Chi. However, many of the best mountains are still accessible, especially in southern Nantou and further south in Yunlin. Make the extra effort to confirm trail conditions before you go.

Next Page | Top | Back to Index