Travel

How to Plan a Low-Cost Biking Trip Around Taiwan’s Most Scenic Nature Spots

Discover how to enjoy Taiwan’s natural beauty on two wheels with low-cost rentals, discount codes, free cycling events, and budget-friendly stays across scenic bike trails.
Nayana RamachandranMarch 27, 2025
Some friends go for a ride in bikes
Enjoy scenic bike routes, local perks, and budget-friendly experiences across Taiwan, all made easier with promo codes, free gear, and value-packed travel tips! Picture: Envato

Biking through Taiwan is one of the best ways to experience its stunning landscapes without spending a fortune. From lush mountain trails to coastal routes kissed by ocean breezes, Taiwan offers incredible cycling paths that cost little to nothing. With thoughtful planning, it’s easy to turn this adventure into an affordable, unforgettable trip. This guide breaks down how to ride through the country’s most scenic spots while keeping costs low and maximising value with discounts, vouchers, and travel tips.

Discover Free Natural Attractions

Taiwan’s beauty shines brightest in its untouched nature. Bikers can explore a wide variety of landscapes that don’t require an entry fee. This makes planning a budget-friendly cycling trip incredibly achievable for outdoor lovers.

Cycle Around for an Unforgettable Free Experience

Sun Moon Lake offers one of the most picturesque cycling paths in Asia, circling turquoise waters with a backdrop of misty mountains. This destination is ideal for budget-conscious travellers as there is no entrance fee, and the bike trails are well-maintained, allowing for a smooth and immersive experience. Riders can bring their own bikes or rent one from nearby shops for a small fee. The tranquil lakeside and indigenous cultural stops along the route make the journey both scenic and enriching without a heavy price tag.

Planning your visit on weekdays helps avoid crowds and often results in lower bike rental fees. Many local vendors also offer bundle deals that include snacks, map guides, and basic repair kits. With such resources, even novice cyclists can enjoy a well-supported ride through one of Taiwan’s top attractions at a low cost.

Get Open Access and Stunning Views

The eastern coast of Taiwan around Taitung is renowned for its natural beauty and minimal development, making it perfect for budget-friendly cycling. Riders can travel along stretches like Mr. Brown Avenue or the Coastal Bikeway, both of which are free to access and surrounded by ocean views, rice paddies, and quiet villages. These routes provide open-air tranquillity and a chance to witness Taiwan’s slower rural lifestyle.

Stopping at local farmers' stalls along the way adds to the charm while staying inexpensive. There are no admission tickets, and local accommodations in this region are generally more affordable compared to tourist-heavy areas, making it ideal for longer, low-cost adventures.

Time Your Trip with Taiwan’s Cycling Events

Planning your biking journey around Taiwan’s many cycling festivals can bring bonus perks. These events often come with free registration, refreshments, and sponsor giveaways. It’s a great way to ride with locals while gaining access to discounts and incentives.

Join for Free Perks

The Taiwan Cycling Festival annually includes free community rides or only a nominal registration fee. Participants often receive free goodies such as water bottles, event t-shirts, and even gear discounts from sponsor booths. For those travelling on a tight budget, this can significantly reduce accessory costs and provide a social biking experience.

The festival routes also pass through Taiwan’s most beautiful regions, such as Hualien, Chiayi, and Nantou. This allows one to ride through top destinations without planning a separate trip. Registering early can sometimes get riders early-bird deals or free accommodation options provided by event partners.

Look Out for Local City Rides Offering Free Entry and Vouchers

Joining local biking events in Taiwan is a fantastic way to enjoy scenic routes, meet like-minded travellers, and save money along the way. These community-driven rides are usually low-cost or free and often come with added perks that go beyond the ride itself. Whether you're travelling solo or with a group, these events offer a fun, affordable way to explore Taiwan’s nature and culture. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Smaller-scale biking events hosted by cities or towns often include freebies like food coupons, snacks, or raffle entries, helping participants cut down on meal and activity costs during their trip.

  • These events are usually promoted through local tourism boards and are open to both tourists and locals, making it easy to join no matter your experience level or travel plans.

  • Some community rides offer commemorative gear such as event shirts or badges, adding a memorable keepsake to your biking adventure at no extra cost.

  • Group participation often unlocks extra savings, including discounted entry to nearby attractions, shared ride discounts, or bundled meal deals at local eateries.

  • Attending these events is also a fun way to engage with local culture, allowing travellers to discover hidden routes, regional foods, and friendly communities — all at a low cost.

A man taking a rest in a bike near a water resource
Local biking events offer a fun and affordable way to enjoy scenic routes, connect with others, and enjoy extra perks like freebies and discounts along the journey! Picture: Envato

Get More Out of Your Ride with Promo Codes

Making your biking experience more comfortable doesn’t mean overspending. Strategic use of discount codes and loyalty offers can help you ride smarter. Consider applying your savings to helpful upgrades that enhance the journey.

Use Discount Codes to Upgrade to Electric Bikes

Electric bikes are a popular way to tackle Taiwan’s hillier routes without exhausting your energy. While they usually cost more than standard bicycles, many platforms offer promo codes that lower the rental price. This upgrade can make longer or more difficult paths more manageable, allowing riders to explore more without extra physical strain.

Travel apps and coupon sites often partner with bike rental companies to offer temporary deals. Booking online in advance using these codes also helps secure a better rate and avoid peak-season markups. One reliable platform to consider is Klook, which offers a wide range of bike trips and scooter rental options across Taiwan’s most scenic areas. Klook is known for its traveller-friendly booking process and curated tours that highlight natural and cultural hotspots. Their platform frequently features time-limited promotions on rentals, making it easier to travel smarter and cheaper. To unlock even more savings, don’t forget to apply Klook promo codes at checkout.

Gear Up with Travel Vouchers

Using online promo codes, riders can also grab discounts on must-have accessories like helmets, gloves, and water-resistant panniers. These gear enhancements greatly improve safety and comfort, especially for multi-day rides. Some travel reward programs and tourism boards even offer gear vouchers as part of visitor promotions. These often apply to both in-store and online purchases, letting you pack light and gear up on arrival without paying full price.

Choose Guesthouses with Free Bike Rentals Included

Lodging with complimentary bikes is a great way to cut down on daily rental fees while enjoying added convenience. Many guesthouses and hostels in Taiwan understand the needs of cyclists and build their services accordingly. This option is perfect for spontaneous riders or those looking to explore nearby routes.

Hostels with Rider Perks

Cyclist-friendly accommodations are widely available across Taiwan, particularly near scenic biking routes and nature reserves. These stays are tailored to meet riders' needs, with many offering perks like free daily bike rentals, secure storage for personal bicycles, on-site repair kits, laundry services, and route maps designed specifically for cyclists. These added conveniences help travellers save on rental and maintenance costs while enjoying a smoother riding experience.

Beyond practical amenities, many of these hostels and guesthouses foster a welcoming, social atmosphere. Shared lounges, community kitchens, and group dinners give riders the chance to connect, exchange local route tips, or even find cycling companions for the next part of the journey. This kind of environment not only stretches a travel budget through shared resources but also enriches the experience with meaningful connections along the way.

Nature Lodges Near Scenic Trails

In popular biking destinations like Taroko Gorge and Kenting, many boutique lodges and local homestays offer added value by providing complimentary bicycles for their guests. These accommodations are often located right next to scenic cycling routes, allowing visitors to begin their adventure as soon as they walk out the door. This setup saves on rental costs and improves convenience, especially for early-morning riders looking to beat the crowds or catch sunrise views.

People enjoying bike rides
Free bikes at boutique lodges and homestays make it easy to start a scenic ride right outside the stay, helping save money and time! Picture: Envato

Booking directly through the lodge’s website rather than third-party platforms can unlock exclusive deals such as discounted nightly rates, complimentary breakfasts, or flexible checkout times. Some hosts may offer added touches like trail maps, local snack packs, or bike maintenance kits to support a smooth ride. With a bit of research and planning, travellers can enjoy cost savings and a richer, more personalized cycling experience.

Exchange Unused Travel Points or Airline Miles for Activity Vouchers

Unused airline miles or loyalty points from previous trips don’t need to go to waste. Many travel platforms now allow points to be exchanged for experience-based vouchers. This makes it easy to reduce costs on rentals, guided tours, or even meals during your ride.

Redeem for Local Tour Discounts

Travel platforms like KKday sometimes accept travel rewards or offer point exchange programs. These can be used for guided biking tours, local cooking classes post-ride, or entrance to attractions near bike trails. The added convenience of online booking and instant redemption means travellers can plan their experiences around their ride without worrying about fluctuating prices. It’s a smart way to make the most of travel perks that might otherwise go unused.

KKday is a popular platform offering curated travel experiences across Taiwan, including scenic bike tours, cultural activities, and local adventures. It caters to budget-conscious travellers by frequently releasing limited-time deals and offering easy-to-navigate booking options. With activities tailored to all kinds of explorers, KKday is ideal for planning a flexible, fun, and affordable biking itinerary. For extra savings on your next booking, make sure to use a KKday discount code at checkout.

Convert Airline Miles to Travel Credit

Major airline reward programs often extend beyond just flights, offering partner redemption options that can be incredibly useful during a biking trip. Travellers can use their accumulated points or miles to redeem credits for hotel stays near bike trails, discounted bike rentals, or even meal deliveries after a long day of cycling. These redemptions help cut down on out-of-pocket expenses, allowing riders to enjoy more experiences without dipping into their core travel budget.

By linking your airline loyalty account to affiliated travel platforms, you open the door to a wider variety of deals across accommodations, activities, and transportation. This strategy is especially useful for last-minute travel plans or when prices spike during peak seasons, offering flexible options that still prioritise savings. It's a great way to maximise loyalty perks that might otherwise go unused while keeping your biking adventure both exciting and affordable.