9-Day Taiwan Cycling Island Tour Plan: Pros and Cons of Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise and Daily Mileage Breakdown

Introduction

“Clockwise or counterclockwise?” This is the first question every cyclist preparing for an island tour will inevitably face. The full Taiwan island tour covers approximately 960 to 1,100 kilometers. Choosing a direction isn’t just a matter of habit—it affects climbing order, seasonal wind patterns, resupply rhythm, and even the psychological experience. This article provides a complete comparison of the differences between the two directions, along with a ready-to-use 9-day mileage breakdown table to help turn your plan from “thinking about it” into “ready to ride.”

Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise: Direction Comparison Table

The mainstream choice for Taiwan island tours is counterclockwise, with about 70% of cyclists taking this direction. The reason is that the East Rift Valley in the east is saved for the latter part of the journey, delivering the strongest visual impact and psychological motivation, and finishing the western urban sections first allows for quick adaptation to traffic conditions.

9-Day Counterclockwise Island Tour Daily Mileage Breakdown

Using Taipei as the starting point, the standard 9-day counterclockwise itinerary is as follows:

Total approximately 890 km (standard route, excluding scenic detours)

Three Core Principles for Mileage Allocation

1. Do not exceed 90 km in the first three days

The body needs more than 3 days to adapt to consecutive riding. Pushing mileage too high too early will cause muscle fatigue to erupt on days 4 and 5, making the entire latter half painful to ride. Taiwan’s western sections are relatively flat, making them ideal as a warm-up phase.

2. Days 5 to 7 are the psychological critical period

The South Link Highway and Taitung sections are typically the most physically demanding. It is recommended to arrange a rest afternoon after staying overnight in Taitung—visit the Tiehua Music Village night market to recharge both body and mind, so you can face Hualien and the Suhua Highway in good condition.

3. Start early on Suhua Highway day

The Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9, Hualien to Su’ao section) is approximately 118 km long and includes multiple tunnels. It is recommended to depart between 5:30 and 6:00 AM, passing through the most dangerous Renqing tunnel cluster before noon to avoid peak gravel truck traffic.

Practical Tips

• Plan ahead using Google Maps or Komoot: After confirming each day’s accommodation, work backward to determine mileage—don’t let lodging dictate riding distance.
• Day 3 allows adding or subtracting 20 km as conditions allow: The western plains have dense resupply points, and even if you arrive early, you can still find accommodation. There’s plenty of flexibility.
• Reserve 1 to 2 buffer days: Taiwan’s weather is unpredictable, especially in the east. Typhoons or heavy rain can delay your plan. It is recommended to plan for 10 to 11 days, giving the 9-day route room to breathe.
• Check Suhua Highway construction information before departure: The highway bureau website (thb.gov.tw) posts real-time traffic control announcements. Confirm there are no issues before arranging Day 8.

Conclusion

There is no absolute right or wrong in choosing your island tour direction. What matters is that once you decide, don’t look back—put your energy into each day’s riding and the experiences along the way. The 9-day mileage plan is just the skeleton; what truly makes an island tour meaningful are those few moments you stop each day—eating a bowl of misua, chatting with an old man by the roadside, or zoning out by the Pacific Ocean. Plan well and set off; leave the rest to Taiwan’s roads.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Island Cycling Route Planning: Strategic Analysis of Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise
• Taiwan Island Route Planning: Choosing Between Clockwise and Counterclockwise
• Counterclockwise vs. Clockwise Island Tour: Differences in Difficulty and Scenery Between the Two Directions
• Counterclockwise vs. Clockwise Island Tour: A Complete Comparison of Wind, Elevation, and Traffic Flow