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Taiwan Vista Day Tour
Taiwan Vista Day Tour
5
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About
Before Taiwan Vista Tour started off, we were simply Hualien locals that love the outdoors and enjoy keeping an active lifestyle. However, when exploring the adventures the beautiful county has to offer, we realized that while many tour options were offered for the most popular destinations, travelers could not fully enjoy the iconic sights of Hualien because the groups were either too large to allow flexibility, or there was a lack of an English guided tour. And so, with our knowledge, experiences and familiarity with Hualien and the breathtaking views it has to offer, we got ourselves certified as professional tour guides. Taiwan Vista Tour then started in 2014 with the goal of providing quality tour guide services for travelers to Taiwan. Since then, thousands of travelers have trusted us to show them the beauty Hualien has to offer. Planning a escapade to Hualien? Let us know what excites your soul, and leave the planning to us! Your adventure awaits, Taiwan Vista Team
Tours and Tickets by Taiwan Vista Day Tour
Attractions & Museums
6+ hours
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Recommended by 100% of travellers
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Adventure Tours
1–12 hours
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5.0
359 reviews
Excellent
332
Very good
26
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
MightiestQuinn
181 contributions
Feb 2020
We were scheduled to be in Keelung on a cruise ship in March/20 so we contacted Taiwan Vista Tours (TVT) about their shore excursions. TVT has standard itineraries for cruise ship visitors but we worked with Kierra to develop a unique private itinerary. She was excellent in making recommendations that would fit into our limited time in port. We booked and made a deposit of 10% of our tour cost via PayPal with the balance to be paid to our driver/guide. That is quite reasonable compared to full advance payment required by other tour operators.
Then came coronavirus. Our cruise line made significant itinerary changes that affected our arrival date into Keelung. We went back to Kierra who was very helpful in changing the date of our booked tour in Keelung and in developing another itinerary for an additional day we now had in Taipei. Everything looked great. But then Taiwan announced it would close its ports to all international cruise ships. We no longer would make it to Keelung or Taipei. So we went back to Kierra again and asked for a refund of our tour deposit. Within an hour, we had notice from PayPal that a refund was being processed.
It's said you can judge a company by how they respond when things don't go as planned. Our experience with Taiwan Vista Tours was excellent. Huge shout out to Kierra who was responsive, patient and sympathetic to our ever-changing situation. When we're in Taiwan in the future, there is no doubt we'll use Taiwan Vista Tours.
Then came coronavirus. Our cruise line made significant itinerary changes that affected our arrival date into Keelung. We went back to Kierra who was very helpful in changing the date of our booked tour in Keelung and in developing another itinerary for an additional day we now had in Taipei. Everything looked great. But then Taiwan announced it would close its ports to all international cruise ships. We no longer would make it to Keelung or Taipei. So we went back to Kierra again and asked for a refund of our tour deposit. Within an hour, we had notice from PayPal that a refund was being processed.
It's said you can judge a company by how they respond when things don't go as planned. Our experience with Taiwan Vista Tours was excellent. Huge shout out to Kierra who was responsive, patient and sympathetic to our ever-changing situation. When we're in Taiwan in the future, there is no doubt we'll use Taiwan Vista Tours.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
splendi
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Jan 2015 • Friends
The service provided by Jeff at Unique was good. He was punctual on the pick up and sweet to bought us coffee to start our tour. With an average stammina, we are glad to manage to complete the trail within 5hrs ( 3kim up & down). Jeff was patience not to rush us and encourage us to trek on our own pace. If you wish to have a unquie way to explore taroko national park this is a go to tour.
Written 10 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant-808
Honolulu, HI472 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Absolutely fantastic tour of the Toroko National Park. Our guide, Jeff, was friendly and knowledgeable of the park and Hualien. From a prompt 8:30AM pickup from the Hualien Train Station, we were zipped to Chishingtan Beach, Qingshui Cliffs, Swallow Grotto, Baiyang Trail, Lushui Trail, Cimu Bridge, Eternal Spring Shrine, Changuang Temple Bell Tower, and back to Hualien Train Station by 5:30PM. In looking at our fitness apps, we hiked for over 15 kilometers, including hikes over scenic suspension bridges, gorges, and rivers; sometimes up/down steep inclines and pitch black tunnels. The highlight was the Baiyang Trail, ending in a darkened tunnel of falling sheets of water.
With Jeff’s speedy hiking pace (as fast as we could go), knowledge of the specific sites, routes, parking, and peak times, we covered much more than we could have with the Taroko park shuttle bus, and even more than with a larger private bus tour. We even had time to eat a local breakfast of soy milk and scallion pancakes and an early ramen dinner in Hualien, both only a local like Jeff would be able to find. His English communication was fluent. Having the VW minivan was just the right size to go deeper into the park than the prohibitive buses, get closer parking, and comfortable enough for our party of 5.
The pre-trip booking and payment was informative and efficient, led by Kierra. Paypal payment was secure and easy. The tough part was outside the agency's control, which was securing the required Taipei-Hualien train booking, made difficult and complex by TRA’s antiquated system and high demand for the express trains (versus regular trains). Here is my train booking experience to share.
Taipei-Hualien TRA Train Booking Instructions and Tips: There are two types of TRA trains for the 170km trip from Taipei to Hualien; the express takes 2 hours and the local train takes 3 to 4 hours, both cost the same 440NTD one way. As such, the express trains sell out fast, especially during the weekends and holidays. Book on TRA.MOTC Official Website (google TRA Taiwan train), as soon as 14 days prior to travel, timing is very important to get the early express (Puyama and Toroko) trains. You need your passport ID # and major credit card for payment. Most would choose the roundtrip booking option; a rejection of the selected in-bound or out-bound train will require you to start the transaction all over. Once successful, remember to do a screen print and write down the booking number and train information (the TRA system does collect your email address, thus no email confirmation, and only way to retrieve your booking is via the booking number). Upon arrival in Taipei, you retrieve your ticket from most major TRA stations such as Taipei Main and Sungshan, bring your passport and booking pickup form, do this at least 30 minutes prior to departure, but I would recommend doing this as early as possible in case of issues. The site also states a 7-11 pickup option using the ibon Kiosk, but I didn’t see it in visiting several stores, thus went down to the Taipei Main Station and stood in a 20 minute TRA ticketing line to pick up my tickets a couple days prior to departure.
Overall, I highly recommend Taiwan Vista.
With Jeff’s speedy hiking pace (as fast as we could go), knowledge of the specific sites, routes, parking, and peak times, we covered much more than we could have with the Taroko park shuttle bus, and even more than with a larger private bus tour. We even had time to eat a local breakfast of soy milk and scallion pancakes and an early ramen dinner in Hualien, both only a local like Jeff would be able to find. His English communication was fluent. Having the VW minivan was just the right size to go deeper into the park than the prohibitive buses, get closer parking, and comfortable enough for our party of 5.
The pre-trip booking and payment was informative and efficient, led by Kierra. Paypal payment was secure and easy. The tough part was outside the agency's control, which was securing the required Taipei-Hualien train booking, made difficult and complex by TRA’s antiquated system and high demand for the express trains (versus regular trains). Here is my train booking experience to share.
Taipei-Hualien TRA Train Booking Instructions and Tips: There are two types of TRA trains for the 170km trip from Taipei to Hualien; the express takes 2 hours and the local train takes 3 to 4 hours, both cost the same 440NTD one way. As such, the express trains sell out fast, especially during the weekends and holidays. Book on TRA.MOTC Official Website (google TRA Taiwan train), as soon as 14 days prior to travel, timing is very important to get the early express (Puyama and Toroko) trains. You need your passport ID # and major credit card for payment. Most would choose the roundtrip booking option; a rejection of the selected in-bound or out-bound train will require you to start the transaction all over. Once successful, remember to do a screen print and write down the booking number and train information (the TRA system does collect your email address, thus no email confirmation, and only way to retrieve your booking is via the booking number). Upon arrival in Taipei, you retrieve your ticket from most major TRA stations such as Taipei Main and Sungshan, bring your passport and booking pickup form, do this at least 30 minutes prior to departure, but I would recommend doing this as early as possible in case of issues. The site also states a 7-11 pickup option using the ibon Kiosk, but I didn’t see it in visiting several stores, thus went down to the Taipei Main Station and stood in a 20 minute TRA ticketing line to pick up my tickets a couple days prior to departure.
Overall, I highly recommend Taiwan Vista.
Written 2 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merle R
1 contribution
We can highly recommend this tour, we liked it very much. We came by train to Hualien and decided to book a private tour instead of renting a car. Best decision to our opinion, because at some spots parking is difficult. It gave us the opportunity to walk around at some beautiful spots, while our guide was waiting in the car at the end of the trail.
Jason (O.J.) is a very friendly, energetic ans passionate guide, who grew up in this area. He showed us the highlights of the park and the area surrounding the park. His English was great and he has great and interesting knowledge about history and nature.
We also took the lunch option, which was very tasteful local food.
When we come back to Taiwan in future, we will surely book another tour with Jason!
Jason (O.J.) is a very friendly, energetic ans passionate guide, who grew up in this area. He showed us the highlights of the park and the area surrounding the park. His English was great and he has great and interesting knowledge about history and nature.
We also took the lunch option, which was very tasteful local food.
When we come back to Taiwan in future, we will surely book another tour with Jason!
Written 17 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JosephineIsabelle
Sydney11 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
I contacted Unique tours at short notice and was able to secure a tour with Jeff down the Hualien coast line. It was a great day. Jeff has a thorough knowledge of Hualien including its history, he is from Hualien with a fascinating family heritage and many stories to tell. His knowledge ranged from Kamikaze pilots at Pine Garden during WWII to the rezoning of the Taroko national park and much much more. Jeff's English is flawless, that said I have been learning (trying to learn!) mandarin for the last two years so Jeff wove in and out of English and Chinese to give my language skills a work out and I got some very valuable tips on language! I would highly recommend Jeff as a guide. I'll be back to take the Toroko Gorge hike, no worries.
Written 15 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zelda Peizhen H
4 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
I contacted Jeff from Unique Hualien to bring me out to Zhuilu Old Trail in Taroko National Park this December. On the day of our excursion he was punctual picking me up from my hotel, grabbed us breakfast along the way, and took me to visit Chishingtan Beach although I hadn't requested for that. He gave me a walking commentary/history of the Swallows Cave before heading into the park.
He bought us lunch beforehand (purple rice-é¥å›¢), boiled us hot tea with his boyscout equipment (it was pretty interesting). We were done with the trail with time to spare so he next took me to the Cave of Water Curtain (and it felt like i was getting such value for my tour because i honestly believed I was just paying for trekking the Zhuilu Old Trail) It started raining towards the end and I got slightly chilly when my jacket began to soak through and he was sweet enough to take his jacket off for me. I'll have Jeff take me around again when i next visit Hualien, he's nice, i like him. He's also sincere and full of interesting information about Hualien, try him out!
P.s he took some really great high definition photos, which are great souvenirs.
He bought us lunch beforehand (purple rice-é¥å›¢), boiled us hot tea with his boyscout equipment (it was pretty interesting). We were done with the trail with time to spare so he next took me to the Cave of Water Curtain (and it felt like i was getting such value for my tour because i honestly believed I was just paying for trekking the Zhuilu Old Trail) It started raining towards the end and I got slightly chilly when my jacket began to soak through and he was sweet enough to take his jacket off for me. I'll have Jeff take me around again when i next visit Hualien, he's nice, i like him. He's also sincere and full of interesting information about Hualien, try him out!
P.s he took some really great high definition photos, which are great souvenirs.
Written 4 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hsuwill
Santa Clara, CA9 contributions
Jan 2018
We went as a family from Yilan to Hualien and then private car to Taitung. It was a rainy day. The private car guide stopped at various minority tribe's (Ah Mei) attractions. We got to see fields where the wild boars are kept. We also stopped at the Tropic of Cancer line (23.5 degrees north latitude). We stopped at a cave where the seven angels were rumoured to have visited - nothing much to see. We stopped at a park where there are 3 large boulders near the coast. The island is connected to the mainland by a wavey bridge. It was raining really hard so we did not get to venture. Lastly we visited a place where there is an optical illusion where the water seems to flow from low to highland. It was worth a visit. There is not a lot going on in Taitung. The night market opens only on Saturday and Sunday.
Written 21 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cleaningallthethings
Ottawa, Canada20 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
Before the tour: Simon was prompt at responding to all my emails. He kept me up to date with what to expect in terms of weather and itinerary (e.g. we requested weaving so he had to work the tour around weaving instructor's schedule).
On the day: Simon was on time, patient, and informative. I was with my teen brother (primarily English-speaking) and our mom (primarily Mandarin-speaking, not super active), so he tailored his communication and plans to our needs. At one point we spent way too long (our fault, not his) in one spot and he immediately thought of an alternative plan for the afternoon. The lunch was unique and delicious - but I wonder if there are other similar restaurants that are less touristy that don't give monetary incentives for the tour guides to choose them. The weaving experience was fun and Simon was super patient while we took our time. We were late to the weaving appointment so it had to be quick but I was expecting we could make our own designs, which we couldn't (it was pre-designed), so I was a little bit disappointed. Simon also showed us a good place for dinner and the food was cheap & super yummy.
Would recommend for English-speaking tourists who want a private day tour of anywhere in Taiwan.
On the day: Simon was on time, patient, and informative. I was with my teen brother (primarily English-speaking) and our mom (primarily Mandarin-speaking, not super active), so he tailored his communication and plans to our needs. At one point we spent way too long (our fault, not his) in one spot and he immediately thought of an alternative plan for the afternoon. The lunch was unique and delicious - but I wonder if there are other similar restaurants that are less touristy that don't give monetary incentives for the tour guides to choose them. The weaving experience was fun and Simon was super patient while we took our time. We were late to the weaving appointment so it had to be quick but I was expecting we could make our own designs, which we couldn't (it was pre-designed), so I was a little bit disappointed. Simon also showed us a good place for dinner and the food was cheap & super yummy.
Would recommend for English-speaking tourists who want a private day tour of anywhere in Taiwan.
Written 15 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
willfletcher2016
London, UK9 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
We would highly recommend Jason Huang at Taiwan Vista Day Tour (or Relax I Drive) for a tour around beautiful Toroko Gorge.
Jason was reliable, friendly, flexible and knowledgeable. We had lovely time and saw lots of great sights. Jason did a great job. Thanks Jason!
Jason was reliable, friendly, flexible and knowledgeable. We had lovely time and saw lots of great sights. Jason did a great job. Thanks Jason!
Written 11 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane C
1 contribution
Jul 2015 • Friends
My family and I hiked to a waterfall and it was beautiful. The water was invitingly warm and we even jumped from various ledges of rocks into it. Simon, our guide, was helpful, fun and informative. We were served a traditional lunch which was cooked right on the shore, tucked under the curve of a rock wall. The end reward of swimming beneath the splashing waterfall was totally worth the hike. The only issue we had was one or two of the water shoes given to us had small holes in them and allowed pebbles to creep in under our feet which made hiking uncomfortable, especially near the end. All in all, this was an excellent adventure for us all!
Written 23 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadine
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Full Day Zhuilu Old Trail Hike from Hualien City
Hy, I would like to do this tour on 29th of May but it needs two people for that. is it possible to do it alone? thank you!
Written 20 May 2019
Hi, I am interested to join your day trip to Taroko Gorge in December 2017. How do I go from Taipei?
Written 2 September 2017
Hello Jesse. We suggest you use TRA transport from Taipei to Hualien. Or you can use our shuttle service. Contact our staffs for more suggestions and infos.
Written 6 September 2017
I'm travelling with my 80-year old mother. Does Taroko National Park tour require long walks & climbing uphill & downhill?
Written 30 May 2017
Your mother can stay in the car if she isn't up for a hike.
The tour guide will drop off you for a hike at the trail head and drive down to the finish. your mother can stay in the car while you hike.
Written 14 September 2017
My family will be coming to Taiwan for a visit and I am currently choosing between Hualien and Alishan for a day tour. I have been to Hualien twice (once to do the usual day tour, and once to cycle along the coast) and thought that it might be a nice alternative to Alishan. There will be 7 of us in the group, no hotel/hostel yet, but we'll be there on either the 9th or 10th of June. How much will it cost us for the tour alone? how much if with accommodation?
Thanks!
Written 31 May 2016
We went on the Zhuilu and Taroko Gorge tour in a day and it cost us 1738NTD per person. We had 5 people in the van and it was just right. Not sure about 7 person - you could probably email and ask them? They are pretty accommodating in terms of schedule.
Written 1 June 2016
Hi, we have been to Taroko area before. Where would you take us (7 of us) if we are to have a 1 day trip with you?
We are flying into Taiwan on 20th June 2016 and will proceed straight to Hualien so I guess the trip will be on either 21 or 22nd June.
Written 29 March 2016
we will arrive in Taiwan on the 25 of February 2016 at 2 A. M. were planning to go straight in sun moon lake. we are 13 in a group 5 children and 8 adults were planning to hire a van can you please give us an idea on how much is the cost of a van or is cheaper to ride a bus?
thank you
Written 24 December 2015
hi there,
best way to move around this size of group is hire 2 mini bus can fit all of you. it will charge around 7,000TWD/car per day, but depends on the route. Yon can email us for more details so we can discuss a little bit.
Written 6 January 2016
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