Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to 1.5m swells, but July to September pre-typhoon weather can bring 2m to 2.5m perfect
barrels.
Rising Sun Surf Inn offers English surfing lessons (and rentals) by an experienced
coach and former lifeguard from California. Two-hour lessons including surfboard rental
for the day and use of hostel showers cost NT$1500.
For swimming, stick to the beach areas across from the train station, and watch for
currents. There is also a safe little protected area for children to swim around the
mosque-like building. Some people call it the Mermaid's Hole.
Hiking
There is a large network of trails cutting through the hills of Wai'ao. The most accessible
run through an afforestation area that was sponsored by King Car (the company that
owns Mr Brown). Paths are wide and clear and offer fantastic views up and down the
coast.
To get here take the side road across from the seaside Mr Brown Cafe (the giant yel-
low glass structure) and head up the steep road 2.5km to the end where there is a second
enormous Mr Brown Cafe (this one looking like a castle). The trails begin just back from
the parking lot.
EVERYBODY'S GONE SURFING!
Or so it seems. So popular has the sport become these past few years that in the
summer months you could probably walk from Baishawan all the way to Wushih
Harbour. We mean on the water, or, rather, on the endless floating boards just off-
shore.
Baishawan
Baishawan has a nice, safe, sandy beach break and can accommodate the needs
of most surfers.
Jhong-jiao bay
(Zhōngjiǎo Wān), further east and just north of
Jinshan, is one of the hottest surfing destinations these days. Depending on the
swell, the beach is suitable for beginner to advanced surfers but better surfers usu-
ally avoid the place. As at most popular venues, during peak season you will be
sharing the waters with a lot of people who don't know what they are doing. We
mean 'a lot' and there isn't much emphasis on skills or etiquette. To put it bluntly,
as one veteran of the surf scene told us, the attitude on the water is basically, 'Me
first'.
Daxi
