Hiking, rafting and survival camps: adventure breaks in Taiwan

TAIWAN - With a mountainous landscape and both the land and the sea to play with, Taiwan offers a range of exciting activities suitable for adventurous tourists.
Mt Dabajian (3,492m) is one of Taiwan's most distinctive peaks, a huge barrel shaped rock, the mountain protrudes from a ridgeline and provides wonderfully scenic three day hikes. Hikers have to trek 19km down an abandoned road in order to reach the foot of the mountain, lending it an intrepid feel. With waterfalls and plenty of flora and bird species to identify along the way, this trail makes for a rewarding excursion.
Visitors need a mountain permit to hike Mt. Dabajian, which you can apply for through the Shei-Pa National Park administration.
The Xiuguluan River is the longest river in eastern Taiwan that follows a winding path past Ruisui in the East Rift Valley and offers the most popular rafting course in Taiwan. The rafting trip takes up to four hours and covering over 20 sets of rapids of varying length and difficulty, providing a truly thrilling experience for adrenalin seeking rafters! The International Xiuguluan River Rafting Race, held in June to July each year, has become the most important rafting activity in Taiwan.
The Cidal Hunter School lies deep in the mountains of Hualien County and offers a survival crash course to encourage tourists to 'get back to basics' and also learn about the intricate facets of the island's indigenous traditions which are key to Taiwan's story. Started by a husband and wife team, Valah and Banai, the Cidal Hunter School teaches age old survival skills to participants including the intricacies of Amis net fishing and making fire using bamboo silvers. Participants will also be shown how to make rope from vines, how to build a snare trap, as well as how to use plants for food, hunting and shelter. The survival course provides the perfect setting for tourists to take time out from the 'technology era' and re-connect with nature.

Sourced: TravelDialyNews