When Portuguese sailors first caught sight of Taiwan in 1542, they called it Ilha Formosa — Beautiful Island. The name stuck, and for good reason. Behind the neon-lit night markets and the hum of scooter engines lies an island of extraordinary ecological depth: a place where subtropical rainforest gives way to cloud forest, alpine meadow, and — in a single island — the full sweep of climate zones from tropical to alpine. For the nature-minded traveller, Taiwan is one of East Asia’s most underrated destinations.

Taiwan does not require specialist equipment, extensive prior experience, or unusual fitness levels for most of its nature experiences. It requires attentiveness: a willingness to slow down, look closely, and let the landscape speak on its own terms. That, ultimately, is what separates a nature trip from a tick-list exercise — and Taiwan rewards the attentive traveller generously.