There is a wonderful bike trail along the Northeast and Yilan (宜蘭) coastline. One can take the train to Shihcheng(石城) Train Station or Fulong(副隆) Train Station. We took the train to Fulong Station where there were many bike rental shops. They have regular bikes, mountain bikes, for adults and children. They also have bicycles for two or with infant seats, and one may be able to get them in battery-powered as well. In order to rent a bike, one must leave an ID.
We started the trail southward through the 2.16km long Old Caoling Tunnel Bikeway. The tunnel was cool with the air brushing against the face, but the best was coming out of the tunnel and greeted by the welcoming sight of bright daylight and the feeling of the open ocean breeze. There are many rest areas along the trail and the coastline scenery is very special.
Lailai Marine Terrace
This marine terrace will be under ocean water at high tide. One can see many fishermen out deep-sea fishing during low tide and others exploring what the sea left behind. Coming up is the Four Square Sightseeing Area where we can see the Turtle Island.
Turtle Island is a volcanic islet off the east coast of Yilan County. Its name is due to its shape similar to a giant turtle. It is an island park open to the public from March to November. It is about 3 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. It has a 3,000 sq. feet of seafood market where one can enjoy fresh seafood. Bottle nose dolphins and tiger whales appear off its coast frequently. One can experience warm spring water bath as well as water sports including surfing, water skiing, and gliding can be found here.
Going further north on the bike trail we come to the most eastern coast of Taiwan, Cape San Diego (三貂角)and the San Diego Cape lighthouse. It’s been said that when the Spanish first came by in 1626, they named it Cape San Diego because it reminded them of San Diego. Hence the present name is San Diego in Taiwanese phonetics. The San Diego lighthouse is 16.8 feet tall and has a 270-degree view of the ocean. On a good day, one can see Turtle Island. Surrounding the Lighthouse is a nice rest area for visitors to relax.
There is a foot path going down from this rest area to Maoao Fishery Village known for its hundred years stone dwellings, but we cycled back down to the coastline bike path.
walking trail to Maoao Village
We stopped for lunch at Fulian Elementary School’s footsteps sitting and watching the ocean waves while we hungrily wolfing down our lunch which was the famous railroad lunch box that we bought at the Fulong Railroad Station.
Continuing along the bike way, took us back to return the bike, along the way we passed Dongxin Temple and Fulong Coastal Park. Last and final destination, the Fulong Beach.
There will be many water activities in the summer as well as open air concerts. In May, there will be Sand Sculpturing Art Festival here.
awesome retirement 