Surfing in Taiwan at Fulong
Taiwan, a small island off the east coast of China, is known for it’s beautiful women, stylish clothes, and computer parts. However, getting around Taiwan can be tricky if you don’t speak Mandarin, or drive. After what I’ve seen of Chinese driving habits, I’d rather leave driving to the experts—like the taxi drivers, bus drivers, or mooter scooter drivers. Too much tension for me.
However, an excellent surfing beach can be found north of Taipei. You can even take the train from Taipei station directly to Fulong. Once in Fulong, get off the train and there’s a surf shop across from the train station, across from the 7-11.
We met the owner, a Mr. Dollar, who rents boards for approximately $30 U.S. Once you have rented your board, you head towards the 7-11 and the down the long beautiful road to the beach. Mr. Dollar just happens to own a small hotel next to the beach where you’ll find a few Australians holed up for the summer. A luxury hotel it isn’t, but if you’re there for the surf, it’s cheap and ample.
The atmosphere is small-town tropical. It reminded me of Encinitas, California in the 1960’s. The afternoon we were there the waves were around 3 feet, short lefts (which everyone rode) towards the breakwater, and long rights that remained un-ridden. The locals were eccentric and very friendly. No sign of localism. Asian politeness reigned. It was good fun.
So if you ever feel stuck in Taipei, take the train to Fulong. Tell “Mr. Dollar” I sent you.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:56 am
Hello, I came across your blog posting after searching for taiwan and your post on Surfing in Taiwan at Fulong makes an interesting read. Thanks for sharing. I will search online more next Tuesday when I have the day off.
September 19th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Hi Emily,
Thank you for responding to the post on Surfing in Fulong. Taiwan is such a beautiful country, but most people (especially tourists) never travel outside of the extremely crowded cities. Most tourists are intimidated by traveling on buses in a country where they don’t speak the language.
I’ve heard that Honeymoon Bay is even more beautiful than Fulong, but never got to see it. Have you ever been there? Are there other beaches you would recommend for surfing in Taiwan?
—Bill
October 21st, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Hello…I Googled for taipei, but found your page about Surfing in Taiwan at Fulong…and have to say thanks. nice read.
October 21st, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Hi Kaila,
Thanks for posting here. Have you ever been to Fulong Beach or Honeymoon Bay?
I feel this is the undisclosed secret of Taiwan—the beautiful beaches that no one sees. Everyone seems to flock in droves to the beaches at Kenting, but it seems that few visit the beaches that are closer to Taipei. But, wait a minute, maybe that’s good! Less crowds. More waves.
Maybe we should keep it a secret.
—Bill
March 10th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
why have you stopped posting? Now I am worried…about your death dream. You’re still here…..aren’t you?
March 11th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Garsh Celeste,
Thank you for your concern, and for your inspiration.
I really didn’t think anyone read these posts—especially ones about surfing in Taiwan. I’ve been busy removing spam (about 50 -80 spam posts per day). It must have robbed me of any creativity.
I do thank you for posting this. And post more drivel real soon.
Any subjects of interest?
March 11th, 2008 at 9:58 am
In the above post I meant to say that I’ll post more drivel real soon. ME! I’m the drivel poster. Just let me know what you’d like me to go on about, as long it’s not the stuff I get spammed about daily.
Again, thank you for your concern. I’m touched.
—Bill
March 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am
well..I would like some secrets to enjoying life after 50. What are they? I’m listening…. (pulling up a chair).
March 12th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Well, Celeste,
Four Secrets to enjoying life after 50:
1. Do what you were scared to do when you were younger.
This doesn’t mean take acid or shoot heroin or crystal meth. It means take a chance to help an old lady cross a street. Talk to strangers. Get up and dance when the music plays. Life becomes to short to sit another song out. Now that the illusion of coming across as “cool” has left the room when you look in the mirror, it’s time to have some fun. And you can even get others like you to join in. These people can become your new friends and you can encourage each other into new and even more daring acts of kindness and craziness.
2. Take a class.
A community college class gets you out and about and not only do you learn new things, you can fantasize on the good looking students. It keeps your mind active, and your social skills honed, and it beats watching TV every night. I just took a Chinese Language class. It kicked my butt trying to remember all those phrases and symbols, but those cute Japanese girls were so nice to me, it was almost worth it. Now I can order my food in Chinese restaurants—well, almost.
3. Indulge in a hobby.
Nothing beats something you really enjoy. I grow exotic fruit trees and make wine from the fruit. I also propagate the trees by grafting and air-layering to make new ones. Now I’m taking a Vineyard Management class and learning about growing different varieties of grapes. I expect to have some even better wine in the future with combinations of Merlot and lychee. Then give your hobby to others. Teach them how to graft, make wine, or give them wine, or trees you’ve propagated. Pass on the fruit of your hobbies.
4. Exercise.
Get up early and run 2 miles before you are fully awake and start to talk yourself out of it. Play raquetball. Sweat freely and openly with pride. Surf, even in the dead of winter, and enjoy the warm feeling of peeing in your wetsuit. Ski, even though double skis are going out-of style. Who gives a shit? The feeling of the cold wind against your face and the crunching sound of the snow, make you feel glad to be alive. And you can feel sorry for the snowboarders limping in the lift line trying so hard to be cool. Remember, exercise maintains the physical shell which helps you get all the other things done. You can look whithered and wrinkled, but you need to stay in shape so you can stay alive and make a difference.
More to come—when I can remember them.
—Bill
April 24th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Oh cool I’m from Taiwan and I’m happy to hear that someone says that Taiwan is Beautiful! Thanks~~@
April 25th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Hi h457,
I think what makes Taiwan so beautiful are the warm and friendly people. I’d like to go back and start a surf school there. The water is warm, the waves nice, and the people are friendly.
Driving through Yami Mountain and looking at the monkeys was fun too.
—Bi;;
June 16th, 2008 at 9:36 am
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