The Walami Trail is particularly significant for its influence between the native aboriginal Bunun tribe, and the Japanese, during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. Along the way, hikers will traverse over six suspension bridges, four former Japanese police station ruins, and several waterfalls. The trail is also significant to biologists and researchers, and is one of the best places in Taiwan to potentially spot the extremely rare Formosan black bear. 

Over two days, hike a total of 28km along one of Taiwan's most iconic (yet lesser known) trails with one night at Walami Cabin. No tents will be needed, but guests will need to prepare sleeping bags and some meals. Other than those things, you just rock up and hike!

Due to its southern location, snow is not common on this route, making it an ideal choice for hikers looking to experience Taiwan’s outdoors in the winter. It is also one of the few easily accessible trails in Taiwan that still show remnants of the Japanese presence in Taiwan. 

Day One: Hualien to Walami Cabin

Guests will meet their guide in the morning of Day 1 at the Hualien Train Station. After checking in and a quick round of brief introductions, the group will jump on board our private transporation and head south out of Hualien City through the East Rift Valley towards Yushan National Park.

After a quick scheduled stop to pick up last minute supplies, we will arrive at Nan-an Visitor Center (南安遊客中心). Here we will check-in and have our permits reviewed. This is also the last place to fill up on water.

From the trailhead and not long after starting, we will cross Shanfong Suspension Bridge #1 and #2 with epic views across the eastern stretches of Yushan National Park. The second bridge’s base is still original, and has never rebuilt.

Pictured: Shandong Suspension Bridge #1

Pictured: Shandong Suspension Bridge #2

Around 5km in (roughly 90 minutes), we will arrive at the ruins of the famous Jiaxin Slate House (佳心石板屋). Between the late 18th century and early 20th century, the Bunun Aboriginal tribe settled along the banks of the Lakulaku River and built as many as 300 houses, very similar to this (restored)one.

Pictured: Jiaxin Slate House

Besides the ruins of a former police station, there is also a restroom here. This is the turnaround point for day-hikers who do not have permits.

After a short break, we will continue on, passing over a few more bridges and ruins of old Japanese police station, as well as some remarkable intact memorials built by the Japanese.

Pictured: Kaxipanan Memorial Monument

We should arrive at the Walami cabin sometime in the early afternoon. The rest of the afternoon can be used for taking photographs, reading, chatting, exploring, and resting. Dinner (provided) will be served at 5pm.

Day One Hiking Overview

• Total Hiking Distance: 14km
• Trail Conditions: Mostly flat trails, numerous suspension bridges, may involve vegetation in some parts.
• Estimated Time on Trail: 6 hours at a moderate hiking pace

Day One Schedule

• 6:00am - Meet Guide and Group at Hualien Train Station
• 8:30am - Arrive at Nan-An Visitor Center
• 9:00am - Start hike from the Walami Trailhead
• 10:30am - Arrive at Shanfong Bridge
• 3:00pm - Arrive at Walami Cabin (check-in with National Park Staff)
• 5:00pm - Dinner (provided by the National Park)
• 6:00pm onwards - Socialize, play cards, read, etc
• 8:00pm - Bedtime

*Note: Times are approximate and may vary depending on the team, weather, traffic and other factors.

Day Two: Walami Cabin to Hualien

Day Two is simply the reverse route of our day 1 itinerary.

We will hike back down to the trail, make a stop at the scenic Nan-An Waterfalls and drive the group back to Hualien Train station for the end of the tour.

Day Two Overview: 

• Total Hiking Distance: 14km
• Trail Conditions: Mostly flat trails, numerous suspension bridges, may involve heavy vegetation in some parts.
• Estimated Time on Trail: 6 hours at a moderate hiking pace

Day Two Schedule

• 8:00am - Wake up, eat breakfast (included in tour, provided by National Park)
• 9:00am - Depart Walami Cabin
• 1:00pm - Estimated arrival time at trailhead
• 1:30pm - Stop at Nan-An Waterfall (if open)
• 4:00pm - Estimated arrival time at Hualien Train Station
• 4:15pm - Say our good byes - End of Tour - 

*Note: Times are approximate and may vary depending on the team, weather, traffic and other factors.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• To ensure we can apply and secure the difficult-to-get National Park permit, you need to book this tour two months and one week prior to your preferred departure date.
• Permits for Walami must be applied 1 month in advance. Registrations for tours will close 1 months and 1 week prior to the departure date to ensure we secure, prepare and double check our guests' permit information.
• Our system is set up to allow guests to register and secure their seat on the tour, but you do not have to pay at registration. We will request payment only when our permits have been successfully secured.
• All of our scheduled departures for Walami run from Saturday-Sunday. Our permit application is for the Sunday. Due to the competitiveness of the permits, if we are unable to secure permits on the Saturday, we will attempt to secure permits on the Sunday, meaning the tour will run Sunday-Monday.
• We run our tours "rain or shine". However, this doesn't mean we don't take guest safety seriously. We also know that running tours outside means there's a chance to we might get wet. That's all part of the experience. However, in the event there is adverse weather (as defined by a rain warning issued by the Central Weather Administration of Taiwan), the tour will be cancelled and a full refund will be provided. Guaranteed.
• In the event that the minimum group size is not reached, our sales team will inform registered guests up to 3 days prior to the permit application date. 

2026/2027 Tour Dates:

• October 17-18, 2026
• March 20-21, 2027
• August 21-22, 2027
• Note: Select the specific date on the drop-down calendar option listed on the right side of this page

The After-Purchase Process:

• Upon receipt of a booking, Taiwan Outdoors' staff will contact the guest to ask for some additional information for permits and insurance purposes.
• Once permits have been applied and confirmed, our team will send you a request for payment.
• Approximately one month prior to the departure date, Taiwan Outdoors will send guests a pre-trip information email with details regarding their tour, including revised scheduled, pick up and drop off location and details regarding their destination.
• We'll add each group member to a private WhatsApp or LINE Group to allow for any last minute questions to be answered by our staff/guide.

Except for a few meals, Taiwan Outdoors takes care of all the details; from accommodation reservations, arranging private transportation, an experienced guide and insurance booking, to the complicated National Park Permit application process.