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Taiwan🇹🇼 | beachesLongdong Baycliff diving, rock climbing, deep water | things to do and best time to go

Explore Xiaoliuqiu’s Vase Rock BeachExplore Shimen Beach

Backpacking in Longdong Bay
👀 For curious travelersbeach ranked #22
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated May 28, 2026

Your palms sting as you grab a sharp, sun‑warmed rock, waves thumping the cliffs below while someone’s GoPro strap slaps against your shoulder and the air smells like salt, neoprene, and instant noodles. Longdong Bay beach sits on Taiwan’s northeast coast in New Taipei, more rock amphitheater than sandy sprawl, and it’s a trade: epic cliff scenery, clear water, killer snorkeling and diving, but sketchy swimming, limited sand, weekend crowds, and a slightly scattered vibe. It’s cleaner, wilder, and more dramatic than Fulong or Wai’ao, better for wetsuits and ropes than beach towels, with just enough cheap eats and basic stays nearby to keep a backpacker happy without feeling like a resort brochure exploded.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #22 beach in TaiwanReasons people choose to visit here

Longdong Bay beach in Taiwan is one of those spots that backpackers can’t resist. Why? It’s all about the laid-back atmosphere. You can kick back with a cold drink, watch the waves, and pretend you’re not on a tight schedule. Plus, it’s affordable—no need to break the bank for a sun-soaked day.

The social scene is another draw. You’ll find fellow travelers swapping stories, sharing snacks, and maybe even planning the next leg of their journey together. The water access is a bonus; it’s perfect for a quick dip or just lounging on the sand.

More than just a place to swim, Longdong Bay serves as a connector along the coastal route, giving you a much-needed pause in your adventure. It’s a pit stop where the grind feels less like a chore and more like a shared experience.
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💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  • Cliffside rock climbing on the volcanic sea cliffs: Longdong’s steep, honeycombed basalt cliffs are a climber’s dream — routes of many grades sit right above crashing waves, so you get serious exposure and ocean spray. Best during the day for sunlight on the holds and safer belays; some people time short top-ropes for sunset, but full-on night climbing is rare and needs lots of headlamps and experience.
  • Snorkeling and shore diving over the rocky reefs: The clear, shallow reefs here are full of fish, crannies and small sea caves you can reach from the shore — excellent for short dives without a boat. Daytime is ideal for visibility and spotting colorful life; occasional guided night dives show different nocturnal critters (and sometimes faint bioluminescence), but only with a local guide
… read more 👉
  • Cliffside rock climbing on the volcanic sea cliffs: Longdong’s steep, honeycombed basalt cliffs are a climber’s dream — routes of many grades sit right above crashing waves, so you get serious exposure and ocean spray. Best during the day for sunlight on the holds and safer belays; some people time short top-ropes for sunset, but full-on night climbing is rare and needs lots of headlamps and experience.
  • Snorkeling and shore diving over the rocky reefs: The clear, shallow reefs here are full of fish, crannies and small sea caves you can reach from the shore — excellent for short dives without a boat. Daytime is ideal for visibility and spotting colorful life; occasional guided night dives show different nocturnal critters (and sometimes faint bioluminescence), but only with a local guide and lights.
  • Tide-pool and intertidal exploring on the rock platforms: At low tide Longdong reveals tide pools stuffed with urchins, crabs, blennies and weird anemones clinging to volcanic rock — easy to study up close and great for macro photos. Don’t do it at high tide; nighttime low-tide walks are a whole other show (different creatures come out), so bring a strong headlamp and watch the incoming tide.
  • Coastal scramble and viewpoints along the sea terraces: Short scrambles and cliff-top paths thread dramatic sea caves and eroded terraces — the geology and angle of the coastline make for unique photo compositions you won’t get on sandy beaches. Sunrise and sunset here are spectacular; after dark the cliffs are quiet for stargazing if the moon’s not out (bring a warm layer and stay well back from edges).
  • Local-style fishing and squid-jigging off the piers: You’ll see locals casting and jigging for squid from the rocky piers — it’s a hands-on, low-cost way to try catching fresh seafood and learn a bit of local rhythm. Evening and night are when squid-jigging lights get turned on and the action starts, so join in with basic gear and ask before borrowing anyone’s spot.
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Things to do near Longdong Bay

Private Day Trip to Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Park

Private Day Trip to Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Park

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Best E-bike Cycling Tour in Taipei - Includes Local Food & Drinks

Best E-bike Cycling Tour in Taipei - Includes Local Food & Drinks

5.0(27) 5h
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Street Food Cooking Class in Taipei : Gua Bao/Lu Rou Fan/Boba Tea

Street Food Cooking Class in Taipei : Gua Bao/Lu Rou Fan/Boba Tea

5.0(25) 2h
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Xiao Long Bao, Pork thick soup, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-B (Taipei Cooking Class)

Xiao Long Bao, Pork thick soup, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-B (Taipei Cooking Class)

5.0(25) 2h 30m
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Taipei: Disappearing Flavors of Taiwan Food Tour with 12+ Tasters

Taipei: Disappearing Flavors of Taiwan Food Tour with 12+ Tasters

5.0(20) 3h
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Private Cruise Tour from Keelung: Trip to Taipei

Private Cruise Tour from Keelung: Trip to Taipei

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Taiwanese Gourmet Cooking Class in Taipei

Taiwanese Gourmet Cooking Class in Taipei

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2-Hour Private Dadaocheng Walking Tour

2-Hour Private Dadaocheng Walking Tour

5.0(17) 2h
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Taiwanese Food Culture and Cooking Class

Taiwanese Food Culture and Cooking Class

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Exclusive 3-Day Sun Moon Lake & Alishan Private Tour

Exclusive 3-Day Sun Moon Lake & Alishan Private Tour

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🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Longdong Bay


  • Topic: Weather – Spring and fall bring mild, dry days perfect for beach time, with temps around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Summer’s heat and humidity can turn your backpack into a sauna, plus typhoons crash the party.

  • Topic: Temperature – Winter dips to 15°C (59°F), too chilly for swimming but fine for hiking nearby. Summer hits 30°C+ (86°F+), which sounds great until you’re melting under the sun.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Longer days from April to September give you more beach hours, but don’t expect a midnight swim; Taiwan’s not that far north.

  • Topic: Crowds – Summer and weekends pack the beach with locals escaping the city, so if you want elbow room, aim for weekdays in shoulder seasons.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – Spring and fall offer calmer seas for snorkeling and diving; summer’s
… read more 👉

  • Topic: Weather – Spring and fall bring mild, dry days perfect for beach time, with temps around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Summer’s heat and humidity can turn your backpack into a sauna, plus typhoons crash the party.

  • Topic: Temperature – Winter dips to 15°C (59°F), too chilly for swimming but fine for hiking nearby. Summer hits 30°C+ (86°F+), which sounds great until you’re melting under the sun.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Longer days from April to September give you more beach hours, but don’t expect a midnight swim; Taiwan’s not that far north.

  • Topic: Crowds – Summer and weekends pack the beach with locals escaping the city, so if you want elbow room, aim for weekdays in shoulder seasons.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – Spring and fall offer calmer seas for snorkeling and diving; summer’s waves attract surfers but can be rough for casual swimmers.

  • Topic: Price Fluctuations – Peak summer means inflated accommodation and food prices; off-season drops rates but some guesthouses close up shop.


Pro-tip: Hit Longdong Bay in late spring or early fall for the sweet spot—good weather, manageable crowds, and wallet-friendly rates.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: good for travelingFEBFebruary: good for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Taiwan

Longdong Bay beach is a backpacker’s playground, but not all spots are created equal.

Head to the area around the beach itself. You’ll find a mix of guesthouses and hostels that cater to budget travelers. They’re safe, social, and often buzzing with fellow adventurers. The vibe here is laid-back, perfect for swapping stories over a cold drink after a day of snorkeling or hiking the nearby cliffs.

If you wander a bit inland, you’ll discover a few local homestays. These offer a more authentic experience, and the hosts often share insider tips that guidebooks miss. Just remember, Wi-Fi might be … read more 👉
Longdong Bay beach is a backpacker’s playground, but not all spots are created equal.

Head to the area around the beach itself. You’ll find a mix of guesthouses and hostels that cater to budget travelers. They’re safe, social, and often buzzing with fellow adventurers. The vibe here is laid-back, perfect for swapping stories over a cold drink after a day of snorkeling or hiking the nearby cliffs.

If you wander a bit inland, you’ll discover a few local homestays. These offer a more authentic experience, and the hosts often share insider tips that guidebooks miss. Just remember, Wi-Fi might be spotty, but who needs the internet when you have the ocean?

Avoid the overly commercialized spots further down the coast. They’re more about the view than the experience. Stick close to Longdong Bay for a genuine taste of Taiwan’s coastal charm.
Best hostels in Taiwan


Best quality hotels in Taiwan

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Longdong Bay Beach is a solid spot for a chill day in the sun, but keep your wits about you. The waves can be playful, but they also pack a punch. Currents can sneak up on you, especially during high tide, so stick to where the locals swim. They know the lay of the land and the water.

Jellyfish occasionally pop by, so a quick scan of the water before diving in is wise. As for the sun, it’s relentless. Slather on that sunscreen and reapply like your beach day depends on it—because it does. Theft isn’t rampant, but keep an eye on your stuff while you’re busy soaking up the rays. Enjoy the beach, but stay savvy!
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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Longdong Bay is a quirky slice of paradise. Picture this: dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and a vibe that screams “let’s chill.” The best surprise? The local seafood—fresh and downright addictive. Just a heads-up: the path down can feel like a mini expedition. Embrace the grind; the reward is worth every step.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Taiwan. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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