Welcome to Taiwan!
For many international travelers, visiting Taiwan by cruise is an exciting and highly anticipated experience. And the port of Keelung is the perfect gateway to explore this beautiful island. Not only is it recognized as the “Best Cruise Home Port in Asia,” but its prime location is a true blessing for any travel itinerary!
With its unbeatable geography, Keelung gives travelers instant access to must-see destinations like the mountain town of Jiufen, the fascinating rock formations of Yehliu, the Northeast Coast, Wanli District, Jinshan District, and even downtown Taipei. From scenic mountainscapes to dramatic coastal formations—you can experience it all in just one day!
Photo Credit: Keelung Tourism Website
We strongly recommend private car tours!
Why? Because you don’t want to waste time waiting for buses, risk getting lost, or miss a single “wow!” moment, right?
A private car is your best travel companion! We’ll pick you up exactly when you disembark. Wherever you want to take photos, eat, or explore—we’ll drive you there for an unforgettable experience. You decide how fast to go, how long to stay, and how many stops to make. It’s completely stress-free and fully customized to you!
------- Table of Contents -------
Flexible Private Tours for Peace of Mind|You Set the Schedule ►
Stress-Free and High-Value Half-Day Itineraries ►
Top Picks Within an Hour's Drive from Keelung ►
Must-Visit Spots in Wanli District ►
Bonus Recommendations|Hidden Gems Along the Northeast Coast ►
Rainy Day Backup Plans|Itineraries Can Be Adjusted Flexibly ►
English-Speaking Drivers Available Upon Request ►
Contact Us (1-on-1 Dedicated Travel Consultant) ►
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Flexible Private Tours for Peace of Mind|You Set the Schedule
What’s the biggest worry for cruise travelers? It’s not the lack of attractions—it’s being stuck with a rigid schedule! Waiting around for shuttle buses, being tied to a group tour, or getting lost on a DIY trip… it’s stressful.
And let’s be real—it’s even harder when you're traveling with seniors, kids, or a stroller. The pressure is real.
Wouldn’t it be perfect to travel at your own pace, without rushing, without language barriers, and with plenty of time to enjoy great food and take amazing photos? That’s what truly elevates your travel experience!
That’s why we offer flexible private car tours designed to ease every pain point:
· We match your disembarkation and boarding time—no problem
· Want to explore longer? We’ll be there with you
· Half-day, full-day, or multi-day tours—all customizable
· Take photos, enjoy meals, and relax without worrying about language or missing your ship!
Stress-Free and High-Value Half-Day Itineraries
Recommended Hot Route|Jiufen + Yehliu + Wanli = Just Right!
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary: Depart from Keelung Port → Jiufen Old Street → Jinguashi → Wanli District
No need to worry about transfers, no risk of missing your ship—just great photos, delicious eats, and the perfect local souvenirs!
Let’s Talk Time Management—and Help You Avoid Last-Minute Panic!
Many people look at the map and think, “Wow, these spots are all so close together!” But once the tour starts, time slips away fast, and suddenly it’s a frantic rush—totally exhausting.
So here’s a realistic breakdown of drive times and suggested stop durations:
· Keelung Port → Jiufen or Jinshan: about 30–40 minutes (not counting possible weekend traffic jams)
If you want to explore Jiufen properly, budget at least 1.5 hours
· Jiufen → Yehliu: around 30 minutes
Warning: the views along the way are stunning—you might want to stop for photos!
Yehliu Geopark itself takes at least 1 hour to stroll and snap pics
· Yehliu → Wanli: super close drive
But if you're planning to enjoy Wanli’s famous crab feast, don’t rush—reserve at least 1 hour here
· Wanli → Taipei City (Xinyi District): at least 50 minutes,And you'll need some luck to avoid delays (red lights, weather, traffic, holidays, big events, etc.)
Yin Yang Sea – Photo Credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department
So here’s the deal—if you only have half a day, don’t try to cram in faraway spots like Taipei City or Shimen and Jinshan. The risk of running out of time is seriously high! Unless your cruise stops for over 8 hours and you’ve got plenty of wiggle room, we strongly advise against attempting those longer trips.
Don’t box yourself—and your driver—into a tight schedule! Otherwise, you might become that passenger sprinting through the port, souvenirs flying, while the entire cruise crowd looks on thinking:
“I told you someone would cut it too close.”
“See? I knew they’d be late.”
Let us help you avoid that awkward moment. We’ll take care of your itinerary so you can focus on relaxing and having fun!
Top Picks Within an Hour's Drive from Keelung
We know everyone wants to make the most of their trip, so we’ve put together a list of must-visit destinations—all reachable within an hour from Keelung! Pick your favorites and go:
♦ Keelung Miaokou Night Market|A must-visit foodie hotspot packed with local favorites—just a 10-minute walk from the port!
Photo Credit: Tourism Administration, MOTC
♦Ren-ai Market in Keelung|A beloved brunch paradise among locals, just a 5-minute walk
Photo Credit: Keelung Tourism Website
♦Heping Island GeoPark|Featuring unique marine abrasion landforms, this spot was once ranked by international media as one of the “21 Most Stunning Sunrise Spots in the World.” Approx. 15–20 minutes by car
Photo Credit: North Coast and Guanyinshar National Scenic Area
Photo Credit: SunTravel
♦National Museum of Marine Science and Technology|Deep-sea themed, interactive exhibitions, family-friendly. Approx. 15 minutes by car
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
♦Jiufen Old Street|A nostalgic must-visit mountain town. Approx. 40 minutes by car
♦Keelung-Badouzi Chaojing Park|Public art + IG-famous seaside walkway. Approx. 15–20 minutes by car
Photo Credit: Tourism Administration, MOTC
♦Wanli District|Yehliu Geopark + fresh Wanli crab seafood feast. Approx. 30–35 minutes by car
Photo Credit: Tourism Administration, MOTC; Fisheries and Fishing Port Affairs Management Office, New Taipei City Government
♦Shifen Waterfall (Pingxi)|Known as the “Taiwanese Niagara Falls,” a popular social media spot. Approx. 50 minutes by car
Photo Credit: Tourism Administration, MOTC
♦Pingxi Old Street|Light sky lanterns, explore old streets, enjoy local snacks. Approx. 50–60 minutes by car
Photo Credit: Tourism Administration, MOTC
Must-Visit Spots in Wanli District
Although Wanli District is administratively adjacent to Jinshan District, geographically it borders directly with Keelung, making it one of the best areas along the North Coast for a half-day trip. (Jinshan District, located further west, is slightly farther by car and better suited for a full-day itinerary.)
Here are the must-visit spots in Wanli District! :
♦Yehliu Geopark:Spectacular geological landscapes, perfect for photos and family strolls (Recommended stay: 1 to 1.5 hours)
Photo Credit: Tourism Administration, MOTC
♦Yehliu Ocean World :Dolphin and sea lion shows + marine-themed exhibits, highly recommended for families (Recommended stay: around 1 hour)
Photo Credit: Tourism Administration, MOTC
♦Guihou Fishing Harbor / Wanli Crab Gourmet Street
A seafood paradise in autumn and winter, lined with harborfront restaurants (Recommended stay: 1 to 1.5 hours)
Photo Credit: North Coast and Guanyinshar National Scenic Area
♦Daping Coastal Trail:Sea views + peaceful walk + sunset watching—a healing escape (Recommended stay: 30 minutes to 1 hour)
Photo Credit: Keelung Tourism Website
♦Wanli Hot Spring Area (e.g., Jintong Hot Spring Resort):If time allows, enjoy a relaxing foot soak or hot spring bath (Recommended stay: at least 1.5 hours, ideal for full-day itineraries)
Photo Credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department
Bonus Recommendations|Hidden Gems Along the Northeast Coast
If you love the ocean, chasing the breeze, and capturing stunning photos, the Northeast Coast is a must! Less than an hour from Keelung, this breathtaking stretch of coastline will have you snapping pics until your phone battery runs dry—but you still won’t want to stop!
Recommended Northeast Coast Destinations (can be flexibly arranged as part of your route):
♦Bitoujiao Trail|Z-shaped mountain ridgeline with unbeatable ocean views
攝影梁鴻業、黃俊金 (Photography by Liang Hong-ye and Huang Jun-jin)
Photo Credit: Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters
♦Longdong Bay Ocean Park|A diver’s paradise and a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view
攝影潘桐錫-(Photography by Pan Tong-xi) Photo Credit: Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters
♦Longdong S. Ocean Park (Longdong Four Seasons Bay)|Ideal for water play, family fun, and splashing in the waves
攝影曾坤成(Photography by Zeng Kun-cheng) Photo Credit: Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters
♦Magang Fishing Port|Taiwan’s easternmost fishing village, complete with charming seaside cafés
Photo Credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department
♦Mao'ao Fishing Village|Colorful boathouses, ancient temples, and rich fishing village vibes
Photo Credit: Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters
Rainy Day Backup Plans|Itineraries Can Be Adjusted Flexibly
Worried about rain? Don’t be! If the skies turn gray, just switch up your plan—head to an aquarium, museum, or feast your way through Keelung Miaokou Night Market. With private car tours, your itinerary is instantly adjustable. Rain or shine, your trip goes on without a hitch. That’s the beauty of private car travel: real-time adjustments, personalized planning, and total comfort.
After all, the weather in Keelung, the North Coast, and Jiufen is famously unpredictable. Many first-time visitors are caught off guard by sudden changes—one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring, completely throwing off their schedule.
But don’t worry! We don’t want you or your kids or elders getting soaked like wet noodles. With our private car service, routes can be adjusted on the spot. If your original plan involved scenic outdoor photo ops but the weather doesn’t cooperate—or your available time is just too tight—we can instantly switch to cozy indoor spots where you can stroll, snack, and still enjoy every moment.
Here are several locations within a 40-minute drive from Keelung (actual time may vary based on traffic and weather):
♦National Museum of Marine Science and Technology – Approx. 15 minutes by car
Highlights: The largest marine-themed museum in Taiwan, featuring interactive exhibits and a dedicated children's exploration area
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
♦Keelung Cultural Center & Keelung Museum of Art – Approx. 10 minutes by car
Highlights: A multifunctional exhibition space with regularly curated local art exhibitions and family-friendly interactive events
圖片來源:維基百科
♦Gold Museum (Ruifang District, New Taipei City / Jinguashi) – Approx. 30–35 minutes by car
Highlights: Discover the history of Taiwan’s mining industry with immersive exhibits and interactive displays
Photo Credit: Tourism Administration, MOTC
English-Speaking Drivers Available Upon Request
At TTtrips Taiwan Private Car Service, our drivers don’t just drive—they also have rich experience hosting international travelers. Communication is smooth and worry-free. You can even request an English-speaking driver when booking. Whether you need expert local tips, last-minute route changes, or help during unexpected situations, there's always someone reliable by your side. Multitalented and genuinely thoughtful—what more could you ask for?
We go the extra mile to offer the most flexible, stress-free, and guest-friendly private car service for families with kids, seniors, cruise travelers, and independent adventurers alike.
From the moment you step off your cruise ship, we make it easy for you to “Travel Taiwan, Hassle-Free.” No need to stress, no need to navigate maps, and no language barriers to worry about.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, flexible private car service is the perfect choice to ensure a smooth and personalized experience when your cruise docks. Departing from Keelung Port, our private tours—whether half-day or full-day—are tailored to your preferences, guaranteeing convenience, comfort, and unforgettable memories in Taiwan.
Let our local professional team lead the way—no need to study maps or use translation apps. Just relax, enjoy, and capture every moment worth remembering.
Contact Us (1-on-1 Dedicated Travel Consultant)
TTtrips -Taiwan Private Car Service:
►Click here for a full introduction to our private car service rates
►Click here to fill out the service inquiry form
►Further Reading – Jiufen One-Day / Two-Day Itinerary