Looking for an easy yet memorable day trip from Taichung? 🌄 Sun Moon Lake is one of those destinations that proves you don’t need more than a day to experience something truly special and different. After visiting it ourselves, we completely understand why it’s so popular.

During our trip, we explored Sun Moon Lake without joining a tour, and everything turned out to be smooth and stress-free. All the planning we did beforehand definitely paid off and in this post, we’ll help make your planning process much easier than ours.

With calm and spectacular lake views, scenic bike paths, ferry rides, and cultural landmarks all in one area, we found it to be the perfect balance of sightseeing and slow travel. It’s the kind of place where you can simply enjoy the moment without rushing from one attraction to another.

In this guide, we’re sharing how we did our Sun Moon Lake DIY 1-day trip from Taichung, covering everything that helped us plan our day—from transportation options and a sample itinerary to biking around the lake, ferry routes, food spots, and a realistic budget breakdown.

If you’re already exploring Taichung or planning a Central Taiwan itinerary, Sun Moon Lake is an easy and worthwhile addition. We hope our experience helps you plan a smooth, scenic, and stress-free day trip to one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations.

• Introduction
• Where is Sun Moon Lake?
• How to Get to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung (DIY Transportation Guide)
• Our Actual Sun Moon Lake DIY 1-Day Itinerary (From Taichung)
• 💰 Sun Moon Lake DIY Day Trip Budget Breakdown (From Taichung)
• 🎟 DIY vs Klook Join-in Tour: Which Is Better?
• ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Moon Lake DIY Day Trip
• 🏁 Final Thoughts: Is Sun Moon Lake Worth It?

Sun Moon Lake is located in Nantou County, right in the heart of Taiwan. Unlike major cities such as Taipei or Kaohsiung, Nantou is landlocked and surrounded by mountains, which is why the area feels quieter and more nature-focused. The lake itself is the largest natural lake in Taiwan and sits at around 748 meters above sea level, giving it a cool and refreshing atmosphere.

We visited Sun Moon Lake as a day trip from Taichung, which is about 80 kilometers away. Travel time is usually around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Because of its proximity and direct transportation options, Taichung is considered the most convenient base for travelers who want to visit without staying overnight.

If you’re building a Central Taiwan itinerary, Sun Moon Lake fits naturally between Taichung and other nearby destinations like Alishan or Cingjing. However, if you only have one extra day in Taichung, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding side trips you can add to your schedule.

Getting to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung turned out to be much easier than we expected. Since we were doing this trip DIY, we researched different routes beforehand and thankfully, there’s a direct bus that makes everything simple.

Here’s exactly how we did it.

Option 1: Direct Bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake (The Route We Took)

This is the route we personally took, and we highly recommend it for DIY travelers.

We rode the bus from Nantou Bus at Gancheng Station, which is around a 10–15 minute walk from Taichung Station. Our hotel was just near Taichung Station, so the walk was very manageable even early in the morning.

Before our trip, we tried searching online to see if we could reserve seats in advance but we didn’t find any reliable option to book online. What we consistently read was to buy your ticket at the station at least 30 minutes (or more) before your desired departure time, especially if you’re aiming for the early buses.

We planned to ride the 7:20 AM bus, so we arrived at the station at around 6:30 AM to be safe.

Ticket Purchase Experience

We bought our tickets at the counter and paid in cash:

• NT$360 per person (roundtrip)

• Roughly ₱665 PHP per person

We heard that the fare is slightly cheaper if you use an EasyCard. Unfortunately, we didn’t use ours because it didn’t have enough balance at that time.

After purchasing our tickets, we were given queue numbers for boarding. Since we arrived early, we received numbers 14 and 15 (if we remember correctly). Boarding is organized by queue number, so arriving early definitely helped us secure better seats.

Bus Number to Look For

We rode Bus 6670B, which is a direct bus to Sun Moon Lake.

You may also see other 6670 buses with slight variations in the route, but they all go to Sun Moon Lake. Just double-check the signage or confirm with the staff before boarding.

The bus dropped us off near Shuishe Visitor Center, which is one of the main areas and a convenient starting point for exploring the lake.

Bus Schedule (Taichung → Sun Moon Lake)

Below is the schedule we found posted at Nantou Bus Gancheng Station during our visit. These are the departure times for the direct Bus 6670B to Sun Moon Lake (Shuishe Visitor Center).

⚠️ Please note: Bus schedules may change depending on season, weekday/weekend, or holidays. We recommend verifying the latest schedule at the station when you purchase your ticket.

🚌 Sun Moon Lake Bus 6670B ( Taichung to Sun Moon Lake)

Important Note About Bus Numbers

The schedule above is specifically for the direct Bus 6670B to Sun Moon Lake.

There are also other 6670 bus variants that may have additional stops or slightly different routing. All of them go to Sun Moon Lake, but travel time may vary depending on stops.

To avoid confusion:

• Double-check the bus number displayed

• Confirm with the staff at the counter

• Review the updated timetable posted at the station

When we visited, we simply told the counter staff we were going to Sun Moon Lake, and they directed us to the correct bus (6670B).

Return Bus Schedule (Sun Moon Lake → Taichung)

After arriving at Shuishe Visitor Center in Sun Moon Lake, we immediately checked the return bus schedule so we could plan our day properly.

Below is the return timetable we found posted at the station for the direct Bus 6670B back to Taichung (Gancheng Station).

⚠️ Schedule may vary depending on weekday, weekend, or holiday. Always verify the latest timing at the Shuishe Visitor Center before your trip back.

🚌 Sun Moon Lake Bus 6670B ( Direct From Sun Moon Lake to Taichung)

Our Tip for the Return Trip

• Once you arrive in the morning, take a photo of the return schedule posted at the station.

• Plan your afternoon activities around your chosen return time.

• If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, arrive at the bus stop at least 20–30 minutes early.

• If you purchased a roundtrip ticket like we did, just present it before boarding.

We personally chose not to take the very last bus to avoid heavy traffic and to give ourselves a buffer in case of unexpected delays.

Option 2: TRA Train + Bus (Not Necessary for Most Travelers)

Some travelers consider taking the TRA train partway and transferring to a bus. While this works, we personally felt the direct bus was more straightforward and less stressful especially for a 1-day trip.

If your goal is convenience and maximizing time at the lake, the direct bus is the better choice.

Our Honest Tip

If you’re planning a DIY Sun Moon Lake day trip:

• Target an early bus (7:00–8:00 AM range)

• Arrive at least 45–60 minutes early on weekends

• Bring small bills or enough cash

• Check the return schedule once you arrive

Overall, the process was smooth and beginner-friendly even for first-time visitors.

Here’s exactly how we structured our DIY day trip to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung. This timeline worked very well for us because we were able to explore multiple areas without rushing and still return to Taichung comfortably before evening.

Below is our detailed experience for each time slot

🌅 5:15 AM – 6:00 AM

Wake up and prepare for the day.

We made sure everything was packed the night before so we wouldn’t feel rushed in the morning.

🚶 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM

Walk to Nantou Bus Gancheng Station + Buy Breakfast Along the Way

Instead of eating at the hotel, we decided to walk straight to Nantou Bus Gancheng Station and purchased a light breakfast along the way. There are convenience stores and small shops nearby, so it was easy to grab something quick that we could eat while waiting for the bus.

We arrived at the station around 6:30 AM.

As soon as we arrived:

• We purchased our roundtrip bus tickets at the counter

• Received our queue numbers

• Waited for the 7:20 AM bus departure

Arriving early makes us more relaxed and gives us assurance that we will be able to board the bus on our desired schedule.

🚌 7:20 AM – 9:30 AM

Ride Bus 6670B to Sun Moon Lake

We boarded the 7:20 AM bus. Expected arrival was around 9:05 AM, but we included some buffer time in case of traffic.

The ride was comfortable and have a nice view as we gradually entered the mountain areas. We also maximize the time to sleep during the ride to be prepared for the whole day. We arrived at Shuishe Visitor Center, the main drop-off point at Sun Moon Lake.

🎫 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Walk to Town and Claim Our Klook Voucher

After arriving at Shueishe Visitor Center, we walked towards the main town area to claim our vouchers.

Before the trip, we booked a Sun Moon Lake combo package via Klook which included:

• 🚤 Ferry Ride Pass

• 🚡 Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (Cable Car)

• 🚴 Bicycle Rental

Instead of buying everything separately at the lake, we decided to book the combo in advance for convenience.

We went to the designated redemption counter in town and showed our Klook QR code. The process was smooth, they exchanged it for physical tickets for ferry ride that we can use all throughout the 3 ferry stops in Sun Moon Lake (Xiangguang, Itashao/Ita Thao, and back to Shueishe). For cable car and bicycle ride, it will be redeeemed on a different spot.

💡 Tip: Make sure you check the redemption location in your Klook confirmation email. It’s within walking distance from Shuishe Pier, but it’s better to know exactly where to go before arriving.

Booking the combo made it easier for us because:

• We didn’t have to line up to buy tickets at multiple counter

• We already had everything prepared

• It helped us stick to our itinerary schedule

• It’s cheaper via Klook

🚤 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Ferry from Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Pier

We boarded the ferry from Shuishe Pier to Xuanguang Pier. The ride only takes about 10–15 minutes, but the views of Sun Moon Lake from the water are really beautiful.

If you want better photos and unobstructed views, try to get a seat in the outdoor area. Just be prepared for the heat, especially on sunny days. If you prefer shade and comfort, indoor seating is available as well, you can still have good view.

In just a few minutes, we arrived at Xuanguang Pier.

🏯 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM

Explore Xuanguang Temple + Try the Famous Tea Eggs

After arriving at Xuanguang Pier, we walked up to Xuanguang Temple to explore the area and take some photos.

We’ve visited quite a number of temples in our previous trips, so we didn’t spend too much time here. Still, the elevated views overlooking Sun Moon Lake were peaceful and worth the short stop.

Just be prepared because there are a few staircases to climb going up to the temple.

Now here’s something you shouldn’t miss…

🥚 Grandma’s (Ah Ma) Tea Eggs

Right near the temple area, you’ll find the famous Ah Ma Tea Eggs. This was actually our first time trying Taiwanese tea eggs (we usually skip this but we’re glad we’ve tried in SML), and we were greatly surprised.

They were flavorful, slightly savory, and perfect as a light snack especially after climbing those stairs.

Price when we visited:
NT$15 per egg

Simple, affordable, and honestly one of the most memorable snacks we had at Sun Moon Lake.

After exploring and enjoying our tea egg break, we headed back down to catch the ferry to our next stop, the Ita Thao Village.

🚤 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Ferry to Ita Thao Pier

Another short ferry ride heading toward the livelier side of the lake.

🍢 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Explore Ita Thao Village + Lunch

After taking the ferry from Xuanguang, we arrived at Ita Thao Pier. It is the livelier side of Sun Moon Lake.

Ita Thao Village is known for:

• Street food stalls (it honestly feels like a night market during the day)

• Wild boar sausage

• Indigenous Thao culture

• Souvenir shops

• Access to the cable car going to Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village

This was one of the places that consumed most of our time in Sun Moon Lake and we can see why. Most visitors also tend to stay longer here.

As soon as we entered the village, we noticed locals offering free tastes of different products, from millet wine to various street food samples. There’s a wide variety of food options that are common in Taiwan such as large spiral potatoes, potato balls, skewers, fruit drinks, and many more.

However, our plan was to eat lunch first before the crowd increased. After 12:00 noon, the area starts to get noticeably busier, especially with tour groups arriving around lunchtime.

We ended up choosing a restaurant that we hadn’t researched beforehand. We simply walked in because:

• We were craving grilled food

• They were serving grilled pork and chicken

• There were already many people dining inside

Sometimes, those spontaneous food decisions turn out just fine. 😄

After lunch, we walked toward the cable car station and planned to explore more street food after coming back from the ride.

Compared to Shuishe, Ita Thao definitely feels more lively and touristy, especially in the afternoon.

After lunch, we headed toward the next highlight of the trip, the cable car ride. 🚡✨

🚡 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (Cable Car)

From Ita Thao Village, it was just a few minutes’ walk to the cable car station.

After arriving, we went up to the second floor where the self-service ticket machines are located. We simply scanned our Klook QR code and printed our physical cable car tickets.

Luckily, there weren’t many people yet when we arrived, so we didn’t have to wait long in line.

The Cable Car Ride

The cable car ride takes about 7–10 minutes per way, and the views are absolutely beautiful. From above, you can see the calm waters of Sun Moon Lake surrounded by mountains. It’s a relaxing ride and a nice break after walking around Ita Thao.

Final Stop: Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village

The last stop is Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village, which is actually a theme park.

We didn’t plan to explore the park because our time was limited and we were only doing a day trip. However, if you’re staying overnight or spending more time in the area, this could be a great addition to your itinerary.

Fun fact: Dao Ming Si’s mansion from Meteor Garden is located inside this theme park, which might interest fans of the series.

If you’re not entering the theme park, there’s honestly not much to do at the station aside from browsing a few souvenir shops or using the restroom. Since we weren’t planning to explore further, we didn’t stay long and simply rode the cable car back to Ita Thao.

After returning, we continued with the next part of our day at Sun Moon Lake. 🚤✨

Here’s what we tried:

🍠 Sweet potato spiral on a stick – Crispy on the outside and soft inside. It was huge! The stick was so long that it honestly looked like we were holding a sword. 😂 Definitely fun (and filling) to walk around with.

🍦 Black tea ice cream – A must-try in Sun Moon Lake, especially since the area is known for its black tea.

🍩 Milky mochi donut – Soft, chewy, and slightly sweet. Perfect if you like that stretchy mochi texture.

🧋 Milk tea – Because when in Taiwan, milk tea is almost mandatory wherever you go.

We really enjoyed this part of the trip. Walking around with snacks in hand, browsing small shops, and simply enjoying the area. It made Ita Thao feel like a daytime night market experience.

After spending enough time exploring and eating, we headed back toward Shuishe for the last activity of the day: biking around Sun Moon Lake. 🚴‍♂️✨

🚤 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM

Ferry back to Shuishe Pier

We returned to the quieter side of the lake to prepare for our final activity.

🚴 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Bike Ride Around Sun Moon Lake

After returning to Shuishe Village, we looked for the bike shop included in our Klook voucher. Based on the instructions, it was located beside the 7-Eleven near Zhongxing Parking Lot. It is easy to find once you’re in the area.

At the bicycle shop, we simply showed our Klook voucher. We filled out a form with our names and left an ID as required. The standard Klook voucher includes a manual bike, but you can upgrade to an e-bike for an additional fee.

Since we both had one voucher each, we decided to upgrade to one e-bike instead. I drove, and Jam rode at the back as a passenger which made the ride more relaxed and enjoyable for us.

After choosing our bike, the staff:

• Showed us how to operate the e-bike

• Gave us a route map

• Provided a WhatsApp contact number in case of emergency

We were given 3 hours to use and return the bike.

Important Tips Before and During Your Ride

• Choose an e-bike with a seat height suitable for you.

• Avoid carrying heavy bags. It makes biking more difficult.

• Always check the time so you won’t rush on the way back.

Most importantly:

• Pay attention to signages along the bike path.
  There are certain sections where you are required to get off and walk your bike instead of riding it.

• Follow proper cycling etiquette.
  Stay in the correct lane and be mindful of pedestrians.

• Park your bike properly when stopping for photos or viewpoints.
  Do not block pathways or other cyclists.

The cycling paths are very well maintained, but being respectful and alert makes the experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

The Cycling Experience

The bike paths around Sun Moon Lake are smooth, scenic, and beginner-friendly. There are several great viewpoints along the route, but we spent most of our time near the cypress tree area close to Xiangshan Visitor Center.

The tall trees lining the path created a peaceful and photogenic atmosphere. We stayed longer in this area taking photos and enjoying the shade. We also stopped at a nearby lookout point near Xiangshan Visitor Center for panoramic lake views.

Because we took our time, we didn’t notice how fast the hours passed. We had to ride back a bit faster but still carefully to return the e-bike before 4:00 PM.

After returning the bike, we handed it back at the shop and retrieved our ID.

Our Honest Thoughts

Cycling around Sun Moon Lake was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. The combination of lake views, fresh air, and smooth bike paths made it truly enjoyable. I wish we have this good of a bike pathway in the Philippines.

If we come back in the future, we would definitely allocate more time for cycling and maybe even half a day just for biking.

It’s absolutely worth it. 🚴‍♂️✨

🚌 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM

Head Back to the Bus Station and Wait for Our Return Bus

After returning the e-bike and getting our ID back, we walked back toward the bus station near Shuishe Visitor Center.

Since we were aiming for the 4:30 PM return bus to Taichung, we made sure to arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress. We didn’t want to risk missing the bus and waiting for the next schedule.

While waiting, we:

• Took a short rest

• Bought some light snacks for the ride

• Reviewed the return schedule posted at the station

• Took a few final photos of Sun Moon Lake

By this time, we were already feeling the full-day adventure. Tired but very satisfied.

💡 Tip: Even if you have a roundtrip ticket, it’s still best to arrive at least 15–20 minutes early, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Seats can fill up quickly.

Once boarding started, we lined up according to the queue system and prepared for the ride back to Taichung.

🚌 4:40 PM – 6:20 PM

Travel Back to Taichung

We boarded our return bus and headed back to Taichung. The ride took around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

We arrived in Taichung tired but very satisfied with how smooth and well-planned our DIY day trip turned out.

Here’s our actual estimated budget for our DIY day trip to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung.

(Prices may vary depending on season, booking platform, and exchange rate.)

🚌 Transportation (Roundtrip Bus)

We purchased our ticket at Nantou Bus Gancheng Station and paid in cash. Using EasyCard may be slightly cheaper.

🎟 Sun Moon Lake Combo (Booked via Klook)

We booked a combo package through Klook, which made everything easier.

Since we upgraded to one e-bike instead of using two manual bikes, we paid a small additional fee at the bike shop.

🍢 Food & Snacks

🧾 Estimated Total Budget Per Person

💱 Rough conversion:
That’s approximately ₱3,000 – ₱3,500+ per person for a full-day DIY experience with food.

💡 Can You Make It Cheaper?

Yes.

If you:

• Skip the cable car

• Use a manual bike

• Limit street food

• Use EasyCard for bus

You can bring the total down significantly and make it cheaper.

Was It Worth the Cost?

For us, yes.

In just one day, we experienced:
✔ Ferry rides
✔ Cable car views
✔ Temple visit
✔ Ita Thao food exploration
✔ 2-hour cycling adventure

All without joining a tour.

For this kind of beautiful with activities and well-balanced day trip in Taiwan, we found it reasonable.

Aside from doing it DIY like we did, there’s also a Join-in Tour from Taichung available via Klook.

The tour usually includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from Taichung

• Ferry boat ride

• Cable car ride

• Biking experience

• Free lunch

• Tour guide service

💰 Tour Price (Per Person)

• ₱3,811 PHP – Chinese-speaking guide

• ₱4,504 PHP – English/Japanese-speaking guide

From what we’ve observed, even non-Chinese can join the Chinese service category.

💰 Cost Comparison: DIY vs Join-in Tour

🧭 So Which One Is Better?

✅ Choose DIY If:

• You want flexibility with your schedule

• You prefer exploring at your own pace

• You enjoy planning your own itinerary

• You want to potentially save ₱300–₱2,000+ per person

DIY allowed us to:

• Stay longer in areas we liked (like cycling and street food)

• Skip things we weren’t too interested in

• Move at our own pace without feeling rushed

✅ Choose Join-in Tour If:

• You prefer convenience

• You don’t want to plan transportation

• You’re not comfortable navigating bus terminals

• You want a guide explaining the history and culture

It’s more convenient, but usually more structured and time-limited.

🎯 Our Honest Take

Since we were comfortable doing public transport and already had our plan ready, DIY worked perfectly for us.

However, if it’s your first time in Taiwan and you want everything arranged for you, the join-in tour can be a stress-free option especially if language is a concern.

Both options will let you experience Sun Moon Lake. It just depends on your travel style.

After spending one full day at Sun Moon Lake, we can honestly say this: it was one of the most balanced and enjoyable day trips we’ve done from Taichung.

What we loved most was the variety of activities. In just a single day, we were able to:

• Ride a ferry across the lake

• Visit a peaceful temple

• Explore a lively food village

• Take a cable car ride with such a perfect view

• Cycle along one of Taiwan’s most beautiful bike paths

And we did all of that without joining a tour.

The entire experience felt organized yet relaxed. It wasn’t rushed, but it also wasn’t boring. There was always something to look forward to whether it was trying tea eggs for the first time, riding an e-bike through the cypress trees, or enjoying street food in Ita Thao.

And to be completely honest, this was Gelo’s favorite destination throughout this Taiwan trip (which is our second time). Out of all the places we visited, Sun Moon Lake stood out the most. Maybe because of the cycling, maybe because of the different kinds of activities, or maybe just because everything flowed so smoothly that day.

If we were to go back there again, we plan to:

• Stay overnight to catch sunrise or sunset

• Spend more time cycling

• Explore more in the food

• Try spending time at Formosan Aboriginal Culture village

But even as a DIY day trip, it was already very memorable and worth the effort.

Would We Recommend It?

Yes, especially if:

• You’re already staying in Taichung

• You enjoy nature views (cypress trees, mountains and lake in one place)

• You like combining light adventure with food exploration

• You’re comfortable doing DIY travel

Sun Moon Lake is not about extreme thrills. It’s about slow days, enjoying nature, and experiencing different sides of Taiwan in one place.

For us, it was absolutely worth it to wake-up early. 🌄✨

If you’re planning your Taiwan itinerary, don’t miss our full guide:

👉 10 Days in Kaohsiung, Chiayi and Taichung (DIY Itinerary Guide) – where we share how we structured our entire Central and Southern Taiwan trip step by step.

We’re also preparing a complete Taichung travel guide (coming soon), where we’ll share the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in the city.

If this guide helped you, feel free to save it for later or share it with your travel buddy. More Taiwan DIY guides are coming soon here at Jam and Gelo Travels.