While most people dream about seeing the sakura in Japan, or maybe Korea, Taiwan's cherry blossoms are nothing short of spectacular... with much smaller crowds, too.

The season here also tends to last longer than nearby Japan's and is home to the Taiwan cherry (Formosan), which is the native bloom here.

If we haven't sold you on visiting Taiwan for it yet, then what about the savings? Of the three countries, it's the most affordable one, too. Prices dont tend to inflate here while the trees are in bloom like they do in Japan.

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan to see the cherry blossoms, it's best to go in late-February to March. That's when the blooms are at their peak.

However, the cherry blossom season can start as early as January and the trees stay in bloom up until April thanks to Taiwan’s unique varieties of cherry trees.

Depending on the location and elevation, they bloom at different times. If you're in and around the Taipei area in the north, visit during the peak season in February and March. Meanwile, down in Baoshan Cherry Blossom Park in the south, they start blookming as early as January.

Below, we'll recommend the top places to go in the country and when to see the blossoms there.

When to go: Early February to March

Located north of Taipei City, Yangmingshan National Park offers one of Taiwan’s most beautiful landscapes with its lush green valleys and numerous hot springs. Other than the great number of cherry trees lining its hiking trails and pathways, you can also expect to find a beautiful variety of spring blossoms, wild peonies, azaleas, camellias, and more.

There is a lot to see and do in Yangmingshan National Park: visiting the historical summer residence of Taiwan’s first leader Chiang Kai-Shek, taking the trail to the top of Mount Qixing to enjoy a birds-eye view of Taipei City, or simply enjoying the hot spring at Lengshuikeng to wind down.

When to go: March to April

This beautiful temple built to worship Yu Huang Dadi, one of the three greatest deities in Taoism, becomes surrounded by the pink petals of Yoshino cherry trees every spring. The highlight of this temple is the five-story Altar of Heaven, a pagoda located in the middle of the temple area. Standing 60 meters tall, visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountain, cherry tree blossoms, and even the ocean in the distance.

When to go: Late-January to mid-February

In central Taiwan's lush, green, mountainous centre, the areas of Smangus and Zhenxibao come alive with brilliant gues of pink as the cherry blossoms bloom early in the year. Here, there's quaint villages and the backdrop of mountains, offering a very different experience than the urban parks of Taipei.

When to go: February to March

Established in 1963 by a group of retired soldiers as a fruit-growing area, Wuling Farm has developed into a popular mountain retreat for Taiwanese locals. Today, it houses numerous maple, pear, apple, and even more than 30,000 cherry trees. One of the best features of the farm is the romantic pathway lined with cherry trees on both sides, creating a pink tunnel of petals.

While you’re there, don’t forget to take the path between the tea plantation up the mountain until you reach the magnificent Taoshan Waterfall.

When to go: January to February

If you're in the Kaohsiung area, this is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. This 38-acre park offers beautiful views of of almost 5,000 cherry blossom trees and Xiao Guan Mountain from 1,500 metres above sea level.

When to go: Early April

Certified as the one and only place to enjoy cherry blossoms outside of Japan by the Japanese Government, Formosan Aboriginal Village combines the rich cultures of native Taiwanese tribes with a European-themed amusement park.

Within the area, you’ll get to see and enjoy traditional houses, museums, aboriginal dance performances, roller coasters, and even a 3D theater. You can also ride the cable car across the beautiful Sun Moon Lake to enjoy the cherry blossoms from above. This village features numerous restaurants serving halal food and even prayer rooms.

When to go: March

Another great place to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Central Taiwan is Cingjing Farm. Known as the Alps of Taiwan, this high-altitude countryside offers a tranquil view of vast green grasslands, herds of pasturing sheep, and bright pink cherry tree blossoms. There is a pathway that goes through the length of the farm which includes the 500-meter-long Sakura Trail. Follow the steps further and you’ll see horses abound at the Equestrian Show Stage. There is also a 1-km-long skywalk that allows you to enjoy the grassland from above.

When to go: Early April

Located near Chiayi and Nantou County, Alishan is a mountainous area where more than 19,000 white Yoshino cherry trees grow. The best way to enjoy the charms of Alishan is by riding the Red Forest Railway Train, a vintage train that cuts between the cherry trees all the way up through the mountain.

Alishan is also the home of the Tsou Tribe. You’ll get to enjoy their signature dish of stone slab BBQ, bamboo tube rice, and Areca Flower Soup at the numerous restaurants and homestays in the area. Along the way, you’ll also find a lot of teahouses for you to relax under the cherry trees.

First, you'll need to book a flight to Taiwan, which you can do for a low price with Traveloka, especially if you're a new user. You can save up to AU$30 with the code HELLOTRAVELOKA. We can also help you find the perfect accommodation in cities across Taiwan, such as Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung.

Taiwan is a region that is best to be explored by train. Both the Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass and the Taipei Metro EasyCard will make your journey in Taiwan more affordable and hassle-free. Also don’t forget to grab a 4G card to stay in touch with your family in Indonesia and share the stories of your adventure there.