Rock Climbing in KaohsiungBeginner's Guide: A Review of 4 Indoor Bouldering Gyms in Kaohsiung

I arrived at Boulder Space - Zuoying Branch, located on the third floor of Global Mall, by scooter, parking in the paid lot behind the train station and walking about three minutes.

The counter at Boulder Space can be a bit hard to find, and it's often unattended due to limited staff. I had to walk into the climbing area and call out for an employee to pay for entry, but the gym owner's chill attitude meant it wasn't a big deal.

The venue is spacious, and the bouldering area's central island offers varied and interesting routes, though most require a good deal of foundational strength. The kids' wall, however, is much more beginner-friendly, and new climbers should find it rewarding. The top-rope area has two auto-belay systems; I brought my own harness and climbed all four auto-belay routes. They weren't particularly difficult but demanded a lot of muscular endurance.

Overall, this climbing gym is suitable for both experienced and new climbers. Beginners can focus on practicing on the balance wall, while intermediate to advanced climbers will quickly lose skin on the dynamic routes, large slab, overhang, and Kilter board combinations, so climb wisely!

However, this gym is next to the arcade, so it can be noisy, and passersby often stop to watch, which means less privacy. Aside from the large slab area, the other walls get quite warm, and children in the gym can be a bit unruly. I recommend going with a partner for mutual support and safety.

Baoshi Base retains its corrugated metal walls and incorporates shipping containers into the decor, creating an atmosphere perfectly suited for Rock Climbing in Kaohsiung. The venue is not only spacious but also very clean, thoughtfully providing a rest area and massage rollers for climbers to relax comfortably after a session.

For Jessie, who was new to bouldering, the coach's professionalism was paramount. During the one-hour introductory lesson, the instructor meticulously explained the equipment, rules, and safe falling techniques. After a few guided climbs, Jessie began to find this sport, which requires the coordinated use of hands and feet—and even a bit of strategic thinking—quite captivating.

There aren't many Rock Climbing venues in Kaohsiung, and Baoshi Base ranks among Jessie's top indoor bouldering gyms. In addition to offering numerous routes that are regularly updated, the clean, spacious, and cool environment makes climbing truly enjoyable.

Baoshi Base also features a loyalty program: collect 10 points and you can bring a friend for free, with both of you getting complimentary admission. This makes it ideal for inviting friends to challenge themselves together.

B-topia Climbing Gym is tucked away in an older building, and while the entrance is unassuming, the interior is surprisingly spacious and well-designed. Two large glass windows flood the space with natural light.

Rock climbing is an exhausting sport, so for Jessie, a good rest area is crucial. B-topia scores major points with separate men's and women's restrooms, a dining area, seating, and a foot-washing station.

During the introductory class, the coach guided us through warm-ups and taught safety techniques before leading us on a few easy routes. When Jessie struggled to find the right holds, the coach patiently pointed out their locations and corrected her posture, making it much easier for a beginner to pick up the sport.

Jessie also has to mention this Kaohsiung rock climbing venue's unique group practice days. Simply purchase a ticket on a scheduled date to join in. They even offer children's climbing camps, and these diverse activities have Jessie eager to return.

Stepping into Qingchang Climbing Life Center, the first thing you notice is the lounge area, where the owner's handwritten notes on Rock Climbing in Kaohsiung are displayed. These cover everything from the textures of rocks across Taiwan to the many health benefits of the sport, offering a wealth of knowledge that's both engaging and educational.

What truly struck Wendy about this venue was the absence of graded routes or marked paths, which initially left her, accustomed to challenging herself on the wall, feeling a bit disoriented.

However, this unique approach means that at Qingchang, anyone can approach the wall without pressure, regardless of their skill level. You can choose holds that suit your ability and adjust your climbing height freely, eliminating the frustration of not completing a set route.

Wendy highly recommends this bouldering gym to those new to exercise who are looking to experience the joy of bouldering for the first time.