Sanmin Bat Cave Introduction
Bat Cave is located in the northern valley of Sanmin Village and is a naturally formed giant cave. It is nicknamed "Shui Lian Dong" due to the waterfall cascading from above the cave entrance. The rugged and primitive terrain of Bat Cave, situated next to the valley, attracts large numbers of bats to roost, hence its name "Bat Cave." Today, the ground inside the cave is covered in red soil, formed by the accumulation of bat droppings, reflective of the presence of thousands of bats that once roamed here, adding a layer of mystery to the atmosphere. The entrance to the trail leading to Bat Cave is at the end of Highway 114, with the trail stretching about 600 meters. The entire pathway has a gentle slope and is paved with stone tiles, allowing visitors to reach Bat Cave in about 20 minutes on foot. As you follow the trail, you are shaded by lush trees, creating a cool and comfortable environment, while you can also enjoy the rich natural ecology along the way. If you get tired, there are wooden benches to rest on, with the ground decorated with tiled bat totems that bring a smile. Walking along the trail for about 444 meters, you will come across an observation deck shaped like a spiral staircase. You can ascend the arched stairs to enjoy the view of the distant green mountains, which alleviates worries. Descending the small path behind the pavilion next to the observation deck leads to a staircase trail, where you can admire the natural scenery of the Sanmin River flowing nearby. Hidden within the rugged terrain of Bat Cave, there is a pond in front of the cave, along with two waterfalls, one large and one small, approximately 50 feet high. If not during the dry season, you can see the waterfall's spray and hear the roaring water, which is quite spectacular. Stepping onto the wooden platform, the waterfall cascades down, forming a pool with a diameter of about 10 meters, and the environment is cool and pleasant, making it an ideal summer getaway. The entrance of Bat Cave is semi-circular, hidden between the cliffs by the riverbank, standing about 20 meters high, 50 meters wide, and approximately 20 meters deep inside. Entering the cave sideways, the interior takes on a crescent shape reminiscent of a theater, uniquely large and spacious enough to accommodate thousands of people. This rare natural giant cave gives visitors a sense of wonder, drawing many tourists to explore its deep and mysterious landscape, despite the bats having long migrated elsewhere.
