Sanmin Bat Cave Introduction
The Bat Cave is located in the valley in the northern part of Sanmin Village. It is a naturally formed massive cave, known for its beauty as a water curtain cave due to the springs that flow over the entrance. The rugged and primitive terrain of the Bat Cave, situated beside the valley, attracts large numbers of bats to roost, hence its name. Today, the ground inside the cave is covered with red soil, the accumulation of bat droppings, which suggests that thousands of bats once inhabited the area, adding to the mysterious atmosphere. At the end of Taiwan Route 114 is the entrance to the trail leading to the Bat Cave. The trail is approximately 600 meters long, with a gentle slope and paved with stones, allowing visitors to reach the Bat Cave in about 20 minutes. Following the path, visitors are shaded by trees, making for a cool and comfortable walk; along the way, one can appreciate the rich natural ecology. If tired, there are wooden benches along the route for a brief rest, and the ground is decorated with mosaic tiles in the shape of bat totems, which brings a smile to one's face. After about 444 meters along the path, you will see an observation deck shaped like a spiral staircase. You can ascend the curved stairs to enjoy the view of the distant green mountains, sweeping away worries. A pathway descending behind the gazebo next to the observation deck leads to a stepped trail, where you can enjoy the natural scenery of the Sanmin River’s flowing waters. The rugged and primitive Bat Cave is hidden within, with a pond and two waterfalls in front, one large and one small, about 50 feet high. During non-dry seasons, the waterfalls create a spectacular mist, with the sound of rushing water echoing nearby. Stepping onto the wooden platform, the waterfall cascades down, forming a deep pool approximately 10 meters in diameter, creating a cool and pleasant environment perfect for summer outings. The entrance of the Bat Cave is semi-circular, nestled among the cliffs by the riverside, standing about 20 meters high, 50 meters wide, and 20 meters deep. Entering the cave sideways, the interior takes on a crescent shape resembling a theater, quite unique and spacious, accommodating up to a thousand people. It can be considered a rare natural giant cave, offering a feeling of being in a different world. Although the bats inside have mostly migrated elsewhere, the profound and mysterious cave scenery continues to attract many tourists eager to explore this unusual sight.
