Kenting National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is the only tropical botanical garden in Taiwan and is recognized as one of the top ten tropical botanical gardens in the world. The area boasts over a thousand species of tropical plants, and it is rich in resources such as butterflies, birds, insects, and reptiles. Occasionally, groups of Formosan macaques can be seen playing, and during autumn and winter, large numbers of migratory birds such as the Black Kite, Honey Buzzard, Cattle Egret, Common Kestrel, Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, Grey-faced Buzzard, and Pacific Reef-heron inhabit this place, enhancing the vitality of the original forest. The elevation of Kenting National Forest Recreation Area ranges from 200 to 300 meters above sea level, covering an area of approximately 435 hectares. Due to the complex terrain and variable climate of the Hengchun Peninsula, it nurtures a rich and unique array of precious plant resources, which can be broadly categorized into three layers of forest landscapes: the first layer is the tree layer, dominated by Moraceae and Lauraceae; the second layer is the shrub layer, primarily composed of small palm species; and the third layer consists of ground surface plants, mainly short grasses and climbing vines. The forest type that combines both ornamental and conservation purposes includes up to 1,200 species, making it a forest area abundant in diverse vegetation. Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is scattered with uplifted high coral reef limestone, composed mainly of coral polyps, foraminifera, shells, and coralline algae. Studies suggest that this area was likely located underwater millions of years ago; through weathering and erosion from sea water, it has formed unique landscapes such as stalagmites, caves, stone pillars, gorges, and stalactites. Notably, stalactites and stalagmites are formed by the dripping accumulation of calcium carbonate dissolved by groundwater, which grows at a rate of about 1 cm every 30 years, making it a rare and precious geological resource. Entering the park through the archway of Kenting National Forest Recreation Area and walking along the forest trail, one can find rows of old trees lining the path, among which is a giant tree of the Solanum family that is over 300 years old! Throughout the park, there are many worthwhile attractions, including the Aquatic Plant Zone, Stalagmite Treasure Cave, Silverleaf Buttress, Fairy Cave, Maze Forest, A Narrow Sky, Banyan Valley, Silver Dragon Cave, First Gorge, Umbrella Pavilion, and Monkey Rest Cliff, all of which are geographical landscapes not to be missed.
