Kenting National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is the only tropical botanical garden in Taiwan and is also one of the top ten tropical botanical gardens in the world. The area is home to over 1,000 species of tropical plants, with abundant resources of butterflies, birds, insects, and reptiles. Occasionally, groups of Formosan macaques can be seen playing around. Additionally, during the autumn and winter seasons, large numbers of migratory birds such as the Black Kite, Honey Buzzard, Cattle Egret, Collared Falconet, Red-tailed Shrike, Grey-faced Buzzard, and Pacific Swallow reside in the area, enhancing the lively atmosphere of the primeval forest. The elevation of Kenting National Forest Recreation Area ranges from 200 to 300 meters, covering an area of approximately 435 hectares. Due to the complex terrain and variable climate of the Hengchun Peninsula, it has nurtured a rich and unique collection of precious plant resources, which can be generally divided into three layers of forest landscapes: the first layer is the tree layer, primarily consisting of Moraceae and Lauraceae; the second layer is the shrub layer, dominated by small palms; and the third layer consists of ground plants, mainly featuring low grasses and climbing vines. The forest is rich in both aesthetic and conservation value, with a total of 1,200 species of plants. Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is characterized by elevated coral reef limestone, formed primarily from the sedimentation of coral polyps, foraminifera, shells, and coralline algae. Research suggests that this area was likely located underwater millions of years ago. Through weathering and erosion by seawater, unique geological features such as stalagmites, caves, stone columns, gorges, and stalactites have formed; particularly, stalactites and stalagmites are composed of calcium carbonate droplets accumulated through underground water erosion, taking about 30 years to accumulate just 1 centimeter in height, making them a rare and precious geological resource. Entering the area from the archway of Kenting National Forest Recreation Area and following the forest trails, visitors can find rows of ancient trees along the path, including a giant tree over 300 years old. Within the area, there are numerous attractions worth visiting, such as the Aquatic Plant Area, Stalagmite Treasure Cave, Silver Leaf Buttress, Fairy Cave, Maze Forest, One-Line Sky, Banyan Valley, Silver Dragon Cave, First Gorge, Umbrella Pavilion, and Monkey Cliffs, all of which are geographical features not to be missed.
