Dulan Mountain Hiking Trail Introduction
From National Route 11, heading toward Dulan in Taitung, you will pass through Shuiwongshangliu, Xilan, and Beijun boundary. Between Boundary and Beijun, turn onto the Rural Industry Road, which connects to Dulan Mountain Trail. Dulan Mountain is regarded as a sacred mountain by the local Amis and Puyuma people, symbolizing a sacred place for worship. Despite having an elevation of only 1,190 meters, the mountain stands tall and steep. Influenced by the moisture from the Pacific Ocean to the east, Dulan Mountain is often shrouded in mist, creating a mysterious atmosphere, likening it to a beautiful woman being protected, thus earning the nickname "Beautiful Mountain." At the foot of Dulan Mountain, you will find Dulan Forest Station. Reaching the summit offers panoramic views of the Taiyuan Basin, the southern Taitung Valley, and Taitung Plain; to the east, the Pacific Ocean, Green Island, and Orchid Island are clearly visible, making it an excellent spot for hiking and enjoying the scenery. The forest on Dulan Mountain is abundant, where you can see many tall, straight Pencil Cedar trees, smooth-barked Podocarpus, snake wood, gold calanthe, bamboo fern, and many plants commonly used by local indigenous people, such as the false sour grass that the Amis use to wrap sticky rice. As you continue climbing the trail, the types of forest change with elevation. Due to the humid environment, many vines are entwined in the forest, reminiscent of scenes from the movie "Tarzan." Before reaching the peak, hikers will pass a "Puyuma" altar, which demarcates the boundary between the territories of the Amis and Puyuma people. The Amis are situated on the coastal side, while the Puyuma are on the mountain side, with mutual non-intrusion. To this day, the people come to this stone altar for worship, seeking blessings from their ancestors or expressing gratitude. Due to the influence of prevailing fog and rain, Dulan Mountain is prone to afternoon rains; visitors intending to hike should remember to prepare rain gear and walking sticks.
