Dulan Mountain Hiking Trail Introduction
From Provincial Highway 11, head to Taitung Dulan, passing through Shuiwangshangliu, Xinlan, and Beijun boundary. Between Junjie and Beijun boundary, turn onto the Agricultural Road, which connects to Dulan Mountain Trail. Dulan Mountain is regarded as a sacred mountain by the local Amis and Puyuma peoples, serving as a symbol of reverence and worship. Although Dulan Mountain has an elevation of only 1,190 meters, its towering, steep shape, combined with the moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean to the east, creates a mystical atmosphere shrouded in clouds and mist year-round, earning it the nickname "Beauty Mountain." At the base of Dulan Mountain, there is the Dulan Forest Station. From the summit, one can enjoy panoramic views of the Taiyuan Basin, southern Taitung Valley, and Taitung Plain; to the east, the Pacific Ocean is visible with Green Island and Orchid Island clearly in sight, making it an excellent spot for hiking and sightseeing. Dulan Mountain also has a rich variety of vegetation, where hikers can see many tall, straight Taiwan cypress trees, smooth-barked indigenous trees, snake wood, gold orchid, bamboo orchid, and various other plants commonly used by the local Indigenous peoples, such as the false sour chutney used by the Amis for wrapping glutinous rice. As the trail continues to ascend, the forest composition changes with altitude. Due to the humid environment, many vines entwine through the forest, reminiscent of scenes from the movie "Tarzan." Before reaching the summit, hikers will pass a "Puyuma" altar, which demarcates the territorial boundaries between the Amis and Puyuma peoples. The Amis reside on the coastal side, while the Puyuma inhabit the mountainous area, respecting each other's territory. To this day, community members visit this stone tablet to pay homage, seeking guidance from ancestral spirits or expressing gratitude. Due to the prevailing cloud and fog, Dulan Mountain is likely to experience rain in the afternoons; thus, visitors coming to hike should remember to prepare rain gear and walking sticks.
