Kenting National Forest Recreation Area
恆春鎮
· Nature & Scenery
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area was originally a marine garden where many stony corals, calcareous algae, foraminifera, and shell-bearing organisms lived together. About 500,000 years ago, tectonic movement uplifted the area and formed a special forest ecosystem: a high-level coral reef forest. It combines rich ecology, monsoon rainforest, and limestone terrain, offering visitors a different kind of Kenting experience. It is only about 10 minutes from Kenting Main Street and is Taiwan’s second national forest recreation area. The park features a well-developed high-level coral reef forest and monsoon rainforest, including giant banyan-like trees rooted in reef rock, silverleaf trees with extensive buttress roots, and white figs with countless aerial roots. In 1906, the Japanese established the Hengchun Tropical Botanical Garden here, giving the site more than a century of history. Taiwan macaques and Formosan striped squirrels are commonly seen in groups, and lucky visitors may catch sight of sambar deer and crab-eating mongoose. The most impressive sights are the migratory birds that arrive in autumn and winter, such as grey-faced buzzards in October and even the rare orioles. The forest floor is also home to endemic species such as the yellow mud crab and Bancalana snail. Another major feature of Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is its limestone landscape. In caves such as Silver Dragon Cave and Stone Bamboo Shoot Treasure Cave, visitors can see stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological wonders. This fantasy forest is sure to delight anyone who loves adventure.
