Enjoy a summer trip through an equatorial tropical
Escape the sweltering summer heat with an delightful trip to a rainforest—no need to backpack or even travel as far as Kenting or Southeast Asia, you can enjoy a tropical getaway just a one hour car ride outside of Taipei!
Dabangen is known for its subtropical rainforests and the enormous banyan trees from which it takes its name. The trunks of these trees are often triangular. The forest here is hot and humid year round and has not been disturbed by cultivation, so the area is covered by many large banyan trees and climbing plants.
Official reports on Dabangen claim that this forest is home to over 500 types of plants, 4000 types of insects, and 30 types of birds, including ferns dating back to the Jurassic era and the threatened fairy pitta. Dabangen is perfect for a weekend getaway to enjoy the spectacular mountain views.
There are three levels of trails in the park area that are divided into 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes so that visitors can choose one appropriate for them. The well-designed trails are suitable for children, yet also provide many small pavilions and hammocks along the way. When tired, take a break and look up at the birds in the trees or out over Dabao River. Lining the trails are the treasured buttress root trees. The tall canopies and wide root structures are truly a magnificent sight. There are also plenty of enormous vines so thick you can’t put your hands around them. The chirping of birds and insects brings a feel that you are lost in the Amazon jungle adventure.
There are also numerous suspension bridges traversing the valleys in the forest which are perfect for pictures, scenic walks, and entertaining children! Dabangen is situated below 300 meters above sea level and the only low elevation subtropical rainforest in Taiwan, making it home to the rare Ficus variegata. In Taiwan, the Ficus variegata is known as the king of the Banyans. Its roots are only ten centimeters thick, but can grow over one meter tall, making it a national treasure.
The Dabangen recreational forest park boasts the ancient forest, an outdoor activity area, children's play area, campsite, and a phenomenal odorless sodium bicarbonate hot spring. The forest park has something for everyone and is the perfect getaway for those who live in the big city.
