Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Peninsula. It remained relatively undisturbed until the 2000s, which was when the
government proposed a plan to add a highway to bridge the southern and eastern
coasts of Taiwan.
The highway, if built as planned, would significantly save travel time and could
serve as an alternative route if Hwy 9 (which links the eastern and western coasts)
is closed due to frequent rockslides. However, the plan sparked a pubic outcry, as
the road would run alongside the trail, stealing away not only its natural beauty and
serenity, but also putting 49 protected species, including the endangered sea
turtles, under serious threat.
After several rounds of tug-of-war between development and conservation, in
2012 Pingtung County Government finally declared that section of the coastline to
be a nature reserve, and the construction of the highway was halted - a victory for
the wildlife and ecosystem of the coast.
The trade-off? Trail quotas (a maximum of 300 people a day) are imposed and
an exorbitant guiding fee of NT$3000 (for a group of no more than 20 people) is
mandatory even if you are hiking alone and the trail is just a single track. And it's
unlikely that the guide will speak English.
Permits have to be applied for online one month in advance from
Pingtung
planning to start at Nantian in Taitung County, you still have to apply for the permit,
otherwise you'll be subject to a hefty fine of NT$30,000.
Zuo'an Homestay & Campground
(Zuǒ'àn Mínsù Lùyíngqū; 0931-942 126;
www.5658.com.tw/0931942126/default.aspx
; 1-3 Syuhai Village, 1-3; per tent NT$450, d from NT$1400)
in Syuhai can help arrange permits and transport to the trailhead and back if you
stay there. It's located where 199 meets Hwy 26, right opposite the police station.
Syuhai is on the eastern end of 199. Pingtung Bus has two buses (NT$116) leav-
ing from Hengchun to Syuhai at 6am and 4pm.
Information
There's free wi-fi at the National Park Headquarters, and you'll find ATMs in the
7-Elevens in Kenting Village.
National Park Headquarters
( 886 1321; 596 Kenting Rd; 8am-5pm)
You'll find
English-speaking staff and several useful English brochures and maps. The centre is a
few kilometres north of Kenting so you'll probably need to check into your hotel and
rent a scooter before visiting.
Getting There & Away
