Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area (雙流國家森林遊樂區) is one of two southern National Forests in Taiwan. Located approximately 89km from Kaohsiung and about 79km from Taitung City, and with limited public transit, it’s not necessarily the most remote, but it is difficult to access without joining a tour or having private transportation.
Shuangliu (雙流, translated to English, means “double flow”), refers to the convergence of two rivers inside the park. The Neiwen River (內文溪), which features the park’s main waterfall, merges with the Daren River (達仁溪) to form the Fenggang River (楓港溪), which flows through throughout the majority of the park. The soothing sounds of the running water can heard in nearly all parts of Shuangliu National Forest, particularly on the three linear trails (we’ll get to those in a moment).
Introduction to Shuangliu National Forest
Located at an elevation between 150 to 700 meters above sea level, Shuangliu National Forest is located in the northern part of the Hengchun Peninsula. If one imagines Taiwan as a sweet potato, Hengchun Peninsula makes up the southern 10% of the island. This protected area sits inside the Shihzih Township of Pingtung County (屏東縣) of Taiwan.
The range and diversity of plant life in Shuangliu National Forest attracts a wide range of wildlife, particularly butterflies. Over 140 species have been observed in this protected area, with Swallowtails and Chestnut Tiger Butterflies being particularly common. The area around Shuangliu National Forest also serves as a winter haven for crow butterflies, which feed on Ficus plants.
With one easy, flat and linear trail and an additional three trails that are a bit more challenging, Shuangliu National Forest is a destination suitable for all abilities. From the nearly 10km of hiking trails through a beautiful mix of ash, acacia and banyan forests, to the stunning river that meanders the entire length of the park and a spectacular waterfall, there’s enough to fill out a day exploring this natural area.
Along the Shuangliu Waterfall Trail (雙流瀑布), there are countless smaller man-made waterfalls, however the two of the main trails at Shaungliu National Forest lead to the larger and more beautiful waterfall that boasts the same name as the park, Shuangliu Waterfall.
Hiking Trails in Shuangliu National Forest
The three out of the four trails located inside Shuangliu National Forest all connect and offer a chance to create a variety of bigger and smaller loops. They approximately total 10km of hiking trails. With the main trail, Shuangliu Waterfall Trail (雙流瀑布), being almost completely flat most of the way, it’s a great option for beginners and younger families.
Download the Shuangliu National Forest Park Map here.
Hiking the Shuangliu Waterfall Trail (雙流瀑布)
3.2km (one-way) | Linear Two-Way | No Permit Required | Level 1 Easy
GPX File for Shuangliu Waterfall Trail
This trail connects the parking lot and visitor center area along a flat, wide trail for most of its duration. This trail parallels the Fenggang River (楓港溪) and leads to the “Large Pavilion” area that has a shaded covered area, washrooms and a small lookout platform. It’s also open to cyclists up to the Large Pavillion. The flat, crushed-stone trail is suitable for most bikes, include drop-handle road bikes.
There are two separate washroom facilities located along this trail. The first is found after two unique river crossings. While the second is located further up at the “Large Pavilion” area that also has a shaded covered area and a lookout platform.
After reaching the “Large Pavilion”, the trail becomes more natural. Turning into compact soil with some rocks and roots, the trail continues deeper into the National Forest. There is a series of stairs that descend down to a picturesque stone bridge. You’ll here the crashing sounds of Shuangliu Waterfall (雙流瀑布). Cross over the bridge and up some wooden steps before arriving at the lookout point for the waterfalls. The shaded and seating make this a perfect place to enjoy lunch, a snack and the gorgeous view.
This is an out-and-back trail, so you’ll be following the same trail back.
Hiking the Mountainside Trail
2.2km (one-way) | Linear Two-Way | No Permit Required | Level 1 Difficulty
GPX: Waterfall/Mountainside Trail Loop
This 2.2km (one-way) trail runs parallel to the Shuangliu Waterfall Trail below in the valley. The Mountainside Trail trailhead begins about 200m along the Shuangliu Waterfall Trail and makes for a great option for an alternate route on the way out/back from the Shuangliu Waterfalls. The Neiwen River occasionally floods the valley during periods of intense rain. The Mountainside Trail is an alternate route to the waterfall if the Shuangliu Waterfall Trail is flooded.
The trail is mostly compact soil and after an initial climb up some steps, the elevation evens out and is a pretty gentle trail for hiking that meanders through a gorgeous section of the National Forest. There are also several connecting trails that offer hikers the chance for smaller routes and loops depending on their abilities and interests.
On the Mountainside Trail, there is a beautiful suspension bridge stretching across a wooded valley. It is located a third of the way along the trail, where the Mountainside Trail connects the Shuangliu Waterfall Trail. It offers stunning views above the canopy. This gives hikers a different perspective before heading back into forested sections of this trail. This area is also known as the best place to observe the many butterflies that flit around the forest. These are common scenes while hiking in Southern Taiwan. The Eulopea tulliolus butterfly occupies this area as it falls within its migratory route.
Hiking the Mt. Maozi Trail (帽子山步道)
2.9km (return) | Linear Two-Way | No Permit Required | Level 3 Difficulty
GPX – Mt. Maozi & White Banyan Trail
This is the most challenging trail in Shuangliu National Forest and take hikers between 1 and 1.5 hours to complete. There are five named mountains in Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area, the highest of which is Mt. Maozi (帽子山) at 696m. The trail itself is well-maintained, as many trails inside Taiwan’s National Forests are. The trailhead is located adjacent to the parking lot and immediately begins with a stair case as hikers enter a dense jungle.
In fact, most of the entire trail offers shade as hikers traverse this wooden trail with dense foliage. Monkeys are commonly spotted on this trail (likely attracted to the parking lot where food and fruit are mistakenly discarded here – tsk tsk). However, as you approach the summit, there is a wooden gazebo/pavilion that offers further shade and a place to sit and relax. From here, on a clear day, hikers can see as far as the Taiwan Strait to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east!
While the trail is more challenging than the others, it also offers the most stunning panoramic views of the thick forest and surrounding mountains of Pingtung County, something the rest of the trails don’t really offer.
Hiking the White Banyan Trail (白榕步道)
2km (one-way) | Linear Two-Way | No Permit Required | Level 2 Difficulty
The White Banyan Trail, also known as the Bairong Trail, stretches for an easy 2km (1.2 mi) and offers visitors an awe-inspiring experience. Starting with a flight of wooden steps, this trail is renowned for its stunning clusters of ficus trees, commonly referred to as banyan trees. In 1965, the forestry bureau planted hundreds of Banyan Trees in this area and among the diverse species hikers encounter are Ficus superba, Ficus variegata, and Ficus benjamina.
One of the trail’s most captivating features is around the halfway mark. Here, the pathway reveals a mesmerizing display of vertically hanging prop roots, adorned with white bark. There aren’t many places in Taiwan that have this unique environment.
While most of this trail is very accessible, there is a section that includes some ropes, but these are mostly for assistance and there is nothing too technical here. The forest is dominated by impressive groups of banyan trees, their prop roots reaching down to the forest floor. These roots intertwine, twist, and merge, forming an extensive and interconnected network.
The area now occupied by the Shuangliu National Forest was the traditional land of one of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes, the Paiwan Tribe. The trail also features the ancient ruins of the Tortoiseshell House (龜甲屋). Now only some short walls, this historical landmark still reminds us that these protected areas were once the traditional hunting grounds and lands of the Paiwan People.
Attractions and Services
Shuangliu Visitor (and Nature) Center – The Visitor Center is located across the main river from the main parking. You can’t miss it. The visitor center isn’t so much of a visitor center as it is simply interpretation kiosks. iMost of this interpretation covers local ecology and some brief history of the park. There is a public washroom outside the ticketing area. No food services or water refill stations are available in Neidong National Forest. Be prepared with what you need for the visitor.
Waterfalls – The waterfall of Shuangliu National Forest is definitely the highlight of this protected area. While we thoroughly enjoyed hiking all the trails, we loved the river crossings and the wildlife (we spotted a Swinhoe Pheasant pecking along the Mountainside Trail), the Shuangliu Waterfalls was a treat. There is a small viewing platform with a few benches overlooking the falls. The mist coming off the falls, the shaded viewing platform and the fact that there were no other hikers here; made the waterfalls a perfect spot to take a break.
When To Visit Shuangliu National Forest
Pending no typhoons or earthquakes, Shuangliu National Forest is open all year round with its gates opening 08:00~17:00 on weekdays and on weekends. Shuangliu is a popular destination throughout the year, however, we’d recommend visiting in the late fall (October-December). While the cooler micro-climate can provide some relief in the summer months it can be quite humid. After extensive rainfall the waterfalls are also particularly spectacular.
Weather and Climate in Shihzih Township, Pingtung County
Shuangliu’s average annual temperature is 21°C (70°F), which is a bit cool for a subtropical area. Part of this is because the park’s dense forests and cold river waters help keep the temperature down, allowing cool breezes to sweep through the valley. It’s pretty refreshing here even when it’s hot.
During the summer months of June-September, temperatures reach close to 40°C and it is quite humid. The shaded sections of the Mountainside, Mt. Maozi and White Banyan Trails provide some relief, but the best part is hanging out by the river and cooling off.
Click here for weekly weather forecasts for the local area.
Admission into Shuangliu National Forest
Ticket prices to get into Shuangliu National Forest vary depending on age, vehicle and area of the park visitors will be accessing.
Admission Prices:
| Ticket Type | Price (NT$) |
|---|---|
| Full fare Ticket (Weekday) | $100 |
| Full fare Ticket (Holiday/Weekend) | $80 |
| Half fare Ticket (local resident, military and children 7-12) | $50 |
| Discount Ticket (Seniors over 65 and children 3-6) | $10 |
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket gate and online (for $80ntd), by making an account with the Forestry Bureau. To be honest, the park staff is really friendly and many can speak passable-to-great English. Purchasing admission at the ticket booth is not a big inconvenience. Visit the Forestry Bureau website for updated ticket information.
How to Get to Shuangliu National Forest
While Shuangliu National Forest is a fantastic destination to visit, it is difficult to access without private transportation. The most convenient way to visit is by a personal vehicle/scooter or by booking a tour or hiring private transportation.
Driving to Shuangliu National Forest
For those wishing to drive to Shuangliu National Forest, you’ll likely use Google Maps to help you along the way. As a point of reference, travel times from Taitung will be about 1.5 hours each way. Traffic shouldn’t be an issue on either weekday or weekend. Use this location as your reference.
If you’re traveling to Shuangliu National Forest from Kaohsiung, the travel time should be about 1.5 hours as well. The challenge is that getting out of Kaohsiung can pose issues due to heavier traffic during rush hour. The parking fee for small vehicles is $50ntd and the parking lot has capacity for about 100 or more cars.
How to Get to Shuangliu National Forest by Bus
For visitors looking to use Public Transportation to visit, you will have to get Fengliao in Pingtung County. From here, take Bus #1778 for about 1 hour and 40 minutes. At the time of writing, the cost of the bus is $120ntd. Stay on the bus for 25 stops and get off at the Shuangliu stop. There is a Family Mart convenience store right at the stop. It is a short 5 minute walk to the ticket booth from here.
From Taitung, visitors can catch the bus #1778 from Dawu along Taiwan’s east coast and expect a 50+ minute drive for 17 stops.
Booking Private Transportation or a Tour
Interested in visiting Shuangliu National Forest, but need some support? Whether you require a bilingual guide and/or pick-up and drop-off transportation services, just fill out our custom tour form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.