Taoyuan Travel: Waterfalls of Sanmin Bat Cave

Travel Date: 2023/06/22

Dragon Boat Festival, so we had a 4-day long holiday. Unfortunately, it seems that the weather wasn't too good. When we arrived at Sanmin Bat Cave, it was already cloudy. We also tried to visit Jiguopai Church, but it wasn't open for visiting.

Afterwards, we planned to go to Daxi Old Street, but the town was packed with people, and we couldn't find any parking space. After driving around the town for half an hour trying to find a spot, we gave up and went to a smaller nearby town to find some food.

Unfortunately, our son got a bit sick afterwards, so we ended up spending the long weekend at home instead of traveling.

Sanmin Bat Cave (三民蝙蝠洞) 

Sanmin Bat Cave (三民蝙蝠洞) is located in the valley in the north of Sanmin Village. It's a huge natural cave and is known as Shuilian Cave because of the spring water above the cave entrance. The cave got its name due to its rough and primitive terrain beside a valley, attracting a large number of bats to inhabit here. In the past, thousands of bats lived here, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.

The trail to the bat cave is about 600 meters long, gently sloped, and paved with stone bricks. It takes around 20 minutes to walk to the Bat Cave. Along the trail, there are many trees providing shade, making the walk cool and comfortable. Rest areas with wooden seats are available along the road for those who need a break. There is also a toilet at the beginning of the path. During our walk, we even encountered a friendly pig!

About 450 meters along the trail, you'll reach the observation deck from which you can see mountains in the distance.

The cave entrance is about 20 meters high, 50 meters wide inside, and around 20 meters deep. The shape of the cave resembles a half-moon, and although the bats have migrated to other places, the cave's landscape still attracts many tourists who come to explore its wonders.

In front of the cave, there are two pools, a large one, and a smaller one. A 15-meter-high waterfall flows down, forming a deep pool with a diameter of about 10 meters. The environment is cool and pleasant, making it a suitable place to escape the summer heat.

Unfortunately, we didn't know that swimming isn't allowed here anymore. Five years ago, it was totally fine to swim, and we even saw a few kids playing in the water during our previous visit. However, it seems that it has become a less popular swimming spot due to the government's increasing restrictions on entering waters following accidents and drownings. Interestingly, despite numerous accidents and deaths on the roads, cars and scooters are still allowed.

We arrived around noon, but there was barely any sunshine, and the water was cold. There is parking space for about 5 cars, while others are parked in front of someone's home (though we're not sure if it's permitted). Public transportation in Taiwan is available, as we noticed a bus station nearby, making it unnecessary to drive.  

See also: Hsinchu Fengxiang Falls

Check out my YouTube video

Jiguopai Church (基國派老教堂)

Afterwards, we also tried to visit Jiguopai Church (基國派老教堂), but unlike in the past, there is now a fence around it, making it impossible to visit.

This Presbyterian Church was built in 1964. The building was reconstructed after 2000, following the collapse of the roof, which caused damage to the building. The church is renowned as the most beautiful stone church in Taiwan.

During Japanese rule, Christianity was restricted in Taiwan. It wasn't until the war ended in 1945 that the first Christian community was established in Sanmin village. In the early years, prayers were held in the homes of church members until the construction of the church could be completed.

This picture is one that I took back in 2018: 

Address:

1. Sanmin Bat Cave: 336桃園市復興區東側五寮溪溪谷內
2. Jiguopai Church: 336桃園市復興區基國產業道路1號

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Kaohsiung Travel: Butterfly Garden of Jinshihu Scenic Area

Golden Lion Lake (金獅湖蝴蝶園)

Golden Lion Lake / Jinshi Lake is situated in the upper reaches of the Love River in the northeast of Kaohsiung City. Originally known as "Dayu," it is located next to Lion's Head Mountain and is sourced from Dingjinzhen on the east side of the expressway.

Originally called "Hutoushanzi," Shishan was recognized as a spiritual site by the Kansei division after Taiwan's recovery. From the mountain's summit, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and the green fields of BanpingShan, Shoushan, and Gaoping Plains, providing a refreshing and picturesque experience.

Jinshihu Park covers an area of 25 hectares, with approximately 11 hectares dedicated to the water area. The land area includes the lake peninsula and the hinterland on the north and south sides, totaling around 14 hectares.

Fudungjin Baoan Temple

Fudungjin Baoan Temple is located on the bank of Jinshi Lake. Its history can be traced back to 1883 when it was established as a Taoist temple dedicated to the three princes of Marshal. In 1851-1861, Dingjin residents welcomed the statue of Marshal, and in 1883, the temple was built. After World War II, it was reconstructed at the intersection of Xiang Road and Dingjinzhong Street in 1952. Following several renovations, it was eventually relocated to Jinshi Lake in 1998. The original site was converted into the Xiangke Building and market.

The temple features a palace-style architecture typical of northern China. The main hall houses the statue of Marshal, accompanied by the Virgin Mary in the right hall, the goddess of birth, the Zuodian Erlang God, Zhengshen, and others. On the third floor, there is the Taiyi Hall on the right, and the left hall venerates the sixty-year-old star. The fourth floor is occupied by the Lingbao Hall, dedicated to the Jade Emperor, accompanied by the Three Kingdoms. The bell and drum towers stand side by side, showcasing a generous and elegant design.

In the 1980s, the temple hall was completed under the guidance of Mr. Chen Qixian, who served as the director of the Kaohsiung City Poetry and Calligraphy Society.

See also: Tianliao Moon World

Butterfly Garden 

Address:

807高雄市三民區鼎金一巷25號金獅湖蝴蝶園

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Taoyuan Travel: Sanmin's Bat Cave and Jiguopai Church

Sanmin Bat Cave (三民蝙蝠洞)

Travel Date: 2018/07/04

Mountains in Taoyuan, not far from the Shihmen Reservoir, hide a truly beautiful natural place called the Sanmin Bat Cave (三民蝙蝠洞). Just a week ago, we visited an abandoned theme park from which we also noticed the reservoir, but the rainy day prevented us from exploring further.

The Sanmin Bat Cave is a large natural cave located in Sanmin Village. The waterfall there is incredibly picturesque. The water pool near the waterfall can be as deep as 10 meters, attracting many people who enjoy swimming there. During the rainy season, the cave also becomes filled with water.

In the past, the cave was home to a large number of bats. After its discovery in 1931, people started hunting the bats. As the number of visitors increased, the bats were forced to migrate and eventually almost disappeared from the area.

See also newer post about Sanmin Bat Cave: HERE

Tuba Tribe Church (Jiguopai Church (基國派老教堂))

Nearby, you can also visit the Tuba Tribe Church (Jiguopai Church). This Presbyterian church was originally built in 1964. After the roof collapsed and caused damage to the building, it was reconstructed after 2000. The church is renowned as the most beautiful stone church in Taiwan.

During the period of Japanese rule, Christianity was restricted in Taiwan, and it wasn't until the end of the war in 1945 that the first Christian presence was established in Sanmin Village. In the early years, prayers were held in the homes of church members until the construction of the church could be completed.

Unfortunately, it's not allowed to go inside the church. Many people, including myself, were curious to see its interior. I managed to take only one picture through a window.

Address:

1. Sanmin Bat Cave: 336桃園市復興區東側五寮溪溪谷內
2. Jiguopai Church: 336桃園市復興區基國產業道路1號

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