David on Formosa

On Saturday morning I rode my motorbike out to Wulai (烏來). Rather than visiting the town and bathing in the hot springs I headed a bit further up the road to the Neidong Forest Recreation Area (內洞國家森林遊樂區). There is an entry fee, but residents of Taipei County get half-price. So it cost me NT$40 rather than the regular price of NT$80.

After entering I passed the Luohao Dam (羅好水壩). This dam diverts water via a tunnel to the hydro-electric power station at Wulai. The water of the dam is an amazing color of blue-green. I am not sure how well my photo captured it, but it really is beautiful.

Beyond the dam I came to the Neidong Waterfall. This waterfall has three levels although the third and lowest level is hardly significant. The other two levels are very impressive though. I came here a few years ago and many people were swimming in the waterfall and climbing on the rocks. However, they now appear to have restricted access and people were only using the paths and viewing platforms. It is a popular spot, particularly as getting there only involves a one kilometre walk along a wide, flat path. 

Wanting to get away from the crowds I started walking up the Green Shower Hiking Trail (森林浴步道). This trail winds up the mountain side above the waterfalls.  It passes through some lovely forest on the way. It took me about an hour to walk to the top at a fairly relaxed pace taking lots of photos along the way.  The end of the trail isn't anything special. I thought it might go to the top of a mountain with a stunning view, but it ends kind of abruptly when the trail meets a dirt road. I am not sure that the road leads anywhere, as a man came along the trail and said it came to a dead end. I guess in the other direction it connects to somewhere. 

The walk back down was faster. I stopped to appreciate the waterfall and dam a little more before getting back to my motorbike and heading home.