Taroko National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as Taroko N. P. HQ) announced that the Buluowan Recreation Area has recently had refurbishment completed of a mini-type trail - the Idas Trail. The old name was Buluowan-Swallow Grotto Trail. It is now officially opened to the public. The Idas Trail connects the two recreational attractions of Buluowan and Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto Trail). The public can take a bus to Buluowan. While at Buluowan, visitors can overlook the Yanzikou Gorge area from the Buluowan Suspension Bridge and enjoy the fantastic scenery of Buluowan. Departing Buluowan, visitors can follow the Idas Trail, walk along a short section of the highway to Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto) and admire the spectacular marble gorge terrain. Visitors from Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto) can observe the Buluowan Suspension Bridge.
The public is invited to walk on the "green" Idas Trail to cool off and enjoy the beautiful scenery
The Idas Trail was built on the slope of the Buluowan lower terrace. The trail is about 400 meters long with an elevation change of 120 meters. The entrance starting from Buluowan is located near the Buluowan Suspension Bridge. Follow the path, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach the Central Cross-Island Highway. There are elevated wood walkways, trestle bridges, stone steps, and guardrails. The forest is dense along the way, which shades the path from the hot sun. When the mountain wind blows from time to time, visitors can cool off in the hot summer. The sounds of birds and cicadas are endless, which brings the area to life.
In addition, the entrance at the end of the Central Cross-Island Highway is located between the west entrance of the Xipan Tunnel and the east entrance of the Buluowan Tunnel. To the east, visitors can go to the Xipan Dam, pass by the Changchun Shrine (Eternal Spring Shrine), and reach the entrance of Taroko. To the west, visitors can visit the Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto) Trail and Jinheng Bridge, which gives insight into the breathtaking scenery of Taroko Gorge. From Central Cross-Island Highway, visitors can also use this trail to access Buluowan. It is uphill the whole way and takes about 20 to 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Taking a stroll to link two attractions: Buluowan and Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto trail)
Taroko N. P. HQ suggests that after going to the Buluowan Recreation Area, visitors should walk the Buluowan Suspension Bridge (accessible for wheelchairs and strollers), which provides breathtaking views of the Yanzikou (Swallows Grotto) area. Visitors should allocate time to walk along the Meander Core trail, which is suitable for all ages and overlooks the marble canyon. Don't miss the Buluowan Suspension Bridge(booking required), which overlooks Xipan dam and the Truku Tribe Culture Exhibition Hall. After enjoying nature's beauty, the Truku people's cultural beauty is worth taking the time to explore while in the area.
Photo 1: 2022 Buluowan Recreation Area Map
Photo 2: Buluowan Recreation Area (Photo from Taroko N. P. HQ)
Photo 3: Idas Trail (Photo from Taroko N. P. HQ)