Situated in the north eastern part of the island, Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) faces the Pacific Ocean to the east and covers an area of more than 92,000 hectares. The park is 36km from north to south and 42km from east to west and contains many peaks that tower over 3,000m. Most visitors tend to spend their time exploring the amazingly narrow Taroko Gorge area that runs for some 20km and contains an abundance of crystal clear waterfalls, massive marble walls, and excellent hikes.

One of these hikes is the wonderful Shakadang Trail (沙卡礑步道) and during a weekend in July In Motion Asia (www.inmotionasia.com) took a group of keen adventurers on a guided tour of the area. What resulted was a journey of discovery that included secret swimming holes, Formosan rock monkeys, indigenous farming plantations, translucent pools, and huge time-worn marble boulders.

The Shakadang Trail hugs the banks of the delightful Shakadang River, a tributary of the main Liwu River, and follows a hunting trail originally blazed by indigenous people. While it may be one of Taroko's easiest walks it offers a stunning immersion into the beautiful scenery and amazing natural geology typical of the area.

The trailhead begins at the Shakadang Bridge just beyond the national park headquarters near the parks eastern entrance. To access the trail take the stairs to the right that lead you down to the river's edge and the start of the trail. Almost immediately you are thrust into a wonderful section of trail that has been cut out of the rocks edge with curtains of water dripping from above.

The path sticks to the river for most of the its 4.4km distance and passes through forest areas thick with giant ferns and is continuously open to stunning views of the gorge and surrounding mountain peaks. Timber-decked lookout platforms have been conveniently erected along the trail to enhance the river vistas and provide timely rest-stops.

Along the way you will pass a small Truku (Taroko) village that has now been all but abandoned apart from serving as a farming hut for the large areas of 'birds nest fern' that line the trail. The Truku Aboriginal Tribe are the indigenous inhabitants after whom Taroko Gorge is named.

Formerly considered part of the Sedeq sub-group of the Atayal tribe, the Truku became officially recognized as Taiwan's 12th indigenous ethnic group in 2004. Through the Truku, traditionally known for their hunting prowess and weaving skills, once populated many river valleys within the park's current boundaries, few remain today.

Another magnificent sight is the Formosan rock-monkey which we witnessed towards the end of the main 4.4km trail. Joyfully playing in the trees less than 20m above us, the monkeys were content to let us observe their afternoon fun in the sun much to the joy of our group.

Endemic to Taiwan, the Formosan rock monkey is commonly found throughout the park and is active among rocky grounds. Best viewing times are early morning and late afternoon.

After all the wonderful sights and sounds we were ready for a swim and the clear greenish waters were just too inviting to resist. Being careful to pick a safe spot away from the fast flowing waters we plunged into the refreshing water and washed away the layers of summer sweat and grit that were starting to feel permanent.

As we looked up, we couldn't help but be amazed at Taroko's geologic formation and the huge marble bounders that tell of a violent past. For millions of years, the Shakadang River has been cutting through the ancient marble of Taroko. In addition to the uplifting forces of the Earth's crust, weathering and erosive forces also come into play. All these factors combine to create gorges of spectacular magnitude and beauty that are easily accessible to all.

Taroko Gorge, a truly awe-inspiring area and a wonderland of natural beauty awaits you!