Before reaching hidden gems, you’ve got to get your shoes dirty — Discovering Kenting’s South Cape Secret Spot (Part 1)

After the canyon, the route became even more difficult and varied. Most troublesome of all were the lurking dangers of “Pandanus grass.” Though not as hard as cacti, the sharp, saw-like edges of Pandanus grass could make even burly men wince with just a light brush against the skin. Along the way, we passed several sections densely covered with Pandanus grass, and Dongfang Ge took out his machete and “swish swish swish” cleared the path, saving the rest of us from getting scratched up — looking pretty heroic.

▲The Pandanus grass along the trail is the most inconspicuous danger.

▲Dongfang Ge clearing the way ahead.

The rest of the path, aside from a fairly steep uphill section, was mostly manageable. We crossed clear streams by wading through, bent low to pass under low-hanging bushes, and trekked through this unfamiliar mountain terrain. Rather than fear, we felt more anticipation for the unknown paths and scenery ahead. Even spotting the footprints and droppings of sika deer on the ground excited us, as if we were newborn fawns exploring this pristine and surprising forest bit by bit with our eyes and feet.

▲A somewhat strenuous uphill climb.

▲Dongfang Ge leading everyone across the stream.

As we continued, we reached our first “hidden gem” spot. But before entering, Dongfang Ge turned to us and asked, “Are you all good kids? Because this place might be too much for good kids!” Then he tossed his backpack over the barbed wire fence, stepped over, and disappeared. On the other side of the fence awaited a vast, deserted grassland. The lush green turf and blue sky with white clouds looked as if filtered, almost too perfect to believe. The warm sun felt comforting, the cool breeze soothing, taking away much of the fatigue and sweat from the journey. After resting a bit, we continued on with renewed energy.

▲Climbing over the barbed wire tests your skills.

▲%加腥缱indows桌布的龙仔埔草原。