IBMBA & GHRM MBA Students went on an adventure to explore the monkey habitat

[ Kaohsiung, April 01, 2026]

On a beautiful spring afternoon in Kaohsiung, students from the NSYSU International Program set out on what would become an unforgettable “Monkey Tour” on Shoushan. The group itself reflected the spirit of global exchange, bringing together participants from Japan, Germany, and Taiwan, each eager to explore beyond the classroom.

This was far more than a simple hike. It was an immersive experience designed to connect human curiosity with the natural habitat of the Formosan Macaque, a remarkable primate species found only in Taiwan. 

Expert Guidance on an Exclusive Trail

Led by experienced local experts, the group ventured beyond the usual tourist routes onto a specially arranged trekking trail. Away from the crowds, Shoushan revealed a quieter, more untouched side. Along the way, even the slightest rustle in the trees became an opportunity to learn. The guides pointed out feeding grounds, explained behavioral patterns, and highlighted the delicate ecological balance that sustains the macaques’ habitat. What might have been an ordinary walk quickly transformed into a living, breathing classroom.

Academic Bonding in the Great Outdoors

Adding a special touch to the journey was the presence of a distinguished professor, who joined despite a demanding schedule. Rather than delivering a formal lecture, the professor walked alongside the students as a fellow explorer, sharing curiosity, exchanging observations, and enjoying the discoveries together. This informal interaction fostered a sense of connection that extended beyond academic boundaries, turning the excursion into a genuine community experience.

As the group made their way up the lush trails, they were soon greeted by their long-awaited hosts. Observing the Formosan Macaques in their natural environment offered a rare glimpse into their highly structured matrilineal society. Under the guides’ explanations, students learned how these troops are organized around strong female lineages, where social hierarchy is maintained through grooming rituals, vocal communication, and subtle body language.

Excitement filled the air as students caught their first close sightings. Smiles, waves, and quiet laughter spread through the group as they observed the monkeys from a respectful distance. Cameras captured these moments of connection, but more importantly, the experience underscored the importance of responsible wildlife interaction. The calm presence of the macaques, combined with the careful guidance of experts, created a unique and respectful encounter between humans and nature.

An Unexpected Twist: Dancing in the Rain

Yet, as with all outdoor adventures, nature had its own plans. As the group reached the upper sections of the trail, clear skies suddenly gave way to a heavy downpour. For safety reasons and to avoid disturbing the animals, the final segment of the itinerary had to be shortened. Although the planned concluding session on the ridge was cancelled, the rain unexpectedly became the most memorable part of the journey.

Sheltering beneath the dense canopy, the group found themselves sharing the moment with a nearby family of macaques. Just meters away, the monkeys huddled together, calmly waiting out the storm. Watching them protect their young and adapt effortlessly to the changing weather offered a powerful, unscripted lesson that no classroom could replicate.

In that quiet pause, it became clear: this was not just a tour, but a shared experience between humans and nature, shaped as much by unpredictability as by design.

A Cultural Refuge and Shared Moments

The sudden shift in weather unexpectedly gave rise to a meaningful cultural exchange. Seeking shelter from the rain, the group made their way to a nearby temple, where the atmosphere quickly turned warm and communal despite the drizzle outside.

As students gathered to enjoy sandwiches together, the moment evolved into more than just a break from the rain. Local participants naturally stepped into the role of cultural hosts, introducing their international peers to the intricate beauty of the temple’s architecture, its ornate carvings, symbolic details, and quiet sense of history. What began as a simple refuge became a space for storytelling, cultural sharing, and connection across backgrounds.

Although the rain shortened the planned route, the tour proved to be a resounding success. Rather than returning with a simple checklist of wildlife sightings, participants left with a deeper appreciation for Taiwan’s unique endemic species and a stronger sense of environmental stewardship.

The experience served as a powerful reminder that nature often delivers its most meaningful lessons in unexpected ways. The day concluded with a lively, if slightly rain-soaked, group photograph, capturing smiles that reflected not just a successful excursion but a truly memorable journey of coexistence, discovery, and cross-cultural connection. 

Written by IBMBA & GHRM MBA SA Team.  Revised by the College of Management.