A Complete Travel Guide to Kenting National Park
Kenting is a paradise for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers. We hope that you get to sunbathe, relax, explore the breathtaking nature and eat some delicious food with our recommendations.
HOW MANY DAYS |
2
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Oct - Mar
WHERE TO STAY |
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Baishawan Beach, Eluanbi Lighthouse, Sail Rock, Longpan Park
HOW TO GET AROUND | walk, rent a scooter or take the bus
Located at the southern tip of Ilha Formosa, Kenting is a bit off the beaten path compared to other destinations in Taiwan. While its beaches, with clear blue waters and white sand, offer a refreshing escape from city life, they don't quite compare to the world-famous beaches of Southeast Asia. However, Kenting’s breathtaking coastal landscapes provide a unique opportunity to soak up the sun and experience a different, more relaxed side of Taiwan.
So, is Kenting worth visiting? If you’re looking to explore more of what the island has to offer beyond the usual city sights, Kenting could be the perfect addition to your trip. When we visited in October, we enjoyed a laid-back atmosphere with no crowds. Unfortunately, we also encountered the worst typhoon the country had experienced in a long time, so timing your visit carefully is key.
✈︎ Itineraries, budgets, packing tips, and destination guides — it’s all in our Taiwan Travel Essentials. Start planning now!
HOW MANY DAYS FOR KENTING?
We recommend you to plan 2 full days (3 nights) to look at the highlights at a calm pace and a beach day. Add more days to your liking to relax at the beach.
WHEN TO VISIT KENTING?
Kenting is a year-round destination thanks to its warm climate, but the best time to visit is between October and March. During these months, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, milder temperatures, and minimal rainfall.
Dry Season (Nov — Apr):
The dry season is hands down the best time to visit Kenting. With warm, sunny days and little rain, it’s perfect for enjoying the beach, swimming, or exploring the area. The quieter winter months mean fewer crowds on the beach, offering a more peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. However, April can get busier, especially around the 4-day long weekend due to a popular music festival, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Rainy Season (May — Oct):
The rainy season in Kenting brings higher humidity and frequent showers, with typhoons more common between July and October. While the weather can be unpredictable, summer in Kenting is still a lively time, with crowded beaches and busy weekends. If you’re okay with the occasional rain and don’t mind the crowds, this could still be a fun time to visit.
TIP | Try to come on weekdays for less crowds and lower room rates!
HOW TO GET AROUND KENTING?
Renting a scooter is the best way to enjoy the breathetaking coastline and easier to get to places like Baishawan than by bus. Don’t forget your International Driver’s Permit and passport when renting a scooter.
The shuttle bus lines Orange (101), Blue (102), Green (103), Yellow (201) operate between the Hengchun and the popoular attractions.
PRICE | NT$400 | €12 | US$12 per day
WHERE | Google Maps
WHERE TO STAY IN KENTING?
Hostels, boutique hotels and guesthouses can be found at Kenting Main Street and it is the best location for nightlife, restaurants, street food, and convenience.
In Hengchun Town, you’ll find a quieter, more historic atmosphere, offering a great selection of restaurants and affordable accommodations. Luxury stays with Beachfronts can be found near the popular beaches like Baisha or Nanwan.
We loved our hotel in Hengchun and were very sad when we had to change. The room has everything you need, a big balcony, very friendly hosts and an amazing sunset view.
BOOK | Amibao Resort
BOOK | For a stay in the town of Kenting consider staying at 墾丁星院旅宿 a highly reviewed hotel with modern rooms for great value.
HOW TO GET TO KENTING?
If you’re traveling from the west coast or Kaohsiung, take the Kenting Express Shuttle Bus from Zuoying HSR Station at bus stop no. 1. The journey takes about 2 hours. You’ll need to pick up your tickets at the booth on the 2nd floor outside the HSR terminal—simply take the elevator down to the bus stop.
For those coming from the east coast, such as Taitung, take the TRA train to Fangliao, then transfer to the same Kenting Express bus. You can get your tickets here.
Exploring new cities is all about discovering the unexpected. Thanks to our eSIM, we were always connected and could easily search for cool landmarks or nearby attractions.
READ | Why We Loved Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s Chill Coastal City Guide
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SWIMMING BEACHES OF KENTING NATIONAL PARK
Baishawan
Some scenes of Life of Pi were shot at this quiet beach with crystal-clear waters and soft yellowish-white sand. During peak times, this beach is dotted with umbrellas, water activities, and lively crowds, much like the other beaches in Kenting. However, it manages to maintain a more secluded and less "touristy" atmosphere compared to the rest.
South Bay
This beach is a favorite spot for relaxing under umbrellas, swimming, and enjoying activities like banana boat rides, jet skiing, and small waves for surfing. So expect some crowds during peak times. One drawback is the large nuclear power plant visible on the right side of the bay— it really did not bother us that much, but it was definitely weird.
Xiaowan (Small Beach)
Also called Small Beach, it’s located near two resorts, but you can access it walking down some stairs. If you fancy some quiet time, stroll from Kenting Main Beach to Lover’s Beach, a tucked-away spot on the peninsula between Main Beach and Xiaowan. It was a really nice and calm spot though not suited to go swimming as the beach is filled with rocks.
Sail Rock
Sail Rock Beach attracts a fair share of visitors—especially during peak times—thanks to its easy access and nearby amenities. Just across the road, you'll find a 7-Eleven, a few resorts, restaurants, and places to stay. While it can get busy, the beach itself is beautiful, and the striking rock formation makes for a great photo stop. It's definitely worth a quick visit, even if just to take in the view.
STUNNING VIEWS IN KENTING NATIONAL PARK
Eluanbi Lighthouse
Asia’s southernmost lighthouse dating to 1883 is an iconic landmark. You cannot enter the lighthouse, but there is a museum with explanations in Mandarin with some beautiful old pictures in front of it. The park in which the lighthouse is located offers stunning views down the coast.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)
Longpan Park
You can only get here with a scooter or a car, but you should not miss this stunning cliffs and rolling grasslands views perfect for sunrise or sunset. It is a has a small boardwalk trail that you can optionally walk. We just went to enjoy the view and see the cliffs, but did not think it was necessary to walk to the other side to have the same scenery.
Maobitou Park
Maobitou Park, where “Mao” (貓) means cat, naturally features a large cat statue and some cats wandering around the area. You can support the lady who cares for these cats by purchasing food for them at her stall, which you’ll find on the way to the park’s entrance. The view from the observation deck is stunning, offering a stunning view of the Kenting coastline.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area
This large park offers unique karst landscapes formed from coral stone uplifted thousands of years ago. This large park features diverse trails, coral reef tunnels, caves, and scenic viewpoints, including a viewing tower that offers panoramic vistas over the treetops to the ocean. Despite its beauty, the area remains relatively quiet, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including centipedes and snakes, as warned by many many signs.
It's easiest to reach by scooter, as buses only stop here three times a day. For up-to-date information on hiking paths, check the official website before your visit.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE | NT$150 | €4 | US$5
Guanshan Sunset Viewing Park
This viewpoint close to Baishawan is advertised as one of CNN’s “12 Best Sunset Spots in the World,” offering vibrant views of the Kenting coastline. However, it’s only accessible by car or scooter, and it can get quite crowded, especially during peak times. The sunset can be breathtaking, but cloudy skies might ruin the experience.
ENTRANCE FEE | NT$ 60 | €1,50 | US$ 1.50
Fengchuisha
This spot lets you enjoy amazing coastal sand dunes and take in incredible views of the sea, beach, and mountains in the distance. The wind just adds to the dramatic scenery.
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WHERE TO EAT IN HENGCHUNG?
This cozy buffet spot serves up a variety of tasty Taiwanese vegetarian and vegan dishes. It’s perfect for breakfast or lunch, with options like dumplings, rice soup, mock meats, and stir-fried veggies. The menu changes daily, so there’s always something new to try. We ended up coming here a few times because the food was just that good!
WHERE | Yo Wei Vegetarian Restaurant 有味素食館
PRICE | per weight, around NT$150 - $200 | €4.5 - €6 | US$4.5 - $6
The specialty of this vegetarian restaurant are the red dragon fruit wraps. The owner created this fun dish for her father, creating pink wraps filled with mock meats and vegetables. Our absolute favorite was the “lemon chicken” wrap. It is a very delicious creation and we just kept coming back for dinner. The owner also serves typical noodles and rice bowls, which are also really good.
WHERE | Red Dragon Fruit Burrito
PRICE | NT$50 - $170 | €1- €5 | US$1 - $5
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TIP!
Houbihu Fishing Harbor
This small seafood market is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh, live seafood. You can select your seafood straight from the aquariums and decide how it’s prepared, with sashimi being a popular choice at nearly every stall. Yafashi Restaurant stands out for its great prices. We opted for a snapper, some sashimi, and a side of morning glory—all incredibly fresh and flavorful!
WHERE | 亞發師海景餐廳-後壁湖
PRICE | NT$200 - $400 | €6 - €12 | US$6 - $12
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