Kenting

Taiwan's southernmost tropical coast, with Oluanbi Lighthouse, Baishawan and the Kenting Street night market. The resort atmosphere is strong, with snorkeling, surfing and scooter touring around the island.

Kenting lies on the Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung County, at the southern tip of Taiwan. Kenting Park, established in 1984, was Taiwan's first “national park.” It covers coral reef coastline, tropical monsoon forest and the old town of Hengchun. Its tropical climate lies south of the Tropic of Cancer, which makes it Taiwan's only seaside resort where you can swim all year round.

The area divides into four parts. The center is Kenting Street, with guesthouses, night markets and bars, and the nearby Dawan and Xiaowan beaches. To the east, Highway 26 runs toward Oluanbi and passes Sailing Rock, Sand Islet, Oluanbi Lighthouse, Longpan Park, Wind-blown Sand and Jialeshui. It is the classic coastal road for scooter tours of the southern peninsula. The west has Houbihu (snorkeling, diving and sashimi), Maobitou, Baishawan and the sunset at Guanshan. About 10 km north is Hengchun Old Town, the filming location of Cape No. 7, which is still a living town. Further north are the Sichongxi hot springs and the Marine Biology Museum.

Climate: The average temperature is above 25°C all year. October to April is the best season, avoiding typhoons and extreme heat. However, strong “Luoshan” (down-mountain) winds blow from October to March, so be careful when riding scooters. The Spring Scream and Spring Nah music festivals in early April are the liveliest time for young people. May to September is hot and prone to typhoons.

For transport, take the Kenting Express bus from Zuoying HSR Station in Kaohsiung. It takes about 2.5 hours direct to Kenting Street. A shared or chartered car takes about 2 hours and costs about NT$350–450 per person. Kenting has no rail transit. Public transport is limited to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Kenting Street Car, which has four routes and runs infrequently. Most visitors rent electric scooters (mini electric scooters need no license, but gasoline scooters do) or hire a car to tour the island. Two to three days is recommended.

Notes: Coral reefs along the shore are sharp, so wear water shoes when snorkeling. Each beach has different rip currents, so swim only at beaches with lifeguards. Ultraviolet rays are extremely strong in summer. Taking shells or coral from the park is prohibited. Accommodation prices double during music festivals.

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