Houbihu
後壁湖
Kenting's largest fishing harbor and marina, where you can snorkel and watch fish from a semi-submarine inside the coral reef protection zone. A plate of 100-NT$ sashimi by the harbor is a taste of Kenting you won't forget.
Houbihu sits on the southwest side of the Hengchun Peninsula, just north of Maobitou. It is Kenting's largest fishing harbor and marina. The waters outside the harbor are a marine resource demonstration zone designated by Kenting National Park. Coral cover is high and fish are plentiful, making this Kenting's main spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Dozens of dive shops line the harbor. Snorkeling with equipment and a guide costs about NT$300–400 per person, and an introductory dive runs about NT$2,000–2,500. You can also ride a semi-submarine (about NT$350) and watch corals and tropical fish through the glass without getting wet.
The fish market and the second-floor restaurants in the harbor are famous for affordable, fresh sashimi. A platter of 20 pieces of mixed sashimi costs about NT$100–150, making this Kenting's best-known “sashimi street.” You can also find grilled fish, sea urchin, and shochu-fermented sea snails. The “Houbihu Outlet” beside the harbor releases warm seawater from the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant No. 3, which draws tropical fish to the shallow waters. It's a gentle spot for beginners. The harbor is also the departure point for whale watching, parasailing, banana boats, and night cruises from Kenting. Nearby Maobitou Park (a cape of coral reef rock, admission NT$30) and the Guanshan Sunset Viewpoint are easy to visit as well. Entry to the harbor is free.
Suggested plan: snorkel between 9 and 11 a.m., when the light is good and the crowds are thin. Eat sashimi at the fishing harbor at midday. In the afternoon, visit Maobitou and Baishawan, and in the evening watch the sunset from Guanshan. Getting there: about 20 minutes by scooter from Kenting Street, or take the Kenting Street Car Blue Line (Route 102) to the “Houbihu” stop.
Notes: Follow your guide when snorkeling and do not step on coral. Fishing and collecting are prohibited in the protected zone. Sashimi shops get busy on weekends, so go early. The harbor has no shade at midday in summer.
Opening hours
All day (fish market and restaurants approx. 10:00–20:00; snorkel shops 08:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Hengchun Sisal Industry Exhibition Area
- Nanwan (South Bay)
- Maobitou (Cat's Nose Cape)
- Baisha Bay
- Longluan Lake
- Guanshan Sunset Viewpoint
- Kenting Street
- Dajianshan