Sail Rock

船帆石

A coral-reef boulder about 18 meters tall rising from the sea, shaped like a sailing ship and, from certain roadside angles, like former US President Nixon’s profile. The best-known landmark on Kenting’s east coast.

Sail Rock lies on the coast of Provincial Highway 26, about 5 km from Kenting Main Street toward Eluanbi. It is a coral-reef boulder roughly 18 meters tall, formed when rock broke off from the plateau and tumbled into the sea. From a distance it looks like a ship about to set sail, and from certain angles along the road it resembles the profile of former US President Richard Nixon, so it is also called “Nixon’s Head.” In front of the boulder is a small beach and shallow water. Underwater, the coral reefs and tropical fish are abundant, making it one of the few places on Kenting’s east coast suitable for snorkeling. Snorkeling shops along the shore rent equipment and offer instruction for about NT$300 to 500. Banana boats and jet skis are also available. The roadside viewpoint by the beach is a popular photo spot, and 20 to 30 minutes is enough for a stop. Beside it, Sail Rock Village has guesthouses and restaurants, offering a quieter place to stay than Kenting Main Street. About 2 km further south is Sha Island, the only beach in Taiwan made of shell sand. It is a protected area and off-limits, but you can view it at the shell sand exhibition hall on your way. Admission is free. Travel tip: Use it as the first stop on the east coast scooter loop, visiting in the early morning light for photos before heading on to Eluanbi and Longpan Park. Getting there: It is about 10 minutes by scooter from Kenting Main Street. Take the Kenting Street Car Orange Line (Route 101) to the Sail Rock stop. Caution: The reef below is sharp, so wear non-slip water shoes when snorkeling. Do not swim far when currents are strong. Watch for traffic when parking by the road.

Sail Rock

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