Kenting National Park

Taiwan's Tropical Southern Cape

Kenting (墾丁) is Taiwan's southernmost point and the island's only tropical national park. Here, just beyond the Tropic of Cancer, temperatures range from 25–32°C year-round, palm trees sway in the wind, coral reefs line the coast, and the sea shimmers in all shades of blue. Kenting is Taiwan's answer to Thailand — without the tourist crowds, with the same Taiwanese infrastructure and safety.

Beaches & Nature

• Baisha Beach (白沙灣): The most beautiful beach in Kenting — 500 m of white sand, calm, clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A perfect spot for sunsets. Parking fee: 50 TWD.
• Eluanbi Lighthouse (鵝鑾鼻燈塔): The southernmost point of Taiwan with a historic lighthouse (1883, armed — the only lighthouse in the world with gun ports!). The surrounding park features spectacular coral rock formations and a coastal path with sea views. Admission: 60 TWD (1.80€).
• Longpan Park (龍磐公園): Dramatic cliffs that plunge steeply into the sea — one of Taiwan's wildest landscapes. Especially breathtaking at sunrise and under the starry sky (Kenting has little light pollution). Free of charge.
• Diving & Snorkeling: Kenting has some of Taiwan's best diving spots: corals, sea turtles, tropical fish, and manta rays. Visibility up to 30 m in autumn. 2-tank dive from 2,000 TWD (58€), snorkeling from 500 TWD (15€).

Kenting Street Night Market

Every evening, Kenting's main street transforms into a lively night market: grilled skewers, fresh mango smoothies, stinky tofu, game stalls, and souvenir shops. The atmosphere is more relaxed and tropical than in Taipei — flip-flops instead of the metro, palm trees instead of skyscrapers.

Getting There

HSR to Zuoying (Kaohsiung), then bus 9188/9189 to Kenting (2h, 350 TWD / 10€). Or: shuttle bus directly from Kaohsiung Airport. Within the national park: rent a scooter (400 TWD/day) — the best way to explore the scattered beaches and viewpoints.