Taiwan Beaches! Kenting & National Park
Why Kenting?
As places to venture to outside of Taipei, Kenting in the South of Taiwan is the highest on the list of Taiwan for:
Natural beauty.
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Baisha beach, Image by Iyhon Chiu
Where is Kenting?
Kenting is the southernmost tip of the island of Taiwan. And the expanse is a national park. It’s situated on the Hengchun Peninsula and is lovely inclusive of mountains, grasslands, superb beaches, and forests as well. It’s one of the most interesting beach places in terms of beach diversity in just one area.
The ecosystems and variation in the landscape of Kenting are incredible. It’s hard to believe that such a petit island can host such a range in terms of environmental design, but it does, and all of this is concentrated in this southern area.
The island of Taiwan itself is a lush place of biodiversity not only in the history of the island, but also in its social influences of Dutch, Chinese, Indigenous, and Japanese, and this melting pot become localisms. These influences can be found in pockets throughout the island and largely throughout Kenting.
(Cover Image by Mark Yuan, Sail Rock)
In the park, there are great hiking trails with banyan trees that digest the earth through their octopus-like root systems. There’s an aquarium with a host of the sea to see in walk-through tunnels. The beaches are spectacular. They’re all impactful yet different, very, very clean, and the sunsets are right up there with the best in the world.
The beaches to go to are Baisha, Nanwan, Shadao, and Jialeshui Beaches.
How to Get There?
Kenting is easily gotten to from Taipei via the high-speed rail (HSR). It takes about an hour and a half from Taipei Main Station to get to Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung. From the station there, buses go directly to Kenting Bus Station. This drive takes about 2 hours. Renting a car or taking a taxi can also be done for a slightly shorter and more expensive fare.
Alternatively, getting to Kenting is also manageable via a flight to Kaohsiung International Airport. The flight from Taipei is only an hour, you can also fly in from elsewhere if visiting this southern area from abroad.
Transportation within the Park
Once you’re in Kenting, the park can be explored via scooter or bicycle which are easily available for rent. There are also buses within the park that’ll take you to and from various sites as the park is quite expansive.
Where to Stay? 8 Door B&B
8 Door B&B. 8 Door is about 10 minutes from the park and 110 minutes from the train station. It gives a classic Taiwanese ambiance. Located in old-town it has a simple yet chic feel to the place combining both the look of traditional Taiwanese houses and a more contemporary minimalist vibe. If you’re interested in renting a car to explore around Kenting and the surrounding area, they can also help to accommodate this.
Unique Things About Kenting
Besides the beaches and park itself, Kenting also has a vast marine life in its coral reef beds. It hosts diving and snorkeling opportunities in various stretches of its beach. Glass bottom-boating is a thing here and being out on the waters gives another way to experience the ecosystems of the shore, forest, and ocean, a plethora to behold.
There is also cultural heritage in this area. Influenced by the indigenous population of Taiwan, the space gives odes to this element of its culture in historical landmarks, temples, and even traditional villages nearby.
Aquarium
If you’re interested in experiencing the sea life from the safe confines of land, the aquarium on-site of Kenting is something to take kids to and bask in. There’s a range of sea life and the aquarium is extensive. The place gives good educational background of the creatures it houses. The food there is mediocre however, I suggest planning to eat elsewhere of the aquarium itself.
Image by Vincent Sheed
Kenting Night Market & Food Scene
Throughout the villages of Taiwan, there is street food made for the gods. However, it’s not always really street food strictly speaking. Food is sold street-side, with open-air kiosks and carts that are movable. The food is street food but it’s elevated street food. Kenting delivers the standard and the charcoal-grilled proteins around are delicious alongside both Taiwanese and European breakfast options, as well as their take on bento boxes.
Kenting Night Market is also a place to be. There are obvious seafood snacks given the location, and a lot of creativity in skewered eats and bites. Beyond the fun food, there are cute tokens and adorable sea-inspired crafts at the market to bring home with you.
Street style all over Taiwan takes things to new levels
*Safety tip
It gets hot and humid in the area in spring and summertime so if you’re planning to explore the park, prepare with the right attire: hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It’s also helpful to get intel from locals if you’re doing a day trip or going somewhere specific. Whether it’s the host at the B&B, or info desks at the park. Unless you’re already traveling with locals, it’s always wise to get information that may be pertinent ahead of time from people who understand the language of the area.
Bottom line
Kenting and Kenting National Park is a summit of Taiwan Island. From the sea bed to the mountain peaks and the forests interspersed in the land in between, Kenting is something. If you’re a parks lover, and especially, a beach lover, Kenting is a must-visit not only while in Taiwan, but in the world roster of to-go tos.
