Kenting sits on the Hengchun Peninsula at the southernmost tip of Taiwan — home to Kenting National Park, founded in 1984 and the country's oldest national park. The tropical climate keeps the sea warm enough to swim and snorkel year-round. In one destination you get white-sand beaches, stalactite caves, mangrove forest, and a historic lighthouse once ranked the brightest in Asia.
#1 Kenting National Park
Taiwan's first national park, established in 1984, covering more than 330 square kilometres of land and sea. The park holds a mix of ecosystems — coral beaches, tropical rainforest, coral reefs, and sea cliffs. More than 5 million visitors come each year, making it the most popular natural attraction in southern Taiwan.
- Buy a combined park pass at the entrance gate to save on individual site fees.
- Rent a bicycle or scooter to move between beaches and attractions efficiently.
- April brings a music festival and large crowds — book accommodation well in advance.
#2 Eluanbi Lighthouse
Built in 1883 on the cape that separates the Taiwan Strait from the Philippine Sea, this lighthouse stands 21.4 metres tall and was once the brightest in Asia — earning the nickname 'the Light of East Asia.' It is unique as the world's only fortified lighthouse, built with a moat and gun ports to defend against attack. Surrounding it is the landscaped Eluanbi Park.
- The Eluanbi Park entrance fee is around NT$60, which includes access to the lighthouse grounds.
- There are viewpoints on both sides where you can see the Taiwan Strait and the Philippine Sea at once.
- Early morning has the best light, and the hour before sunset is equally striking.
#3 Baishawan Beach (White Sand Bay)
One of Kenting's most striking beaches: the sand is 85% crushed shell, giving it an unusually fine, pure-white colour. The beach runs 500 metres long and 40 metres wide along the quieter west coast. It gained international recognition as a filming location for Ang Lee's <em>Life of Pi</em> in 2012.
- Come on a weekday morning for calm and quiet — weekends draw heavy crowds.
- Showers, restrooms, and a convenience store are available on site.
- Waves here are stronger than at Nanwan Beach — keep a close eye on young children in deeper water.
#4 Kenting National Forest Recreation Area
More than 150 hectares of managed forest growing on ancient coral reef dating back 500,000 years. Over 1,000 plant species are displayed by type along trails connecting 17 attractions — among them Fairy Cave, a 137-metre cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and the impressive Silver Dragon Cave, all sitting at 200–300 metres above sea level.
- Tickets are NT$150 per person at the gate; open 08:00–17:00.
- The caves stay cool — bring a light layer.
- Wear shoes with grip. The limestone surfaces can be wet and slippery in sections.
#5 Nanwan Beach (South Bay)
Kenting's liveliest main beach at 600 metres long, with shallow warm water suited to swimming and a full range of water sports: jet skiing, banana boats, parasailing, and snorkelling. Restaurants, beach bars, and resort accommodation line the shore. From April to July, a traditional milkfish season takes place nearby — something rarely seen elsewhere.
- Water-sports operators offer a range of activities; prices are negotiable if you book several at once.
- Songkran and Golden Week bring very large crowds — arrive early to find parking.
- Public showers and restrooms are free to use.
#6 Hengchun Old City Wall
Hengchun is the only fortified town in Taiwan with all four original gates still standing. The walls were completed in 1879 during the Qing dynasty and run 2.6 kilometres around the town. The south gate sits at the centre of a main road roundabout and is hard to miss. The complex is a designated national monument and makes for a good combination of heritage walking and local market food.
- A walk around the city walls takes about an hour and is free to enter.
- The morning market inside the old town serves better food at lower prices than the tourist strip.
- Hengchun Night Market is quieter than Kenting Night Market — better for actually tasting the food.
#7 Kenting Night Market
Every evening the main street through Kenting transforms into a lively night market: fresh grilled seafood, mango shaved ice, milk desserts, souvenirs, and drink stalls line both sides of the road. The atmosphere is casual and beach-holiday easy, with music drifting from bars along the strip. It is the one experience in Kenting that you should not skip.
- Start around 19:00–20:00 when most stalls are fully set up.
- Try grilled squid and mango shaved ice — the two things Kenting Night Market is most known for.
- Souvenir prices are negotiable if you buy several items.
Where to stay in Kenting for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Kenting — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Gloria Manor
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Hotel dùa Kenting
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Dreamer Boutique Hotel
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Caesar Park Hotel Kenting
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Tours, tickets & activities in Kenting
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Kenting — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Kenting works for both travelers who want a proper beach break and those drawn to natural landscapes. Plan at least 2–3 days to cover both the west and east coastlines, plus an evening at the night market.