Southern Taiwan
Turquoise coves, coral reefs and the island's southern tip.
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Why go
Kenting is where Taiwan goes to unwind. The southern tip of the island is a long, green national park fringed with coral reefs, sandy coves and lookout points, all strung along a road that ends at the Eluanbi lighthouse.
The main strip is lively and a little chaotic, with beach bars, surf shops and a night market that runs every evening. But step away from the strip and you find quiet coastal trails, hot-spring caves and some of the best diving and snorkelling in Taiwan.
Kenting is the natural end point of a southern itinerary: Tainan, Kaohsiung, then the beach. Two nights gives you a full day in the national park and time to slow down.
Buses back to Kaohsiung run frequently from the main strip; book a transfer if you have an early flight.
Before you go
Kenting is 2 hours from Kaohsiung by bus or private transfer, and about 4 hours from Taipei by high-speed rail to Zuoying plus bus. A scooter is the best way to explore.
Direct buses from Kaohsiung to Kenting take about 2 hours, with frequent departures near Zuoying HSR station.
1.5 hours from Taipei to Zuoying, then about 2 hours by bus to Kenting. The full trip takes roughly 4 hours.
A private transfer from Kaohsiung takes 2 hours door to door; once there, a scooter is the best way to reach the beaches.
The essentials
The essentials, in roughly the order you might see them. Every pin appears on the map.
Select a pin for a short description, or open the place directly in Google Maps.
The southernmost point of Taiwan, with a white 19th-century lighthouse, coastal fortifications and walking paths through tropical vegetation. The sunset over the strait is the highlight.
The park closes in the early evening; arrive an hour before sunset and stay for the light.
The most popular swimming beach in Kenting, a long crescent of sand with rental umbrellas, water sports and a relaxed crowd. The water is warm from spring to autumn.
Swim inside the marked areas and watch for strong currents. Weekdays are much quieter.
A coral-limestone headland on the south-west coast with sea-eroded caves, cliffs and a boardwalk overlooking the Bashi Channel. It is a great spot for sunrise and birdwatching.
Pair it with nearby Baisha Beach for a quiet afternoon away from the main strip.
A grassy plateau above the Pacific with sweeping views along the coast. The land drops away sharply, and on windy days the sea below is a deep, dramatic blue.
Sunrise and late afternoon are the best times; there is little shade at midday.
A fun, compact night market on the main strip, with grilled seafood, Taiwanese sausages, fruit smoothies and plenty of beachwear stalls.
Come hungry and graze; the seafood stands at the northern end are the best value.
A world-class aquarium near Checheng, with a huge ocean tank, penguins and an excellent waters of Taiwan exhibit. It is a good rainy-day or family option.
Book tickets online in high season. The museum is 30 minutes north of Kenting by car.
Taste
Fresh fish, squid and shellfish grilled at the night market and beach restaurants.
Mango, pineapple and passion fruit blended with ice; the perfect antidote to the heat.
Sweet, garlicky and served on a stick — a night-market staple.
Neighbourhoods
Hotels, restaurants, bars and the night market. Convenient and lively, but not the quietest place to stay.
The beach-focused alternative, with guesthouses a short walk from the sand.
The far south, quieter and close to the lighthouse and coastal trails.
Before you go
On the road
Ready-made routes that pass through this part of the island.
1 week
Classic
Round island
The full loop: cities, gorge, coast and the tropical south.
2 days
Classic
Kenting
Sun, sea and the island's southern edge.
1 week
Classic
Taipei, Hualien & Kenting
A week of easy adventures for younger travellers.
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