Kenting National Park
Kenting National Park
4.5
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4.5
688 reviews
Excellent
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7
Terrible
6
T-SGlobetrotters
Preston, UK2,909 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
We spent three days in the National Park area in mid-November. It was very enjoyable and very different to anywhere else we visited in Taiwan. We were able to explore the Kenting National Forest Recreation Area, the adjacent Sheding Natural Park, Eluanbi Park and lighthouse, Southern Point, Shadao Ecological preserve and Kenting night market. Separate reviews have been completed on these attractions. It is absolutely worth the effort to travel down to this part of Taiwan. Both nature parks offer rewarding loop walks.
The forest recreation area walk takes around 3 hours all of which is on concrete paths, paving or boardwalks so accessibility is good for anyone. The lower half of the park closer to the entrance features forest walks with lots of botanical information (in English). From the visitor centre north there are two featured cave walks Fairy Cave and Silver Dragon cave both around 100m long that both provide through routes. There are also coral rock cliffs forced up from the seabed thousands of years ago that have formed unusual shapes.
The routes around Sheding are a little more expansive. Again they follow set walks through two gorges that require a little scrambling and squeezing through gaps but again are very rewarding. There are a couple of observation points with great views. The loop takes around 2 hours.
There is the 1 km long street market and at the Southern end of the coastline Eluanbi lighthouse. As well as the lighthouse there is a park with several walking routes and great observation points overlooking the ocean. A further walk from here takes you to Taiwan’s southernmost point. One other attraction in the area is Shadao Ecological Preserve, a pristine beach area. Although not accessible to the public, there are good viewing points adjacent to the beach and from the platform that also houses the visitor centre. Its sand is over 97% crushed shell, the highest concentration of anywhere in Taiwan. Adjacent to this site it is possible to explore coral rock pools, many contain interesting tropical fish and there are reputed to be a number of hermit crabs but did not see these on our visit.
In terms of orientation around the park, we were staying at Hotel Everyday Life close to Sail Rock so 3 km from Kenting and 4km from Eluanbi. We were relying entirely on public transport during on stay or walking. The 9189 Kenting Express bus only takes you as far as the Howard Beach Resort so for general transportation along the coast (and travel to our hotel), the only reliable option is the 9188 Kenting Bus service from Kaohsiung terminating at Eluanbi which only runs once per hour (sometimes 90 minutes). The 101 half-hourly local bus service that purportedly reached other destinations did not seem to be running at all even though Google suggested it was still operating at weekends over winter. The end result was much time wasted at bus stops particularly as late in the day the bus can sometimes be 10 minutes early due to lack of traffic which resulted in missed connections on more than one occasion. The only available bus service restricted our activities to places along the coast road apart from the forest recreation area where we took a (rare) cab to the visitors centre and walked back. However for a three day stay, there is enough to see along this stretch of coast.
The paucity of buses whilst an inconvenience did not spoil what was a lovely part of our trip.
The forest recreation area walk takes around 3 hours all of which is on concrete paths, paving or boardwalks so accessibility is good for anyone. The lower half of the park closer to the entrance features forest walks with lots of botanical information (in English). From the visitor centre north there are two featured cave walks Fairy Cave and Silver Dragon cave both around 100m long that both provide through routes. There are also coral rock cliffs forced up from the seabed thousands of years ago that have formed unusual shapes.
The routes around Sheding are a little more expansive. Again they follow set walks through two gorges that require a little scrambling and squeezing through gaps but again are very rewarding. There are a couple of observation points with great views. The loop takes around 2 hours.
There is the 1 km long street market and at the Southern end of the coastline Eluanbi lighthouse. As well as the lighthouse there is a park with several walking routes and great observation points overlooking the ocean. A further walk from here takes you to Taiwan’s southernmost point. One other attraction in the area is Shadao Ecological Preserve, a pristine beach area. Although not accessible to the public, there are good viewing points adjacent to the beach and from the platform that also houses the visitor centre. Its sand is over 97% crushed shell, the highest concentration of anywhere in Taiwan. Adjacent to this site it is possible to explore coral rock pools, many contain interesting tropical fish and there are reputed to be a number of hermit crabs but did not see these on our visit.
In terms of orientation around the park, we were staying at Hotel Everyday Life close to Sail Rock so 3 km from Kenting and 4km from Eluanbi. We were relying entirely on public transport during on stay or walking. The 9189 Kenting Express bus only takes you as far as the Howard Beach Resort so for general transportation along the coast (and travel to our hotel), the only reliable option is the 9188 Kenting Bus service from Kaohsiung terminating at Eluanbi which only runs once per hour (sometimes 90 minutes). The 101 half-hourly local bus service that purportedly reached other destinations did not seem to be running at all even though Google suggested it was still operating at weekends over winter. The end result was much time wasted at bus stops particularly as late in the day the bus can sometimes be 10 minutes early due to lack of traffic which resulted in missed connections on more than one occasion. The only available bus service restricted our activities to places along the coast road apart from the forest recreation area where we took a (rare) cab to the visitors centre and walked back. However for a three day stay, there is enough to see along this stretch of coast.
The paucity of buses whilst an inconvenience did not spoil what was a lovely part of our trip.
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,870 contributions
Jan. 2023
Kenting National Park in southern Taiwan was proclaimed in 1972. It was Taiwan's first national park. Kenting National Park bares witness to the diversity and richness of the island's natural and cultural heritage. And of course, the weather in Kenting National Park is almost always warm and clear.
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,870 contributions
Apr. 2022
Although some people think that Taiwan is a tropical island, when the freezing winds blow in winter, straight off North China, Taipei can be very cold. Kenting National Park, however, is almost always warmer than Taipei, it's a great winter get-away. There are numerous beaches, plus the Eluanbi Lighthouse is interesting. There are lots of things to do, including the inevitable night market. What would a holiday be without a night market? Kenting is mainly for young people to have fun
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
嘉怩 黃
New Taipei, Taiwan2 contributions
Jul. 2020
The place that I must introduce is Kenting National Park. Kenting is located in southern Taiwan. The scenery there is exquisite. There are mountains and also sea. You can not only enjoy the sunlight, but also see Eluanbi Lighthouse at Baishawan Beach. Moreover, there are lots of colorful coral under the sea which makes Kenting National Park really famous. Besides, there is also a small race track where tourists can experience racing. When the night comes, Kenting Street Night Market will be filled with people. Kenting Street Night Market is the place you must visit if you are in Kenting. After enjoying the beautiful scenery of Kenting during the daytime, you can have some special traditional food here since there are many vendors on the street. Also, it is a good idea to have some cups of drink in the bar and spend your wonderfuI night here.
Written 12 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martinobonelli
7 contributions
Jul. 2020 • Friends
This place has wonderful landscapes and beaches, but the way they are handling the tourism is destroying the atmosphere : in most of the beaches is not allowed to swim, in one only if you are a guest of the hotel in front. In little bay you can only swim in a little square because of the jet skies! This is ridiculous and sad!
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wingmanx S
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia33 contributions
May 2020 • Family
One of the best sunset scenery over the world and good for watersports activities. It's a splendid experience.
Written 8 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yuyuy
3 contributions
Apr. 2020 • Solo
There is a fascinating coastline here, connected to the green mountains, which constitutes an amazing scenery. Sometimes the wind will be very strong, and tourists will litter. I hope everyone can treat this rare beauty and take away the garbage by themselves. Everyone who comes here has a happy mood
Written 10 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betty
2,780 contributions
Jun. 2019
There are lots of nice scenic views in this huge National Park. It offers beautiful breathtaking views of the mountains, cliffs, coastline and sea. There are some nice trails, some have broad walks so lots of places for exploring. There are plenty of wildlife. Great place to visit and relax.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RDHiscott
Lion's Head, Canada327 contributions
Nov. 2019
Finished trails allow for nice forest hikes to higher elevations and an awesome lookout to the sea in the distance and far below. Some uphill hiking involved, but generally a very good experience and lots of opportunity to see local forest attractions. There is also a visitors centre which includes food facilities.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison G
Vung Tau, Vietnam325 contributions
Dec. 2019
We loved the south of Taiwan. huge diversity in geography. the cliffs were amazing there is s lovely walk into the seaside forest and grasses towards the very south pint of Taiwan. we had lovely stops to takes photos and enjoy the sea air.
Written 30 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Помогите с контактами гида, пожалуйста, мы уже здесь и сказать, что разочарованы - ничего не сказать, возможно, не знаем - куда идти и что смотреть, нет ничего, убогое море, с неприступным для входа побережьем, нелепый маячок , неказистая улочка еды: это все, что увиделось в Кентинге.
sharonchongmeili
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia71 contributions
Where is the Kenting Express Bus last stop at Xiowan? Is it at the Caesar Park Hotel only or will driver stop along Kenting Main Road eg at Police Station or Elementary School? Also can we board the Kenting Express bus to Xiowan at either Zuoying HSR station or the Kaoshiung Airport - same price ? Cost of return ticket is cash ntd600 ? How much if using Easycard?
Eddie, guide for touring
Kaohsiung, Taiwan95 contributions
The express head off at the hotel, and these two stops is correct! It seems the round tickets is NTD 600!
Cheers
Chafee
Singapore35 contributions
HI, thinking of bringing my family to the Forest Recreational Area in Kenting. However, I understand that cars are not allowed in the park. Even though the paths are said to be stroller/wheelchair friendly, could I check if it it a long walk from the carpark area to the Sea View Tower (观海楼）？Checked google map and the distance given was about 1.5-1.6 km.
I am quite worried that the seniors in my group would not be able to take the walk, since it is going to be back and forth...
Thank you.
Chia Li C
437 contributions
You want to visit the park at 8 am due to the heat. The walk is mostly pave road, but the heat is not bearable. There is a parking lot near the entrance, but car is not allow inside the park. At the viewing tower, and visitor center, there are water filter, make sure you drink plenty of water before you set out for the next walk. Seniors can walk, they just need to take frequent break. There are many areas that has stairs, they can just wait at the viewing tower or nearby bench. Overall walkway is very easy even for seniors.
Lance R
12 contributions
Hello. My name is Lance. I am travelling to Kenting for a day. From Kenting National Park website (ktnp) I understand cycling is a good way to see Kenting. Does anyone know of 2 or 3 different bike rental places in Kenting near the Xioawan bus transfer station where the 9189 Kenting Express bus arrives? I would like to email 2 or 3 different places to find out prices. Thanks.
jameshuang
Taipei, Taiwan2,007 contributions
It is not easy if you don't understand Chinese. Here is the Chinese version that you can use it to search the bike or electric bike in Xiaowan. 墾丁小灣租機車
Evgeniya86776
Rostov-on-Don, Russia2 contributions
Как добраться из Тайбэя?
CHKCHG
Kaohsiung, Taiwan17 contributions
1) Тайваньская высокоскоростная железная дорога достигла Zuoying
2) За пределами станции Zuoying(3 exit) ,Возьмите прямой автобус в Кентинг(中南/屏東/高雄/國光客運)
Robert C
6 contributions
We (parents + 2 teens) will visit Kenting, departing from Tainan in AM and stay one night. We will only have half day to see the sights. Should we hire a taxi one way from Tainan or Kaohsiung or take the bus to Kenting and hire a taxi once we arrive in Kenting? We probably won't have time to scooter as I had thought initially; we also won't do water sport as that is available at home.
c2chen
Singapore, Singapore285 contributions
Kenting area is sprawling and is made up of several beaches and parks, so you would need transportation to move around. The taxis that I saw were few and all were from out of town. So if you are staying in Kenting area for the night, your best bet is to hire a scooter. When we were there in Jan 17, we hired a taxi from our hotel in Kaoshiung, for 8 hours at 4000 NT, for our family of 3 adults, leaving in the early morning and returning late afternoon.
Robert C
6 contributions
We're a family of four, 2 adults & 2 teens (14+ 16 yo). Can an adult and a teenager fit on one rental scooter? If only one person per scooter, how old do you have to be to ride one? Can one international driver license rent multiple scooters or each adult need their own?
Charles G G
Kaohsiung, Taiwan50 contributions
If you rent petrol scooters then two people can fit on one scooter. If you rent electric ones than you will require one scooter per person. Cost is NT$500 per day. You must have an international license to rent the scooters. If you only have one license rent from several different places. Electric scooters do not require a license. Be careful when driving. Taiwan has a lot of crappy drivers, especially in Kenting, where many people are weekend drivers only.
Macduff02
Toronto, Canada6 contributions
Since we are not hikers or beach people, what else is there to do?
Yardley Traveler
Yardley, PA153 contributions
Most young people goes to Kenting for the beach, but if you enjoy nature beauty you should go to Kenting National Park. This place has paved walk way, with many different
type of trees, flowers, birds and ..., it is locate at middle of the hill, not just the portion by the beach. This is not really a hiking place, most people should be able to walk around for around 2 hours, unless one is having difficulty to move around.
Macduff02
Toronto, Canada6 contributions
We are not hikers or beach people. What should we see and do? We are planning to spend the day.
Is there a restaurant? Someone mentioned small villages or something in the park?
Taiwan2001
Taichung, Taiwan35 contributions
Not sure how much time you're planning on having there. Most people stay the night. But there is a national park that Kending is based around. You can rent scooters or take a taxi to the entrance. It's a magnificent view and the coral remnants that high above the sea give some geological perspective. There is also the Euluanbi lighthouse, which has some historical interest and a nature walk attached to the site. I believe there is an entrance fee of NT100. And of course the best night attraction is the night market that sets up along the main thoroughfare. If you're able to stay the night, even better.
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Claim your listingKenting National Park: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kenting National Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Kenting National Park:
- 2 Days Kaohsiung &Kenting Tour from Taipei city by high speed rail (From AU$613.55)
- Private 4-Day Central & Southern Taiwan Tour (Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung, Kenting) (From AU$1,785.64)
- Private 3-Day Southern Taiwan Tour (Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting) (From AU$1,672.60)
- 6-Day Taiwanese Island Excursion (Sun Moon Lake and South& Eastern Taiwan) (From AU$1,241.59)
- Fingliao Train station departure to Kenting National Park (From AU$366.60)
- Hotels near Kenting National Park:
- (0.00 km) Kenting Bella Mita
- (0.00 km) Sea View Resort Kenting
- (0.08 km) Ciao House B&B
- (0.33 km) Star Map Kenting
- (0.34 km) Mykonos B&B
- Restaurants near Kenting National Park:
- (1.96 km) Pizza Rock Kenting
- (0.64 km) Ken Ding Street 70 Seafood
- (0.64 km) Hai Zhuan Seafood
- (1.92 km) Piccolo Polpo Bistro
- (2.31 km) Bossa Nova Cafe
- Attractions near Kenting National Park:
- (0.00 km) Chuhuo Special Scenic Area
- (0.00 km) Kenting Long Keng Ecological Reserve
- (4.12 km) CTdiver
- (4.64 km) Taiwan Dive Center
- (1.79 km) Kending Street Night Market