Kenting (beaches)
Tropical beaches and world-class aquarium fun ๐๏ธ๐
Kenting is Taiwan's premier beach destination, located at the tropical southern tip of the island. It is the go-to spot for families seeking sun, sea, and nature. The crowning jewel for children is the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA). One of the largest in the world, it features mesmerizing underwater tunnels and a beluga whale exhibit. For an unforgettable memory, families can book a "sleepover" at the aquarium, bedding down next to the shark or penguin tanks.
The coastline offers various beaches suitable for children. South Bay (Nanwan) is popular for water sports, while Little Bali offers calmer waters and tide pools perfect for spotting crabs and small fish without the heavy crowds. The Kenting National Park provides easy nature trails; the walk to the Eluanbi Lighthouse is stroller-friendly and offers expansive ocean views. Keep an eye out for wild Formosan macaques, but remember to keep food hidden!
In the evenings, the Kenting Main Street Night Market comes alive. It has a carnival atmosphere with games, balloon popping, and endless food stalls selling everything from pizza to fresh tropical fruit smoothies. While the main strip can be noisy, it is an exciting sensory experience for older kids.
Families should be aware that public transport is less convenient here than in the cities; renting a car or hiring a driver is often the best way to explore the scattered attractions. The sun can be intense, so midday indoor activities like the aquarium are recommended. From building sandcastles at Baisha Bay to spotting deer at the rehabilitation center, Kenting offers a classic family beach vacation with a Taiwanese twist.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Features a unique ecosystem of uplifted coral reefs, limestone caves, and diverse coastal forests with excellent trail infrastructure. The dry, cooler months (Nov-Apr) provide perfect conditions for exploration; the summer off-season is prone to typhoons and heavy rainfall that can lead to trail closures.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Home to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, a world-class facility offering unique overnight sleepover experiences that are highly rated for international families. These indoor learning experiences are best enjoyed during the cooler, drier months, while the extreme heat and domestic crowds of July and August can detract from the experience.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Home to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, a world-class facility with massive underwater tunnels and high-quality educational exhibits. While the aquarium is indoor, the drier winter and spring months are peak for travel logistics, as summer monsoon storms can disrupt regional access.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Kenting offers beautiful coral-fringe beaches and clear waters within a protected National Park, though it lacks the total seclusion of top-tier global resorts. Peak months offer the best balance of warmth (>25ยฐC) and manageable rain; summer is avoided due to extreme monsoon rainfall (>400mm), while winter months are dry but occasionally too cool for swimming.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Features several high-end, secluded retreats like Gloria Manor that offer sophisticated wellness experiences amidst mountain and sea views. The peak season aligns with the dry, mild winter and spring, providing a tranquil atmosphere far removed from the humid, crowded, and rainy summer peak-tourist periods.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Highway 26 offers a spectacular scenic drive around the southern tip of Taiwan, featuring rugged cliffs and ocean vistas suitable for family exploration. Peak travel occurs during the dry season (Nov-Apr) when visibility is high and roads are safe from the debris and flooding common during the summer monsoon.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Renowned for its consistent winter 'down-mountain' winds for windsurfing and reliable Pacific swells for surfing at Jialeshui. Winter is peak for wind and wave consistency; summer months are unsuitable for most activities due to dangerous typhoon swells and extreme precipitation.
Attractions (39 total)
Hiking & Cycling Routes
A-Lang-Yi Ancient Trail
Xuhai
8.4km moderate 4-5 hour coastal hike with 200m elevation gain. This historic trail follows the last stretch of Taiwan's coastline without a highway, traversing rocky beaches and steep cliff paths. Permits must be applied for 8-30 days in advance via the Pingtung County Government website. Rental equipment is not standard for this trail, but guided tours are mandatory.
Visit website โHengchun Peninsula Cycling Loop (Route 26)
Hengchun
100km challenging 1-2 day road cycling route with approximately 800m elevation gain. The route circles the southern tip of Taiwan, passing Eluanbi Lighthouse, Jialeshui, and the scenic Highway 200. High winds can make this route difficult. Bike rental: Giant Bicycles Hengchun Store (giant-bicycles.com/tw).
Visit website โNanren Lake Ecological Trail
Manzhou Township
8.6km easy-to-moderate 3-hour out-and-back hike with 100m elevation gain. Located within a highly protected ecological reserve, the trail leads through a lush tropical rainforest to a secluded freshwater lake. Daily visitor quotas apply and online reservation through the Kenting National Park website is required.
Visit website โMount Guan (Guanshan) Trail
Hengchun
1.5km easy 45-minute walk with 80m elevation gain. While short, it is the most famous sunset trail in southern Taiwan, leading to a coral reef plateau with a historic temple and expansive views over the western coastline and Baisha Bay.
Visit website โSheding Nature Park Trail
Hengchun
3.5km easy 1.5-2 hour loop with 150m elevation gain. This trail is famous for its unique geological formations, including narrow limestone canyons known as 'The Split Rock' and coral reef caves. It offers panoramic views of the Bashi Channel and Eluanbi. No special equipment is needed for this well-maintained path.
Visit website โNatural Feature / Scenic Site
Baisha Bay (Baishawan)
Hengchun Township
A stunning stretch of white shell sand and turquoise water, famous as a filming location for 'Life of Pi' and perfect for swimming.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Baisha Bay (White Sand Bay)
Hengchun
A pristine 500-meter stretch of white sand beach famous for its clear turquoise waters and as a filming location for 'Life of Pi'.
Maobitou Park
Hengchun
Named for a rock formation resembling a crouching cat, this park offers striking views of the Bashi Channel and Taiwan Strait.
Sheding Nature Park
Hengchun
A lush nature reserve featuring coral reefs uplifted by tectonic activity, creating unique caves, canyons, and diverse wildlife habitats.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Baishawan (White Sand Bay)
Hengchun Township
A stunning white-sand beach famous for its clear turquoise waters and as a filming location for international films like Life of Pi.
Visit website โEluanbi Lighthouse
Hengchun Township
Taiwan's iconic southernmost lighthouse set in a sprawling coastal park with scenic trails and panoramic Pacific Ocean views.
Visit website โLongpan Park
Hengchun Township
A dramatic coastal plateau featuring red-soil cliffs, vast grasslands, and breathtaking views of the rugged Pacific coastline.
Visit website โNanwan (South Bay)
Hengchun Township
The most popular beach in Kenting, offering a wide sandy shore and a variety of family-friendly water sports and activities.
Visit website โChuanfanshi (Sail Rock)
Hengchun Township
A striking coral rock formation resembling a sailing ship that stands as a major landmark along Kenting's scenic coastal drive.
Visit website โJialeshui Scenic Area
Manzhou Township
A coastal park renowned for its unique geological formations carved by sea erosion and its rugged, picturesque Pacific shoreline.
Visit website โHistoric Town / Village / Cultural Area
Hengchun Old Town (Ancient City Walls)
Hengchun
One of the best-preserved walled cities in Taiwan, featuring four original gates and walkable ramparts that offer a glimpse into Qing Dynasty history.
Visit website โChecheng Fuan Temple
Checheng
The largest Earth God temple in Southeast Asia, featuring stunning multi-story architecture and a rich cultural atmosphere during religious festivals.
Visit website โLandmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Hengchun Old Town South Gate
Hengchun
One of the best-preserved traditional city gates in Taiwan, representing the historical gateway to the southern frontier.
Southernmost Point of Taiwan
Hengchun
A symbolic concrete monument marking the actual geographical southern extremity of the island of Taiwan.
Kenting Night Market
Hengchun
An iconic urban attraction featuring a vibrant stretch of street food vendors, games, and shops that comes alive every evening.
Sail Rock (Chuanfan Rock)
Hengchun
A massive coral limestone formation rising from the sea that resembles a ship's sail or a profile of a human face.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area
Hengchun Township
A world-class tropical botanical garden featuring rare plant species, ancient coral reef formations, and a panoramic observation tower overlooking the southern tip of Taiwan.
Visit website โAdventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Nanwan Recreation Area
Hengchun
The primary hub for Kenting's water sports, offering managed jet skiing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling in a vibrant, sandy bay.
Visit website โJialeshuei Scenic Area
Manzhou
A coastal activity center famous for its unique rock formations and guided 4x4 tours along the rugged and scenic shoreline.
Visit website โAquarium / Sea Life Centre
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
Checheng Township
Taiwan's largest marine facility features massive underwater tunnels, a giant kelp forest, and diverse exhibits ranging from tropical coral reefs to polar environments.
Visit website โFarm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Paradise of Deer (Lujing Sika Deer Ecological Park)
Hengchun Township
Known as the Nara of Taiwan, this park allows families to feed and pet friendly sika deer in a clean, well-designed environment.
Visit website โKenting Pasture
Hengchun Township
A sprawling government-run scenic pasture where visitors can watch cattle grazing against the backdrop of Mount Dajian and enjoy fresh local dairy products.
A-Xin Adventure Farm
Hengchun Township
An interactive eco-farm focusing on cacao production where children can participate in DIY chocolate workshops and interact with deer.
Visit website โRoad Trips & Scenic Drives
Provincial Highway 26 (Ping-e Coastal Highway)
Fenggang (Fangshan Township)
93.5km paved coastal artery (3-4 hours) circling the Hengchun Peninsula. Highlights include the white sands of Nanwan, the iconic Sail Rock, Eluanbi Lighthouse, and the dramatic wind-swept cliffs of Longpan Park overlooking the Pacific.
Visit website โCounty Road 199 (Mudan Scenic Road)
Checheng Township
38km paved mountain pass (1.5 hours) traversing the southern end of the Central Mountain Range. It passes the historic Sichongxi Hot Springs and the turquoise Mudan Reservoir before descending to the remote Xuhai grasslands and the Pacific coast.
Visit website โCounty Road 200 (Manzhou Scenic Route)
Hengchun Township
33km paved rural road (1 hour) offering a quieter alternative to the main tourist coast. Features rolling hills, the scenic Manzhou pastures, and the Gangkou Suspension Bridge, eventually connecting to the rugged east coast at Jialeshui.
Visit website โNatural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Sichongxi Public Bathhouse
Checheng Township
50ยฐC-60ยฐC clear, alkaline sodium bicarbonate water. One of Taiwan's four famous historic hot springs from the Japanese colonial era, featuring separate indoor male and female public baths and a nearby hot spring park with foot soaking pools.
Visit website โXuhai Hot Spring
Mudan Township
45ยฐC natural sodium bicarbonate spring water. A standalone public facility featuring indoor pools, outdoor foot baths, and wooden pavilions. Known for its remote location where the mountains meet the Pacific coast and its high-quality mineral content.
Visit website โTheme Park / Amusement Park
Kenting Water World
Hengchun Township
An extensive indoor water amusement park featuring climate-controlled pools, multiple water slides, and a lazy river, perfect for year-round family fun.
Visit website โParadise of Deer
Hengchun Township
A popular ecological park where families can interact with and feed friendly sika deer in a beautifully landscaped and well-maintained environment.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Longluantan Nature Center
Hengchun
A lakeside ecological discovery center equipped with telescopes for observing migratory birds and learning about wetland conservation.
Visit website โKenting National Park Visitor Center
Hengchun
An educational discovery center offering detailed exhibits on the unique geology, coral reef evolution, and diverse wildlife of the peninsula.
Visit website โCastle / Palace / Historic Site
Hengchun Old Town Gates
Hengchun Township
One of Taiwan's most complete Qing Dynasty walled cities, featuring four well-preserved brick gates and historic walking paths.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Paradise of Deer (Lujing)
Hengchun Township
Often called the Nara of Taiwan, this park allows families to feed and interact closely with friendly, rescued Sika deer in a clean and well-maintained environment.