Kenting - Day 2: Pingtung County, Taiwan
Despite hearing that a typhoon was making landfall, I decided to explore Kenting anyway. With cloudy skies overhead, I skipped my sunrise plan and headed out around 10:30 a.m., starting at Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. The park features lush rainforest, coral limestone formations, caves, and rare tropical plants. I stopped for lunch at the Seaview Tower, which offered sweeping views of the ocean through the mist.
Next, I visited Sheding Nature Park, known for its coral rocks and cave trails. The rain made the path slick, so I moved carefully through the forest. Afterwards, I made my way to Eluanbi Lighthouse, but all nearby beach access was closed due to the approaching typhoon. I couldn’t reach the Southernmost Point of Taiwan for the same reason.
My final stop was Longpan Park, where open grasslands meet dramatic coastal cliffs. The scenery was breathtaking, but the strong gusts made it risky to explore, so I didn’t stay long. I ended the day early and returned to the hotel to monitor typhoon updates, hoping my departure wouldn’t be affected.
Later, I caught the sunset briefly before heading to the nearby Kenting Night Market. It felt smaller compared to those in Taipei, but it had plenty of good food at reasonable prices — a relaxing way to end the day.
Highlights:
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area (墾丁森林遊樂區) – A lush tropical park featuring coral limestone formations, caves, and rainforest trails.
Sheding Nature Park (社頂自然公園) – Known for its coral rocks, unique terrain, and peaceful walking paths surrounded by greenery.
Eluanbi Lighthouse (鵝鑾鼻燈塔) – Taiwan’s southernmost lighthouse, standing as a historic coastal landmark with sweeping ocean views.
Longpan Park (龍磐公園) – Expansive grasslands and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific, especially striking at sunset.
Background
Kenting (墾丁), located at the southern tip of Taiwan, is part of Kenting National Park — Taiwan’s first national park, established in 1984. The area is known for its striking mix of tropical forests, coral landscapes, and scenic beaches. Historically, it was home to Indigenous Paiwan communities and later became a fishing and agricultural region before transforming into a popular eco-tourism destination. Today, Kenting draws visitors for its rich biodiversity, relaxed coastal charm, and lively night market culture.
Getting There
Kenting is accessible from Kaohsiung via the Kenting Express Bus (No. 9189), departing from Zuoying HSR Station or Kaohsiung Main Station. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and ends in central Kenting. Travellers looking for more flexibility can rent a car or scooter to explore the national park and nearby coastal attractions at their own pace.
Route Overview
Itinerary: Accommodation in Kenting → Kenting National Forest Recreation Area 墾丁國家森林 → Sheding Natural Park 社頂自然公園 → Chuanfan Rock 船帆石 → Eluanbi Lighthouse 鵝鑾鼻燈塔 → Longpan Park 龍磐公園 → Accommodation in Kenting
Distance: 29 km out & back (Accommodation in Kenting)
Duration: 4 hr (Driving time + Sightseeing)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Food: NT$687
Entrance Fee: Kenting National Forest Recreation Area — NT$175
Entrance Fee: Eluanbi Lighthouse — NT$60
