You may have known about Kenting from the movie "Life of Pi", but the national park, which encompasses the southern tip of Taiwan, has always been popular among travelers and backpackers who are looking for a more relaxed experience of Taiwan.
From the beautiful coastline, warmer climate, and the plethora of outdoor activities waiting for you to enjoy, here is a comprehensive backpacking guide on things to do in Kenting for solo travelers. Without further ado, let's first examine the itinerary map:
- Kenting Things to Do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Kenting, Taiwan?
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9 Best Things to Do in Kenting, Taiwan
- Admire the Southern Coastline of Taiwan at Longpan Park
- Walk Around the Sandy Beach of Fengchuisha
- Visit the Southern Most Point of Taiwan
- Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse and Stroll Around Eluanbi Park
- Check Out Chuan Fan Rock
- Snorkel at Little Bali Rock
- Visit Maobitou Park
- Lay Down in the Sun at White Sand Bay
- Eat at Kenting Night Market
- More Kenting Activities
- What to Eat and Drink in Kenting?
- Taiwan Travel Video
- When to Visit Kenting, Taiwan?
- How to Get to Kenting, Taiwan?
- How to Get Around Kenting, Taiwan?
- How Many Days to Spend in Kenting, Taiwan?
- How Much Money Do I Need for Kenting, Taiwan?
- Is it Safe in Kenting?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Kenting?
- What to Pack for Kenting, Taiwan?
- Further Reading for Taiwan
Kenting Things to Do Itinerary Map
9 Best Things to Do in Kenting, Taiwan
1. Admire the Southern Coastline of Taiwan at Longpan Park
One of the first things you should do on your first day in Kenting is to find a place to rent an e-scooter. We will be covering both the east and west areas around Kenting Town, beginning with Longpan Park. So, be sure to rent an e-scooter before embarking on the journey.
Longpan Park is an open grassland along the southern coastline of Taiwan, with a clear view of the Pacific Ocean. From the viewpoint, you will be able to see some of the most stunning coastlines in Taiwan, along with wild buffalos and vivid grassland.
Be warned, Longpan Park is known to receive strong winds all year round, so be sure not to stand too close to the cliff and make sure that you are on steady ground.
- Kenting My Home (Budget)
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To get to Longpan Park, you can simply ride east from Kenting Town Area, continue along the main road passing Eluanbi Lighthouse before the road turns north with the coastline on your right, and then arrive at Longpan Park. You can't miss it as you will see a large parking lot on your left when you approach the park.
Since it is located on the eastern side of the island, Longpan Park is the perfect place to go watch the sunrise, given that it is a clear day, of course, and if you don't mind waking up super early for it.
The road is paved entirely, and it will take you only about 30 minutes on an e-scooter to get from Kenting Town to Longpan Park.
Where to Stay in Kenting, Taiwan?
2. Walk Around the Sandy Beach of Fengchuisha
After admiring the stunning coastline of Kenting, continue north on your e-scooter for about 5 minutes and you will arrive at Fengchuisha, a beautiful roadside beach area where you can stroll or, given that it's not too windy or cold, swim.
If you are not interested in swimming, the viewpoint from the road is pretty stunning on its own, and since it's not too far from Longpan Park, Fengchuisha is definitely worth the extra 5-minute ride.
To get to Fengchuisha, just continue north along Jiae Road for about 5 minutes, and you will find a small parking lot just before a bridge. On your right is the sandy beach of Fengchuisha.
3. Visit the Southern Most Point of Taiwan
After visiting Fengchuisha, make your way back down along Jiae Road until you arrive at the Southern Most Point of Taiwan, a monument built on a wooden platform overlooking Taiwan's rocky coast and the Pacific Ocean.
It is a great place to take photos commemorating the fact that you have traveled to the southernmost tip of Taiwan. The walk is also quite peaceful and only 500m away from the parking lot.
Also, if you are there at the right time (no moon phase) and you visit the monument at night, you will be rewarded with a stunning sight of the Milky Way displaying itself across the sky. If you like stargazing, be sure to visit the Southernmost Point of Taiwan at night.
To get to the southernmost point of Taiwan, simply drive back from Longpan Park and just before the road u-turns itself to go back up the other side of the coast (just before Eluanbi Park), continue south along the road until you find a large parking lot. From there, you can walk about 500m until you reach the monument.
They do charge you for parking, but you don't really have to park there, especially if you are on an e-scooter. Just park outside the parking lot, under one of the many trees along the road, and you can avoid the 20 NTD parking fee.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
4. Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse and Stroll Around Eluanbi Park
Not too far from the Southern Most Point of Taiwan, you will find another beautiful park where you can spend hours walking around the nature trail that goes through some of the most stunning viewpoints around Kenting.
Within Eluanbi Park, there are several walking trails you can take. Some go through an open-air museum showing what the life of the indigenous people was like. Others take you to stunning viewpoints. All of them are worth visiting, so be sure to spend some time in the park.
Unfortunately, when I was there, the 19th Century Eluanbi Lighthouse was under renovation, so I was unable to get inside and see the museum or go up the lighthouse to check out the view from above. If you have better luck than I did, please let me know how it goes.
Other attractions worth seeing in the park are all three pavilions located along the coast that will reward you with a stunning viewpoint of the coast, the prehistoric village, Shadow Valley, and the narrow gorge. You need at least an hour to really enjoy what the park has to offer.
The entrance to the park is 60 NTD, which includes the lighthouse. But even if the lighthouse is closed, the whole park and all the scenic trails are definitely worth the 2 USD price tag.
Beware that some areas have dense forest, and there are known to be some snakes lurking around, so avoid walking outside the walk paths. I was warned by a kind-hearted local not to walk through a dense forest area, although it took us quite some time to communicate due to the language barrier 😅.
5. Check Out Chuan Fan Rock
After spending an hour at Eluanbi Park, make your way back to Kenting Town but right before you arrive, stop at Chuan Fan Rock and check out this peculiar-looking rock. From the photo above, what do you see?
It somewhat looks like a sailboat raising the sail, ready to set off into the unknown, doesn't it? This coral limestone has been eroded for years by seawater, which in turn created the peculiar shape you see today.
There is also a kayak rental or a place to sit if you wish to relax by the beach and absorb the sight of Chuan Fan Rock. If not, it's a good place for a few photos before we go back to Kenting, change the battery of our e-scooter, and continue to explore the western part of Kenting.
6. Snorkel at Little Bali Rock (小巴里島岩)
If you have your own snorkeling gear or wish to swim a bit, the Little Bali Rock (小巴里島岩) is a beautiful hidden gem tucked away along the twisty road of Kenting's western section.
The place is known for its beautiful coral reefs, clear calm water, and quieter than other beaches in Kenting, making it the perfect getaway place to visit.
To get to Little Bali Rock, you will have to ride west from Kenting Town to Nanguang Rd. Intersection and from there continue west until you arrive at another intersection. Go left and take Shawei Road down to Houbihu Harbor. Continue along the right side of the waterway until the road turns right, and that is where you will find Little Bali Rock.
7. Visit Maobitou Park
Since you are already in the western section of Kenting, it would be a shame if you didn't visit Maobitou Park, although I think the ticket is a little overpriced compared to other parks you can visit in Kenting.
That said, the black limestone reef coast and the greenery around the area make it one stunning viewpoint that is hard to pass by. From Maobitou Park, you can also see Kenting Town as well as the landscape that surrounds it.
The entrance fee for Maobitou Park is 30 NTD, and an additional 10 NTD is required to park your e-scooter. You can spend approximately 15-30 minutes walking around the park and enjoying the viewpoint. However, be warned that it gets extremely windy here, so make sure you are on steady ground at all times.
To get to Maobitou Park, continue south from Little Bali Rock along the road until it merges with Xiaquan Road, and you will arrive at a small roundabout with a parking ticket booth where you will have to pay for your parking space before entering Maobitou Park.
8. Lay Down in the Sun at White Sand Bay (Baisha Beach)
After spending a few minutes at Maobitou Park, I would recommend you travel further west to White Sand Bay (Baisha Beach), a beautiful strip of white sand beach where you can relax and enjoy the sunset.
You can also buy food and drinks, as well as rent out a kayak or an umbrella (300 NTD for a day), or enjoy other water activities. White Sand Bay is the kind of place where you can spend hours just relaxing.
The White Sand Bay is also a great spot for the sunset, so if you follow this itinerary in its exact order, you should arrive at White Sand Bay in time for the sunset.
To get to White Sand Bay from Maobitou Park, simply go back up Xiaquan Road until it merges with Daguang Road, where you can then continue west until you arrive at White Sand Bay.
9. Eat at Kenting Night Market
After spending the whole day exploring Kenting, it is time to return to Kenting Town, give back your e-scooter, and continue exploring Kenting and its awesome night market on foot.
Kenting Night Market starts from 6 PM until later in the night and is located along the side of the main road through Kenting Town. Here, you will find all sorts of delicious street food, seafood restaurants, and many other food stalls for you to indulge yourself in.
What to Eat and Drink in Kenting?
1. Try Xiao Long Bao
At Kenting Night Market, I found a really delicious Xiao Long Bao street food truck that serves the iconic soupy dumplings Taiwan is known for, and it is only 60 NTD per box. If this isn't a great deal, I don't know what is!
2. Eat Taiwanese Sticky Rice Sausage
One of the food trucks I really like at the Kenting Night Market is the one that sells Taiwanese Sticky Rice Sausage, the Taiwanese version of hot dogs. Instead of a bun, they use glutinous rice, and instead of the regular hot dog, they use the Taiwanese sweet hot dog instead. If you find one, I highly recommend you try it!
When to Visit Kenting, Taiwan?
The best time to visit Kenting is from March to May when the temperature hovers around 22°C - 30°C, outside of typhoon season, and the water temperature should be good enough for you to swim in.
As I mentioned in my other Taiwan guides, Taiwan is prone to typhoons, and I would recommend you avoid visiting Kenting between June and September, which are considered to be typhoon seasons.
Kenting in winter (October - February) is also not a bad time to visit, but you might encounter more rain and extreme wind (Kenting is known for being windy all year round), which might make you enjoy outdoor activities less.
The water temperature during this time will also be too cold for swimming, so if you visit Kenting during this time, you will unlikely enjoy any of the water activities the area has to offer.
How to Get to Kenting, Taiwan?
In order to get to Kenting from abroad, you will first have to travel to Taipei, and to do that, you will have to fly into Taoyuan International Airport. Thankfully, there are several airlines you can fly to Taipei.
From the US, there are several direct flights from big cities like New York and LA via United Airlines. Alternatively, you can also fly directly to Taipei via EVA Airlines, its national carrier.
From within Europe, you can also fly directly via EVA Airlines or popular carriers like KLM or AirFrance to Taipei. You can also fly via Asian Airlines such as Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways, but you will have to transit in their respective home countries.
From Asia, traveling to Taiwan gets a lot easier and cheaper with several low-cost airlines operating this route from hub cities like Bangkok and Singapore. Lion Air, as well as AirAsia, have many flights flying from Bangkok/KL to Taipei every day, so you should have no problem finding one if you are planning to fly from Asia.
To find a cheap flight to Taipei, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
How to Get from Taipei to Kenting?
From Taipei to Kenting, you will be traveling from north to south, so I would recommend that you take the high-speed train (HSR) from Taipei Main Station to Zuoying HSR Station in Kaohsiung City, where you can then catch a shuttle bus to Kenting National Park.
By High-Speed Train
The HSR high-speed train ticket from Taipei to Zuoying in Kaohsiung will cost you about 1490 NTD, and it will take you about 1.5 hours. There is no direct train to the national park, so from Zuoying HSR Station (Kaohsiung City), you will then have to take the shuttle bus to Kenting.
In order to take the Kenting Express shuttle bus, when you arrive at Zuoying HSR Station, go to Exit #2 and before you take the escalator down to the bus stop, there will be a kiosk where you can buy a ticket.
If you already have an EasyCard, you do not have to buy the ticket. Just tap the EasyCard when you get on the bus and tap it again when you arrive in Kenting. That is the beauty of having an EasyCard!
After you get down from the escalator, all you have to do is wait for the yellow/white bus with the word "Kenting" plastered all over to arrive at Zuoying HSR Station Bus Stop and get on it.
The Kenting Express operates from 8:30 - 19:10 every day, connecting Zuoying HSR Station to Kenting. It usually comes every 30 minutes, costs about 350 NTD, and takes about 2.5 hours to arrive. The bus can drop you off right in the center of Kenting at Kenting Police Bus Stop, and you should be able to walk to your accommodation.
For the high-speed train schedule from Taipei to Kaohsiung or if you want to book online: Book the HSR High-Speed Train from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
By Normal Train
For the normal train, there are more than 10 trains per day with 2 routes: through the mountains, which is faster, or along the coastline, which is more scenic.
The Taipei-Xinzuoying train runs from 6:10 to 19:30. It will take around 5 hours via the Mountain Line and 6.5 hours via the Coast Line. The train should cost you 824 NTD for the Mountain Line and 635 NTD for the Coast Line.
If you want to take the normal train, make sure that you book the train from Taipei to Xinzuoying Station, which connects directly to Zuoying HSR Station. From there, you can take the shuttle bus to Kenting.
Do not get off at Zuoying Station! Otherwise, you will have to take another train to Xinzuoying Station to catch the shuttle bus to Kenting.
For the regular train schedule from Taipei to Kaohsiung or if you want to book online, be sure to check out: The Official TRA Ticket Information and Timetable.
How to Get from Taroko Gorge (Hualien) to Kenting?
If you are currently traveling on the east coast of Taiwan and want to make your way down from Hualien to Kenting, as I did, you can take the regular train from Hualien Station to Fangliao Station (one of the stops of the Kenting Shuttle Bus) where you can then catch the same Kenting Shuttle Bus to Kenting National Park.
There are 5 trains connecting Hualien to Fangliao Station, leaving from 6:08 to 17:54. It should take about 4 - 5 hours and cost around 548 NTD. If you are planning to catch the shuttle bus to Kenting on the same day, I would recommend getting on one of the trains before noon. This way, you should arrive in Fangliao between 14 - 15 in time for the shuttle bus (8:30 - 19:10) to take you to Kenting.
After you arrive at Fangliao Station, you will have to walk out to the main road and wait for the Kenting Bus at the Fangliao Station Bus Stop. You should be on your way in 30 minutes. From Fangliao to Kenting, the journey should take about 1 hour, depending on the traffic.
How to Get Around Kenting, Taiwan?
The best way to get around Kenting, especially for this itinerary, is to rent an e-scooter that should be able to take you to all the mentioned places to see here on 2 batteries that are included from most e-bike rental places around Kenting.
I rented an e-scooter from a rental place at the corner of Tonghai Lane and Kenting Main Road for 450 NTD for 12 hours. The e-scooter comes with 2 batteries, which you can switch yourself or have the store do it for you.
Since our itinerary is divided into two zones that pass through Kenting Town, you can ask the store to change it for you when you are transitioning from one zone to another.
Keep in mind that an e-scooter can only run along the coast. It doesn't have the horsepower to go up mountains, so you won't be able to ride up to Kenting National Forest Recreational Area or hike Dejian Mountain.
Fortunately, this guide doesn't require you to go up any mountains, so you should be able to reach all the points of interest within this guide with a rental e-scooter.
If you wish to go beyond this guide and visit some of the hard-to-reach locations, I would recommend you rent a car from a car rental agency in Kenting. It should cost you about 1800 NTD to rent a car for a day.
How Many Days to Spend in Kenting, Taiwan?
For this itinerary, you will only need one full day to see all the places, so I would recommend spending at least one full day (2 nights) in Kenting. You can spend one more day and explore other attractions further away if you have a car. Here's a rough one-day itinerary for Kenting:
Day 1: Start your journey by visiting Longpan Park in the morning to beat the crowds. Continue to Fengchuisha for a beach walk, before returning and visiting Taiwan's Southernmost Point and Eluanbi Park.
After visiting these places in the morning, travel through Kenting Town, change the battery of your e-scooter, and continue on to see Chuan Fan Rock, Little Bali Rock, Maobitou Park. Relax at White Sand Bay for the rest of the day before coming back to Kenting.
Day 2 (Optional): For those who have an extra day in Kenting and do not mind renting a car, you can spend your second day exploring the Kenting National Park Reserve to the north. Visit the Recreational Area and go hiking in Dejian Mountain.
How Much Money Do I Need for Kenting, Taiwan?
With the rough itinerary above, we can estimate how much money you will be spending in Kenting for one day. Here's a rough estimate on how much it will cost you to travel to Kenting.
Accommodation: With a total of 2 nights, you will be paying around 22 USD (661 NTD).
Food: A good meal in Kenting should cost you about 100 NTD per meal, so you can expect to pay 300 NTD for 3 meals a day.
Transportation: Since we will be renting an e-scooter, your transportation cost will be 450 NTD for a 12-hour e-scooter rental fee.
Activities: Many of the parks in Kenting require you to pay for both parking and entry, so you can expect to pay around 120 NTD for visiting Maobitou and Eluanbi Lighthouse.
Total budget for one day in Kenting: 1,531 NTD (51 USD).
Is it Safe in Kenting?
Kenting is extremely windy almost all year round, so if you are exploring the cliffs and mountains of Kenting, make sure that you are on sturdy ground and please do not jump or step on uneven ground to avoid falling off the cliff.
Other than that, and the fact that the place is prone to typhoons, Kenting and Taiwan, in general, are one of the safest countries you can travel to.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Kenting?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Kenting, Taiwan without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Kenting, Taiwan:
Taiwan has one of the fastest public WIFI networks out there. Most of the hostels and restaurants I visited in Taiwan had fast, reliable WIFI, so you could get by without having a local SIM card. However, if you wish to navigate the city by bus, I recommend getting a local SIM card at the airport upon your arrival.
I recommend Chungwa Telecom, one of the leading telecommunication carriers in Taiwan, that offers several 4G unlimited unthrottled data packages with a price range from 300 NTD - 1,000 NTD.
You can find their kiosk among other carriers at the arrival hall at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. Simply approach them, and they will show you the list of packages available from which you can pick. They will ask for your passport, pop the SIM card in for you, and within 2 minutes, you will have unlimited 4G data for your Taiwan trip.
I had 15 days in Taiwan, so I bought their 15-day unlimited data SIM card for 700 NTD (they also accept credit cards). I was able to get a 4G connection everywhere I went in the country. So, if you are looking for a reliable way to stay connected throughout your stay in Taiwan, be sure to get a local SIM card at the airport.
For more information about Taiwan's local SIM card: Taiwan Prepaid Data SIM Card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for Kenting, Taiwan?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Kenting, Taiwan:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Taiwan
Looking for more information for your trip to Taiwan? Here are some articles about Taiwan that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Taiwan? Check out: 2-Week Backpacking Itinerary for Taiwan.
- In order to engage all of your senses in Taipei, the hypermodern capital of Taiwan, make sure to check out: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Taipei.
- Looking to visit Taroko Gorge, one of the most pristine travel destinations in Taiwan? Check out: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide for Taroko Gorge
- If Taroko is known for its gorges and rivers, Alishan is known for its forests and gigantic trees as old as Christendom. Here's a complete guide to Alishan: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Alishan.
- Spend a day biking around the stunning Sun Moon Lake with The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Sun Moon Lake.
- Taiwan is known for the unmatched deliciousness of its street food. Here are the Top 12 Street Food To Try In Taiwan.
- Looking for something more visual to convince you about visiting Taiwan? How about watching a Taiwan travel video? Turbo Taiwan
- Wondering where to go after Taiwan? How about you continue on to Japan and after, visit China?
- For all articles about Taiwan, please visit the Taiwan Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to East Asia? Check out all my articles about East Asia here: East Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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