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Kenting National Park, located on the south side of the Hengchun Peninsula at the southern tip of Taiwan and surrounded by the sea on three sides, is Taiwan’s first national park, the only national park in the tropical region of Taiwan’s main island, and also a national park covering both land and sea areas.
Kenting National Park is home to over a thousand tropical tree species. It is Taiwan's first tropical botanical forest and one of the world's eight largest experimental forests. Most notably, Kenting Park attracts a large number of migratory birds each year that fly from the north to spend the winter, a truly spectacular sight.
The coral landscape on the seabed of the park is even more colorful and gorgeous, and is one of the scenic spots in Kenting Park. Kenting Park also has many special landscapes such as the giant tree of Qiedong, the artificial lake, the stalagmite cave, the silver leaf plank root, the sea-viewing building, the fairy cave, the line of sky, the weeping banyan valley, the monkey cliff and other tourist attractions that are very worth visiting.
The Hengchun Old Town in the park is where the story of the movie "Cape No. 7" took place and was filmed. Here you can visit the home of the male protagonist Ajia in the movie, take a photo with the mailbox, send a postcard to a friend, and visit and enter and exit the busiest West Gate in the old town.
The best time to travel to Kenting is around March-April and October-November. The weather is not as hot as in summer and there are fewer tourists.
The Kenting Spring Wave Music Festival is held in Eluanbi Lighthouse Park in early April every year . It is an outdoor music event that can ignite a music season craze. It attracts many singers and fans every year, as well as many foreign tourists.
Kenting National Park is generally divided into two routes, centered around Hengchun Old Town, along the East and West routes. These routes are further divided into the East Upward and East Downward routes, and the West Upward and West Downward routes , respectively. The main attractions are located along the East Downward and West Downward routes. The East Upward route includes Jialeshui Scenic Area, Qikong Waterfall, and Chuhuo Scenic Area, while the East Downward route includes Longpan Park, Eluanbi Park, Chuanfan Rock, Kenting, and Nanwan Beach. The West Upward route includes the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquariums, while the West Downward route includes Maobitou Park and Houbihu Fishing Harbor (Seafood Market).
However, since the attractions are relatively separate, it takes basically 2 days to visit all the attractions.
The park is open to the public free of charge, but some scenic spots and protected areas in the area charge entrance fees.
Kenting Forest Recreation Area: NT$ 150
Jialesui Scenic Area : NT$ 100
Kenting Youth Activity Center: NT$ 50
Luanbi Park, Maobitou Park, and Longluantan Lake in Nanwan Recreation Area: Free
8:00-17:00
Kenting National Park is Taiwan's oldest national park, established in 1984. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including coastal areas, forests, and coral reefs. The park is significant for its role in preserving Taiwan's natural biodiversity and serving as a popular destination for both locals and international tourists seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation.
Kenting National Park is located on the Hengchun Peninsula, in the southernmost part of Taiwan. It is accessible by car, taxi, or bus from Hengchun Township or Kaohsiung. From Kaohsiung, it is about a 2-hour drive. Public buses also connect major towns to the park, but renting a car or taking a taxi is often the most convenient option.
Kenting National Park is open year-round, and there is no specific time restriction for visiting the park itself. However, the best times to visit are during the cooler months (October to April) when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities. The summer months (June to August) can be hot and humid, but also the peak season for beachgoers.
There is no entrance fee to visit Kenting National Park itself. Some specific attractions or facilities within the park, such as the Eluanbi Lighthouse, may have small fees, but most areas are free to access.
No advance booking is required for the park's general entry. However, if you're planning to visit specific attractions like the Eluanbi Lighthouse, it is recommended to check for any booking requirements if visiting during peak times.
A visit to Kenting National Park can take anywhere from half a day to two days, depending on the activities you choose. A day is sufficient for hiking and visiting the major sights, but a longer stay is recommended if you wish to explore more remote areas or engage in water sports.
Guided tours are available for various sections of the park, especially for hiking and cultural heritage sites. Tours are typically available in Chinese and English, though the availability of specific language options may vary depending on the operator.
While night tours are not common, the Kenting Night Market offers a lively atmosphere in the evenings. The park itself does not feature light shows, but the beautiful sunsets and starlit skies can provide a special experience.
The park can get crowded during weekends and holidays, especially in the summer. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons, such as late autumn or early spring.
The park has basic facilities like toilets and rest areas. Food and drink are available at nearby beachside cafes, restaurants, and the Kenting Night Market. There are also shops selling local souvenirs.
Kenting National Park is generally accessible to elderly and children, though some hiking trails may be more challenging. Wheelchair access may be limited in certain areas, but the beaches and main tourist sites are accessible for most visitors.
While most restaurants and accommodations in the area accept cards and mobile payments, it's advisable to carry cash, especially if visiting smaller vendors or in more remote areas of the park.
There are various restaurants and cafes in and around Kenting, offering local Taiwanese and international cuisines. Popular spots include the Seafood Restaurants by the beach and the small eateries at the Kenting Night Market.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at some of the restaurants around Kenting, especially in tourist areas. Halal options are more limited, but there are a few restaurants catering to Muslim diets in the area.
There are a variety of accommodations near Kenting National Park, ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Popular options include the Howard Beach Resort and the Kenting Holiday Hotel.
Nearby attractions include the Hengchun Old Town, the Maobitou Scenic Area, and the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. These can easily be combined for a full day trip in the region.
Souvenir shops can be found around the Kenting Night Market, offering items like traditional Taiwanese snacks, beachwear, and locally crafted goods such as hand-made jewelry and artwork.
The best transportation options after visiting Kenting National Park include renting a car, taking a bus to Hengchun, or using a taxi to travel to nearby destinations like Kaohsiung.
