• Fees/Permits
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Stay safe
• Get out

Kenting National Park (墾丁國家公園; kěndīng gúojiā gōngyuán) is in at the extreme southern tip of Taiwan. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and lush vegetation.

[edit] Understand

Although Kenting National Park is located in Kenting, these two places should not be confused as the same destination. Kenting is the wider area that includes small townships as well as the national park.

[edit] History

[edit] Landscape

[edit] Flora and fauna

[edit] Climate

Hot.

During typhoon season, the waves can get quite rough causing all beaches to be closed.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Bus

Buses travel frequently from Kaohsiung to Kenting. Take the line 88 from the Kaohsiung bus terminal (don't confuse with city buses). The price for a ticket is roughly 350NT$. The transit time from Kaohsiung to Kenting is approximately 2.5 hours, depending upon the general traffic situation.

[edit] By HSR

Kenting is now relatively accessible via the newly built HSR, or High Speed Rail which connects Taipei with Zuoying, Kaohsiung. The total travel time from Taipei to Kaohsiung via HSR is approximately 2 hours. After arrival in Zuoying, take a taxi to the roadside storefront which services the line 88 bus to Kenting. The line 88 bus to Kenting operates 24 hours/day, so getting back to the HSR on time is no problem.

It is advisable to reserve your HSR tickets by telephone if traveling on the weekend. Weekend trains can be easily sold out.

http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/index.htm

[edit] By Car

Renting a car is not optimal, but nice if you wish to travel around/within the Kenting area. Having an automobile or renting a scooter in Kenting enables you to travel up and down the entire southern seaboard and visit both public beaches easily.

[edit] Fees/Permits

[edit] Get around

A motorbike can be rented for 500 TWD/day in Kenting from many different storefronts. Users must show a Taiwan motorbike drivers license and sign a rental contract before being given keys. As Taiwan has a motorbike helmet law, be aware that wearing a helmet is a requirement when operating or riding as a passenger on a motorbike.

You can also pre-arrange a rental car for pick up at the HSR Kaohsiung Zuoying station. Please check the HSR website for more information and a link to the service providers websites.

http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/travel/transfer_info.asp

[edit] See

[edit] Do

As in any tourist area, it is advisable to double-check prices.

• Surfing is quickly becoming a popular sport at all beaches.
  • FuDog Surfing provides lessons at a reasonable price and in English. [1]
• Jet-Skis can be rented at the more popular beaches, but will generally cost NT$1000/30 minutes during peak times. Inquire with shops that rent motorbikes for more reasonable rates.
• Scooter rides. Take a motorbike ride around the main roads in Kenting, which give you access to several tourist sites. Your motorbike rental operator should provide you with a map of the area; if not ask for one at your place of accommodation.
• Go-Karts. There are several fun and exciting Go-Kart tracks in Kenting that offer 18 cycles around the track for NT$100.
• Swimming. The ocean is open and safe for swimming at 2 public beaches and numerous (pay) private beaches. Sometimes, the beaches are closed due to high waves in typhoon season.
• Kenting Main Strip. Every evening the main Kenting strip turns into a night market with merchandise, games, restaurants, and street food.
• Oluanpi Lighthouse. The surrounding park area is well worth the trip past Kenting. The lighthouse itself is pretty bland, but the easy hiking trails are pleasant and near the ocean.

[edit] Buy

[edit] Eat

There are all kinds of food in the town of Kenting just outside the park. Lots of Chinese (of course), Thai, and a little western. There is also a lot of fresh fruit available and plenty of seafood.

[edit] Drink

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Resorts and Hotels

• The Four Seasons Hotel Kenting

• Le Meridien Beach Resort Kenting

• The Hyatt Resort Kenting

• The Banyan Tree Resort Kenting

• The Four Seasons Hotel Kenting

• The Shangri-la Beach Resort Kenting

[edit] Lodging

[edit] Camping

Camping is allowed in the National Park. It is advisable to contact the park directly to setup permits. Several bed and breakfast or small proprietor operations will rent tents and space for camping on their property.

http://www.ktnp.gov.tw/eng/index.htm

[edit] Backcountry

[edit] Stay safe

Like all of Taiwan, the Kenting area is very safe from violent crime. Use common sense when protecting your valuables, and don't leave anything valuable in your car.

Stray dogs, while not violent or aggressive, are everywhere and likely harbor disease and/or parasites. Don't pet them!

During weekends, tourists park all over the sidewalks and entryways, making it very difficult for pedestrians to walk safely and out of street traffic.

[edit] Get out

Bus Line 88 runs 24 hours a day and will take you to Kaohsiung city. The bus will drop you off opposite the operator's storefront. There are usually many taxis waiting at that area, which can take you to the ZuoYing HSR station for no more than NT$120.