14 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Kenting, Taiwan

It’s no secret Kenting is one of my favorite places in Taiwan, and I travel there literally as often as I can.

And that, of course, means I’ve pretty much seen (and done) just about everything Kenting has to offer. If you love beach vibes as much as I do, you can’t come to Taiwan and not visit its most famous beach town.

Perched at the southern tip of Taiwan in Pingtung County, Kenting National Park is the place to go if you’re craving dreamy white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rugged coastal cliffs, and lush tropical forests. After years of exploring every corner of Taiwan, I can confidently say it’s still my favorite beach spot on the island.

Most travelers just squeeze Kenting into a quick weekend trip, but trust me—if you’ve got the time, stay longer. There’s way more to Kenting than just hitting the beach (though that’s a good enough reason on its own).

In this guide, I’m sharing the absolute best things to do in Kenting, along with insider tips from literally dozens of visits to help you plan the perfect trip.

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My Favorite Things to Do in Kenting

Beach Hop

Kenting is all about beach life, and honestly, there’s no shortage of gorgeous spots to throw down a towel. Whether you’re into watersports, sundowners, or just want to kick back on the sand, there’s a beach here with your name on it.

Here are some of my go-to beaches:

Baishawan

If you’ve ever seen Life of Pi, you might be surprised to learn that Baishawan was actually one of the filming locations. Pretty cool, right?

It totally makes sense, though — this is easily one of Taiwan’s most stunning beaches, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water.

It’s a little outside town, so you’ll need some wheels to get there. But that also means fewer crowds — and that’s exactly why it’s my absolute fave. There’s also a chill little beach bar at the end of the bay where you can grab a mojito or some ice cream. And you can rent umbrellas and beach chairs along the beach for around TWD 300/day.

In recent years, I’ve noticed a bit more watersports activity here, but it’s still nowhere near as busy as Nanwan.

Nanwan (South Bay)

This is the go-to beach for watersports — think paddleboarding, jet skiing, and banana boating, and even surf lessons if that’s on your bucket list.

It’s much more built up than the other beaches, with restaurants and bars just steps from the sand. That also means it gets pretty busy, especially on weekends. If you’re visiting Kenting with kids, this beach is probably one of your best picks. But if you’re after something quieter (and prettier), there are way better spots in my opinion.

Little Bay (Xiaowan)

Just off Kenting Street, Little Bay is a smaller, semi-secluded spot that rarely gets as crowded as Nanwan. It’s technically part of the Caesar Park Hotel but is open to the public. There’s a fun little beach bar here too, perfect for sundowners or an ice-cold beer. They make some wild shooters as well (if that’s your thing). But I’ll warn you…skip the Around the World!

Kenting Beach

This is the most central beach in town, located just off Dawan Road. It’s easy to access by foot from the main street, making it a good stop if you’re staying nearby. The only downside is that you can’t swim here, but it’s still a nice spot to stroll or work on your tan. 

Chuanfanshi (Sail Rock Beach)

Located near Sail Rock, this beach is newer and has gained popularity over the past few years. It’s become a bit more commercial, so expect jet skis and kayaks in the water, but it’s still a great choice if you’re staying on this side of town.

Gangkou

This is not technically a swimming beach, but if you’re into surfing, this is the spot. Waves are more consistent here, and it’s a little less crowded than Jialeshui.

Eat Your Weight at the Kenting Night Market

Taiwanese love eating, and if there’s one thing they love even more, it’s eating at a night market! Kenting’s night market is considered one of the best on the island, and I totally agree—it’s a must-do! 

While you’ll find the usual staples like stinky tofu, fried chicken, sweet potato balls, fresh fruit, and grilled sausages, what really sets it apart is the seafood! Super fresh and incredibly delicious—definitely try the pepper clams, oysters, and tiger prawns!

I also like the Korean spicy pork seaweed roll, banana pancakes, and croffles. The market runs along the main street, with vendors typically opening around 5 pm. It gets packed from 7 pm onwards, so come hungry, wear comfy shoes, and prepare to join the scrum!

Grab Drinks at the Funky Truck Bars

Kenting is famous for its nightlife, so if you’re looking to party into the early hours, there are a few spots worth checking out. We love 2 P’s Pub — it’s a great option if you want to hang out with the local crowd.

But if you’re after something a bit more laid-back, the blue truck bars are a fun (and very Kenting) alternative. These little trucks have been converted into bars, complete with neon lights, cocktail shakers, and bumping beats.

The best ones, like Reggae Bar, are usually parked along the road near Caesar Park Hotel. If you hear Bob Marley playing, you’re probably in the right place.

Check Out Sail Rock

Chuanfanshi is one of my favorite spots in Kenting. The main road is lined with quirky, colorful stays — think Greek-inspired villas, industrial-style guesthouses, and even a bizarre rock-shaped house. (I kid you not.)

But the real highlight here is Chuanfan Rock, also known as Sail Rock. It’s one of Taiwan’s many natural landmarks (and trust me, there are a lot). This massive limestone formation looks just like a sailboat heading out to sea, and it’s especially cool to see at sunset.

There’s no walkway out to the rock itself, though I’ve seen people scrambling along the reef. I’m not sure that’s technically allowed, so your best bet is to stick to the viewing area near the parking lot. There’s a proper walkway there, plus some interesting signboards with background info.

If you’ve got some extra time, definitely pop into Haku Café. It’s the coziest (and cutest) spot on this side of town, with fab coffee and even better sweet treats.

Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse

If you like pretty views, Eluanbi Lighthouse is a must. Built in 1883, it’s one of the few fortified lighthouses in the world; complete with defensive walls, gun holes, and even a trench.

There’s also a small museum with vintage photos and memorabilia where you can learn a bit about the lighthouse’s past. And even if history isn’t your thing, the lush gardens and sweeping ocean views make this a fab spot for a picnic. There are a few hiking trails here, too, but I personally haven’t tried any of them yet.

Last I checked, entry was TWD 60, and parking was TWD 10.

See the Southernmost Point of Taiwan

Just a 5-minute drive from the lighthouse, you’ll find Taiwan’s Southernmost Point — marked by a simple (but symbolic) stone monument.

It’s a short and easy walk: about 500 meters along a paved footpath, which takes around 10 minutes each way. The real reason to come, though? The stunning ocean views.

To be honest, it’s not a must-see, but if you’ve got the time, it’s a nice little stop to tick off your list.

Take in the Views at Longpan Park

Longpan Park is another spot that proves Kenting isn’t just about the beaches.

This massive grassy headland along Route 26 is perched high above the ocean, offering some pretty killer views of Kenting’s coastline. Calling it a “park” is a bit of a stretch, though. It’s basically just a lookout point (albeit a pretty awesome one).

That said, the local authorities have made some great improvements over the years. There’s now a proper parking area, along with a boardwalk and a few trails — a big upgrade from the dirt path it used to be. There’s no entry fee, which is always a win.

And if you’ve got wheels, I recommend driving a little further down the coast to Fengchuisha, another cool coastal viewpoint with pretty sandy dunes and way fewer people.

Stop by Shadao Ecological Reserve

Shadao Beach (also known as Shell Beach) is a protected area with some of the whitest sand I’ve seen in Taiwan. You can’t swim here or walk on the beach, but there’s a viewing deck, and you can scramble over the rocks nearby to get a better look.

What makes this spot unique is that 97.7% of the sand is made up of crushed seashells and coral debris, which is pretty wild when you think about it. There’s also a small exhibition center next to the beach with sand samples and info boards, if you’re into that kind of thing.

I’ll admit it — I’m a bit of an info board geek and pamphlet collector, so I actually enjoyed it. It’s probably not the kind of place that’ll blow your socks off, but it’s worth a quick look if you’re already here.

Eat Ice Cream at Day by Day

Just past Shell Beach, along Route 26, you’ll find Day by Day, a super cute vintage ice cream truck serving soft serve and fruity drinks.

It’s set on the grounds of the Ocean Day by Day Hotel, with a spacious outdoor area where you can kick back, enjoy your treats, and soak up the ocean views. The garden area also has a few photo props scattered around, which I guess is part of the appeal.

They’re only open from 12 pm to 5 pm, so I’d recommend timing your visit. To access the area, you’ll need to pay a TWD 90 entry fee. But the good news is, you can use it toward your order. I highly recommend the Gangkou Milk Tea Ice Cream or the Sparkling Mango Ice Cream Float — both are yum.

Have Drinks at Catch Wave X

If you’re heading to Jialeshui (or Gangkou Beach for some surfing), it’s worth stopping at Catch Wave X, a little rooftop café across from Xinghai Fishing Harbor.

The view is gorgeous, with boats, a harbor, and the ocean right in front of you. The decor’s pretty cool, too, and I kind of felt like I was somewhere in Greece. Their menu isn’t huge, but the coffee’s good and they’ve got some decent sweet treats.

Just a heads-up: their hours are very random, and Google Maps doesn’t always list them accurately. I showed up once, and it was closed, but I got lucky another time when my bestie and I went (hi Maruf, if you’re reading this!). Call ahead and make a reservation if you can.

Visit Maobitou Park

So far, we’ve mostly covered the central and eastern parts of Kenting — but the west side has some gems too. One of the best spots to check out is Maobitou.

It’s famous for its “crouching cat” rock formation, perched on the southeast corner of the Hengchun Peninsula. You might need a bit of imagination to actually see the cat, but the ocean views, seashore reefs, sea caves, and jagged rock formations definitely make it worth a stop.

Big tour buses usually roll in during the hottest part of the day, so if you want to avoid the worst crowds, try coming before 10 am or after 3 pm. Also, bring cash. Entry is TWD 30 per adult, and scooter parking costs TWD 10.

Walk Around Houbihu Fishing Port 

Just down the hill from Maobitou, Houbihu Harbor is one of the main departure points for boats heading to Green Island or Orchid Island.

While it’s not a huge harbor, it’s a nice place to stroll around, watch the boats come and go, and enjoy freshly caught fish. Inside the main building, you’ll find a great mix of stalls selling fresh seafood and ready-made snacks like sushi and cooked shrimp.

There’s also a large seafood restaurant where you can have a proper sit-down lunch just across from the main building. I can’t remember whether they have an English menu, though, so make sure you’ve got Google Translate (one of my must-haves on this list of essential travel apps for Taiwan) ready to go.

Right next to the harbor, you’ll also spot a tiny beach. It’s not really the kind of place you’d lounge for hours (unlike Baishawan or Xiaowan), but it’s popular for scuba diving and snorkeling tours.

Watch the Sunset at Guanshan Farm

There’s honestly no better way to wrap up a day in Kenting than by watching the sunset — and in my opinion, the best spot for that is Guanshan Farm. One of my Taiwanese friends brought me here on my very first trip to Kenting back in 2011, and now, every time I bring friends or family to town, you can bet it’s on our to-do list.

Guanshan is a quirky little café with some fun displays and props for photos, so definitely bring your camera. You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee of TWD 100, but it doubles as a voucher you can use toward a drink or snack. Just a heads-up: it’s a popular sunset spot, so I recommend arriving a bit early to grab a good seat on the deck.

Visit the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

Another must-see in Kenting, especially if you’re visiting with kids, is the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA).

It’s the largest aquarium in Taiwan, covering over 60 hectares. And unlike X-Park in Taoyuan or Farglory Ocean Park in Hualien, this one has everything — from whale sharks and dolphins to penguins, belugas, and more. One of the coolest areas is the Coral Kingdom Pavilion, a massive underwater tunnel filled with colorful coral and sea life.

There are tons of educational activities, and if you’re up for something a little different, you can even book a sleepover inside the aquarium. I did it once on a school trip, and honestly, falling asleep next to a giant tank was pretty awesome.

Just a heads-up: this place gets really busy, so I recommend booking your ticket online in advance to skip the queues and secure your spot.

Getting to Kenting (Quick Overview)

Getting to Kenting is fairly straightforward, but it does take a few steps — especially if you’re coming from Taipei or somewhere else along the west coast.

The easiest route is to take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung. From there, you can catch the Kenting Express Bus, which takes about three hours and drops you right in town.

Both options are reliable and easy to book online in advance, which I definitely recommend if you’re traveling on a weekend or holiday.

If you want the full breakdown (including full route, prices, and step-by-step info), I’ve covered it all in my guide on how to get to Kenting from Kaohsiung.

Where to Stay

Kenting has tons of places to stay, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel, a stylish boutique hotel, or a luxe beachfront resort.

I’ve got a complete Kenting accommodation guide here, but if you’re in a hurry, here’s what you need to know:

If it’s your first trip to Kenting, staying near Kenting Street is the easiest option. Try Caesar Park Hotel or Fullon Poshtel. You’ll be right in the heart of the action, with shops, restaurants, and the night market at your doorstep. That said, it gets busy—weekends and holidays are usually absolute madness.

If crowds aren’t your vibe, stay at Chateau Beach Resort or book something along Dawan Road, which is still super central but much calmer. I really like Hido Hostel, but Kenting Seawall 112 is my ultimate fave.

Another great area is Chuanfanshi. It’s just outside town, so you’ll need wheels or use the local bus. I love Hotel Everyday Life, and Chuanfan Haku Beach Days Inn has the most amazing view of Sail Rock—especially if you can snag the premier sea view room.

Many people also like staying near Nanwan, which is the busiest beach in the area. I’m not usually one for crowded beaches, but if that’s your vibe, Sunshine Liv or Yellow’s B&B are solid choices.

How to Get Around

Kenting isn’t a huge town, but many of the best spots are spread out. Getting around Kenting Village is pretty straightforward, though—shops, restaurants, and even Kenting Beach and Little Bay Beach are all within easy walking distance from the main street.

But if you want to check out spots like Maobitou, Longpan Park, Baishawan, or Sail Rock, you’ll definitely need some wheels.

There are loads of scooter rental shops along the main street, but I usually go to Feng-Xiang Motorcycle Rental—the owner is super friendly and speaks great English.

They don’t have an online booking system, but if you want to reserve a scooter in advance, this rental service is a reliable option with great reviews. Expect to pay about TWD 450–550 per day, and don’t forget your local or international driver’s license (specifically for driving a scooter).

If you don’t have a license, no worries—some places will rent you an electric scooter instead, though you might need to shop around a bit.

Scooters not your thing? You can always hop on the local shuttle bus (grab a 1 or 2-day pass here, or check out the schedule here). And if you’d rather not waste time on public transport, a better bet is to arrange a private driver for the day.

Best Time to Visit

Kenting has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm year-round. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is sunny but not unbearably hot. 

Avoid the first weekend of April unless you love crowds. There’s usually a big music festival during the Tomb Sweeping holiday, and Kenting gets absolutely packed.

May isn’t great either since it rains a lot throughout the island. And while I’m a summer girlie, I’ll be real with you—summer in Taiwan (June to August) is hot as hell and humid. No jokes—and it’s even worse in the south. 

Typhoon season also runs from June to September, though they sometimes roll in as late as November. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, just be prepared for intense heat and humidity!

My Favorite Places to Eat in Kenting

Kenting has the night market, and of course there’s always 7-Eleven and FamilyMart (we’re in Taiwan, after all). But it also has a surprisingly fantastic mix of restaurants and little eateries for such a small town.

Here are a few of my favorite spots:

• Amy’s Cucina – The best pizza in Taiwan (yes, really!)
• Bossa Nova Beach Cafe – Western & Asian fare. Try the Caesar Nova salad!
• Lumi Cafe – Vegan cakes and sweet treats.
• Under Star Lab – Modern bistro with tasty brunch.
• Magic Kitchen (魔法廚房複合式早餐) – Simple yet delicious Taiwanese breakfast.
• Haku Cafe – Instagrammable spot with amazing coffees (and a cute cat)!
• Wild Kid Bar – Great cocktails with an ocean view.
• Alex Reggae Bar – BBQ wings & ribs. Slow service, but worth it!
• Pizza Swell – Food truck pizza. Grab it and eat it on the beach!

So…Is Kenting on Your Hit List Yet?

Kenting is the perfect place to swap city skylines for beach vibes — but it’s way more than just a beach town. Whether you’re snorkeling coral reefs, eating your way down Kenting Street, or even chasing waterfalls like Qikong or spotting wild sika deer, you’re in for a seriously good time.

And hey, if you’re heading further down the coast, check out my guide on things to do in Taitung — or hop over to Green Island, my all-time favorite offshore island and a total hidden gem. Want even more? Add a stop in Kaohsiung for food, street art, and temples galore.

And if you’re still piecing together your route, my 2-week Taiwan itinerary for first-time visitors covers all the highlights (plus a few secret spots).

So, what are you most excited to do in Kenting? Drop a comment below, or just say hi!

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