'Dive Into Taiwan' — Ocean Vibes at the Southernmost Tip of Kenting

What Makes Kenting Special

Kenting is one of Taiwan's most celebrated resort destinations. Thanks to its southerly latitude, temperatures here run higher than anywhere else on the island, making it ideal for escaping the winter chill or splashing around in the summer heat. During its peak years, an influx of mainland Chinese tourists drove visitor numbers so high that overall travel quality suffered. In recent years the government has worked hard to restore Kenting's reputation, and with a more manageable crowd, the area's laid-back island vibe actually shines through even more. Situated on the southern tip of the Hengchun Peninsula, Kenting's rich coral reefs and sea-eroded landscapes offer a quick and awe-inspiring encounter with the natural world.

Getting to Kenting

• Drive yourself, but be aware of heavy northbound traffic on Sunday afternoons.

• Take the High Speed Rail to Zuoying Station or the Taiwan Railways to Kaohsiung Station, then arrange a shared taxi service that allows you to be dropped off at your chosen destination.

• Take the High Speed Rail to Zuoying Station and board the "Kenting Express" bus, which stops at Kenting South Bay (Nanwan), Little Bay (Xiaowan), and other designated stops.

Must-See Attractions in Kenting

South Bay (Nanwan) Beach

This is the essential first stop for any first-time visitor to Kenting. A row of colourful and characterful guesthouses lines Provincial Highway 26, their cheerful facades beckoning travellers, framed by swaying roadside palm trees that complete the tropical island scene. Across the road, local operators run a full menu of water sports on the brilliant white sand beach — jet skiing, banana boats, and more — guaranteed to keep you happily occupied for an entire afternoon.

Sheding Nature Park

Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is a gem that many visitors overlook, but the moment you pass through the entrance archway you'll be greeted by lush trees pressing in from both sides of the road. Wind your way up the mountain path and you'll eventually arrive at Sheding Nature Park. We recommend setting aside half a day to wander through the coral rock formations and tropical rainforest — not only will you marvel at the wonders of nature, but you may also be lucky enough to spot the charming Formosan sika deer.

Eluanbi Lighthouse

The history of this lighthouse dates back to 1875, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. A series of shipwrecks and the Mudan Incident compelled the Qing government to construct it here. At the time, the surrounding land was within the territory of indigenous communities, so extraordinary measures were taken — gun ports and trenches were built into the lighthouse, and 500 soldiers were stationed to guard it, making it the only fortified lighthouse in the world. Today you can still stroll around the grounds and soak in the tense atmosphere of that era.

Longpan Park

Getting here is a little tricky without your own transport — we recommend renting a car or scooter. It's about a 30-minute drive from Eluanbi Lighthouse, but very much worth the effort. The terrain here is a limestone plateau, where years of rainfall erosion have carved dramatic collapsed-cliff formations. Combined with the boundless blue sky and the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon, the scenery composes itself into a breathtaking panorama. Be sure to bring a wide-angle camera to capture the full grandeur of the view. At night, light pollution is virtually nonexistent, making this a superb spot for stargazing — just watch your step on the uneven ground.

A Hidden Gem: Jialeshui

Unless you're a surfer, most people wouldn't think to visit Jialeshui — but in this quiet little town, you can feel a rich, exotic holiday atmosphere. In summer, visitors are mostly Taiwanese, but when the northeast monsoon picks up in winter, the rolling swells draw a sizeable crowd of foreign surfers chasing the perfect wave. If you're looking to shed the hustle of city life, why not stay at a surf guesthouse here and experience a few days of a surfer's carefree rhythm? It's a holiday style all its own.

Establishment: Summer Point (夏日波影)

Highlights: Authentic American-style brunch and burgers — perfect for surfers just out of the water who need to refuel fast. The guesthouse rooms are tidy and comfortable, providing travellers with a relaxing retreat. In this little surf-centric enclave, the décor feels right at home. Grab a beer, pull up a chair outside, and relive the thrill of that last wave with a grin on your face.

Website: 夏日波影

Scuba Diving in Kenting

Kenting sits at the southernmost tip of Taiwan in a tropical climate zone. The annual average temperature is around 23°C, and underwater temperatures range between 24°C and 28°C, making it an excellent destination for scuba diving year-round. Falling within the boundaries of Kenting National Park, conservation standards here are more robust than in other parts of Taiwan, resulting in a comparatively rich marine ecosystem. Because of its geography, suitable dive sites can still be found even in winter when the "Luoshan Wind" (seasonal offshore gusts) picks up. With sites ranging from entry-level training dives to advanced boat dives, Kenting is an ideal place to plan a full diving itinerary.

In summer, southerly winds and frequent typhoons stir up the water and reduce visibility. Another concern is that unlicensed water sports operators occupy much of the coastline, and the high-speed boats and jet skis they run pose a serious safety hazard to divers. We strongly recommend avoiding the peak summer holiday season and planning a quieter diving trip in winter or spring instead. Because Kenting is suitable for diving throughout the year, dive shops and training centres are plentiful — shop around to find the right fit for your dive plans.

Famous Dive Sites in Kenting

• Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 Outlet (核三廠出水口): One of Kenting's most popular training and introductory dive sites. Average depth is no more than 15 m, yet the marine life here is remarkably diverse. Regular sightings include schools of barracuda, cuttlefish, Giant Grouper, Cassis cornuta (helmet shells), and — during night diving — rabbitfish blanketing the seafloor. Note that the shoreline is rocky reef, so take extra care when entering and exiting the water if there is surge. Dive sites in this area: Outlet (出水口), Left Bank Fish-Feeding Zone (出水口左岸餵魚區), Garden Soft Coral Zone (花園軟珊瑚區).

• Houbihu Boat Dives: The standout boat dive sites at Houbihu are Twin Peaks Blue Cave (雙峰藍洞) and Solitary Reef (獨立礁) — practically every boat dive itinerary includes these two. For shore dives, there is the fish-feeding zone and the soft coral zone. Thanks to the protected area status combined with regular feeding, the fish populations here — both in numbers and species diversity — rival dive sites abroad. The bottom is mostly fine sand and coral reef, so solid neutral buoyancy skills are essential for maintaining good visibility and safety, and for avoiding damage to the reef. Dive sites in this area: Twin Peaks Blue Cave (雙峰藍洞), Solitary Reef (獨立礁).

• Hejie Wreck Dive (合界沈船): Hejie is another popular Kenting dive site. In addition to the remains of a shipwreck sitting at around 30 m, it is a regular haunt for sea turtles, Stingray, and cruising barracuda schools. Beyond fish-watching, Hejie is best known for macro photography — onshore you'll spot divers lugging ever-larger camera rigs, all destined to photograph ever-tinier nudibranchs below. At 15 m depth, a flame scallop (火焰貝) has become the site's iconic landmark. Other nearby sites suitable for beginner training include Wanlitong and Shanhai. Dive sites in this area: Hejie (合界), Wanlitong (萬里桐), Shanhai (山海).

Further Reading:

• Kenting's Three Must-See Dive Highlights: Giant Grouper, Flame Scallop & a Storm of Barracuda

• Kenting Macro Underwater Photography Showcase – Music Lin