Kenting attractions – sunshine, sand and surf are the three things no Kenting trip can do without. Tired of the famous Instagram spots in Kenting always being packed, with crowds photobombing every shot? Let us show you Kenting’s hidden-gem beaches!
You can roughly use South Bay (Nanwan) as the dividing line and split the beaches into a southern group and a western group, planning your Kenting sightseeing around those two areas. Follow the route and stop as you drive — it saves both time and effort.
A while back people loved to say that a trip to Kenting isn’t worth it compared to going abroad, but have you ever really taken a close look at Kenting? Everyone who has been says it’s every bit as good as overseas destinations!
Wanlitong
Wanlitong
▲ Image source: Cycling Update
This is where Aga swam and gazed out at the sea in the movie Cape No. 7. The water here is crystal clear and deep blue, making it the best spot in Kenting for snorkeling and scuba diving — visitors linger for hours and say it rivals anywhere overseas! The nearby Grandma’s Noodle Shop is a great place to fill up after a snorkeling session.
Navigation: Wanlitong
Cost: snorkeling NT$350 per person, diving NT$2,500 per person (actual prices vary by operator)
Parking: free
Baishawan (White Sand Bay)
Baisha Bay
Another popular Kenting spot, named for its fine white sand with a high shell content. The water is clear, and looking out to the horizon it really does feel like you’re abroad. There are water sports facilities nearby, but locals say there are undercurrents offshore, so take care if you’re going in the water!
Navigation: Baisha
Cost: water sports include banana boat, jet ski, Popeye ride, donut ride and flying boat (pick and mix, around NT$500–1,000) / parasol rental NT$150–300 (depending on the season and the individual operator)
Parking: free
Sail Rock (Chuanfanshi)
Chaunfan Rock
▲ Image source: Chi-Hung
Named after a coral rock shaped like a ship’s raised sail, this is one of Kenting’s best-known landmarks. Across from the beach is a whole row of guesthouses, so if you want an ocean-view room, consider staying here! There are water sports facilities, and it’s great for families, sunset watching and snorkeling.
Navigation: Sail Rock Beach
Cost: water sports include banana boat, jet ski, Popeye ride, donut ride and flying boat (pick and mix, around NT$500–1,000) / parasol rental NT$150–300 / snorkeling NT$480–600 (depending on the season and the individual operator)
Parking: free
Jialeshui
Jialeshuei
▲ Image source: lightstars
If you love surfing, Jialeshui is a must! Besides riding the waves, you can also hop on a sightseeing shuttle inside the Jialeshui scenic area to see all kinds of strange rock formations. (The nearby Gangkou Suspension Bridge is another great photo spot!)
Navigation: Jialeshui
Cost: surf lessons NT$1,500–2,500 (depending on group size) / surfboard rental NT$500 / SUP rental NT$800
Parking: free
(Jialeshui scenic area: full ticket NT$80, concession ticket NT$40 / parking: coaches NT$80, cars NT$50, scooters NT$30 / Gangkou Suspension Bridge charges a NT$20 maintenance fee)
South Bay Beach (Nanwan)
Nan-Wan Bay
▲ Image source: kudumom
Less than a ten-minute drive from Kenting Main Street, this beach is often called Taiwan’s Hawaii. Because it’s so easy to reach, it also draws big crowds, so if you’re after peace and quiet, head to one of the other beaches. But if you’re short on time or relying on convenient transport, South Bay is still a good choice with a strong holiday vibe.
Navigation: South Bay Beach
Cost: water sports NT$400–1,000 (depending on the activity) / sea walking NT$800 for 30 minutes, NT$1,490 for 60 minutes (depending on the season and the individual operator)
Parking: large vehicles NT$100 / cars NT$40 / scooters NT$20
Manzhou Beach
Manchu Beach
After passing Longpan Park, keep driving along the same main road into Manzhou Township and look to your right — you’ll spot this beautiful, clean beach with a calm, peaceful feel. With no water sports facilities, the water stays cleaner, and it’s a Kenting spot few people know about. If you want to wade and play in the water without the crowds, come here for a moment of quiet!
Navigation: Manzhou Beach
Cost: bring your own surfboard (rentals run about NT$500)
Parking: free
Star Sand Bay (Xingshawan)
Xing Sha Wan
▲ Image source: Master Little Bu’s Life
A small beach near Houbihu Fishing Harbor with a little lighthouse beside it, said to be named for its abundance of star sand. It’s a conservation area with no water sports facilities, so it’s best for playing along the shore. After Star Sand Bay you can head to the nearby fishing harbor for seafood or go snorkeling.
Navigation: Star Sand Bay
Cost: free
Parking: free (the road is very narrow, so you’ll need to pull over to the side)
Little Bali Rock
Little Bali Rock
▲ Image source: Master Little Bu’s Life
It may be a hidden gem, but just type “Little Bali Rock” into your navigation and you’ll find it! It’s easy to drive right past, though, so as you get close watch for the small side path and the sign. Even though it’s just a tiny spot, it really does give off a Bali feel — but the water varies a lot in depth, so be careful while you explore!
Navigation: Little Bali Rock
Cost: nearby vendors rent out wetsuits, masks, snorkels and more for about NT$200–500 (depending on what you rent; a reminder that if there’s no instructor with you, you really do need to be extra careful!)
Parking: free
How do you get to these Kenting attractions?
No matter whether you travel by train, high-speed rail or plane, you’ll need to get to Kaohsiung first and then transfer to another form of transportation to reach any of Kenting’s attractions.
Route: Kaohsiung → Pingtung → Hengchun → Kenting
( The trip from Kaohsiung to Kenting takes about 2–3 hours by car )
| Kenting Express bus | Private car charter, one day ( 8–10 hours ) | Kaohsiung car rental | |
| Pros | Great for travelers without a driver’s license | Just pick the spots you want to see — no need to worry about the route | Maximum flexibility |
| Cons | You have to work around the departure schedule
You’ll need to find other transportation once you arrive in Kenting | Expensive
Quality varies from operator to operator Inaccurate pickup times can cost you a lot of time | Driving yourself can be tiring
You need to look up routes and do your homework in advance |
| Price | NT$600 per person, round trip | NT$3,150 for 4 people ( driver not included ) = NT$788 per person per day | NT$1,499 for 5 people = NT$300 per person per day |
Driving from Kaohsiung down to Hengchun Township in Pingtung County, the roads get more and more pleasant along the way. You can watch the scenery shift from city to coastline and really feel that vacation buzz. It’s perfect for a road trip with friends or family — drive all the way to Kenting and never worry about transportation again!
Beyond the beaches: Kenting’s must-see viewing platforms
Navigation destination: Eluanbi Lighthouse
Eluanbi Lighthouse
▲Image source: Macro Monster
Navigation destination: Longpan Park
Longpan Park
▲Image source: Aoi Ayanokoji
Navigation destination: Guanshan Sunset
Kuan-san
▲Image source: Travel King
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This article was translated by AI from the original Chinese version.
