Kenting National Park
Kenting National Park has a vast range of scenic terrain, with wild and isolated beaches, rocky coastlines and sprawling green meadows. Walk along hiking paths to discover intriguing plant specimens and explore historic landmarks, such as the Eluanbi Lighthouse. The park covers a scenic area of more than 81,500 acres (33,000 hectares). The site is the oldest national park in Taiwan and was founded in 1984.
The diversity of the park’s landscapes makes it an ideal place to bring a camera. Capture photos of the many different colors as you explore meadows, lakes, forests, beaches and the ocean. Stay for the sunset to witness the changing hues of the sky and the romantic effect it has on the landscape.
Go surfing on the crashing waves of one of the pretty beaches with relatively few crowds. Spot monkeys in the forests and make sure they don’t steal your belongings. Amble through the tropical forest and crawl into caves.
Appreciate the intriguing history of the Eluanbi Lighthouse, which is perhaps the only armed lighthouse in the world. Admire the white concrete structure and its accompanying building. Climb to the top for excellent views of the Taiwan Strait and the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse still functions today and is known as “The Light of East Asia.”
The region is relatively densely populated for a national park. Encounter locals as you amble along footpaths and walk between farms. Attend the Spring Scream annual rock festival that is held in the park in March.
Camp overnight in the park or stay at a hostel or hotel. You can also get lodging at a hotel just outside the park in the town of Kenting, where you’ll find restaurants and an intriguing night market.
Kenting National Park occupies a large piece of land at the southern tip of Taiwan. It is fairly isolated from large cities, the nearest being Pingtung City, a 2-hour drive north from the park.