What visitors recommend
Traveler tips from forum threads, not official advice.
Rent a scooter to get around Not yet verified
Commonly suggested, since many beaches and viewpoints are spread out. Rental shops may ask for an international permit that covers motorcycles.
Discussion on r/taiwan Not yet verified
Baisha Beach for a quieter swim Not yet verified
Suggested over the crowded main beaches.
Discussion on r/taiwan Not yet verified
Treat it as a 1–2 day stop Not yet verified
Travelers say it's pleasant if you're already heading south.
Discussion on r/travel Not yet verified
Lesser-known spots
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area
Raised coral reef forest with limestone caves, open 08:00–17:00. Bus: get off at Kenting Archway, then Pingtung Bus 8248 to Kenting Park.
Sheding Nature Park Not yet verified
Coral-reef trails; the park's own itinerary uses it for raptor watching in September–October.
Source: Kenting National Park
Getting there
From Taipei: THSR to Zuoying (Kaohsiung), then Kenting Express (9189) from Exit 2: NT$401 one way, NT$650 round trip. Seats are assigned at the counter; holiday traffic can add time. From Kaohsiung Airport or Kaohsiung city: Kenting Airport Express (9117B), NT$372 cash / NT$327 card.
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a network of tourist bus routes, a bit like a hop-on hop-off bus, except most routes charge per ride.
Check timetables on the official site first. Schedules and fares change.
Good to know: On the 9117B route, pay cash with NT$100 bills or tap a card; EasyCard is one person per card.
Before you go
- Get a SIM or eSIM that comes with a Taiwan phone number, so text-message codes from local services reach you.
- THSR's website and T Express app take Visa, Mastercard, and JCB; American Express works online only if issued in Taiwan.
- A regular EasyCard won't open THSR gates, so buy a THSR ticket.
- Reserved THSR seats sold out? A non-reserved ticket works on any train on its travel date.
- If THSR online payment keeps failing, you can still pay at a station or convenience store, or buy at the ticket window.
- Top up your EasyCard with cash at convenience stores or MRT stations.
- You can't top up a regular EasyCard with a foreign credit card, so keep some NT$ cash for it.
- Night markets and small food stalls usually take cash only, so carry small NT$ bills and coins.
Best time
The national park's own ecology tours use September–October for migrating raptors and November–February for waterfowl.
Source: Kenting National Park
Sources and verified date
Checked 2026-10-20
- Checked Kenting National Park
- Checked Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency: Kenting
- Checked Kenting National Park
- Checked Taiwan Tourist Shuttle: Kenting Express Line (9189)
- Checked Taiwan Tourist Shuttle: Kenting Airport Express Line (9117B)
Not yet verified
- All Kenting Reddit picks: only a search-engine summary was readable, not the comments themselves.
- Scooter licence requirements not checked against an official source.
- Public transport to Sheding Nature Park not confirmed.