Kenting National Park | Sea and Freedom Under the Southern Sun
Auto-TranslationHeading south, the blue of the sky gradually becomes pure. As the car crosses the intersection of the mountain and coastal routes, a salty sea breeze and unreserved sunlight greet you. Walking into Kenting National Park, the brightness is almost blinding, yet it also makes your mood more candid. Here, unlike the city that requires embellishment, the sea and wind themselves are the main characters, simple and direct.
How to Get There and Local Transportation
From Taipei or Taichung heading south, the most convenient way is to take the High-Speed Rail to Zuoying Station, then transfer to the Kenting Express, which goes directly to Kenting Street in about two hours. The schedule is fixed, making it the most effortless choice for travelers. Once you arrive, you can explore the area around Kenting Street on foot, but if you want to delve deeper into attractions like Longpan Park, Eluanbi, or Houbihu, it's recommended to rent an electric bicycle or scooter locally—there are numerous rental shops along the way with simple procedures; just show your passport. Electric bicycles are moderately fast, quiet, and eco-friendly, and cycling along Highway 26, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other, is an experience worth savoring. If you're not comfortable riding, you can also take local bus routes in the Hengchun area or hail a taxi to move between attractions, providing plenty of flexibility.
Baisha Bay
Baisha Bay is always the first stop for travelers. The fine sand glistens with a soft white sheen under the sun, feeling soft and warm beneath your feet. Waves lap gently against the shore, and the water is so clear that you can see the bottom, with a rich array of blues. Walking barefoot into the waves, the water is warm and gentle, and as it envelops your ankles, it feels as if all tension is washed away. Some people sit quietly on the beach watching the sea, while others embrace their surfboards, welcoming the waves, each finding their own way to connect with the ocean.
Houbihu Snorkeling
If you want to get closer to the underwater world, you can go snorkeling at Houbihu. With your mask on, you'll discover a vivid array of colors beneath the surface—coral reefs sprawling in layers, and schools of fish darting between light and shadow, flickering in blues and oranges, yellows and silvers. Sunlight filters through the water's surface, resembling broken light spots dancing on the ocean floor.
Longpan Park
Leaving the coastline and venturing inland, Longpan Park unfolds a different landscape. The vast grassy fields undulate like waves under the strong winds, while the endless Pacific Ocean stretches out in the distance. Standing at a high point, the sea and sky almost blend into one line, and the expansive view makes one lose track of time. There are no obstructions here, only the sounds of the wind and the rustling grass. In the afternoon sunlight, shadows are elongated, and the air carries a mix of dryness and saltiness. Longpan is not far from the Eluanbi Lighthouse, making it a convenient stop on a half-day coastal route.
Eluanbi Lighthouse
In the evening, consider visiting Eluanbi Lighthouse. The white lighthouse stands quietly atop the cape as the sun slowly descends below the horizon, the sky transitioning from orange to red, then gradually fading to deep blue. The sea sparkles with the last golden rays of light, and the wind becomes gentle. Standing here, watching the light fade inch by inch, your heart also finds a sense of calm.
Kenting Street at Night
As night falls, Kenting Street lights up with vibrant colors. The aroma of food stalls fills the air, with grilled squid, fried snacks, and desserts creating a lively atmosphere. The sounds of music, laughter, and bustling crowds transform the tranquil daytime coastline into a vacation stage. Some people stroll with drinks in hand, while others sit on the roadside chatting, with the entire street pulsating with a youthful and lively rhythm. The contrast between day and night is what makes Kenting so captivating.
More Exploration
The charm of Kenting lies in the coexistence of nature and vitality. You can choose to quietly watch the sea alone in the early morning, with the first rays of sunlight reflecting on the water; or you can join in on water activities, experiencing the thrill of surfing or banana boating at South Bay. If you're looking for a bit of historical ambiance, you can visit Hengchun Old Town, where you can feel the passage of time between the old city gates and stone walls; or head to Guanshan to wait for the sunset, capturing the entire sky in your memory. Riding an electric bicycle among the various attractions adds a sense of spontaneity to the journey—you can stop when you're tired, get off when you see a景and enjoy the freedom without the pressure of a fixed itinerary.
As you leave, you may still carry the salty essence of the sea and the warmth of the sun on your skin. Kenting embodies an unreserved sense of freedom. Under this southern sun, one can let go of unnecessary restraint and allow the sea breeze to sweep away their worries.
