When most people think of Taiwan, they picture the chaos of Taipei, narrow alleyways, scooters zipping through traffic, and maybe even the industrial side of the island where all those “Made in Taiwan” products must come from, right?
What probably doesn’t spring to mind is sipping a piña colada in a hammock, reading your latest thriller, while your partner’s off having a surf lesson. Then finishing the day with a sunset massage and a much-needed spa session. But that’s exactly what we found. Down at the southern tip of Taiwan, the vibe is completely different. Welcome to Kenting.
This place is a hidden beach gem that barely gets a mention in most Taiwan itineraries and almost never gets a shout when people talk about holiday destinations in Asia.
Think isolated golden sand beaches with barely anyone on them, proper cocktails at beachfront bars, and real waves you can actually surf. We did it all from chatting with friendly locals and finding discount-priced activities to cultural tours and lazy beach days.
We were here in July, technically monsoon season, but it barely rained. Sunshine, warm water, and a sea breeze that makes you want to stay another week. It’s safe, affordable, and somehow still under the radar. Here’s everything we found while soaking it all in. We came for a couple of days and ended up staying two weeks.
A typical scene at West Beach, entire coastline to ourselves
Kenting Hidden Gem: Why Taiwan’s Best Beach Paradise Is Still Undiscovered
Taiwanese culture doesn’t treat beach holidays the same way we do in the West. Hitting a sunbed with a cocktail in hand isn’t really the local idea of a good time. In fact, many avoid the sun altogether, preferring fairer skin and choosing city breaks instead packed with sightseeing, themed cafés, and cultural hotspots.
That’s why in Taipei, you’ll find around 109 hotel rooms per square mile. Compare that to Kenting’s 14, and it’s easy to see how this stretch of golden coastline still gets overlooked. But with younger locals and more adventurous travellers starting to take notice, this place won’t stay quiet for long.
It doesn’t feel like the sort of place that should be a secret, but it really is. And I don’t think it’ll stay that way much longer. We’re talking long stretches of soft sand, real waves, and barely anyone else on the beach.
The beaches are stunning. The waves are constant. The locals are welcoming. You’re not hassled. There’s a laid-back vibe that I imagine places like Thailand or Bali must have had before the world caught on. It still feels raw in the best way, easy, affordable, and totally unspoiled.
How to Get to Kenting from Taipei, Kaohsiung, or the Airport
Getting to Kenting is easier than you might expect, even if it feels like a world away from the city buzz of Taipei.
Start by making your way to Kaohsiung, either by flying into Kaohsiung International Airport or taking the High-Speed Rail (HSR). The HSR runs the full length of Taiwan’s west coast and connects major cities like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung in just a few hours. It’s efficient, reliable, and surprisingly affordable for budget-conscious travellers.
Warning:
Many major cities in Taiwan have two train stations. One that is served with HSR and the other with local trains. Just typing in Tainan train station into google or uber may bring you to the wrong station… Yes as you can imagine, I learned this the hard way. Fun fact: these stations are often not close together either!
Once you arrive in Kaohsiung, the most straightforward option is the Kenting Express bus, which takes around two to two and a half hours. These coaches are comfortable and modern, with wide seats, Wi-Fi, and USB ports. You can catch one directly from Zuoying Station (the HSR terminal) or from the airport.
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer or taxi from Zuoying. It’s faster and ideal if you’re travelling with kids, surfboards, or extra luggage. A taxi to Kenting costs around NT$2,000 (£50 GBP / $60USD ).
If you’re flying in, Kaohsiung Airport is the closest major airport to Kenting. You can either take the direct bus or a taxi, which usually takes just under two hours depending on traffic. There’s a small airport closer to Kenting in Hengchun, but it no longer operates commercial flights, so Kaohsiung is your best entry point.
Spacious seats, smiling kids, and cool air, riding the Kenting Express in style
Where to Stay in Kenting
Kenting is full of unique homestays, air b and b’s and hotels. If you are coming for a beach holiday then you’ll want to stay at Chateau Beach Resort, it’s a five star beach front resort, with 3 outdoor pools and its own private stretch of beach loaded out with parasols, sun loungers and hammocks. This really is a luxury stay like no other, if this is your summer holiday destination this year, then this is where you want it to be. We are travelling on a budget so unfortunately our experience was limited to a one day stay to check out the facilities but would highly recommend. Click here to check prices and availability.
If you’re travelling across Asia like we are, or just visiting Kenting on a tighter budget than a 5 star hotel and spa, we’ve got the perfect place for you. Xing Ji Hotel is located right at the start of Kenting Night Market and less than a five-minute walk to the beach. But it’s not just the location that makes this place worth recommending. Click here to check prices and availability.
The hostess was incredible. She went out of her way more than once to make sure we had the best stay possible. We were gifted hand-written notes from her children and even received free mango every couple of days. We originally booked it for the price and convenience, but we’re recommending it now because of the experience.
A colourful welcome at Xingji Hotel, our favourite stay. Just steps from Kenting’s night market and beach
Best Beaches in Kenting (and Which One Feels Private)
There are three main beaches in Kenting, and each has something different to offer.
South Beach (Nanwan) is where most people head first. It’s got the beach bars, sun loungers, jet skis, and proper cocktails. You can easily spend a full day here rotating between the sea and a cold drink.
We spent a full day at South Beach ourselves. After a morning of surfing, we ate and drank at Cowboys, a Western-style beach spot set directly on the sand. It even had swing seats looking out to sea, perfect for sitting back with a drink and watching the waves roll in. The entire day, including surfboard rentals, food, drinks, and a couple of coffees, cost us around 4,000 TWD (£100GBP / $125 USD).
But if you’re after something quieter, West Beach and Little Bay Beach are worth exploring. Both are more tucked away and, when we visited, were completely empty. It honestly felt like we had our own private stretch of coastline. You can walk the sand from end to end without seeing more than a handful of people.
Top Things to Do in Kenting for Families and First Time Visitors
There’s plenty to keep you and your family busy if you’re not just here for the beach. Water sports are everywhere. You can try paragliding, banana boats, jet ski rides, or any number of inflatable chaos options out on the water.
There’s also a splash park near one of the local cafés close to our hotel, which even had an air rifle or paintball-style setup. It’s a great little stop if you’re travelling with kids and want something more active without hitting the beach.
Eluanbi Lighthouse is well worth a visit. It sits at the very southern tip of the island and is surrounded by coastal trails and sea views. The area has a long history, including use during wartime, and now makes for a scenic and peaceful walk.
And of course, there’s Kenting National Forest Park. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, you can follow winding paths through the woods and spot monkeys in the trees. You might also stumble into Fairy Cave, filled with bats, or Silver Dragon Cave where we came across spiders the size of dinner plates.
Looking for another off-the-beaten-path adventure? Try our Taipei day trip guide next
Apologies for the blurry picture – Definitely wasn’t my hand shaking!
Kenting Night Market
Kenting has a vibrant night market that runs every evening, and it’s easily one of the best we visited in Taiwan. It’s not just dumplings and bubble tea though there’s plenty of that. You’ll also find Turkish kebabs, German pork knuckle, American corn dogs, candy floss for the kids, and even the classic Turkish ice cream routine where the guy teases you for five minutes before finally handing over your cone.
There are bars all the way along the strip, too. It’s more than just a food market, you can actually make a night of it. Grab a drink, snack your way through global flavours, and soak up the atmosphere. We actually preferred this to Shilin Night Market in Taipei, which is saying something.
Want to see how Kenting compares to the big city? Check out our perfect 5-day Taipei itinerary where we dive into night markets, street food, and city life.
Soaking up the sights, smells, and street food chaos at Kenting’s buzzing night market
Local Food And Hidden Gems
There are loads of places to eat in Kenting and we tried most of them during our stay. Not once did we have a bad meal.
For a treat, we had dinner at Nossa, a fine dining spot with ocean views and one of the best racks of lamb we’ve ever had. Even as a family travelling on a budget, the four of us ate for around £50—which felt like unbelievable value for the quality. Its great family spot with a splash park outside as well as a BB air rifle gun area for kids to play in.
If you’re after great food on a tighter budget, $100 was our go-to. We’ve spent five weeks travelling around Taiwan and this was hands down the best Taiwanese food we’ve eaten. The queues outside every night say it all, but it’s worth the wait. We ate there at least five times during our two-week stay. Four of us could eat for just £20 and walk away full and happy.
And if you’re craving comfort food—think fried chicken, chips, or a proper pizza Quo Pizza is your spot. Ideal for a casual night when you just want something easy and familiar.
When to Visit Kenting
Officially, June falls within Kenting’s monsoon season, which had us slightly worried before we arrived. But in two full weeks, we had just one rainy afternoon. It cleared within a couple of hours, and the rest of our stay was nothing but sunshine, warm water, and a steady breeze.
If that’s what monsoon season looks like, we’ll take it.
High season in Kenting typically runs from April through October, with the busiest times during summer holidays and public weekends. July and August are especially popular with domestic tourists, so you’ll see more people on the beaches and a livelier night market scene. Accommodation can book up quickly during those months, and prices may rise a little.
The off-season runs from November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and still totally swimmable if you don’t mind slightly cooler water.
Whether you visit during high season or not, Kenting still feels a world apart from Taiwan’s urban centers. It’s friendly, affordable, uncrowded by international tourists, and full of that slow coastal charm. If you’re already in Taiwan and thinking about heading south for a few days (or weeks), this is your sign.
We only scratched the surface here. There’s more to say about the caves, the food, and the quieter corners of this town—but that’s for another post. If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, why not check out our Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Yilan, with Kids (on a Budget)? It’s a completely different vibe, and makes a perfect contrast to Kenting’s coastal charm.
