Kenting National Park
Southern Taiwan Region
Kenting National Park is Taiwan's first national park established after World War II, located on the Hengchun Peninsula at the southern tip of Taiwan. Covering over 33,000 hectares of land and sea, it features a tropical monsoon climate supporting lush tropical rainforests and diverse ecosystems. The park is renowned for its unique limestone formations, coral reef coastlines, and rich marine biodiversity. Key attractions include the iconic Eluanbi Lighthouse, Taiwan's southernmost point, and the vibrant Nanwan Beach known for its clear blue waters and recreational activities. The Kenting National Forest Recreation Area showcases over 1,200 plant species and impressive limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites. The park also includes ecological reserves like the Nanren Mountain ecological zone, preserving a rare blend of tropical, subtropical, and temperate flora. Visitors can enjoy scenic coastal views at Longpan Park, explore the distinctive coral reef erosion landscapes at Maobitou, and observe migratory birds at Longluan Lake Nature Center. Kenting's diverse habitats support thousands of animal and plant species, making it a vital conservation area and a prime destination for nature lovers and ecotourism.
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Tip: The best time to visit Kenting National Park is during the cooler, drier months from October to March to avoid the intense heat and typhoon season. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets and permits for restricted ecological areas, such as Nanren Mountain, in advance through the park's management office. Protective measures like sunscreen, hats, and hydration are recommended due to the tropical climate. Guided tours are available for specialized ecological zones to enhance the experience and ensure conservation compliance. Beach activities are popular but caution is advised for strong currents, especially at White Sand Bay. Early morning or late afternoon visits to coastal parks like Longpan offer spectacular sunrises and sunsets with less crowding.
Interesting facts
- •Eluanbi Lighthouse is Taiwan's southernmost lighthouse and was historically the only armed lighthouse in the world when built in 1883.
- •Kenting National Park spans both terrestrial and marine areas totaling over 33,000 hectares, with nearly equal land and sea coverage.
- •The park experiences a unique winter wind phenomenon called 'Luoshan Wind,' which can be as strong as typhoon winds and affects local architecture and daily life.
- •Longluan Lake within the park is a critical habitat for migratory birds, including the Grey-faced Buzzard, known locally as the 'National Day Bird.'
- •The park's coral reefs suffered damage from an oil spill in 2001 but remain a significant ecological feature supporting diverse marine life.
History
The area known as Kenting was originally named 'Kentingliao' during the Qing Dynasty in 1877 when Hakka settlers were recruited to cultivate the land.
The Hengchun Peninsula, home to the park, was recognized for its unique tropical landscape as early as 1936 by scholars advocating for a national park.
Kenting National Park was officially established in 1982 as Taiwan's first post-war national park, initially covering Hengchun town and adjacent waters.
Subsequent conservation efforts led to the creation of additional protected areas nearby, such as Dawu Mountain Nature Reserve and inclusion of islands like Liuqiu in other scenic zones.
Over the decades, the park has evolved into a major ecological and recreational site preserving Taiwan's southernmost tropical habitats and marine environments.
Place Guide
Eluanbi Lighthouse1883
This historic lighthouse, built in 1883 and rebuilt several times due to war damage, stands as Taiwan's southernmost beacon. It features a 24.1-meter tall white cylindrical tower equipped with a powerful rotating lens that emits light visible up to 27 nautical miles, earning it the nickname 'Light of East Asia.'
Nanwan (South Bay) Beach
One of Kenting's most famous beaches, Nanwan offers a 600-meter stretch of clean white sand and clear blue waters. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities, supported by facilities such as changing rooms, rental shops, and eateries.
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area1968
Covering 435 hectares at 230-300 meters elevation, this area was originally a tropical botanical garden established during Japanese rule. It hosts over 1,200 plant species including tropical fruit trees, medicinal plants, and rubber trees. Notable features include limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites, and scenic spots like Silverleaf Mangrove and Banyan Valley.
Longluan Lake Nature Center
Situated on the park's western side, this 137-hectare lake area is a vital water resource and a haven for migratory birds. The nature center provides observation decks, telescopes, and educational exhibits on local flora and fauna, facilitating birdwatching and ecological study.
Longpan Park
Located between Eluanbi and the Wind-Blown Sand area, Longpan Park features a rising limestone plateau with dramatic cliffs, sinkholes, and coastal erosion landscapes. It offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is noted for low light pollution, ideal for stargazing and sunrise watching.
Contact
Phone: 08 886 1321
