2025 Kenting Beyond the Beach: Discover Hidden Gems by Bus—No Scooter Needed
When you search for travel destinations in Taiwan, Kenting National Park is bound to show up—but most guides assume you'll be renting a scooter or car. Is it possible to explore Kenting without either? Yes — and it's easier than you think.
In this post, I shared those places that don't require permits. You can incorporate biking in your trip to make traveling easier. You can find the bike rental link below.
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Table of Contents:
- Kenting National Park: A Quick Guide for First-Time Visitors
- Exploring Kenting National Park by Bus and Must-have App
-
Taiwan Hikes' Top Picks: Scenic Spots & Hidden Gems
- 1. East Kenting: Manzhou 滿州 and Jialeoshui 佳樂水
- 2. East Kenting: Longpan Park 龍盤公園
- 3. East Kenting: Eluanbi Park 鵝鑾鼻公園 and Taiwan's Southernmost Point 台灣最南點
- 4. Central Kenting: Kenting Forest Recreation Area 墾丁森林遊樂區 and Sheding Nature Park 社頂自然公園
- 5. Central Kenting: Mt. Dashanmu (Dashanmushan) 大山母山 with panoramic coastal views
- 6. West Kenting: Secret Spots Around Houbihu 後壁湖
- 7. West Kenting: Maobitou Park 貓鼻頭公園
- 8. West Kenting: Baishawan (Baisha Bay) Beach 白砂灣
- 9. Popular but Convenient: Chuanfanshi (Sail Rock), Dawan, and Nanwan
- Free Guide: How to Get Around Kenting by Bus
- Related Posts
Kenting National Park: A Quick Guide for First-Time Visitors
Kenting National Park (墾丁國家公園), established in 1984, is Taiwan's first national park and one of its most iconic natural destinations. Located at the island's southern tip in Pingtung County, it covers 333 km² (129 square miles), including 181 km² of land and 152 km² of ocean.
Known for its tropical climate, diverse ecology, and dramatic coastlines, Kenting offers a mix of beaches, forests, coral cliffs, and mountains packed into one destination. It's a favorite for hikers, bikers, snorkelers, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
What Makes Kenting Special?
- Year-round warm weather (great for winter escapes!)
- Rich biodiversity: coral reefs, butterflies, birds, and tropical plants
- Scenic spots: Eluanbi Lighthouse, Longpan Park, Baishawan Beach, Kenting Forest
- Cultural flavor: aboriginal heritage, historic towns, and local eats
However, when people think of Kenting, they often assume it's very close to Kaohsiung City. In reality, it takes about 2 to 3 hours by public transport from Kaohsiung's Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station to Hengchun Transfer Station 恆春轉運站, roughly 105 km (65 miles) away.
The good news is Kenting is bus-accessible and perfect for slow, independent travel. You can get around using intercity buses, local Pingtung buses, and mini shuttle buses (Taxi Bus and Xingfu Bus).
Exploring Kenting National Park by Bus and Must-have App
Overview of the Bus System in Kenting
There are four types of public transport in the Kenting and Pingtung area:
1. Intercity Buses from Kaohsiung to Kenting:
- Kuo-Kuang Bus 9117/9117B: Kaohsiung Train Station to Kenting Xiaowan
- Kaohsiung Bus Kenting Express 9189: Zuoying HSR Station to Kenting Xiaowan
- Kaohsiung Bus 9188: Kaohsiung Train Station to Eluanbi
2. Pingtung Bus (Local Buses within Kenting):
- 101: Xiaowan → National Museum of Marine Biology
- 101B (only on the weekends): Eluanbi → Xiawanlitong via National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
- 101F (only on the weekends): Eluanbi → Hengchun Bus Station
- 102: Hengchun → Xiaowan (via Maobitou)
- 103: Hengchun → Jialeshui
- 303: Hengchun → Manzhou (via Xinghai Road)
- 304: Hengchun → Gangzi Village (via Manzhou)
- 305: Hengchun → Hejie (Maobitou)
- 8248: Hengchun → Kenting Park (Kenting Forest Recreation Area)
3. Taxi Bus (Mini Vans for Rural Transport):
Taxi Buses provide essential transportation for people in remote areas to access medical care, particularly benefiting older adults, although they are available to everyone. The Transportation and Tourism Development office of Pingtung City (屏東縣政府交通旅遊處) offers a detailed map of the Taxi Bus stops. These minivans can seat up to 8 passengers, and some are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs.
The following map is made by the Transportation and Tourism Development office of Pingtung City (屏東縣政府交通旅遊處).
The bus fares are very cheap: NT$10 (US$0.3, 0.28 Euro). If you want to take a taxi bus to the destinations, it's better to make a reservation. You can make a reservation using the Taxi Bus' Line account @jcha8218166. WhatsApp is not popular in Taiwan. Most people use the Line app.
- Kenting Area - Taxi Bus 720 SheDing Line/Route 社頂線: Hengchun Shueiwaku Community ─ Hengchun Township Office
- Maobitou Area - Taxi Bus 719 ShuiQuan (ShueiChyuan) Line/Route 水泉線: Sia Shuei Chyuan — Hengchun Tourism Hospital
- Baisha Bay Area – Taxi Bus 718 Shulin Line/Route 樹林線: Hengchun Bai Sha Community — Hengchun Post Office
4. Xing Fu (Happiness) Bus:
Like Taxi Buses, the Xing Fu Bus is for people living in remote areas to access medical care. Passengers need to make a reservation at least one day before taking the bus.
The English version of Pingtung's Xing Fu Bus website isn't available, but you might be able to find it on the iBus app by using the route map function.
How to Pay the Bus Fare
Pay cash or swiping an EasyCard or iPass. Having an EasyCard or iPass will make your bus trips easier. Make sure you have enough money on the card. You can deposit cash at any convenience store in Taiwan.
YouBike (UBike): the Public Bicycle Rental System in Kenting
If you want to incorporate biking with your bus trips, check out the map to find the locations of YouBike (UBike) stations in Kenting.
Must-Have Apps
- The Taiwan iBus App to check intercity buses. You can check out this video guide for how to use this app (the app may update the interface from time to time.)
- The Pingtung Bus app
- The YouBike app
- The Line App
- Taiwan's Central Weather Administration app to check weather and the wind level.
If you're planning a trip without driving, check out my Kenting Bus Guide for easy routes and hidden spots you can reach by public transport.
Taiwan Hikes' Top Picks: Scenic Spots & Hidden Gems
In February 2025, I spent six slow days exploring the southern coast of Taiwan—from Manzhou, Eluanbi, Kenting, and Maobitou — on foot and by bus. This guide shares exactly how I did it, the scenic and cultural stops along the way, and how you can enjoy Kenting's hidden gems without the stress of driving.
This trip was part of a 16-day backpacking journey from Fongbin, Hualien, to Maobitou, Pingtung, mostly on foot along the stunning coastline. I'll be sharing more stories and guides from that adventure soon—so stay tuned if you love slow travel and discovering places beyond the usual tourist spots.
Selection Criteria:
- Lesser-known places
- Locations I wish to revisit someday
- Natural spots
- Accessible by bus
- Likely without street food (I enjoy food but can manage with convenience stores).
You can also visit VR Kenting 360 or the Guide to Kenting, and you will find the attractions suitable for children, couples, or families.
1. East Kenting: Manzhou 滿州 - Kenting's Peaceful Corner by the Pacific
Tucked away in the northeast corner of Kenting National Park, Manzhou Township is a place many travelers overlook—but that's exactly what makes it unique.
Before my backpacking trip, I barely knew anything about Manzhou. But once I arrived, it quickly became one of my favorite stops. With its sweeping Pacific coastline, wide open grasslands, and slow rural rhythm, Manzhou offers a peaceful contrast to Kenting's more crowded, beachy areas.
I stayed at a simple B&B near the small town center, surrounded by mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The quiet streets, gentle pace, and wide horizons stayed with me long after I left. Despite being remote, Manzhou still has a few convenience stores, cozy coffee shops, and local eateries, making it feel just connected enough for comfort.
If you're seeking a part of Kenting that's less touristy, deeply local, and effortlessly scenic, Manzhou is well worth the bus ride.
2. East Kenting: Longpan Park 龍盤公園 & Shuiwaku Grasslands 水蛙窟大草原 – Windswept Beauty on the Edge of Taiwan
If you're looking for some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Taiwan, Longpan Park should be at the top of your list. Perched high above the Pacific, this open grassland plateau offers sweeping panoramas of rugged cliffs, endless skies, and rolling waves crashing far below. It's the place that makes you stop and stare, completely awed by nature's scale.
But beauty like this doesn't come without its wild side. Between October and April, the Hengchun Peninsula is known for Luo Shan Feng 落山風, a mighty seasonal wind driven by the northeast monsoon.
When I hiked from Manzhou to Eluanbi, the gusts were so strong they literally pushed me into the road. Later, I learned the wind levels had reached typhoon strength—no exaggeration.
Please don't walk or cycle here during the monsoon season. Take the bus instead. You'll be much safer and still get to enjoy the stunning views.
I didn't make it to Shuiwaku Grasslands that day—instead, I sought shelter in Shuiwaku Village, looking for a break from the relentless wind. With no shops or restaurants nearby, it's best to come prepared. There are toilets near the park, and—speaking from experience—they might even become your temporary wind shelter!
Whether you catch it on a calm day or brave its wild winds, Longpan Park is a must-see for anyone seeking raw natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, and a sense of being on the very edge of the island.
3. East Kenting: Eluanbi Park 鵝鑾鼻公園 and Taiwan's Southernmost Point 台灣最南點
Eluanbi Park may be one of the more popular spots in Kenting, but it deserves its reputation. This southern tip of Taiwan blends natural beauty with cultural significance—and it's one of the few places where you can feel both the power of the ocean and the symbolism of standing at the edge of a nation.
The highlight for me was Eluanbi Lighthouse, a striking white structure standing tall against the blue sea. Nearby, the Canghai Pavilion (Sea Pavilion) 滄海亭 offers a peaceful lookout with panoramic views. I spent a long, quiet moment there, soaking in the scenery and reflecting on the long distance I had already walked—and what still lay ahead.
If you visit, plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the park. The entrance fee is NT$60 per person, and it's well worth it for the lush trails, ocean viewpoints, and historical markers.
Once you've reached Eluanbi, don't miss the short walk to Taiwan's Southernmost Point 台灣最南點. It's marked by a stone stele—a simple yet powerful landmark that makes you pause and realize that this is as far south as Taiwan goes.
Whether you're here for the views, the history, or just the feeling of being at the end of the road, Eluanbi is a place that leaves an impression.
4. Central Kenting: Kenting Forest Recreation Area 墾丁森林遊樂區 and Sheding Nature Park 社頂自然公園
If you're craving a break from beaches and want to experience a different side of Kenting, head inland to the Kenting Forest Recreation Area. This place offers a lush, shady escape with limestone caves, tropical plants, and sweeping ocean views from the Seaview Tower (觀海樓).
Admission fee: NT$150
Admission fee: NT$150
It's one of the few places in Kenting where you can get lost in the forest—and feel like you've stepped into a completely different world.
While it's a popular spot, it never felt too crowded during my visit. I ended up spending four hours wandering the trails, exploring hidden corners, and soaking in the quiet atmosphere. I hadn't planned to stay long and missed the bus. Yet, I don't regret a single minute. I eventually walked back to Kenting Street.
Getting there can be tricky without your own wheels, but there are buses that stop nearby. Planning your timing is key to making the most of it, especially since service can be infrequent.
Although I didn't make it to Sheding Nature Park on this trip, it's high on my list for next time. It's known for its grasslands, limestone caves, and views.
5. Central Kenting: Mt. Dashanmu (Dashanmushan) 大山母山 - A Hidden Viewpoint with Big Rewards
Tucked between Kenting's bustling beach areas and its rugged inland terrain, Mt. Dashanmu offers a short, satisfying escape for those who want a taste of hiking without the full-day commitment. It's listed in one of Taiwan's Minor 100 Peaks 小百岳, and while it's not a towering summit, the views from the top are worth the climb.
From the summit, you can see a panorama of the coast and Kenting's iconic Mt. Dajian (大尖山) standing tall in the distance. The trail is relatively easy to hike, making it ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a peaceful walk with a view.
The trailhead is located near Nanwan (South Bay), making it an excellent detour if you're already in the area. And yes—it's accessible by bus, just a short walk from the main road.
6. West Kenting: Secret Spots Around Houbihu 後壁湖
Houbihu is best known as one of the two harbors in southern Taiwan with ferries to Orchid Island (Lanyu) 蘭嶼 — the other being Fugang Harbor 富岡漁港 in Taitung. But beyond the boats and seafood stalls, this quiet harbor area holds hidden corners of coastline that many visitors pass by without noticing.
When I arrived, I was searching for Xingshan (Star Sand) Bay 星砂灣. This spot was incredibly photogenic, and I found myself sitting there for a long time, captivated by the sand, which is primarily composed of shells smoothed by ocean waves.
I noticed narrow paths diverging from the roadside, and my curiosity got the better of me. One of these paths led to a small, secluded beach. Several people were already there to enjoy the ocean and February sun.
If you enjoy adding a touch of history to your trip, don't miss the Sisal Industry Historical Exhibition 瓊麻工業歷史展示區 on the way to Houbihu. Kenting was once the hub for Taiwan's sisal fiber production, and the site now tells the story of a local industry that once shaped this region's economy and landscape.
7. West Kenting: Maobitou Park 貓鼻頭公園 – Wind, Waves, and Coastal Wonders
Located on the southwestern edge of Kenting, Maobitou Park is known for its striking coastal rock formations—especially the one said to resemble a lying cat's nose, which is where its name comes from ("Maobitou" literally means cat's nose tip in Chinese).
To be honest, I couldn't quite see the resemblance myself, but that didn't take away from the experience. What truly stood out were the dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and wide ocean views that made this spot feel both powerful and peaceful.
Maobitou is a great place to pause, breathe in the salty air, and take in the raw energy of Taiwan's southern coastline. It's also one of the most accessible viewpoints by bus and a perfect stop for heading toward Houbihu or Baisha Bay.
8. West Kenting: Baishawan (Baisha Bay) Beach 白砂灣 – White-sand beach away from the crowds
Out of all the beaches in Kenting, Baishawan in Maobitou stands out in my mind. It is smaller, quieter, and beautifully wild, with less noise and fewer crowds. Whether you're visiting to dive, relax on the soft white sand, or watch a stunning sunset melt into the sea, Baishawan delivers.
The peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for slow travelers looking for a break from the busy beach scene. It is easily accessible by bus and pairs nicely with a visit to Maobitou or Houbihu if you're exploring the west coast of Kenting.
9. Popular but Convenient: Chuanfanshi (Sail Rock), Dawan, and Nanwan
Chuanfanshi (船帆石), Dawan (大灣), and Nanwan (南灣) are three of the most visited places in Kenting. If you take a bus through the central Kenting area, you're likely to pass by or stay near these spots.
Chuanfanshi is great for a quick photo opportunity, Dawan is ideal for a relaxing seaside stroll, and Nanwan is popular for swimming, water sports, and beach bars.
If you're traveling by bus and want to experience the iconic Kenting beach vibe before heading to quieter areas like Manzhou or Houbihu, these are easy to include in your itinerary.
Note: it's not allowed to climb Mt. Dajian (Dajianshan) 大尖山, Chuanfanshi, and Frog Rock 青蛙石.
Free Guide: How to Get Around Kenting by Bus
Want to take this guide with you?
I've created a free Kenting Bus Starter Guide that sums up everything in this post—so you can explore Kenting without a scooter, even if you're offline. It includes essential bus info, scenic spots, and a sample itinerary to help you get started. Click the image below.
If you're looking for multi-day itineraries, clickable bus links, and time-saving planning tools, check out my Complete Kenting Bus & Itinerary Guide for a more profound, all-in-one experience.
