Travel Tips 24 >
Kenting National Park
Kenting National Park (墾丁國家公園; kěndīng gúojiā gōngyuán) is in at the extreme southern tip of Taiwan. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and lush vegetation.
Culture and History
Although Kenting National Park is located in Kenting, these two places should not be confused as the same destination. Kenting is the wider area that includes small townships as well as the national park.
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Travel to Kenting, visa requirements
By Bus
Busses travel frequently from Kaohsiung to Kenting. Take the line 88 from the Kaohsiung bus terminal (don't confuse with city busses). The price for a ticket is roughly 350NT$. The transit time from Kaohsiung to Kenting is approximately 2.5 hours, depending upon the general traffic situation.
By HSR
Kenting is now relatively accessible via the newly built HSR, or High Speed Rail which connects Taipei with Zuoying, Kaohsiung. The total travel time from Taipei to Kaohsiung via HSR is approximately 2 hours. After arrival in Zuoying, take a taxi to the roadside storefront which services the line 88 bus to Kenting. The line 88 bus to Kenting operates 24 hours/day, so getting back to the HSR on time is no problem.
It is adviseable to reserve your HSR tickets by telephone if traveling on the weekend. Weekend trains can be easily sold out.
http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/index.htm
Fees/Permits
Get around
A motorbike can be rented for 500 TWD/day in Kenting from many different storefronts. Users must show a Taiwan motorbike drivers license and sign a rental contract before being given keys. As Taiwan has a motorbike helmet law, be aware that wearing a helmet is a requirement when operating or riding as a passenger on a motorbike.
You can also pre-arrange a rental car for pick up at the HSR Kaohsiung Zuoying station. Please check the HSR website for more information and a link to the service providers websites.
http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/travel/transfer_info.asp
Kenting attractions and sightseeing
City tours
As in any tourist area, it is adviseable to double-check prices. Jet-Skis can be rented at the more popular beaches, but will generally cost 1000TWD/30 minutes during peak times. Enquire with shops that rent motorbikes for more reasonable rates.
Take a motorbike ride around the main roads in Kenting, which give you access to several tourist sites. Your motorbike rental operator should provide you with a map of the area; if not ask for one at your place of accomodation.
There are several fun and exciting Go-Kart tracks in Kenting that offer 18 cycles around the track for 100 TWD.
Shopping, Kenting souvenirs
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Kenting nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Lodging
- Howard Beach Resort Kenting, 2 Kenting Road, ☎ 08-866-2323, [1]. $$$$$.
- Ceasar Park Hotel Kenting, 6 Kenting Road, ☎ 08-866-1888, [2]. $$$$$.
Camping
Camping is allowed in the National Park. It is adviseable to contact the park directly to setup permits. Several bed and breakfast or small proprieter operations will rent tents and space for camping on their property.
http://www.ktnp.gov.tw/eng/index.htm
Backcountry
Stay safe
Like all of Taiwan, the Kenting area is very safe from violent crime. Use common sense when protecting your valuables, and don't leave anything valuable in your car.
Stray dogs, while not violent or aggressive, are everywhere and likely harbor disease and/or parasites. Don't pet them!
During weekends, tourists park all over the sidewalks and entryways, making it very difficult for pedestrians to walk safely and out of street traffic.
Get out
Bus Line 88 runs 24 hours a day and will take you to Kaohsiung city. The bus will drop you off opposite the operator's storefront. There are usually many taxis waiting at that area, which can take you to the Zuo Ying HSR station for no more than 120 TWD.
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