Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kenting Forest Recreation Area
SCENIC AREA
(Kěndīng Sēnlín Yóulèqū; admission NT$150; 8am-5pm)
Once an undersea coral reef, the
forest area is now a quirky landscape of limestone caves, narrow canyons and cliff walls
strangled with the roots of banyan trees. It's one of the most visited places in the park, so
try to arrive early.
Sheding Nature Park
WILDLIFE RESERVE
(Shèdǐng Zìrán Gōngyuán; 8am-5pm)
This well-protected expanse of scrubby hills
and open grasslands is a favourite with picnickers and ecotourists. The reintroduced sika
deer is often spotted in the brush, as are endemic bird species, dozens of butterfly species
(in particular, colourful swallowtails) and even wild boar.
National Museum of Marine Biology
MUSEUM
(Guólì Hǎiyáng Shēngwù Bówùguǎn;
www.nmmba.gov.tw
; 2 Houwan Rd, Checheng; admission
NT$450; 9am-6pm)
The museum is rated highly by visitors for the live displays of in-
credibly diverse marine life that are professionally and imaginatively designed.
Jialeshui
SCENIC AREA
(Jiālèshuǐ; admission NT$100; 8am-5pm)
A 2.5km-long stretch of coral coastline with
rocks eroded into quirky shapes.
Reserve Areas
The park maintains strict access controls over ecologically sensitive regions, such as the
area around
Lake Nanren
(Nánrén Hú) and the beautiful coastal area at
Longkeng
(Lóngkēng). You can apply on the park's website for permits to enter these areas.
Activities
Swimming
Taiwan's waters have treacherous currents and undertows not far offshore. Some sound
advice from a long-term expat is to go no deeper than where your feet can still touch the
sand.
Kenting Beach
is the longest swimming beach in the area.
The beach across from the Caesar Hotel is smaller but set in picture-perfect
Little Bay
(Xiǎowān). It has a beach bar and showers (free for Caesar Hotel guests, a nominal fee
for others). This beach is very family oriented.