Kenting National Forest Recreation Area: Tropical Trails and Hidden Limestone Wonders
When people think of Kenting, they often picture the white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant Kenting Main Street (墾丁大街), bustling with street food stalls. However, this sun-soaked destination offers much more than just its coastline.
Away from the crowds lies a hidden gem: the Kenting Forest Recreation Area. This lush, tropical retreat is filled with shaded trails, rare plants, and intriguing limestone caves. If you want to experience a quieter, more natural side of Kenting, this is a place you definitely won't want to miss.
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Table of Contents:
Why Visit Kenting Forest Recreation Area? Discover Unique Limestone Caves and Tropical Vegetation.
Established in 1984, Kenting Forest Recreation Area is the first tropical forest area and provides a lush, tranquil escape into nature. This tropical forest park features stunning limestone caves, towering banyan trees, and shaded trails, making it an ideal destination for a half-day adventure.
Whether you're a casual hiker, a nature enthusiast, or visiting with family, this area offers a unique side of Kenting that many tourists might overlook. The well-maintained paths are easy to navigate, and you'll come across numerous signs that explain geology and plant life, allowing you to explore without the need for a guide.
Highlights of Kenting National Forest Area
Geology Exploration 地質探險: 2.5 - 3 hours
If you only have limited time to visit, you can't miss this geological treasure. The landscape here was formed during the uplifting of the limestone, and those places are connected by the Coral Reef Trail 珊瑚礁步道. The rupture caused by the crustal compression created the semi-enclosed space with narrow openings on the top or outside.
Following the sign near the visitor center, visitors first encounter the Fairy Cave Trail 仙洞步道. The entrance of the Fairy Cave Trail might look like it was going to trigger claustrophobia, but the limestone cave is well-lighted and provides a cool breeze.
After exiting the trail, the Seaview Tower awaits. You can go all the way up to the platform, overlooking stunning views of the Elunbi Peninsula and the ocean in the distance, including the distinctive landmark, Mt. Dajian 大尖山.
Another great limestone cave to explore is Silver Dragon Cave 銀龍洞. This cave is longer than the Fairy Cave and offers more delights to explore.
Walking on the Coral Reef Trail, I was surrounded by the tall coral formation, which reminds me of Mt. Banping in Kaohsiung.
Plant Walk 植物漫遊: 1.5 - 2 hours
If you have enough time, the majestic Looking Glass Tree (銀葉板根) is a must-see. I've encountered many Looking Glass Trees along the trails, but this one is definitely the most impressive.
It was unfortunate that several sections of the Tropical Forest Trails were closed during my visit. Nevertheless, exploring the Kenting Forest Recreation Area is truly delightful.
Strolling beneath the canopy of trees, surrounded by ferns and plants, is a fantastic way to escape the heat of Southern Taiwan.
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How to Get to Kenting Forest Recreation Area by Bus, Opening Hours, and Admission Fees
There are two bus options to get to Kenting Forest Recreation Area: Bus 8248 and the Taxi Bus 720 Sheding Route.
If you take bus 8248, get off at the last stop, Kenting Park, which is the former name of Kenting Forest Recreation Area.
If you take the Kenting Express Line 9188 or 9189 and get off at the Kenting Arch Stop (墾丁牌樓站), be prepared to walk 4 km uphill. This walk typically takes about 1 hour under the sun.
Make Travel Easy: Grab the Kenting Bus Guide
Want all the essential routes, schedules, and local tips in one place — without digging through confusing websites?
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.
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Entrance Fee, Hours, and Practical Information
The admission fee to visit Kenting Forest Recreation Area is NT$150 for the full price, and the opening hours are between 8:00 and 17:30. For the details of the parking fees and updates, please check the Kenting National Park's website.
Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary
If you visit the Kenting Forest Recreation Area in the morning, there are several nearby attractions.
- Dashanmushan (Mt. Dashanmu): a small and easy hike to see the Eluanbi Peninsula
- Eluanbi Lighthouse and Taiwan's Southernmost Point (post coming soon): Longpan Park to see the stunning coastal cliffs (post coming soon):
- Big Bay Beach 墾丁大灣 (Google Maps) for a relaxing afternoon. Big Bay Beach is right next to the Kenting Arch Stop (墾丁牌樓站).
Or check out the Complete Kenting Bus & Itinerary Guide for more tips to plan your visit to Kenting.
