Why Honeymoon in Kenting
Kenting gives a Taiwan honeymoon the beach days most itineraries lack. The water is warm for much of the year, coral grows close to shore and the beaches range from busy surf breaks to quiet coves.
The national park protects much of the peninsula, so the scenery is wilder than you might expect from the lively main street. There are raised coral reefs, grassy headlands, sand dunes and tropical forest within a short ride of each other.
It suits couples who like doing a bit of everything. One of you can take a surf lesson at Nanwan while the other snorkels at Houbihu. Then you meet for grilled squid and mango smoothies. The night market and small bars give evenings some energy, while the cliffs and lighthouse give you quiet places to watch the sunset together.
When to Go
March through May and October through November are the best months. Days are warm and sunny, the sea is pleasant and crowds are moderate outside holidays.
June through September is hot and humid. Beaches are at their busiest, especially during the summer school break. Typhoons can bring rough seas and close all beaches for days, so keep plans flexible if you travel in late summer.
From roughly October to March, strong northeasterly winds sweep down from the mountains. Locals call them falling mountain winds. They can make the east-facing beaches choppy and sandy, though the west-facing coves are often calmer. December to February is still mild for walking and exploring, just not always ideal for lying on a beach.
Avoid long weekends and spring music festivals if you want quiet.
Where to Stay
Kenting town, along the main road, is the busiest base, with the night market, restaurants and beach hotels. It is convenient but can be noisy in the evening.
The Caesar Park Hotel Kenting sits across from Little Bay, a small, sheltered beach in the center of town. It offers a classic resort setup with pools. The Chateau Beach Resort Kenting is on the main beach, with direct sand access and a more relaxed, beachfront feel.
For quieter stays, look at B&Bs and boutique guesthouses in the hills and along the coast near Nanwan, Baisha or Hengchun. Many have sea views, gardens and friendly owners who can help with scooter rentals and tips.
If the night market is important to you, stay in town. If peace matters more, stay outside it and ride in for dinner.
Romantic Things to Do
Ride to Longpan Park in the late afternoon. Grassy cliffs drop to a coral coast. It is one of the best sunset and stargazing spots in Taiwan.
Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse at the southern tip and walk the trails among raised coral and tropical plants.
Snorkel at Houbihu or with a guided group along the coral reefs of the southwest coast. Rent a scooter or e-bike and explore the coves at Baisha and Sail Rock.
In the evening, walk Kenting Street's night market for grilled seafood, fresh fruit and cold drinks. On another night, drive up to the old walled town of Hengchun for a quieter dinner. Spend a morning at Kenting Forest Recreation Area, where trails run through limestone caves and tropical forest.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Taipei Taoyuan (TPE), which has nonstop flights from several US cities. Take the High Speed Rail to Zuoying station in Kaohsiung, about 90 minutes from Taipei. From Zuoying, buses run to Kenting and take roughly two to two and a half hours. A private car or taxi is faster.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) has some international and domestic flights. It is about two hours from Kenting by road.
In Kenting, a scooter is the classic way to get around. Electric scooters are widely available. Renting one requires a valid license accepted in Taiwan. Many shops are strict about this. Helmets are required by law. Taxis and drivers can be arranged through your hotel for those who would rather not ride. Local buses run between the main beaches and Hengchun.
Food and Drink
Seafood is the highlight. Grilled squid, sashimi, shellfish and whole fish are easy to find, often cooked to order at casual restaurants.
Kenting Street's night market is where many couples eat most evenings. Stalls serve skewers, fried chicken, stinky tofu, oyster omelets, mango shaved ice and fresh fruit juices. It can be crowded, so go early or late.
Hengchun town has a more local food scene, with noodle shops, rice dishes and traditional bakeries. The peninsula is known for its onions, which turn up in pancakes and other snacks.
For something more relaxed, several beach bars and cafés serve cocktails and craft beer with a view. Mango season in early summer is a good reason to order dessert twice.
Honeymoon Tips
The US State Department rates Taiwan Level 1, exercise normal precautions. Kenting is relaxed and generally very safe.
Respect the sea. Some beaches have strong currents, especially when the wind picks up. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards or where locals swim. Stay out when warning flags are posted.
Protect the reef. Do not touch or stand on coral and use reef-safe sunscreen. Take your trash with you.
The sun is strong year-round. Use high SPF, wear a hat and drink plenty of water, especially on scooter rides.
Book accommodation early for holidays and weekends, when domestic visitors fill the area. Carry cash for night market stalls and small shops.
