Although I have been to Kenting several times over the years — the first with my ex-cop boyfriend whose goal was to eat all the food in Taiwan on my tab and the second with a pair of ungracious guests who I unlovingly remember as the ‘dueling duo’ — I had, in fact, never gotten down to enjoying Kenting’s sun-drenched beaches. So this last Chinese New Year, I headed down south on a solo trip and finally spent four quality days bumming around the four main beaches of Kenting — Little Bay (小灣海灘), Kenting Bathing Beach ( 墾丁海水浴場), South Bay (南灣) and Baisha Beach (白沙灣).
Taiwan is definitely the island of convenience especially in the area of tourism and travel. These days visitors can easily rent an electric motorbike by the day for about US$20, and return to the shop for a charged battery whenever the power gets low. This makes sight-seeing in tourist destinations like Kenting National Park a snap.
Little Bay (小灣海灘)
As I was staying at Howard Beach Resort Kenting, Little Bay was right at my doorstep.
This beach has the feel of a private enclave. It’s very clean and convenient to both the Howard Beach Resort and Caesar Park Hotel. There is a relaxing deck patio with drinks and snacks located on the beach. In the evening, live bands perform music to watch stars and listen to ocean waves by. It is a great place for evening chills. On one particular night, I met up with some lively Taiwan-travelers who invited me to join their group for drinks and snacks and afterwards I didn’t have to stumble far to get back to my room.
Kenting Bathing Beach ( 墾丁海水浴場)
Heading northwards from Little Bay, you will see a long stretch of white sand lined by quaint guest houses, this is Kenting Bathing Beach.
Although I had heard negative reviews of this beach saying it was strewn with garbage and generally unkept, I found it to be quite nice. This white sand beach, with a temple at one end and a Greco-style resort at the other, was much more loose and unorganized. During my visit, I didn’t see any umbrellas, chairs or vendors. Personally, I enjoyed walking the long beach for morning exercise. It was very relaxing to look across the white sand and out onto the rolling waves of the blue ocean water.
South Bay (南灣)
South Bay is definitely a partying place. Full of umbrellas, toys and vendors it is the quintessential tourist beach.
The rocking action on South Bay. 
Across from the beach is the usual bustling beach street lined with shops and guesthouses.
This is a great beach for playing and partying. I rented a chair and umbrella then plunked myself and my cooler of beer down for the day. Buying snacks and drinks is very convenient on this beach, and there are great little beach shops right across the road. And please note, on this particular day I rented a pedal electric bicycle; not a electric powered motorbike; as the penalty for drinking and driving electric motorbikes is just the same as regular motorbikes which will see you in jail for the night and leave you with a criminal record. It’s never worth the risk especially in regards to personal safety.
Baisha Beach (白沙灣)
Baisha Beach is probably the most well-known beach in Taiwan. Over the years, I have heard epic tales of Spring Scream adventures involving Baisha. I have also heard it is not the place to go during the holidays. However, the day I dropped by, things weren’t really happening — probably because it was the first day of the Lunar New Year. In fact, I didn’t stay long as I was off to do some bird watching. For more information about Baish Beach, please click this link to Taiwanese Secrets.
I have to say it was a great Lunar New Year and although I was traveling solo, it was quite a happening vacation — met lots of great people, ate lots of great food, caught lots of rays. Life over 50 isn’t that bad after all.
For more information about Kenting Beaches including surfing spots not mentioned here go to
Taiwanese Secrets Travel and Living Guide
Everything about Nothing 