Kenting is home to the Eluanbi Lighthouse, which was historically built as an armed fortification to protect maritime traffic from attacks by local indigenous tribes.
The park's Longpan region is one of the few places in Taiwan where one can observe coral reefs that have been uplifted by tectonic activity.
During the autumn migration season, thousands of raptors, such as the grey-faced buzzard, pass through the park, a phenomenon locally known as 'Eagle Watching'.
The park maintains a protected marine area where coral bleaching monitoring is conducted to study the effects of climate change on local reefs.
The plant species 'Kandelia obovata' found in the park's wetland areas is a type of mangrove adapted to survive in saline coastal conditions.
Kenting National Park is Taiwan's southernmost national park, encompassing both terrestrial tropical ecosystems and coral reef marine environments. The park covers approximately 33,268 hectares, including the Hengchun Peninsula and surrounding coastal waters. It features distinct geological formations like uplifted coral reefs and limestone caves, most notably at the Sheding Nature Park. The area serves as a significant stopover for migratory raptors, particularly the grey-faced buzzard during autumn. Beaches like Baishawan and Nanwan are primary coastal attractions for water activities. Longpan Park offers expansive grasslands with cliff-side views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park experiences a tropical monsoon climate, supporting diverse vegetation including tropical rainforests and coastal shrubs. Eluanbi Lighthouse, located at the park's southern tip, is a historic landmark marking the junction of the Pacific Ocean and the Bashi Channel.
The cliffs at Longpan Park at sunrise or the view from the Eluanbi Lighthouse.
Rent a scooter or car to explore the park efficiently, as attractions are widely dispersed across the peninsula.
Visit the coastal cliffs early in the morning to avoid the intense midday tropical sun, as shade is limited in open areas like Longpan.
Check the local weather forecast specifically for the Hengchun Peninsula, as it can experience strong 'downslope' winds known as the Luoshan wind.
Do not feed wild macaques found in the Sheding Nature Park area, as they can become aggressive toward visitors with food.
Avoid stepping on coral reefs or damaging marine life in tide pools; respect protected zones where swimming or fishing is prohibited.
