Kenting: The Hawaii of Taiwan?

Not even close.

Everyone raves about Kenting, the southernmost county of Taiwan.

“The beaches are beautiful! White sand, clear water, lots of palm trees… it’s just like Thailand!”

“The weather is so much warmer in Kenting. The sun is always shining!”

“You have to go to Kenting!”

Basically, the general consensus was that Kenting is Amazing.

Magalie and I were underwhelmed. Sure, the beaches were beautiful, the hostel pristine and the street food delicious. Was it more enchanting than other destinations in Taiwan? Not really.

We were nicely surprised to find typically crowded beaches to be completely deserted. We were also spoiled with a full rainbow against the backdrop of a storm-riddled sky in Kenting National Park.

We found transportation around Kenting to be incredibly challenging. We stayed at the Kenting Youth Hostel, an absolute steal and perhaps the best hostel either of us have had the privilege of staying in. The hostel was located right off the main strip of the Kenting downtown. There were loads of convenience stores located all around us and the beach was right around the corner from where we were staying. An added bonus to staying in the “city” was the night market, which we hadn’t expected (but, c’mon, it’s Taiwan, we should have known better!). Fried Oreos, fried mushrooms and fried chicken were our favorite choice eats. Sunglasses were also a steal: 2 for NTD $150! That’s just over USD $4!

So what about our transportation woes? Friends of Magalie had recommended we rent a scooter, but we couldn’t find a rental place that would allow us a motorbike withouts an international license. On several occasions, bus drivers simply told us no, no, you rent motorbike, no board. Really?

Up next: Taroko Gorge (super amazing!).