Kenting... Uh Oh.

[Reginald Ziemann]

I told you, when I used to watch Taiwanese dramas, I always thought that Kenting was a place full of simple and authentic Taiwanese charm. However, these were impressions from TV shows as I had never visited in person.

When I finally arrived in Kenting… well, how can I put it… a little disappointing.

• Kenting Old Street (Kenting Old Street): Tourist Food Trap Hotspot?
  • It feels like the most unsatisfactory food from all over Taiwan has been gathered on this street.
    • Bubble Tea: I tried two different shops, but yikes, the taste… it’s like cheap additives – truly undrinkable.
    • Roasted Corn: The first time I bought some, it didn’t taste good. On my second try, I ran into a "Corn Bandit"!
      • ️Attention! Consumer Pitfall at Night Markets:
        • My Experience: I ordered roasted corn without checking the price first—it turned out to be 150 New Taiwan Dollars (around RMB 35)! While waiting, I realized that I had gotten a bargain; the actual prices ranged up to 180 NTD per ear! That’s more expensive than the same corn in Ningxia Night Market, Taipei, where it usually costs around 80 NTD (about RMB 18). That startled me, hahaha! To make matters worse, the taste was just so-so.
        • How to Avoid the Pitfall: Always ask for prices before purchasing anything in touristy markets, especially in places like Kenting Old Street. Otherwise your wallet might end up crying.
• Local Recommendations: Xiang Zai Nei Seafood Stir-Fry
  • Luckily, we found a popular local fried restaurant called ‘Xiang Zai Nei Seafood Stir-Fry’. The ingredients are fresh and tasty! Looks like following local advice for dining does pay off.
  • Altogether, Kenting Old Street is the worst experience among all night markets I’ve visited... (Again, this is purely personal opinion!)

Accommodation and Surrounding Area:

• Seaside Guesthouses/B&Bs
  • This time, we stayed in a seaside guesthouse, but honestly speaking, the views weren’t particularly stunning (perhaps we failed to find the legendary picturesque spots).
• Houbihu Fishing Harbor for Seafood Dinners
  • We took a bus to Houbihu Fishing Harbor specifically for fresh seafood.
  • We randomly picked a seafood restaurant named Ahxing, but it turned out to be pretty much the same as other restaurants there.
  • We ordered a small Red Emperor Grouper (a type of Grouper), some shrimps, both tasted good.
  • Two people dined for around 1100+ NTD (about RMB 250). Sashimi prices were surprisingly affordable while other dishes costed as usual.
• Leisurely Stroll around Hengchun Town
  • We also explored Hengchun town, a nearby historic village.
  • Enjoyed Beancurd (a sweet dessert made from bean curd) at a shop named "Shiyu".
    • ️Attention! Minimum Consumption Pitfall:
      • My Experience: At this shop, individual orders carry a minimum consumption of 150 NTD. Although the environment was nice, the taste was just okay.
      • How to Avoid the Pitfall: Ask about minimum expenditures before entering fancy-looking or design-driven cafes and dessert shops, in case a simple meal unexpectedly exceeds your budget.

Overview Transportation and Impressions:

• Travel in Kenting:
  • Since there was a constant wind, and I did not have a motorcycle license (having one could make renting a small motorbike convenient in many places), I fully relied on buses for transportation.
  • Buses here are relatively comfortable, kind of like domestic coach buses, with almost no tourists onboard. Frequent transportation runs, cheap, and easy to use—the convenience is worth mentioning!
• Is Kenting Fun?
  • Frankly, it seems like there isn’t much to do in Kenting… I even perceive that local Taiwanese people might not frequent much either.

[Dr. Mandy Walter-Reichert]

Even as a Taiwanese person, I don't go to Kenting. I'd rather fly to Okinawa...

[Reginald Ziemann]

Thailand, Japan, Bali... any of them are more fun and offer better value for money than Kenting.

[Reginald Ziemann]

You should try the signature taro milk tea from Milksha on Kenting Street. They're really generous with the ingredients! It's located near the 50 Lan, across the street.

[Rosemarie Sawayn PhD]

I think I saw that taro milk tea yesterday, but I didn't spot 50 Lan.

[Johnathan Schmeler]

These days, Taiwanese people mostly spend their money in Hengchun and then just pop over to Kenting to see the ocean.

[Ms. Alberta Moen]

Good idea. Let the money go to honest businesses.

[Rosemarie Sawayn PhD]

I bought a cup of 'Yan Jie Milk Tea' at the Kenting Night Market tonight, which was recommended on Xiaohongshu. Oh my god, it was the worst milk tea I've ever had!

[Karen Bruen]

Even Taiwanese people don't go to Kenting. You've come to the wrong place.

[Zachary Hayes]

In Kenting, I'd recommend the overnight stay at the aquarium and some water activities (like a package of three for 95). Wouldn't recommend much else, though.

[Lena Oberbrunner]

The country-style duck in Hengchun is a must-try!