On the Hunt for Southern Beauties -- Cherish every stunning moment at the Phuket of Taiwan

Note: The entrance fee to the park and the lighthouse is NT$40 for adults and NT$20 for children under the height of 120 centimeters.

Sailing a Stone

I've always wondered why people called it a “stone” when the “stone” in question looks more like a mountain-sized boulder. Known as Sail Stone, the 18-meter tall giant is plunked in the middle of the water near the coast alongside Ping-er Freeway.

The stone apparently got its name because from a distance, it looks similar to a ship about to set sail. Interestingly, some people have even suggested that the stone, from the front, looks like the head of former President Richard Nixon of the United States. Honestly speaking, I just thought it looked like a massive boulder. Perhaps I'm just not as imaginative as some people.

Naturalists from the Kenting National Park have pondered the origin of the Sail Stone. Initial theories included that the stone had risen from the water over time; a more current consensus favors the possibility that the stone simply rolled down from the mountains centuries ago, judging from a trail that appears to be the “rolling route.”

Made of coral, the area around the Sail Stone is often crowded with scuba divers as a lot of aquatic life and coral can be discovered here.

Note: Even though it is likely that many divers will be around, first-timers should nevertheless seek professional assistance.

Xiaowan Bar at Sunset

Twilight offers the best time to take in a softly lit sea view. Where to sit near the sand and listen to the lapping waves, sip a drink and nibble some snacks, and just absorb the overall Kenting atmosphere? Luckily for you, we've found such a paradise.

Situated right across from Caesar Park Kenting Hotel is a hidden beach known as Xiaowan – literally meaning “little seashore” – that, even though it's open to the public, feels extra secluded. With parts of this beach managed by the five-star hotel since 2003, water sports such as rowing and snorkeling have become accessible and organized in a safe manner for visitors.

Xiaowan is also special because it houses the only beach bar in town – the Xiaowan Bar. Friendly waitresses and waiters, all tanned and exotic-looking, provide an appropriate “holiday ambiance.” With homegrown mint, the mojitos there are one of a kind (but don't forget to drink responsibly, please). Juices freshly squeezed from local fruits are also available here for children and non-drinkers.

Every night (excluding Tuesday), a live band performs from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., making the whole experience even more relaxing and memorable. So with all these hotspots waiting for you in Kenting - what are you waiting for?

How to get there:

By HSR: Get off at Zuoying Station and share a 100-minute taxi ride to Kenting. For six people, it usually costs NT$300-NT$400 per person. (Those who take the Railway and get off at Kaohsiung Station may do so too).

By bus: Take the “Air force 1” from No. 18 Chengde Road that travels for about 6 hours to Kenting from Taipei. A single trip costs NT$900 and advance booking is required. Call 2555-1118 for more details.

Xiaowan Bar at Caesar Park Hotel ~ Kenting (墾丁凱薩大飯店小灣吧) /No. 6 Kenting Road, Hengchun Town, Pingtung County 屏東縣恆春鎮墾丁路6號 (08) 886 - 1888

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