Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is located in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, just 10 minutes from Kenting Main Street. It is Taiwan’s second national forest recreation area, featuring lush tropical forests. Originally a tropical botanical garden, it cultivated many tropical plant species from both Taiwan and abroad. Kenting is also rich in birdlife—especially from August to the following spring, when species such as the Brown Shrike, Crested Goshawk, Grey-faced Buzzard, and Oriole can be spotted, making it a must-see destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area was once a vibrant marine garden teeming with stony corals, calcareous algae, foraminifera, and seashells. Due to tectonic plate movements around 500,000 years ago, this underwater world was uplifted to form a unique forest ecosystem—an elevated coral reef forest. This area features rich biodiversity, monsoon rainforests, and limestone terrain, offering visitors a different side of Kenting to explore. Another highlight of the area is its limestone formations. In caves like Yinlong Cave and Shishun Treasure Cave, you’ll find stunning geological features such as stalactites and stalagmites. This magical forest is a paradise for adventure lovers—an experience you won’t want to miss!
Source: Official website of the Forestry Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, and Taiwan Forest Recreation website (Taiwan Mountain & Forest Recreation Network)
