Southern Taiwan’s paradise is here — Kenting’s hidden gem feels just like Bali

Photos & Text / Excerpted from 《出发Up！跟着肉鲁玩疯台湾：232个玩到爽、吃到饱的口袋景点》

A secret spot untold, with world-class滩岩 landscapes, bizarre coral reefs of curious rocks, a serene turquoise lake untouched by waves, a dreamlike shell-sand beach — Kenting’s little Bali hidden corner, far from the hustle and bustle.

Ducking through a green tunnel formed by windbreak forests, it feels like the tree-hole forest in Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro. The chubby Totoro is hiding somewhere, and I find myself glancing around, prompting my friend to laugh that I’m too into the movie. Suddenly, the deep woods brighten — a stunning off-white sandy beach, with rhythmic waves crashing, and coral reef rocks rising like hills layer upon layer. I instantly kick off my shoes and step barefoot onto the slightly sharp shell sand, overwhelmed with a joyful connection to nature and the earthy sea breeze.

Kenting’s little Bali is located on the north side of Houpi Lake, facing Star Sand Bay in the distance. With its well-developed and dense滩岩 coastline and a rich variety of tropical fish, snorkelers are often spotted in the open sea. Venturing further into the inner rocky shore, you’ll discover a self-contained saltwater lake, rugged reefs covered in lush greenery, an isolated milky-white lake blending with the deep blue ocean — a classic scene reminiscent of the movie 《The Blue Lagoon》, making me want to strip down and take a skinny dip on the spot. But… I’d probably get arrested for indecent exposure.



Wading into the滩岩 lake, where the water only reaches your knees and is crystal clear, is perfect for splashing and playing in the waves. Small crabs, hermit crabs, and tropical fish are visible to the naked eye. Peering around the uneven rocky outcrops, I even found a tiny cave that you have to crouch to enter — it’s like an adventure movie straight out of a journey to the center of the Earth. I imagine that during high tide, this little cave could be a mini blue hole. With its pristine tropical rainforest and the passionate blue seas and skies of the south, you don’t need to leave the country — Kenting’s little Bali offers a taste of exotic romance.