Hidden Gem in Kenting: The Breathtaking Scenery of Longkeng Sea Cliffs

▲ The area around Longkeng is composed of coral reefs, creating a magnificent landscape. (Photo / From the Kenting National Park Headquarters website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Beyond playing on the beach or strolling along Kenting Night Market, visitors to Kenting have a new option to explore. The “Longkeng Ecological Protection Area” is surrounded by coral reefs and features unique landforms such as cliffs, reef clusters, and canyons. Especially striking is the sea cliff right next to the ocean, where the sea and sky blend into one mesmerizing view. Additionally, 215 species of coastal coral reef plants thrive here, making its rich ecological resources another highlight of Longkeng.

The Longkeng area is located 1.5 kilometers east of Eluanbi and southeast of the Puding and Kengding villages. It is the easternmost section of the east coast close to the southern tip, covering a total area of nearly 62 hectares. The entire region is shaped like a dragon, hence its name. The local geology consists of uplifted coastal high-level coral reef rock. Before entering the Longkeng sea cliffs, visitors must walk through a stretch of windbreak forest, after which they can admire the magnificent coral reef terraces.

▲ The Longkeng sea cliffs. (Photo / FromThe Longkeng Ecological Protection Area (Longkeng) Facebook Fan Page)

Another must-see at Longkeng is the “towering waves.” As the sea cliffs lie at the junction of the Pacific Ocean and the Bashi Channel, two ocean currents converge here every winter. Coupled with the strong northeastern monsoon, huge white waves are frequently whipped up, creating a spectacular sight — an ideal spot for visitors to watch the waves.

▲ Sky changes near Longkeng. (Photo / From the Longkeng Ecological Protection Area (Longkeng) Facebook Fan Page)

In addition to admiring the natural landforms, the area’s abundant flora and fauna are not to be missed. Endemic Taiwanese bird species such as the Formosan magpie and the Taiwan hwamei, as well as rare sandy-soil vegetation like Scaevola sericea, Ipomoea pes-caprae, Lantana camara, and Tournefortia argentea, can all be fully appreciated here. To protect these precious ecological resources, access to the Longkeng Ecological Protection Area requiresadvance application, with only 200 entries permitted per day.

▲ Various precious plants in the Longkeng Ecological Protection Area. (Photo / From the Longkeng Ecological Protection Area (Longkeng) Facebook Fan Page)

【Longkeng Ecological Protection Area】
Opening Hours: By prior reservation only; daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. (Closed on Tuesdays)
Address: No. 50, E’Luan Road, E’Luan Village, Hengchun, Pingtung County
Phone: 08-8851322