Travel to the southernmost tip of Taiwan: A 2-day, 1-night weekend itinerary in Pingtung

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots compiled and reported
 
With cool breezes and the unmistakable feel of autumn in northern Taiwan, the southernmost region of Pingtung remains warm and sunny, bathed in brilliant sunshine. Let’s make the most of this gentle southern warmth before winter arrives — quickly plan a short two-day getaway to Pingtung.

In the morning, let’s drive to the Kavieng Waterfall, located upstream of the Ashiwen River in Shizi Township, Pingtung County — the largest waterfall in southern Taiwan. Surrounded by layered mountains and emerald-green valleys, the trail to the waterfall winds up through the valley cliffs along the Ashiwen River. You can listen to the murmuring stream while walking, and the railings along the path are engraved with indigenous totems, exuding a strong Rukai tribal flavor. The final viewpoint platform offers the best panoramic view of the waterfall. With a drop of about 40 meters, the waterfall cascades down from a cliff, fanning out beautifully.

For lunch, head toward the seaside to “HAO LE. Cup Ice,” a restaurant in Fangshan Township boasting spectacular sea views. During the day, you can gaze at the vast blue sky and sea, and at night, admire a sky full of stars. Originally an abandoned traditional courtyard house, it was transformed by the owner’s creativity into a resort destination. Wooden carvings and furniture are found throughout, and various thoughtful designs create a distinctive and cozy atmosphere. Moreover, the restaurant also places great emphasis on dining experiences, offering flavorful meals that leave a lasting impression, creating a memorable and immersive experience for visitors.

In the evening, experience the vibrant atmosphere at Pingtung’s new landmark — the “Dawu Mountain Starry Sky Plaza.” The plaza’s unique open steel-frame structure resembles the silhouette of Dawu Mountain, interspersed with colorful translucent glass for decoration. It’s not only an eye-catching photo spot during the day, but it has also recently been officially lit up, making the plaza shine like a dreamy starry sky at night.

For the night, stay at the uniquely charming Muyuzhonglin Homestay. The homestay itself is a space that combines ecology, environment, life, and spiritual education, offering lodging, mindfulness and stress relief courses, classroom rentals, and eco-tours. The property is rich in tree species, featuring over 200 large trees that are 25 years old, nearly 4,000 hedges, an ecologically engineered pond, an orchard, an osmanthus forest, and a hermit beetle and candelabra tree grove.