To save money on commuting between Kaohsiung and Tainan recently, I purchased the Southern Taiwan (Nangaoping) TPASS. This guide provides some strategies for exploring Kenting affordably. If you’re a foreigner visiting Taiwan and plan to stay in Southern Taiwan for close to a month, purchasing the TPASS is also highly recommended.

TPASS

TPASS is like an “all-you-can-eat” monthly pass for transportation, allowing unlimited travel on various public transportation within a specific area for a fixed price. The government introduced this program to make commuting more affordable and convenient, encouraging public transport use and reducing traffic congestion.

The Nangaoping TPASS covers Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung counties, offering various monthly pass options for convenient travel within Southern Taiwan.

• Price: 999 NTD.
• Coverage: MRT, TRA, city buses, intercity buses, ferries, and public bicycles (first 30 minutes free) within Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung counties.
• Purchase Method: It’s recommended to visit major stations (e.g., Zuoying Station, Kaohsiung Main Station) and inquire with station staff for purchase.

Prices vary for each county.

Exploring Kenting with TPASS

While TPASS is primarily intended for commuting, it can also be a cost-effective tool for travel. Kenting falls within the Nangaoping TPASS coverage area. Below are some travel strategies for planning your trip.

Departure and Return: Kaohsiung to Kenting

Recommended Route: 9188

• Limited Seating: Due to its use of the Highway 88 expressway, seats are limited.
• Fare: A one-way trip from Kenting to Kaohsiung typically starts from 300 NTD, but it’s free with the TPASS.
• Many tourists prefer route 9188 over local buses as it doesn’t refuse short-distance rides.

Taiwan Bus - Real-time Bus Arrival Time

Stop Dwell Time

The dwell time at each stop is listed below for trip planning reference. Odd rows are departure times; refer to the “arrival time” to deduce your departure time.

9188 Kaohsiung → Eluanbi   Interval Between Stops   9188 Eluanbi → Kaohsiung   Interval Between Stops
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
6:00               0:40               5:40               0:30
6:40               0:40               6:10               0:30
7:20               0:35               6:40               0:40
7:55               1:05               7:20               1:10
9:00               1:00               8:30               1:00
10:00              0:30               9:30               1:00
10:30              0:30               10:30              0:30
11:00              1:00               11:00              1:00
12:00              1:30               12:00              0:30
13:30              1:00               12:30              1:00
14:30              0:30               13:30              1:00
15:00              1:00               14:30              0:30
16:00              1:00               15:00              0:30
17:00              1:00               15:30              1:00
18:00              0:30               16:30              1:00
18:30              0:30               17:30              1:00
19:00              1:00               18:30              0:30
20:00              1:00               19:00              1:30
21:00              1:00               20:30              1:00
22:00              Do not get off      21:30              Do not get off

Attractions Along the Route

• Neishi Village Entrance - Coffee break stop
• Wukong Bridge
• Seagull Rock - H Resort
• Chateau Beach Resort - Kan Hai Art Museum

Alternative Route: 9117 (Infrequent service, not recommended)

Kaohsiung Bus - Bus Information

Route 9117 operates more like a local bus, with more stops than 9188 and doesn’t use the expressway. There are multiple 9117 lines; the following clarifies which are covered by the TPASS:

TPASS Free Routes:

• 9117: Only two runs daily.
• 9117A: Only goes to Fangliao, not Kenting.

Routes Not Covered by TPASS:

• 9117B: Part of the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service.

Commuting Within Kenting

The following routes are free with the TPASS for commuting within Kenting:

• 9188: Mentioned above.
• 9117A: Very infrequent service.
• Kenting Shuttle Bus

Recommended Route: Kenting Shuttle Bus

The Kenting Shuttle Bus is a series of tourist buses. Be mindful of crowds due to limited seating (though recent declines in Kenting tourism may mean fewer crowds).

Kenting Shuttle Bus Routes:

《Tourist Brochure Route Map》 Electronic Version

• 101: Xiaowan - National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium [via NMMBA]
• 102: Hengchun - Xiaowan (via Maobitou)
• 103: Hengchun - Jialeshui
• 201: Hengchun - Sichongxi [via NMMBA Transfer Station]

Only route 101 operates on weekdays; the others operate only on weekends and holidays.

Timetables

Route 101 Timetable Route 102 Timetable Route 103 Timetable Route 201 Timetable

Hidden Gems

Kan Hai Art Museum / Land Art Festival

Hosts periodic exhibitions and individual shows. The annual Land Art Festival takes place every February and March, featuring installations and performances by artists from Taiwan and around the world.

• Address: No. 1-12, Haikou Rd, Checheng Township, Pingtung County, 944, Taiwan

Amazing PingTung Official Website Facebook Page

Opening Hours:

• Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

藍氷菓NORM-氷品専売 (Blue Ice NORM - Shaved Ice Specialty)

• Transportation: Get off at “Hengchun Transfer Station.”
• Address: No. 91, Zhongshan Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, 946, Taiwan
• TEL: 088882248

Facebook Page

Opening Hours:

• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Monday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Tuesday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

麋谷（Mogu village）

• Address: No. 1-1, Lane 2, Hengnan Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, 946, Taiwan
• TEL: 0903122862

Facebook Page LINE Reservation

Opening Hours:

• Thursday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Friday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Monday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Chuhuo Special Scenic Area (Eternal Flame)

Currently under renovation, with potential future reopening. It’s a pleasant place to visit in the evening. I used to pop popcorn here as a child.

Google Maps Information

Conclusion

I hope this information helps you have a wonderful trip. This guide focuses on day trips and doesn’t cover accommodation, but rest assured, Kenting has plenty of lodging options. You’ll find a place to stay; the only concern might be your budget.

Although I’m not a local or a travel expert, Kenting holds a special, irreplaceable place in my childhood memories. If you’re interested in traveling to Kenting and want to learn more, feel free to contact me!