When it comes to Kenting, most people think of sunshine,沙滩, and bikinis—they don't really associate "hot springs" with what is considered Taiwan's most enthusiastic resort destination. However, if you're willing to stray slightly from the main beach scene of crystal-clear water and white sand and take a trip towards Manzhou Township or Checheng Township, you'll discover that Kenting actually hides several hot spring dining experiences known only to locals. Moreover, the hot springs here have an advantage that northern hot spring areas can't replicate—you can walk to the beach in your flip-flops, soak in the afternoon, and eat seafood in the evening. This "land, sea, and air" travel flexibility is the most charming aspect of Kenting's hot spring dining.
Unlike Beitou or Ruisui, which focus primarily on "pure hot spring soaking," Kenting's hot spring dining doesn't follow that dignified and solemn tranquil style. Instead, it's the casual approach of "after soaking, cross an industrial road and go eat seafood." The water temperature is generally moderate (around 38-42°C), and the spring water is bicarbonate-type, which is relatively gentle and won't leave your skin feeling greasy—instead, you'll feel refreshed after soaking. This characteristic pairs perfectly with Kenting's seafood—one heals your stomach, the other satisfies your appetite, creating a perfect culinary loop.
Recommended Spot One: Sihchongsi Hot Spring Area's Original Experience
Sihchongsi Hot Spring is located in Checheng Township and is the most well-known hot spring location in the Kenting area. The hot spring restaurants here are interesting—not those prestigious hot spring resorts, but more like "hot spring convenience stores"—selling braised snacks, oden, and simple hot food at very affordable prices. A bowl of fish ball soup plus a serving of blanched vegetables costs around NT$60-80, which is standard Pingtung pricing. These small shops usually open in the morning, and during lunch hours you'll encounter many local residents, creating a curious atmosphere that's "not on the map but known to locals."
If you want to upgrade the experience slightly, there are some small hot spring farmhouses along the road from Sihchongsi towards Mudan Township that serve simple meals. The signatures are usually stir-fried wild vegetables or mountain cuisine. Prices range from NT$150-300, focusing on "locally sourced ingredients"—you eat what's in season, with no fixed menu. This sense of uncertainty actually becomes a特色. The key point is that the owner usually recommends you "go soak first, then eat once you've worked up a sweat"—that attitude of not treating you as an outsider is something you won't experience at urban hot spring restaurants.
Recommended Spot Two: Hot Spring Workshop Café in Manzhou Township
This is probably the most low-key hot spring café in all of Taiwan. Manzhou Township itself is a place that's easy to skip—most people pass through in a straight line towards Hengchun or Eluanbi, and few intentionally turn in. However, the hillside areas of Manzhou Township actually have several simple hot spring outlets, which some people have turned into semi-outdoor café seating. There's no menu; the owner hand-brews single-origin coffee and chats with you about where today's beans are from, explaining the ecological environment of Manzhou. Only then do you realise that this place is less than two kilometres from the coast, and occasionally you can hear the sound of waves.
These establishments don't have fixed prices—usually NT$80-120 per cup, depending on how much you want to drink. What's even better is that they use real hot spring water for washing up; turn on the tap and it's hot spring water—for some people, this is the "complete experience." Sometimes the owner might recommend you visit the port suspension bridge or the nearby wetland. The itinerary is very flexible, perfect for that "not in a rush" holiday pace.
Recommended Spot Three: Brunch + Afternoon Soak in Hengchun Town
Hengchun Town has some mixed-use dining spaces that combine light meals, coffee, and day-trip services. Some shops have started offering package suggestions of "morning explore Hengchun Ancient City, afternoon drive to Sihchongsi for a soak"—this isn't a traditional hot spring restaurant, but more of a "food consultant" role. They'll tell you which seafood restaurants have fresh deliveries that day, which fishing port has the cheapest catch, and even help with reservations—this kind of service is very rare in tourist areas.
Restaurants in this category charge around NT$200-400, focusing on creative cuisine, such as pasta using local ingredients or handmade flavour dishes. The key point isn't that the food itself is amazingly delicious, but rather those "insider tips" that locals recommend—which restaurant's sashimi was caught that day, which shop's onions were grown by the neighbour's grandma—these seemingly tiny pieces of information are what make the travel experience special.
Recommended Spot Four: En Route from Houbihu
Houbihu is Kenting's famous seafood hub and is passed through on the road from Hengchun towards Maobitou. The hot spring dining concept in this area is different—you don't soak then eat, but rather "eat while watching the sea, then stop for a soak on the way back." The density of seafood restaurants here is high, and competition is fierce—mediocre quality gets eliminated quickly, and those that remain all have something to offer.
Recommended dishes are salt-and-pepper shrimp or steamed grouper, priced at around NT$300-600, depending on the daily catch. The key point is that fresh-caught seafood doesn't need complex seasoning—steaming is enough; freshness is the best condiment. After eating, stop at a small hot spring spot in Sihchongsi or Manzhou on the way back to aid digestion—this itinerary is the most local way to play.
Practical Information
Getting There: From Kaohsiung, take National Highway 3 or Provincial Highway 88, with a journey time of about two to two and a half hours. Within the Hengchun Peninsula, driving or renting a scooter is recommended because public transport is infrequent, and distances between spots require transportation.
Cost Range: Overall, Kenting's hot spring dining is much cheaper than Taipei's hot springs—even for high-end seafood, NT$300-600 per person can be very satisfying. Small hot spring cafés or simple eateries range from NT$80-250, offering excellent value. The only issue is that parking is difficult during peak season—it's best to visit on weekdays or go early.
Opening Hours: Most hot spring facilities are open from 7am to 9pm, while seafood restaurants serve lunch and dinner, usually closing from 2pm to 5pm—this is standard for southern Taiwan dining; when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Some hot spring cafés operate by reservation—it's best to call ahead to confirm before visiting.
Best season: There's actually no standard answer to this question — visiting Kenting in summer to swim and enjoy the hot springs means you won't see green sea turtles if you come in winter. However, if you're comparing prices, October to November each year is considered the low season, when accommodation and dining prices are more affordable, and you don't have to deal with crowds.
Travel Tips
The biggest difference between hot spring dining in Kenting and that in Taipei or Beitou is that there isn't that 'upmarket hot spring resort' atmosphere here — there's no need to wear a Yukata and wooden sandals, nor to sit formally for a Kaiseki meal. Dress casually, walk into the shop smelling of sunshine, sit down and start with a plate of seafood washed down with a beer, and after your soak, walk out feeling the sea breeze — that's the proper way to enjoy it. Here's another little secret — something locals will tell you is that many of the so-called 'secret hot spring spots' actually have inaccurate navigation. Asking local residents is always more useful than checking Google Maps — it's part of the local warmth and what makes your journey feel more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official References
- Macao Special Administrative Region Government
- Statistics and Census Service Macao
- Macao Tourism Bureau
- Macao Tourism Bureau (Traditional Chinese)
- Legal Affairs Bureau Macao
- Macao SAR Government
- Macao Government Tourism Office
- Statistics and Census Service Macao
- Consumer Council Macao
- Health Bureau Macao
