Houbihu & Wanlitong | The Ultimate Duo of Kenting Diving

Houbihu: The Ultimate Guide to Kenting’s Hub for Seafood & Snorkeling

If you are traveling to the southern tip of Taiwan, Houbihu (後壁湖) is a destination that simply cannot be missed. As the largest fishing harbor in the Hengchun area and a premier Marine Resource Protection Area, it offers the perfect "Land and Sea" combination: world-famous, affordable sashimi and crystal-clear snorkeling gardens.

Whether you are a budget foodie or an underwater adventurer, here is everything you need to know about visiting Houbihu in 2026.

Top Highlights of Houbihu

1. The Sashimi Feast: Best Value in Taiwan

Houbihu is legendary for having the highest "CP value" (cost-performance ratio) for seafood in Taiwan. Inside the Houbihu Fishing Market and the surrounding Daguang area, restaurants serve thick, fresh slices of sashimi at jaw-dropping prices.

• The Deal: It is famous for the "20 pieces for NT$100" mixed sashimi platter.
• Pro-Tip: Popular spots like Qiu’s Sashimi or A-Xing Seafood often have long wait times. Visit during "off-peak" hours (like 3:00 PM) to skip the 1-hour queues.

2. Snorkeling & Diving in a Protected Paradise

Because Houbihu is a designated Marine Resource Protection Area, the underwater biodiversity is staggering. The lack of fishing has allowed the local marine life to flourish, making it a top-tier snorkeling spot.

• Marine Life: Expect to swim through massive "coral forests" and encounter clownfish (Nemo), parrotfish, and large sea turtles.
• Calm Waters: The bay’s topography keeps the water relatively calm, making it the safest and best choice for families and beginners.

3. Thrilling Water Sports

For those who want more than a quiet swim, the "Little Bali" area near Houbihu offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities:

• Jet Skis & Banana Boats: High-speed thrills across the turquoise bay.
• SUP & Kayaking: Explore the coastline at your own pace—clear-bottom kayaks are a popular choice here to see the reef beneath you.
• Semi-Submarines: Perfect for kids or those who want to see the coral reefs without getting wet.

Plan Your Houbihu Trip

Essential Tips for Travelers

• Sustainable Tourism: Please use ocean-friendly (reef-safe) sunscreen. Houbihu’s corals are precious; chemicals in standard sunscreens can cause bleaching.
• The "Sashimi Rule": Most restaurants require you to order a certain amount of "hot food" (stir-fry dishes) to avail of the ultra-cheap sashimi prices. Check the menu boards before sitting down!
• Transportation: Houbihu is about a 15-minute scooter or taxi ride from Kenting Main Street. Renting an electric scooter is the most popular way for tourists to get around.
• Photography: Most snorkeling tours include underwater photography in the price—be sure to ask your instructor for the photos after your session!

Wanlitong: The Hidden Gem of Kenting’s West Coast

Crystal Clear Waters, Macro Photography Paradise, and Golden Sunsets

While many flock to the bustling shores of Nanwan or the seafood stalls of Houbihu, those in the know head to the western coast of the Hengchun Peninsula to find Wanlitong (萬里桐). This quiet, picturesque fishing village offers a more intimate connection with the ocean. With its sprawling intertidal zone and some of the healthiest reef systems in Kenting, Wanlitong is a sanctuary for snorkelers, divers, and travelers looking for the "authentic" side of Southern Taiwan.

Why Wanlitong is a Must-Visit

1. A Marine Life Wonderland

Wanlitong is famous for its shallow coral reefs (3–8 meters), which are teeming with life. Because the bay is relatively protected from strong currents, it creates a stable environment for a staggering variety of species.

• The Stars of the Sea: It is a paradise for "macro" lovers. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful nudibranchs, camouflaged frogfish, and delicate seahorses.
• Beginner Friendly: The calm, clear water makes it the #1 choice for first-time snorkelers and those taking their PADI Open Water introductory dives.

2. The Magic of the Intertidal Zone

At low tide, Wanlitong reveals a massive limestone reef flat. This intertidal zone becomes a natural classroom where you can observe crabs, brittle stars, and sea urchins in shallow tide pools. It is a fantastic educational experience for families with children.

3. Iconic Sunsets & "Cape No. 7" Nostalgia

Wanlitong gained international fame as a filming location for the blockbuster Taiwanese movie Cape No. 7. The stone wall overlooking the sea is the perfect place to sit with a cold drink and watch the sun dip below the horizon. The sunsets here are widely considered some of the most beautiful in all of Taiwan.

Plan Your Wanlitong Adventure

How to Get There

• By Scooter/Car: From Hengchun Town, it is a scenic 10-15 minute drive heading west.
• By Bus: Take the Kenting Shuttle (Blue Line) from Hengchun or Kenting Main Street, which stops directly at Wanlitong.

Pro-Tips for Your Visit

• Go Night Diving: Wanlitong is one of the best spots in Kenting for a night dive. Under the glow of a dive light, you can witness fluorescent corals and nocturnal hunters like octopuses and lobsters that stay hidden during the day.
• Cafe Culture: The village is home to several charming "Blue and White" Mediterranean-style cafes. Grab a coffee after your swim and enjoy the sea breeze.
• Respect the Reef: This is a sensitive ecological area. Please do not step on the coral and avoid wearing traditional sunscreen—opt for reef-safe zinc or a long-sleeved rash guard instead.