Kaohsiung

Are you looking for a unique and exciting destination for your next boating adventure? If so, you might want to consider Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest port city and third-largest metropolitan hub. Kaohsiung is a vibrant and modern city that offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and a variety of water activities for boating enthusiasts. Whether you want to sail along the coast, explore nearby islands, or enjoy the city’s attractions, Kaohsiung has everything you hoped for and then some. In this article, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to plan your perfect boating trip to Kaohsiung, including the best itineraries, experiences, activities, beaches, and safety information. Let’s get started!

Top 5 Nearby Destinations

One of the best ways to enjoy Kaohsiung is by boat. Whether you're interested in Taiwan yacht charters, or motor boat rentals in Taiwan, you can cruise along the Kaohsiung Harbor, the Love River, or the Taiwan Strait. You can also visit some nearby destinations easily accessible by boat from Kaohsiung. Here are our top 5 recommendations:

Cijin Island: Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Kaohsiung, this small island offers attractions like the Cijin Lighthouse and the Cijin Old Street. It's perfect for seafood lovers and beach-goers. Consider Kaohsiung yacht rentals for a full-day exploration or even party boat rentals in Taiwan or party boat rentals in Kaohsiung for a festive day out.

Xiaoliuqiu Island: About an hour's boat ride from Kaohsiung, Xiaoliuqiu Island is renowned for its coral reefs and ecological conservation. It's a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. A peaceful and relaxing destination, it offers an opportunity to connect with nature and local culture.

Kenting National Park: This national park at the southern tip of Taiwan is known for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. A boat trip from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park allows you to enjoy stunning coastal views. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventurers, offering both daytime exploration and vibrant nightlife.

Penghu Islands: Located in the Taiwan Strait, the Penghu Islands consist of 90 islands and islets, famous for their beaches, waters, and volcanic rock formations. Ideal for various water sports, these islands provide a picturesque journey from Kaohsiung. They're a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the island life and culture of Taiwan.

Tainan: As Taiwan's oldest city, Tainan is a treasure trove of history, culture, and gastronomy. Approximately an hour and a half by boat from Kaohsiung, Tainan offers a blend of historical sites and local culinary delights. It's a great place to learn about Taiwan's history and indulge in local flavors.

Each destination offers a unique aspect of Taiwan’s diverse landscape and culture, making them perfect for a varied boating adventure. Whether you're seeking a leisurely cruise or an action-packed excursion, options like renting a boat in Taiwan for a week provide flexibility and excitement for your maritime journey.

Top Experiences: Local Attractions

Kaohsiung is not only a great base for boating trips, but also a fascinating city to explore on land. Kaohsiung has a lot of local attractions that showcase its culture, art, and lifestyle. Here are some of the top experiences that you should not miss in Kaohsiung:

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: This is one of the largest and most impressive Buddhist museums in the world, located about 30 kilometers northeast of Kaohsiung. It covers an area of over 100 hectares, and it features a giant Buddha statue, a pagoda, a monastery, a library, and a museum. The museum displays a collection of Buddhist relics, artifacts, and artworks from different countries and traditions. It also hosts various exhibitions, events, and activities throughout the year. You can visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum by bus, taxi, or car from Kaohsiung, and spend a few hours or a whole day admiring the architecture, the art, and the spirituality of the place6

Pier 2 Art Center: This is a creative and cultural hub in Kaohsiung, located at the harbor front. It was formerly a warehouse area, but it has been transformed into a vibrant and colorful art center that houses various galleries, studios, cafes, and shops. You can also find a lot of street art, sculptures, and installations around the area, making it a great place for photography and exploration. You can visit the Pier 2 Art Center by MRT, bus, bike, or foot from Kaohsiung, and enjoy the artistic and lively atmosphere. You can also catch some live performances, festivals, and markets on weekends7

Love River: This is a river that runs through the heart of Kaohsiung, and it is a symbol of the city’s romance and charm. The river is lined with parks, bridges, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can stroll along the river, or take a boat ride and enjoy the views of the city and the water. You can also visit some of the attractions along the river, such as the Holy Rosary Cathedral, the Kaohsiung Museum of History, and the Kaohsiung Film Archive. The Love River is especially beautiful at night, when it is illuminated by colorful lights and reflections8

Lotus Pond: This is a scenic and serene lake in Kaohsiung, located in the Zuoying District. It is surrounded by temples, pavilions, and pagodas, creating a picturesque and peaceful setting. The most famous attractions on the lake are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, which are two seven-story towers that are shaped like a dragon and a tiger. You can enter through the mouth of the dragon and exit through the mouth of the tiger, symbolizing turning bad luck into good luck. You can also visit some of the other attractions on the lake, such as the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, the Confucius Temple, and the Wuli Pavilion. You can visit the Lotus Pond by MRT, bus, bike, or car from Kaohsiung, and spend a relaxing and enjoyable time9

85 Sky Tower: This is the tallest building in Kaohsiung, and the second tallest in Taiwan. It is located in the Lingya District, and it stands at 347 meters high. It is a mixed-use skyscraper that contains a hotel, an office, a shopping mall, and an observation deck. You can visit the 85 Sky Tower by MRT, bus, or car from Kaohsiung, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the harbor from the 74th floor. You can also dine at the revolving restaurant on the 75th floor, or shop at the mall on the lower floors. The 85 Sky Tower is a landmark and a symbol of Kaohsiung’s modernity and prosperity10

Activities & Best Beaches

Kaohsiung is not only a great base for boating trips, but also a fun and exciting city to enjoy various activities and beaches. Whether you are looking for some adrenaline, relaxation, or entertainment, Kaohsiung has something for you. Here are some of the activities and beaches that you can try in Kaohsiung:

Sailing in Kaohsiung: If you love sailing, or want to learn how to sail, Kaohsiung is the perfect place for you. Kaohsiung has a large and beautiful harbor, as well as a sailing center that offers courses and rentals for sailing enthusiasts. You can rent a sailboat in Kaohsiung and enjoy the freedom and thrill of sailing on the water. You can also join a sailing club or a sailing tour and meet other sailors and learn from them. Sailing in Kaohsiung is a great way to experience the city from a different perspective and to have a memorable adventure.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: If you are looking for some more extreme water sports, you can try windsurfing or kitesurfing in Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung has a lot of windy and sunny days, making it ideal for these sports. You can find several spots along the coast where you can rent equipment and take lessons, such as the Sizihwan Bay, the Qijin Beach, and the Cijin Wind Turbine Park. You can also join a windsurfing or kitesurfing club or a tour and have fun with other enthusiasts. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are challenging and exhilarating sports that will test your skills and stamina.

Cycling and Biking: If you prefer to stay on land, you can also enjoy cycling and biking in Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung has a lot of bike paths and trails that allow you to explore the city and the countryside. You can rent a bike or a scooter from one of the many rental stations or shops in Kaohsiung, or bring your own. You can also join a cycling or biking tour and follow a guide or a map. Some of the best routes and places to cycle or bike in Kaohsiung are the Love River Bike Path, the Kaohsiung Harbor Bike Path, the Cijin Island Bike Path, the Meinong Hakka Village, and the Dashu Old Railway Bridge. Cycling and biking are healthy and eco-friendly ways to enjoy Kaohsiung and its surroundings.

Night Markets and Shopping: If you are looking for some shopping and dining options, you can visit one of the many night markets and shopping malls in Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung is famous for its night markets, where you can find a variety of food, snacks, drinks, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy the lively and festive atmosphere, and mingle with the locals and other tourists. Some of the most popular night markets in Kaohsiung are the Liuhe Night Market, the Ruifeng Night Market, the Kaisyuan Night Market, and the Jin-Zuan Night Market. If you prefer a more modern and comfortable shopping experience, you can also visit one of the many shopping malls in Kaohsiung, such as the Dream Mall, the Taroko Park, the Hanshin Arena, and the Sanduo Shopping District. Shopping and eating are some of the best ways to experience the culture and lifestyle of Kaohsiung.

Museums and Art Galleries: If you are interested in art and culture, you can also visit some of the museums and art galleries in Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung has a lot of museums and art galleries that showcase the history, culture, and art of the city and the country. You can learn about the past and present of Kaohsiung, and admire the works of local and international artists. Some of the best museums and art galleries in Kaohsiung are the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, the Kaohsiung Museum of History, the Kaohsiung Maritime Museum, the Kaohsiung Hakka Cultural Museum, and the Kaohsiung Museum of Labor. Museums and art galleries are educational and inspirational places to visit in Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung has a lot of beautiful and diverse beaches that are perfect for relaxing, swimming, surfing, or sunbathing. You can find sandy, rocky, or pebbly beaches, as well as urban, rural, or island beaches. You can also enjoy the views of the sea, the sky, and the mountains from the beaches. Here are some of the best beaches in Kaohsiung:

Sizihwan Bay: This is a bay located at the western end of Kaohsiung, near the Cijin Island. It has a sandy beach that is popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. You can also enjoy the views of the sunset, the harbor, and the city from the beach. You can also visit some of the attractions near the beach, such as the Sizihwan Sunset Plaza, the British Consulate at Takow, and the National Sun Yat-sen University. Sizihwan Bay is a romantic and scenic beach in Kaohsiung.

Qijin Beach: This is a beach located on the Cijin Island, across the harbor from Kaohsiung. It has a long and wide sandy beach that is popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. You can also enjoy the views of the ocean, the sky, and the island from the beach. You can also visit some of the attractions on the island, such as the Cijin Lighthouse, the Cijin Wind Turbine Park, and the Cijin Old Street. Qijin Beach is a lively and fun beach in Kaohsiung.

Baishawan Beach: This is a beach located in the Dashu District, about 20 kilometers south of Kaohsiung. It has a pebbly beach that is popular for swimming, fishing, and camping. You can also enjoy the views of the mountains, the forest, and the lake from the beach. You can also visit some of the attractions near the beach, such as the Baishawan Visitor Center, the Baishawan Wetland Park, and the Baishawan Forest Recreation Area. Baishawan Beach is a natural and tranquil beach in Kaohsiung.

Dapeng Bay: This is a bay located in the Donggang Township, about 40 kilometers south of Kaohsiung. It has a large and shallow lagoon that is popular for sailing, kayaking, and birdwatching. You can also enjoy the views of the mangroves, the wetlands, and the islands from the bay. You can also visit some of the attractions around the bay, such as the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, the Dapeng Bay Bridge, and the Donglong Temple. Dapeng Bay is a beautiful and serene beach in Kaohsiung.

Kenting Beach: This is a beach located in the Kenting National Park, about 100 kilometers south of Kaohsiung. It has a sandy beach that is popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. You can also enjoy the views of the coral reefs, the marine life, and the cliffs from the beach. You can also visit some of the attractions in the park, such as the Eluanbi Lighthouse, the Longpan Park, and the Hengchun Old Town. Kenting Beach is a stunning and exotic beach in Kaohsiung.

Safety and Emergency Information

Kaohsiung is a safe and friendly city, but it is always good to be prepared and cautious when traveling. Here are some safety and emergency information that you should know before and during your boating trip to Kaohsiung:

Weather and Climate: Kaohsiung has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters. The average temperature ranges from 18°C in January to 29°C in July. The rainy season is from May to September, and the typhoon season is from July to October. You should check the weather forecast and the typhoon warning before you plan your boating trip, and avoid sailing in bad weather conditions. You should also bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent for your trip.

Boating Regulations and Licenses: Kaohsiung has a set of boating regulations and licenses that you should follow and obtain before you rent a boat or sail in Kaohsiung. You should have a valid boating license or certificate from your country or from Taiwan, and you should register your boat and your itinerary with the local authorities. You should also follow the navigation rules and the speed limits, and respect the marine environment and the wildlife. You should also have the necessary equipment and safety devices on your boat, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, radios, and GPS. You can find more information about the boating regulations and licenses in Kaohsiung on the official website of the Kaohsiung City Government.

Emergency Contacts: In case of emergency, you should know how to contact the local authorities and the emergency services in Kaohsiung. Here are some of the important emergency contacts that you should save on your phone: Police: 110, Fire and Ambulance: 119, Coast Guard: 118, Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau: 07-562-2111, Kaohsiung City Government: 1999, Taiwan Tourism Bureau: 0800-011-765, Foreign Affairs Police: 0800-024-111. You should also have your personal information, such as your name, passport number, address, and insurance details, ready in case of emergency. You should also inform your family and friends of your boating trip and your whereabouts, and keep in touch with them regularly.