Kenting National Park is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and popular water activities such as diving, surfing, parasailing, and jet skiing are regulated and thriving. Three years ago, the Kenting National Park Administration opened six areas for non-motorized kayaking as legal water zones.
Operators are required to have proper registration, provide life jackets, and each qualified instructor can have a maximum of 10 guests.
Following the success of Checheng Township and Houwan Community, Manzhou Township’s Gangkou Village, which has become a highlight of community ecotourism in recent years, started operating last week after more than a year of preparation, offering a new choice for water activities in the Kenting area.
Non-motorized kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are suitable for playing in calm lakes and nearshore areas with small waves.
The Kenting National Park Administration has included six legal water zones in the “Management Plan for Recreational Activities in the Kenting National Park Marine Area.
These include the early trial area of Houwan in Checheng, as well as the right side of Nanwan Beach in Kenting, Chuanfanshi (Sail Rock), the eastern channel of Houwan Lake, the Wanlitong area in Hengchun, and the mouth of Gangkou Creek in Manzhou Township.
For the safety of visitors, the activity range is limited to within 200 meters from the shore, primarily operated by local communities. Operators are required to have proper registration, provide life jackets, and have qualified instructors.
Opening up non-motorized kayaking areas is not only a concrete effort to practice environmental friendliness but also adds highlights to community ecotourism!
Opening up non-motorized kayaking areas is not only a concrete effort to practice environmental friendliness but also adds highlights to community ecotourism!”
Gu Rongfu 古榮福, the head of Manzhou Township, said that motorized watercraft such as jet skis and boats emit exhaust gases that pollute the environment.
In contrast, kayaking relies on personal physical paddling, making it an “earth-friendly” way to experience the sea. With the guidance of professional instructors who hold certifications and are familiar with water rescue, tides, and currents, visitors can safely explore the charming scenery of Gangkou Creek, embark on a sea journey, and enjoy the dialogue between humans and the ocean.
Yang Xiulan 楊秀蘭, the director of the Gangkou Community Development Association in Manzhou Township, said that Gangkou Village is a small fishing village located on the outskirts of Kenting National Park.
In addition to the well-known Jialeshui Scenic Area, the community has been promoting ecotourism in recent years.
This includes activities such as crab watching, visiting the Banyan Garden established by the Forestry Research Institute, and experiencing Gangkou tea, one of the “Three Treasures of Hengchun.”
These activities promote environmentally friendly and carbon-light travel. The local area is also known for surfing in Kenting, and the newly developed kayaking tours have a low environmental impact and high safety. They have received positive feedback from families with children.