Typhoon Doksuri, a mid-strength typhoon, is approaching Taiwan, with the Pingtung Hengchun Peninsula being the first to bear the impact.
Following the Disaster Prevention and Rescue Act, the county government has announced the coastal areas as restricted zones.
As a result, all recreational beaches in Kenting have been closed since early this morning, and water activity operators have moved their equipment to the shore.
The beaches along the west coast of Kenting National Park are mainly composed of soft, white shell sand.
Among these shell beaches, the one located on Sand Island (Shadao) has the highest proportion of shells. It was designated early on by the Kenting National Park Management Office as a protected ecological area, where entry is prohibited. Despite this restriction, it remains a highly popular attraction.
Other popular beaches in the area, such as Nanwan, Baisha, Xiaowan, and Chuanfan rock (Sail Rock), have been designated as recreational areas to accommodate the demands of tourism and recreation.
You can see current situation of weather in Nanwan beach in this live cam
Among the various recreational beaches in Kenting, Nanwan Beach, located next to Provincial Highway 26, stretches 800 meters long.
Set against the backdrop of palm trees and the blue sky with white clouds, it is considered comparable to the beaches of Hawaii in the United States and Pattaya in Thailand. Due to its convenient transportation, ample parking, and a wide range of accommodation options, Nanwan Beach holds the title of the most popular water activity area in Kenting. However, it is also the most complained about recreational beach by tourists. The main grievances involve onshore operators haphazardly piling up equipment and engaging in disorderly solicitation of customers, creating an untidy and chaotic landscape.
Chaotic landscape of Nanwan beach
“Truly, we have to thank Typhoon Doksuri for allowing us to see the ‘natural’ beauty of Nanwan,” said Hengchun resident Zhang Longxiang.
“It’s truly stunning!” Nanwan is a popular recreational beach known for its convenient transportation and diverse accommodation options.
Various water activities thrive here, and on weekends and holidays, the beach is usually crowded with people playing in the water and rented umbrellas covering the shore. Even after the crowds disperse in the evening, the umbrella stands are often left behind. Today, thanks to Typhoon Dujuan’s impact, Nanwan has recovered its beautiful and clean appearance.
After the typhoon passed, the beach is now filled with driftwood, a rare sight to behold.
Take a full 360 degree virtual tour walk on Nanwan beach