Eluanbi Cape Lighthouse 鵝鑾鼻燈塔

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Eluanbi Lighthouse is a nice place to relax on the very southern tip of Taiwan in Kenting National Park. It is surrounded by grassy park and hiking trails through tropical forests with coral rocks. It is also within walking distance the most southern tip of the island of Taiwan on Cape Eluanbi. It is a must visit place for travelers to Taiwan. 

Background:
The lighthouse is named after Cape Eluanbi, the most southern point of Taiwan. The lighthouse is also know as the light of East Asia because it is the brightest lighthouse in Taiwan. It was constructed in 1883 during the Qing Dynasty. At the time, 500 soldiers were sent to protect the lighthouse against native Paiwan aboriginal tribesmen. The lighthouse served as a fort also. 
Later the lighthouse was damaged by Qing Officials as they lost control of the island, and the Empire of Japan later repaired the lighthouse. 
The lighthouse was then damaged by allied bombing raids.
After WWII, the ROC rebuilt the lighthouse again, and it was opened to the public in 1982.

Price:
Bicycle Rental: 60 NT per person

Riding Time: 
The whole bike route is about 20 KM and takes 1-2 hours to complete.
We were going really slow with many pit stops and it took us 2 hours. 

Hours:
Roughly 7 AM to 6 PM, varying depending on the season. 

When to go:
Probably winter is the best time to go, because during the summer it can get really hot and there is not much shade around. 

How to get there:
By Bus: Take bus 9188 from Hengchun to Eluanbi Bus stop. It take about an hour to get there. 
By Car/Scooter: Drive south on provincial highway 26 until you reach Eluanbi Park. There is paid parking right next to the park entrance. 

Map:
Please see below:

Our Journey:

I have been to Eluanbi Park about three times. It is definitely a must stop in Taiwan because it is the most southern point of the island. 

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For a full view of the area, check out our drone footage above. 

We visited on a busy day in 2020, and it was hot.

Before entering the park, you must pass through a hall of souvenirs, a tourist trap if I ever saw one. 

There is also Baoan Temple nearby.

Another view of the temple. 

Admission is 60 NT per person. 

There is a beautiful grass area in front of the lighthouse, but it can get hot fast. Bring some cover or sunscreen. 

There are some palm trees which provide some shade. 

Which are quickly taken over by people. 

Path to the lighthouse. 

View in front of the lighthouse. 

"The Symbol of Kenting National Park"
"The symbol of Kenting National Park is comprised of a blue sky white clouds, mountains, and ocean. 
The symbol indicates that Kenting National Park areas cover both land and sea and that the weather is warm year round."

View of the peninsula to the north. 

Eluanbi stone tablet. 

Entrance to the light house. 

"The Eluanbi Lighthouse"
"Since 1867, lots of shipwreck accidents have occurred along the coast of the Hengchun Peninsula, therefore the Qing Court entrusted members of the Royal Geological Society to prospect for a suitable place to build a lighthouse. Under the supervision of English Engineers, Eluanbi Lighthouse was built in 1882. To prevent foreigners from colluding with aborigines, the lighthouse was equipped with a moat, cannons, and a surrounding wall with loopholes for firing. Soldiers were sent to guard it, making it one of the few fortified lighthouses in the world.
The lighthouse was blown up by retreating Qing Soldiers in 1895 and was rebuilt by the Japanese in 1898. It was heavily bombed during WWI and was rebuilt after the restoration of Taiwan. Now it is a well-preserved historical site within Kenting National Park. With an luminosity 1.8 million candle power, Eluanbi Lighthouse is the most powerful lighthouse in Taiwan and has been known as the "Beacon of East Asia."

Corridor inside the lighthouse.

Model of the lighthouse, on the firt floor.

Historical photos. 

View north from the lighthouse.

Another view of the lighthouse. 

Old dormitory that was off limits.

Side wall.

View of the front of the lighthouse.

See above for more drone photos of the area. 

If you walk further south through the forest you will come to the most southern point in Taiwan.

Taiwan's most southern point looks like this and is mainly just coral rock.

You can walk out and touch the water, but be careful.

Thanks for reading, stay tuned for more blogs on Kenting to come!

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