Travel Guide: Big Nose Inn (大鼻旅店), Kenting

Introduction

Tucked in the laid-back, tree-lined residential area of central Hengchun, just a short ride from Kenting’s most iconic beaches, Big Nose Inn (大鼻旅店) is a charming, traveler-focused accommodation ideal for solo backpackers, family groups, and couples exploring Taiwan’s sun-drenched southern tropical coast.

Hotel Overview

Located at 58, Alley 194, Hengnan Road, Hengchun Township, this cozy, locally run inn prioritizes comfort and convenience for all guests. Accommodation options include spacious non-smoking family rooms, and every room comes with a private en-suite bathroom stocked with essentials, linens, ample closet and changing space, tea and coffee making facilities, an electric kettle, flat-screen TV, and adjustable air conditioning. Free WiFi is available across the entire property, and a standout amenity is the sunny shared terrace with outdoor furniture, perfect for sipping morning coffee or watching vivid tropical sunsets. The multilingual team speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and offers services including paid airport shuttle, luggage storage, private check-in/out, tour booking, and paid baby stroller rental. Guests can rent bikes for free on-site, and the inn can arrange paid off-site adventures including horse riding, diving, and canoeing. Note that there is no on-site parking available at the property.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable spots are all within a 25-minute drive of the inn: First, Hengchun Old East Gate, just a 10-minute walk away. This well-preserved 19th-century historic city gate is the most iconic landmark of old Hengchun, surrounded by cozy retro cafes and street food stalls serving local favorites like grilled wild squid and creamy papaya milk. Second, Kenting Main Beach, a 12-minute drive south. This expansive golden sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and casual snorkeling along the shallow coral reef just offshore. Third, Jialeshui Scenic Area, a 22-minute drive north. Famous for its dramatic wind-carved rock formations and rolling wild surf, it’s a quiet alternative to crowded central Kenting beaches, ideal for coastal hiking and landscape photography.

Travel Tips

If you’re traveling around Kenting by scooter (the most popular local mode of transport), free street parking for scooters is available just outside the inn, while drivers can use a well-priced public parking lot a 5-minute walk away. Book any water activities through the inn’s tour desk to get discounted rates and avoid common tourist scams. Pack reef-safe sunscreen for all coastal outings to protect Kenting’s fragile coral reef ecosystems, and request a room with a terrace view when booking if you plan to visit during the annual spring Kenting Music Festival for unbeatable people-watching.