Maobitou

Maobitou sits on the western edge of South Bay inside Kenting National Park and marks one of the southernmost points of Taiwan Island. The cape is a low, rocky headland shaped in local parlance as “Cat Nose Head”, a name reflecting the Chinese characters 貓鼻頭.

Geologically the site is a coastal promontory with exposed rock platforms and grassy headlands rather than sandy beaches; it forms a natural counterpart to the more heavily visited Eluanbi headland to the east. The cape offers open sea views and is often wind-swept, with waves breaking on the rocks below.

Visiting Maobitou is straightforward and typically a short stop on a Kenting coastline route; expect paved viewing areas and paths down to rocky foreshore ledges rather than long beaches or extensive facilities. Because it lies within a national park, the immediate surroundings are kept relatively natural and protected.

• Clifftop viewpoint: A compact paved viewing area gives broad panoramas over South Bay and the open ocean, good for photos and sunset watching.
• View toward Eluanbi: From the cape you can look across the southern channel to Eluanbi Lighthouse and the eastern headlands of Kenting.
• Rock platforms and tidal pools: Low rocky shelves expose coastal rock formations and small tidal pools at lower tides, useful for close-up seaside exploration.
• South Bay panorama: The cape forms the western boundary of South Bay, providing a sweeping view along the bay and its shoreline.
• Sunset and sea light: Clear days and evenings offer colorful sunsets over the western horizon and glowing light on the cape’s rocks.

Maobitou is in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, within easy reach of the Kenting area; the nearest major city is Kaohsiung, which handles most flights and long-distance transport for southern Taiwan.

The cape lies close to Highway 26, so after arriving in Kaohsiung or Pingtung you can reach Maobitou by regional bus, a local taxi, or a rented scooter or car for the final stretch; check local bus routes and schedules for connections into Hengchun and Kenting.

• Watch the weather in summer and typhoon season; heavy rain and rough seas make the coast slippery and visibility poor.
• Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven, often wet rock platforms and hold children close near the cliff edges.
• Bring sun protection and water - shade and services are limited at the headland itself.
• Visit around sunset for the best light, but arrive before dusk if you plan to walk back on foot or take public transport.
• Respect Kenting National Park rules and avoid stepping on fragile coastal plants or coral fragments.