Kaohsiung's southern position makes it a base for the southern half of Taiwan. Kenting, at the island's tropical tip, is about two hours by bus down the coast — beaches, snorkelling and the national park. Tainan, Taiwan's old capital, is 40 minutes by HSR or 90 minutes on the slower TRA train and has the strongest concentration of historic temples on the island. Alishan, a mountain forest with the famous narrow-gauge railway and sunrise views over a sea of clouds, takes longer — leave very early or stay a night.
For closer options, Fo Guang Shan monastery (covered under Things to Do), Maolin Recreation Area with its butterfly valleys, and the riverside town of Meinong with its Hakka culture and tea houses are all under 90 minutes by bus or car.
