Kenting's HOTTEST Hostel: Paradise Found! (Taiwan)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into Paradise Found! in Kenting, Taiwan. Forget picture-perfect brochures; I'm giving you the REAL deal, the good, the bad, and the gloriously messy. This is my uncensored Kenting hostel review, so grab a cocktail (or three), because it's a long one.
Paradise Found! - Kenting Hostel Review: The Unfiltered Truth
First things first: Accessibility. This is a big one for me. I'm thrilled to report that Paradise Found! *attempts* to be accommodating. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator," which is a HUGE plus in a location like Kenting. However, you'll always want to call ahead. I always assume there are nuances I don't see. I REALLY wish more hotels would provide VERY specific information and photos of the accessibility of their rooms and facilities.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is a big one for me recently!
- Anti-viral, Daily Disinfection, Professional Sanitzation, I can get behind that.
- Rooms sanitized before check-in! Love that!
- Hand Sanitizer, Masks: Good.
- Physical Distancing: Always a challenge, but a good effort.
- Hygiene Certification: Makes me happy.
I didn't SEE every single thing but I definitely felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food!
Okay, let's talk grub. Honestly, the food situation at Paradise Found! is a bit of a mixed bag.
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside Bar, Coffee Shop: Okay, now we're talking! Variety is the spice of life, right?
- A la carte / Buffet: A classic.
- Asian and Western Cuisine: Get ready for some fusion fun.
- Breakfast: From an all-out buffet to Asian options (hello, congee!).
I'm a HUGE fan of good coffee, and the coffee shop really delivered! I could sit there for hours. The pool bar was equally awesome.
The Room: My Little Oasis (Maybe?)
Alright, let's get personal. The room is… well, it depends.
- Air Conditioning: THANK GOD for air conditioning. Kenting is HOT.
- Free Wi-Fi: Yes! And it worked, unlike some hostels where you're stuck staring at the ceiling.
- Extra Long Bed: YES! Always a win.
- Blackout Curtains: Awesome!
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Indispensable in my book.
- Other Stuff: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens
The soundproofing was pretty good. I didn't get woken up by the party animals next door.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- 24-Hour Front Desk: Peace of mind.
- Laundry Service: Essential for backpackers.
- Luggage Storage: A lifesaver when you're trying to explore before/after check-in.
- Concierge: Always nice to have someone to ask for local tips.
- Cash Withdrawal: Very useful.
- Daily Housekeeping: Love it!
- Gift Shop: Okay, I’m a sucker for souvenirs.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams!
Okay, this is where Paradise Found! really shines, at least in theory.
- Swimming Pool (Outdoor): A definite must in Kenting.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Sigh. Yes, please. Especially after a day of exploring.
- Massage: Did I mention sigh?
- Fitness Center: Okay, I didn't actually use it, but it's there!
- Pool with a View: I did mention.
I'm going to say, I wish I’d had more time to enjoy these things!
The Vibe: What's the Hostel Really Like?
This is the hard part. The vibe is… well, it depends. It's a big hostel, so you get a mixed bag of people. I met some amazing people, but I also saw some… shall we say… enthusiastic partiers. If you're looking for a quiet, zen retreat, this might not be it. But if you want to meet people, have a few drinks, and have a good time, then you’ll probably have a blast.
The Quirks and Imperfections: Let's Keep it Real!
Okay, here's the truth: nothing is perfect. The breakfast buffet could be packed. The Wi-Fi occasionally hiccuped. The elevator, while present, could be busy. And the number of Instagrammers taking photos by the pool will always be a factor. But, hey, that's part of the fun, right?
My Unsolicited Opinion: Would I Go Back? YES!
Despite any minor hiccups, and the occasional noisy neighbor, I’d absolutely go back to Paradise Found! It's clean, it's lively, it’s got a great location, and it's got all the amenities you could want. It isn't perfect. But it's really, really good.
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Final Word: My Offer to YOU!
Right now, if you book your stay at Paradise Found! through this review (that's a wink, wink, nudge, nudge), I promise you'll get the best experience possible! I'd highlight something along the lines of:
"Book your Kenting adventure at Paradise Found! today and get a FREE cocktail at the pool bar! Plus, use code 'KENTINGFUN' to get a bonus discount on your first massage at their incredible spa. Let's be honest, you deserve it! Just don't forget to tip the bartender."
(This is, of course, assuming I'm not being paid by the hotel, in which case I'd sound a lot MORE enthusiastic. But hey, this is the raw, unfiltered truth, right?)
So, go on. Book that trip. You’ll probably have a blast. Just, you know, bring earplugs. And maybe a good book to counteract any potential noise. Have fun in Kenting!
Escape to Paradise: The Village Resort Mandvi, India - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned, sterile travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and caffeine-fueled adventure that is… Kenting Leisure Hostel, Taiwan! This is less a schedule and more a… a loosely-knitted tapestry of hopes, anxieties, and the inevitable sunburn.
Kenting Chaos: A Totally Unofficial, Probably Improvised Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Bewilderment, and the Quest for Decent Coffee (and maybe a decent shower)
- 14:00 - 15:00: Arrival & The Great Baggie Blunder. Okay, lemme tell you, the ferry ride to Kenting was… eventful. Picture this: me, a slightly seasick, jet-lagged mess hauling three suitcases that are definitely too big (I'm a champion packer, I swear). Then, the luggage… well, let's just say my bag decided to channel its inner Houdini and escape the airport carousel. Found it later, clinging to the side of a conveyor belt like a terrified koala. I'm pretty sure it needed therapy. Finally made it to Kenting Leisure Hostel. The lobby smelt like a mixture of air conditioning and yesterday's noodles, but hey, it’s cheap, right?
- 15:00 - 16:00: Showering Struggles and Hostel Hunt. Okay, now about the shower. The water pressure was basically a polite drizzle. Showering felt more like a gentle misting, but honestly, after that ferry ride, anything was an improvement. Wandering around the hostel afterward. I spotted a group of backpackers playing a game of cards, looking like they’d been living off instant noodles for a month, which, knowing me, will be most of my trip.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Caffeine Catastrophe & Dinner Daze. Urgent mission: Locate caffeine. I found a tiny café nearby, and it was the most crucial mission of my trip. After some very helpful translation with my phone, I managed to order a "Large Americano," which turned into something vaguely resembling brown water. The coffee was absolutely tragic. Dinner: Night Market! I aimed for street food glory, dreaming of explosion-in-my-mouth flavors. Realistically, ended up with a plate of deep-fried questionable things and a slightly burnt chicken skewer. But hey, it was an experience, right?
- 18:00 - 21:00: Beach Stroll and the Twilight Zone. Sunset at the beach. The water was a stunning shade of turquoise, and the sand was gloriously warm. Took a stroll, watching the sun sink into the ocean. Pure bliss. I felt a tiny pang of homesickness, but the beauty around me was overwhelming. Until the mosquitos came… I got bitten ten times. I swear they were the size of small birds. Retreat!
- 21:00 - Bedtime: I passed out like a rock. I'm pretty sure I didn’t even put on any PJs.
Day 2: Snorkelling, Sunburns, and the Existential Dread of Sand
- 09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast Barrage: After waking up, I went for the free breakfast (toast and PB jelly). Free is a good word, right?
- 10:00 - 13:00: Snorkelling Spectacular (Mostly Spectacular). The plan? Snorkelling at Nanwan Beach. The reality? A lot of awkward flailing in flippers and me swallowing half the ocean. The coral reefs were gorgeous like something out of a David Attenborough documentary. Saw a fish that looked like it was judging my snorkelling technique. Got back and realised I was burned to a crisp, I definitely should have brought sunscreen.
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch and Regret: I grabbed some noodles and a coke – which was the best thing I had eaten all day. And by the way, I got more sunburnt.
- 14:00 - 17:00: Motorbike Mayhem (and minor existential crisis). Rented a scooter. I have never ridden a scooter before, but the instructions seemed simple. Simple… until I almost ran over a flock of chickens and had to be helped off the road by a kind local. Afterwards, I had an existential crisis about my life choices whilst staring out at the ocean. But, at least the ride was fun.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Sunset & Souvenir Shenanigans. I was drawn back to the beach for sunset, feeling somewhat defeated but also strangely content. Found a souvenir shop and blew way too much money on postcards. The sand was still everywhere, even in my hair.
- 19:00 - Bedtime: Pizza. Bed.
Day 3: Lighthouse, Lost in Translation, and a Farewell Feast (Maybe)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Another pathetic attempt at breakfast.
- 10:00 - 12:00: Eluanbi Lighthouse. I swear, lighthouses are more beautiful in real life. Pictures don't do it justice! Just, wow.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. By which I mean, I'll probably just end up searching for a shop for an hour and then getting a pre-made sandwich and a can of cold tea.
- 13:00 - 17:00: More Exploring: I have absolutely no plans. I might attempt to visit somewhere far away as well. More scooters? Sure, why not? Maybe I'll try to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Probably fail miserably.
- 17:00 - 20:00: Farewell Dinner and Possible Tears. Searching for Kenting's best seafood. I've been told it’s amazing. If I find it, expect a celebratory post! If not… well, there's always instant noodles in the hostel.
- 20:00 - Bedtime: (Hopefully). Pack, cry, and try to mentally prepare for the journey home.
Important Notes (or, Disclaimers):
- Flexibility is Key: This "itinerary" is more of a suggestion. Embrace the unexpected! Get lost! Eat questionable food! It's all part of the adventure!
- Caffeine Dependency: Pack extra caffeine. Lots of it. You'll need it.
- Sunscreen is Your Friend: Seriously. Don't be like me. Apply religiously!
- Embrace the Mess: It's okay if things don't go as planned. Half the fun is the chaos.
- Most importantly? Relax, breathe, and enjoy the ride. Taiwan is amazing, even with the questionable coffee and the luggage-theft-conveyor-belt-drama.
Wish me luck!!
P.S. Send help (and maybe some aloe vera).
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Wildland Resort Vietnam
Paradise Found Hostel: Reality Check Edition - Your Questions (and My Rambles!)
Okay, spill the tea: Is Paradise Found *actually* paradise?
Alright, let's start with the brutal truth: no, it's not literal, palm-trees-whispering-golden-sunsets paradise. It's *Kenting* paradise, which is pretty damn good! Look, it's a hostel, so ditch the pretense of five-star luxury. Think more… vibrant chaos, in the best way. I mean, I went there expecting, you know, social media perfection. Instead, I got a sweaty dorm room (air con was *working* but still...Kenting humidity, right?), a questionable coffee situation (more on that later), and friendships forged over lukewarm beer. It’s paradise adjacent. Solid 7/10, would recommend to a friend (if they’re cool with sharing a bunk with someone who snores like a rusty engine).
What's the vibe like? Is it a party hostel or chill zone?
Oh man, this is a big one. It's… a glorious, wonderfully messy mashup. They *say* it's both, and they're not lying. During the day, you've got people nursing hangovers, reading books, or trying to decipher the map of Kenting (which, let's be honest, is harder than it looks). At night? WHOA. Think loud music, competitive beer pong tournaments, and the general sense that you'll somehow end up befriending a group of Australians who are *very* enthusiastic about karaoke. My advice? Embrace it. Don’t be afraid to join in the chaos! One night, I ended up having a philosophical debate about pineapple on pizza with a guy who claimed he was a space wizard. Pure gold. The first few nights, I was a bit shy. I just kind of wandered around, clutching my travel mug, probably looking intensely awkward. Then, the karaoke kicked in and, well, everything changed.
The dorm rooms: Cozy or claustrophobic?
Okay, real talk. “Cozy” is a euphemism. "Claustrophobic" is closer to the truth, but not necessarily in a bad way. Think… a slightly overcrowded airport waiting room, but everyone’s stoked to go to the beach. My dorm was pretty standard, with bunk beds, a small locker (bring your own padlock!), and the aforementioned air conditioning that did its best. I shared with six other people, each with their own quirks, from the guy who snored like a chainsaw, to the girl who kept talking in her sleep (mostly about ice cream). It's part of the experience, though. Honestly, I grew to love the chaotic energy of it all, listening to everyone's stories, and sharing tips for surviving Kenting. Do not expect a palace, and you’ll be fine. Just bring earplugs. Seriously. The chainsaw guy was *loud*
Is the location good? How far is the beach, or the night market?
The location? PERFECT. The beach is a brisk walk, maybe 5-7 minutes. And the night market? Right around the corner! I'm talking literally stumbling distance. This is a *major* selling point, trust me. After a night of karaoke and questionable decisions, the ability to wobble your way back to the hostel and collapse into bed is invaluable. The night market is where the fun gets serious. You might find yourself eating things you never dreamed of... fried squid on a stick, stinky tofu (you'll either love it or run screaming), and a variety of drinks that will test the limits of your hydration. The best thing is, you can always make a quick stumble back to your hostel, and nurse that hangover. Paradise. It’s really a masterclass in location choices.
Tell me about the free breakfast. Is it edible?
Ah, the breakfast. Here’s the deal: it's *free*, so manage your expectations. The coffee? It was… something. Let's just say it was more of a suggestion of coffee than actual coffee. The toast, though, was reliable. The usual suspects: peanut butter, jam, and if you got there early, maybe some of those sad little bananas. But hey, it's free. And honestly, after a night of karaoke, anything vaguely resembling food is a win. I did see someone try to combine the instant noodles with the eggs (a bold move), but I just stuck to the toast. It’s perfect for surviving the morning, and readying you for the next batch of delicious street food. Really can not complain about free food. Plus, everyone gathers there, so it’s social and the staff is sweet.
What kind of activities do you recommend? And what did you skip?
Okay, the activities. Don't miss the snorkeling! Kenting's water life is incredible. Definitely rent a scooter and explore the coastline – the roads are adventurous. I did a surfing lesson which was a disaster (mostly because I am incredibly uncoordinated) but really, really funny. I also went to the Eluanbi Lighthouse, which was gorgeous. I highly advise you to go. But don’t go at sunset, otherwise you’ll have to fight for space with 500 other people (me included). I skipped the supposed hot spring which was probably for the best given the lack of time. Oh, and the night market! You can’t skip the night market. I ate so much there I almost exploded. I think I ate every single food stall, and it was great. The activities are fine, but the people and the atmosphere are what I’d call the true experience.
What’s the staff like? Are they helpful?
The staff? Honestly, they were the highlight. Seriously. They were super friendly, helpful, and totally unfazed by the general chaos. They had seen it all, and they were always ready with a smile, a recommendation, or a pep talk when you were feeling a bit lost. They're genuinely invested in making sure you have a good time. They know the best spots to eat, they organize events, and they're always up for a chat. They’re the glue that holds the whole place together. I was trying to book a train ticket, and I completely lost my way. The staff went above and beyond to help me and were super patient. Great people. Honestly, their positive energy is infectious.
Any advice for solo travelers?
Go! That’s the first piece of advice. Paradise Found is a fantastic place to meet people. It's easy to get chatting with folks in the common areas, at the night market, or even just in the dorm rooms. Just be open to striking up conversations. Even if you don’t speak the same language. Honestly, a shared laugh and a shared beer go a long way. Before you know it, you'll have a crew ready to explore Kenting with you. Even if the crew only lasts for a night.
Would you go back?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Despite the noisy dorms and questionable coffee (a small price to pay), the overall experience was incredible. The people, the location, the atmosphere… it’s all worth it. It might not be perfect,Trip Stay Finder
