Kenting's Hidden Gem: Fu Bao Inn - Your Paradise Awaits!
Fu Bao Inn: My Kenting Paradise… with a Few Quirks! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Fu Bao Inn, that "hidden gem" in Kenting, Taiwan. It's been hyped, it's been lauded, and frankly, after my trip, I get why. But let's be real, no place is perfect. So, prepare for a review that's as chaotic and delightful as the best Taiwanese night market.
SEO & Metadata (Gotta get that Google love!):
- Keywords: Fu Bao Inn, Kenting, Taiwan, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Beach Resort, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Luxury Hotel, Kenting Accommodation, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Travel Review, Kenting Vacation, Resort Review, Accessible Travel, Wellness, Spa, Outdoor Pool, Kenting Nightlife
The Vibe: Accessibility and Initial Impressions (First Impressions are Everything - or are they?)
Right off the bat, the accessibility situation at Fu Bao Inn is… pretty good! Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I did notice ramps and elevators readily available. (Accessibility, Facilities for Disabled Guests) I saw several guests with mobility aids navigating the property with ease. This is a major win, because let's be honest, the struggle is real for accessible travel sometimes.
Getting there was a breeze with their designated airport transfer service (Airport transfer). They organized it seamlessly, which was a relief after a long flight. I also noticed they had a car park on-site (Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]), so if you're driving, that's a definite plus.
But… and there's always a but, right? The check-in process. It was a bit… long. (Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]) They were obviously thorough (which I appreciate), but after traveling, I just wanted to collapse on a bed. Patience isn't my strongest suit, especially when jetlag is kicking in. They did offer a contactless check-in/out system (Contactless check-in/out), which, in these times, is a good move, but it can still add extra time.
The Room: My Oasis (Mostly!)
My room (one of their standard, non-smoking rooms (Non-smoking rooms)) was… well, it was pretty darn great. The air conditioning was a lifesaver (Air conditioning), especially after a hot day exploring the beach. They provide the essential amenities, and a few that stood out were the free bottled water (Free bottled water), the coffee/tea maker (Coffee/tea maker), and the robe and slippers. It makes you feel fancy, I loved it! (Bathrobes, Slippers). The bed was HUGE (Extra long bed) and comfy. Honestly, I could have spent the whole trip just lounging there. The blackout curtains (Blackout curtains) were a godsend for those late-night adventures or for keeping the Taiwan sun from waking you too early. Having a laptop workspace was also great (Laptop workspace).
The bathroom, though… it could've been a touch brighter. The lighting was a bit dim. And the hairdryer (Hair dryer), while present, wasn’t the most powerful. It got the job done, but my hair definitely wasn’t runway-ready. Despite the minor quirks, the amenities were complete. (Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Carpeting, Closet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens).
Oh! They also offered free Wi-Fi in the room, and it was reliable! (Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free], Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) Score! They even had LAN internet access, which I didn't use, but hey, choices! (Internet access – LAN)
Food, Glorious Food: Fueling the Vacation Beast! (and My Obsession)
The Buffet Brawl: The breakfast buffet (Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast) was… intense. A glorious, chaotic, delicious intensity. There were SO MANY choices! Asian-style, Western-style, and everything in between. I loaded up on the fresh fruit, the pastries, and the… (deep breath) the amazing congee. Seriously, I think I ate congee every single day, and I regret nothing. It was also great they offered takeaway service for breakfast (Breakfast takeaway service). However, prepare yourself for a bit of a scrum. It can get crowded.
The Restaurant Revelations: The main restaurant (Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant) was pretty impressive, offering a mix of cuisines. I'm a sucker for Asian food, but I tried some of the western dishes and wasn't disappointed. Prices were reasonable, and the service was friendly. They also had a coffee shop (Coffee shop) where I frequently indulged in a late-afternoon caffeine hit. The coffee was good.
The Poolside Perk: The poolside bar (Poolside bar) was a lifesaver for those lazy afternoons. Nothing beats sipping a cocktail while staring at the pool. And they had a happy hour! (Happy hour) Need I say more?
The Snack Bar Secret: I stumbled upon a little snack bar (Snack bar) near the pool. Perfect for a quick bite or a cheeky ice cream.
They also had room service (Room service [24-hour]) if you're feeling lazy (guilty!).
Fun and Games: Relaxation and Recreation (Or, The Battle of My Brain vs. the Spa Menu)
The Pool Paradise: The outdoor swimming pool (Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool) was probably my favorite thing about Fu Bao Inn. It was beautiful, clean, and the view? Stunning. (Pool with view) Seriously, I could have stayed there all day.
Spa Shenanigans: The spa! Oh, the spa! (Spa) I was a little overwhelmed by the menu. Body scrubs, body wraps, massages… (Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage) It was like a Choose Your Own Adventure for Relaxation. In the end, I went for a classic massage, and it was divine. Honestly, the best massage of my life.
Fitness Fiasco: While I'm not a gym bunny, I did peep into the fitness center (Fitness center, Gym/fitness). It looked well-equipped, if you’re into that sort of thing. They also had a sauna and a steamroom. (Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna)
Things to Do (Besides Just Relaxing): Fu Bao Inn is near everything. (Things to do) You can easily access the beach, night markets, and all the other attractions of Kenting.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Especially in Today’s World)
Okay, this is important! Fu Bao Inn really seemed to take cleanliness seriously. I noticed hand sanitizer stations everywhere (Hand sanitizer), and the staff were constantly cleaning common areas (Daily disinfection in common areas). They seemed to be using professional-grade sanitizing services (Professional-grade sanitizing services). I felt pretty safe. They even had anti-viral cleaning products (Anti-viral cleaning products) and all the standard safety stuff, like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and security guards (Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property). I appreciated the effort. They also trained their staff in safety protocols, which is a great help. (Staff trained in safety protocol)
The Downsides (Because Nothing’s Perfect, Remember?)
The Noise Factor: While my room was soundproofed (Soundproof rooms), I did hear some noise from the hallway on occasion. This didn't ruin the trip, but it could be a problem for light sleepers.
The Check-in/out… Again: As mentioned earlier, the check-in process could be streamlined. Maybe some more efficient technology?
The Lack of Pets! No pets allowed! (Pets allowed unavailable) I get it, but my dog would have loved the beach!
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite a few minor quirks, Fu Bao Inn is a fantastic choice for a Kenting getaway. It's comfortable, stylish, and has everything you need for a relaxing vacation. I’d give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's not perfect, but it's darn close! And hey, that's what makes life (and travel) interesting, right? Go. Enjoy. And eat ALL the congee
Escape to Paradise: Candlenut Treehouse, Manado, Indonesia
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Kenting Fu Bao Inn adventure. Consider this less a polished itinerary and more a chaotic, unfiltered diary of sunshine, sunburn, and questionable snack choices.
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Bliss (and a near-meltdown)
Afternoon (or, as I like to call it, "Sometime After We Finally Landed"): Arrive at Kaohsiung International Airport. Okay, first hurdle: navigating the chaos. Pretty sure I wandered aimlessly for a good ten minutes before finding the designated bus to Kenting… or at least, I think I did. The bus smelled faintly of durian, which, for those unfamiliar, is an experience. Let's just say my initial reaction to that aroma was… intense.
Late Afternoon/ Early Evening: The Fu Bao Inn & Initial Impression: Finally, Kenting! The Fu Bao Inn. Cute place, really. Clean, a bit…minimalist, which is code for "small room." But hey, it's a roof over my head. Plus, the woman at the front desk was adorable. I think she spoke approximately two words of English, but her smile was worth a thousand misunderstandings. Dropped my bags, fumbled with the air conditioning remote (seriously, why are those things so complicated?), and then… beach time!
Evening: Nanwan Beach & the Sunburn of Doom: Nanwan Beach. Oh. My. God. Turquoise water, perfect sand… I, being the brilliant traveler that I am, decided to skip the sunscreen (I'm so Irish, I thought, the sun couldn't hurt me!). Cue dramatic music. Spent a glorious couple of hours frolicking in the waves, convinced I was a mermaid/aquatic goddess/ basically the next Halle Berry. Then, the sun gods struck back. By the time I dragged myself back to the Inn, I was radiating an almost nuclear level of heat. The mirror revealed a lobster. A very, very unhappy lobster. And did I mention the ice cream stains on my shirt?
Day 2: Exploring & Regret Eating
Morning: The Grand Tour with a scooter! I hired a scooter. I, a person who drives a stick shift maybe 3 times a year. And let me tell you, it was an experience. I'm pretty sure I spent the first hour just psyching myself up to start the darn thing. But I got a hang of it. Slowly, slowly, I learned to weave through the traffic. Visited Eluanbi Lighthouse, and oh boy, what a view! It's the most beautiful thing on the island, so, make sure to go and take some photos!
Noon: Lunch We had a big, fat, lunch.
Early Afternoon: Getting lost and finding a cat cafe I completely lost track of where I was… and I'm an idiot because Kenting isn't that big. I stumbled upon a Cat Cafe. The kind of place where you can feed the cats that are, in general, super, super sleepy. Ahh. It was the best.
Late Afternoon: More Beaches! Went to some beach and jumped into the ocean again at another beach, but this time… I remembered the sunscreen! Whoa.
Evening: Kending Night Market – Food Coma Edition: Oh, the night market! A kaleidoscope of smells, sounds, and…food. So. Much. Food. I'm pretty sure I ate my weight in grilled squid, stinky tofu (surprisingly good!), and some questionable-looking, but undeniably delicious, deep-fried something-or-other. I'm also pretty sure I accidentally offended a vendor when I mistook a chili sauce for ketchup. My face burned, my stomach was packed, and I waddled back to the Inn, defeated but happy.
Day 3: Cliffs, Caves, (and a Near-Miss with a Monkey)
- Morning: Chuanfan Rock & the Power of a Bad Joke: Drove to see Chuanfan Rock. The rock looked like a ship, in case you were wondering. The views were beautiful, like something out of a postcard. There's a moment when I was taking some pictures, that I heard a child laugh. Made me smile, the joke was probably not very funny but it brought a smile to my face.
- Afternoon: Diving around the caves Diving! I booked a scuba diving session in the caves. Okay, maybe I was slightly terrified going in, BUT, it was amazing. The underwater world? Breathtaking. Fish, Coral, the whole shebang. It was a truly magical experience.
- Evening: Kenting Night Market – Round Two: Look, what can I say? I'm a creature of habit. More grilled squid. More questionable deep-fried whatever-it-was. This time, though, I learned my lesson and steered clear of the mysterious sauce.
Day 4: Departure & The "I Need More Time!" Anthem
- Morning: Last Minute Souvenirs & a Moment of Heartbreak: Okay, the souvenir hunt was a disaster. I wandered around the streets. I went back and bought an obligatory "I <3 Kenting" t-shirt (because, well, I do). But the rest…total failure. I realized I needed to go. I'd been driving around 500 times and thought I knew. I didn't.
- Afternoon: Goodbye Fu Bao Inn & Departure: Goodbye, Fu Bao Inn. Goodbye, turquoise water. Goodbye, delicious-but-potentially-harmful street food. Goodbye, Kenting. As I boarded the bus back to the airport, there was a lump in my throat. I kind of wanted to stay.
- Evening: Back to Reality (and the Endless To-Do List): Home. The laundry, unwashed clothes, the emails accumulating - reality sets back in. No, the sunburn has faded, but the memories… the memories are still vividly, wonderfully, gloriously messy. And already, I'm plotting a return. Because Kenting…Kenting stole a piece of my heart (and maybe a few of my brain cells in the process).
Final Thoughts/Random Ramblings/Epilogue:
- The Food: Seriously, the food. It's a gamble, but the reward is epic. Don't be afraid to try stuff.
- The Sun: Wear sunscreen. Seriously. Even if you think you don't need it. Trust me.
- The People: The locals were incredibly kind, even when I was clearly butchering the language and looking like a complete tourist (which, let's be honest, I was).
- The Imperfection (or, Why Travel is Awesome): This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, I got sunburned, I ate things I probably shouldn't have. But THAT'S what made it amazing. Because it was mine. It was messy, it was real, it was unforgettable. And that's the best souvenir of all.
So, yeah. Go to Kenting. But be warned… you might just fall in love.
Sosua Paradise: Private Pool Villa Awaits! (Casati Pearl House)
Fu Bao Inn: So, You THINK You Want Paradise...? Buckle Up. (FAQ Edition)
Okay, Okay, Fu Bao Inn... Is it REALLY a "Hidden Gem"? I've heard that before.
Alright, let's be honest. "Hidden Gem" is thrown around more than a beach ball at Kenting's South Bay. But with Fu Bao, it kinda, sorta, *actually* fits. It's not like, you know, *super* hidden. You can find it with Google Maps (praise the algorithm!). But it's not plastered all over Instagram with perfectly posed influencers. It's more...discovered. Like, you hear hushed whispers from other travelers, a knowing nod, and then you're in the know. It's got a certain *je ne sais quoi* that makes it feel...well, less like a tourist trap and more like stumbling into a secret club. And trust me, when you're sweating buckets after a day at the beach, that club is a welcome sight.
What's the Vibe? Like, should I expect a five-star resort or a…a backpacker hostel with nicer towels?
Definitely NOT a five-star resort. Thank goodness! Honestly, after a week of the usual sterile hotel existence, Fu Bao is a breath of fresh, salty air. Think…a charming, slightly eccentric guesthouse run by people who genuinely *care*. They're not just going through the motions. They're smiling. They're offering you advice (even if you don't ask for it). They’re probably making some amazing breakfast with ingredients they grew themselves. The pool area? Not Olympic-sized, but it's perfectly sized for a lazy afternoon with a book and a cold drink. The only thing worse than a bad hotel bathroom is a pretentious one. Fu Bao's bathrooms are more than fine, and clean, which is the most important thing! The whole place just feels…relaxed. Like you can ditch the pretension and just…be yourself. (Unless your 'being yourself' involves demanding a pillow menu. Then maybe reconsider.)
Rooms…What are they like? Are we talking cramped boxes or…luxury caves?
Okay, now, the rooms. Let's be real. This isn't the Four Seasons. But that's part of the charm! They're clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully decorated. Not cluttered, not minimalist. There's a sense of care in the details. I remember staying in one room with a balcony, and while the view wasn't EXACTLY the ocean (it was…partially blocked by a palm tree, okay?), I really didn't care. The balcony had that sun-bleached-wood feel, which gives off good vibes. The bed was comfy enough to sleep like a log after a day in the sun, and the aircon worked like a charm. I’m also a sucker for good natural lighting. Be aware that some rooms are better than others, so scope out photos before booking, but it's all good in the end!. Just don't expect a Jacuzzi. You're in Kenting; the ocean is your Jacuzzi, and it's free!
Breakfast! Tell me about the breakfast! Because breakfast is IMPORTANT.
Oh, the breakfast. This, my friends, is where Fu Bao truly shines. It's not just 'breakfast'; it's an *experience*. Fresh fruit (the mangos…oh, the mangos!), homemade bread, maybe some eggs, a noodle soup if you're lucky. It's simple, fresh, and utterly delicious. I swear, I still dream about that papaya. One morning, the owner brought out some homemade pineapple jam, which made me realize I’d never, ever buy store-bought jam again (that's a lie, of course, since I'm always busy and I need some quick jam on toast). The best part? You eat it out on the patio, surrounded by lush greenery, with the sound of birds chirping. It's the perfect way to start your day, and honestly, sometimes the only reason to get out of bed.
But, and this is a big BUT…don't get there *late*. Breakfast starts at a reasonable hour, but it goes fast! I remember one time, I was being a TOTAL lazy bum, and I was too slow getting down from my room and barely got to taste the last piece of fresh bread, and I was so SAD. So, set an alarm, be on time, and thank me later.
What about the Pool? Is it Instagram-worthy?
It's not "Instagram-worthy" in the sense of those infinity pools perched on cliffs that you see *everywhere*. And honestly, maybe it's a good thing? Fu Bao's pool is…charming. It's the perfect size for a leisurely dip after a day at the beach. It’s surrounded by plants with deck chairs, and if the staff is in a good mood you're likely to find complimentary towels and pool floats. On a slow afternoon, it has a very chill vibe. Picture this: You, a book, a cocktail (BYOB, people!), and the gentle sounds of the wind rustling the leaves. Can you say paradise? Probably.
Side note: I once saw a couple nearly have a full-blown *argument* over who got to use the best sun lounger. It was…awkward. So, yeah, get there early if you're picky about lounger real estate. Or, you know, just be a decent human and share the sunshine.
Location, Location, Location! How far is it from...everything?
Location is pretty good! It's not *right* on the beach, which, honestly, is a bonus. That means you're away from the constant noise and hordes of tourists. But, it's close enough to walk to the shops and restaurants in Kenting town. You can easily take a scooter (rent one! It’s essential!) to all the beaches, sights, and food stalls. Don't let the not-on-beach location scare you. It's a 5-minute scooter ride to the beach. The best beaches are a little further (like, 10-15 minutes), but well worth the journey. And trust me, traffic in Kenting is much better compared to other place in Taiwan.
One slightly hilarious (and slightly terrifying) experience I had: I got a scooter, lost where I was going, and after a full circle, I still couldn't find my way back. But I eventually did, and felt very accomplished. So, rent a scooter, but maybe get a map and a basic understanding of your route first! Unless you enjoy aimless adventures, which I sometimes do...
The Staff...are they friendly? What can you expect?
The staff at Fu Bao? They're the real MVPs! They’re superUrban Hotel Search
