Kenting's Hidden Gem: The Bicycle Inn Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups and beach bums! We’re diving headfirst into the turquoise waters and sun-drenched paradise that is Kenting, and specifically, The Bicycle Inn Awaits! This isn't just a hotel review; this is a full-blown love letter, a slightly manic exploration of what makes this place… well, let’s just say memorable. And yes, I’m slightly obsessed.
Accessibility: Making Everyone Feel Welcome (Even Me, After That Pineapple Juice)
Okay, first things first, let's talk about getting in. The Bicycle Inn, bless its heart, attempts some accessibility features. I say attempt, because while they have an elevator (thank GOODNESS!), and mention facilities for disabled guests, my personal experience was… let's just say navigating the charmingly-rustic pathways with a suitcase felt like an audition for “Ninja Warrior.” Still, the elevator is a major win, and the intent is there. And honestly, the general vibe of Kenting is super chill, so even if things aren't perfect level, folks are generally helpful. Just be prepared for a little adventure, ok?
On-site Restaurants & Lounges: My Food Journey (and Maybe Yours)
Alright, food! This is where things get really interesting. The Bicycle Inn boasts a collection of culinary delights. Restaurants? Plural. Lounges? You betcha. But lemme tell you, it's not the Michelin-starred experience. Picture this: You're sweaty, sun-kissed, desperately craving a cold beer and a burger. You stumble into the Poolside Bar, and… it's glorious. Sure, the burger might not win any gourmet awards, but that icy beer, the view of the pool shimmering under the tropical sun… pure bliss. They offer a pretty decent Asian Cuisine selection, and a solid Western Cuisine (think pasta and pizza), and they even let you order from the A la carte in restaurant. The Buffet in restaurant is a bit of a mixed bag. Some days it’s a feast; other days, well, let's just say I had a very spirited conversation with a particularly stubborn piece of fruit. I did appreciate the Coffee/tea in restaurant though, very important!
Anecdote Alert! One evening, I was craving something desperate… a salad! I was about to face plant on the counter when they brought out a glorious salad that made me actually cry. It had the perfect amount of dressing, and was exactly what I needed.
Coffee shop for coffee, of course.
The happy hour is a must.
I also appreciated the bottle of water. Dehydration is real, people!
Wheelchair Accessible: A Mixed Bag, But Progress is Key
As mentioned, the elevator is a lifesaver. And they do have some rooms with accessible features. But getting around the property can be tricky. It's not a perfectly smooth experience, but they are definitely trying.
Internet, Glorious Internet (And My Existential Crisis)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! That's the first good point.
- Internet access – wireless is available in the rooms!
- Internet access – LAN is also available!
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep, also available… and it's a lifesaver for posting those envy-inducing beach pics.
Okay, so the Wi-Fi situation is pretty solid. But here's a confession: sometimes, staring at my phone on vacation makes me feel… weird. Like, am I really experiencing this, or just documenting it? Anyway, the Wi-Fi works, so you can decide your own level of digital detox.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and My Near-Death Experience with a Body Wrap)
- Body scrub - I didn’t try it. I’m still recovering from the pineapple juice.
- Body wrap – Oh, the body wrap. Okay, story time. I, in a moment of questionable judgement, decided to indulge. I emerged looking like a mummy and feeling… well, let's just say I needed a very strong drink.
- Fitness center – They have one. I did not see it. I was too busy staring at the ocean.
- Foot bath – I'm a sucker for a foot bath. I'm a sucker for anything, honestly.
- Gym/fitness – Again, didn't see it. Prioritized the pool.
- Massage – Okay, YES. The massage was actually amazing. My shoulders went from hunched-over-laptop-zombie to… relatively relaxed.
- Pool with view – The view from the pool is spectacular. Absolutely essential.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom - I did not attempt. Still getting over the body wrap trauma…
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] - They have the pool. It's refreshing, beautiful, and where most of my vacation was spent.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Breath of Fresh Air?
Okay, the Bicycle Inn takes hygiene seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Hand sanitizer? Check.
- Hygiene certification? Check.
- Individually-wrapped food options? Check.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They try!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services? Looks like it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun
- A la carte in restaurant
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian breakfast
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Bar
- Bottle of water
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
Rooms: Cozy Comfort (and the Occasional Missing Sock)
Okay, let's talk rooms. They're… comfortable. Not palatial, not overly fancy, but clean and well-maintained, and include:
- Additional toilet
- 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 beds are comfy, the air conditioning works (a HUGE win!), and the blackout curtains are a lifesaver for those sleep-deprived beach-goers. My only complaint? I think a sneaky sock-monster may have claimed one of my lucky socks.
Services and Conveniences: More Than Just a Bed
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
For the Kids: Family Fun!
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
Getting Around: Explore!
- Airport transfer *
Alright, buckle your helmet, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Kenting adventure, and trust me, it ain't gonna be all sunshine and perfectly-timed Instagram posts. This is going to be a real trip, the kind that leaves you sunburned, windblown, and questioning all your life choices… but in a good way. Welcome to my chaotic, messy, and hopefully hilarious itinerary for the Bicycle Inn in Kenting:
DAY 1: Arrival, Beach Bliss (and Existential Dread?!)
- Morning (Okay, Mid-Morning, Let's Be Honest): Arrive at Kaohsiung International Airport. Ugh, airports. So sterile. So full of stressed-out people and overpriced coffee. The first challenge is navigating the public transport – pray the Google Maps gods are on your side. (They weren't, initially. Got on the wrong bus, felt like a clueless tourist, but eventually, we figured it out!) Take the train to Fangliao, then that glorious, slightly terrifying, bus to Kenting. The scenery? Breathtaking. Especially when you're clinging to a seat for dear life around a hairpin turn.
- Mid-Day (Finally!): Check in to the Bicycle Inn. The name doesn't lie – it's a charming little haven. The staff are super chill, but also, I swear they all have the perpetually sun-kissed glow of people who actually live the beach life. Settle in, dump your bags (which, let's be honest, is mostly swimwear and questionable fashion choices), and… breathe. Ah, the air! It smells of salt, something vaguely floral, and freedom.
- Afternoon: The Beach Beckons (And Possibly Eviscerates Your Sanity): Head straight to the beach. There are so many to choose from! We went to South Bay first. It's gorgeous, the water perfectly turquoise. But then… the sun. Oh, the glorious, fiery sun! Forgot to reapply the sunscreen. Rookie mistake. Now I'm regretting my decisions.
- Evening: Sunset Serenity (or Scavenger Hunt of Hunger)? Dinner? Oh, we’re so hungry! The nearest food stall (or night market!) is the target. First stop, a shaved ice stand: a sweet reward after a day in the sun. Watching the sunset on the beach with a shaved ice in hand. It’s truly epic. Except, as I watched the sunset, I got a bit contemplative. Like, "Wow, the sun sets on all of us eventually, doesn't it?" Existential beach thoughts are a real mood killer.
DAY 2: Mountain Magic and Motorbike Mayhem (aka, "Where Did My Skills Go?")
- Morning (Wake Up, You Sloth!): The sun is a vengeful thing. My sunburn is back with a vengeance. Rubbing aloe on the burn to soothe it. Now, for my second adventure, I try to rent a scooter. “Easy peasy” everyone tells me. I attempt to start the scooter. I stall it immediately. Twice. Turns out riding a motorbike in Taiwan is a skill I apparently don't possess. After some shaky instructions and near-death experiences (mostly involving me and a curb), I make it back.
- Mid-day (Hiking Shenanigans): Determined, we ditch the motorbike and embrace my superior hiking skills. (Kidding, I'm terrible at hiking). But we make our way to the highest peak in Kenting National Park. The hike is grueling, the views are… spectacular!
- Afternoon: The Lighthouse Fiasco (or, "Why Did We Bring So Much Stuff?"): We tried to see the elighthouse, but the sun. Again. And the crowds. It was crowded. We turned back.
- Evening: Night Market Carnage (in the Best Way Possible): Night market time! This is where Kenting truly shines. The smells, the sounds, the sheer joy of it all. We stuffed ourselves with everything - the stinky tofu (which I actually love), the oyster omelets, the seafood, the grilled squid that squirts in your face. I swear I gain five pounds just thinking about it. The neon craziness, the games, the vendors yelling… Pure, unadulterated bliss.
DAY 3: Water Adventures and a Farewell Sunset (Maybe with Tears)
Morning (Earlyish, for Once!): Time for some water sports! We went snorkelling. Getting into the water was a bit of a shock due to the chilly weather. Then, after that, the underwater world! I was just in awe of the fish. I did have a minor panic when a rogue wave decided to swallow me whole, but overall, amazing!
Mid-Day (Beach Bumming): Sticking to the beach to get some sun and relax after the morning activities.
Afternoon: Farewell Sunset (Prepare Tissues): We try once more to make it out to the beach for the sunset. The sky on fire with color, reflecting off the wet sand. I swear, the light here is different. It’s almost like an emotional punch of beauty. The waves crashing, the seagulls. I feel a lump forming in my throat. The trip's ending. The goodbyes.
Evening: Departure (With a Hazy Heart): Say farewell to the Bicycle Inn, this awesome little place! Back on the bus, back to reality. The journey back to the airport is a blur of post-holiday melancholy. But that’s okay. Because Kenting… it wasn't just a vacation, it was a small piece of my soul.
Messy Notes & Random Musings:
- Food: Eat everything. Seriously. The food stalls are where it's at. Don't be afraid to try anything. And bring extra underwear, because you will sweat.
- Language: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Trust me, it helps (even if you butcher them).
- Sunscreen: Pack it, slather it, reapply it. Your future self will thank you.
- Embrace the Chaos: Things don't always go as planned. That's part of the adventure! Get lost. Make mistakes. Laugh at yourself.
- Emotional Verdict: Best trip ever? Maybe. Depends on how you define "best." Was it perfect? Hell no. Was it memorable? Absolutely. Did I get sunburned? You better believe it. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And I can't wait!
So there you have it, my slightly unhinged, utterly honest Kenting itinerary. Go forth, explore, and make some memories (and maybe take a picture of yourself not sunburned, you overachiever). Happy travels!
Hallschlag Lakefront Bungalow: Your Dream German Getaway Awaits!
Kenting's Hidden Gem (Or, You Know, Just Another Place) - The Bicycle Inn: FAQs (Because You'll Probably Need Them)
Is The Bicycle Inn actually *that* hidden? Because, like, Google Maps exists...
What's the deal with the bikes? Is it like, a *bike* inn?
The rooms... what are the rooms like? Are they, like, clean?
Is there breakfast? (Because I NEED breakfast.)
What's the owner like? I hate annoying hotel owners.
Is it noisy? Because I value my sleep.
Any tips for staying at The Bicycle Inn?
Would you go back? (Because that's the real question, right?)
