Dapeng Bay Ultralightport

Da Peng Wan Qing Hang Ji Fei Xing Chang, also known as the Dapeng Bay Light Aircraft Flying Field, sits on the southwestern coast of Taiwan within the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area in Pingtung County. This small airstrip serves primarily as a base for light aircraft operations, offering scenic flights over the bay's lagoons and the Taiwan Strait. It is one of the few places in Taiwan where visitors can experience flying in a small plane with unobstructed panoramic views. The airfield also plays a role in local events, such as the Taiwan Lantern Festival, which was held here in past years. While not a commercial passenger airport, it attracts tourists seeking aviation experiences and families drawn to the surrounding recreational area.

Getting There

Da Peng Wan Qing Hang Ji Fei Xing Chang is located on the Dapeng Bay peninsula, about 18 kilometers east of Donggang and 40 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung. The nearest major city is Kaohsiung, from which the drive takes approximately one hour via the Provincial Highway 17 or the National Highway 3. From Kaohsiung Station, take the MRT to Siaogang Station, then transfer to bus route 9127 or 9117 that runs along the coast to Dapeng Bay. The bus stop is about a 15-minute walk from the airfield. Alternatively, a taxi from Kaohsiung International Airport costs around NT$1,200 and takes 50 minutes. Driving is the most convenient option: follow Highway 17 south, turn onto County Road 161, then follow signs to Dapeng Bay. The entrance to the airfield is off a small road next to the Dapeng Bay Visitor Center. Parking is free and accessible.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-story building with a simple, functional layout. Upon arrival, passengers enter a small waiting area with a few benches. The check-in counter is for registering for light aircraft flights; there are no commercial airline gates. The confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance via a ramp, a wheelchair-accessible car park adjacent to the building, and a clean toilet. The atmosphere is casual and low-key, typical of a recreational airfield. The building also houses a small office where pilots and staff coordinate flight schedules. There is no airside security screening or baggage claim, as flights are non-commercial. Passengers should bring water and snacks, as there are no shops or vending machines inside. The entire building is compact, so navigating it takes only a few minutes. For those waiting, the outdoor area offers benches with views of the runway and the bay beyond.

Da Peng Wan Qing Hang Ji Fei Xing Chang and the Region

Dapeng Bay is one of Taiwan's most scenic coastal areas, known for its extensive lagoons, mangroves, and oyster farming. The region's geography is defined by a barrier island that creates a calm, shallow lagoon ideal for water sports and birdwatching. The Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area encompasses over 900 hectares of wetlands and waterways, with walking trails, bicycle paths, and observation towers. The area is particularly famous for the Taiwan Lantern Festival, which was held at Dapeng Bay in 2019 under the theme "Light of Prosperity." That event drew millions of visitors to see massive lantern installations along the waterfront, including a 10-meter-tall lantern shaped like a bluefin tuna. Although the festival is not a permanent fixture, its legacy makes the region a year-round destination for families. Beyond the airport, the bay offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat tours through the oyster beds. The nearby Donggang Harbor is renowned for its fresh seafood, especially bluefin tuna, and the annual Donggang King Boat Festival, a Daoist ceremony that involves burning a large wooden boat. Light aircraft flights from the airfield provide a unique perspective: from above, passengers see the pattern of oyster racks, the mosaic of fish farms, the curve of the coastline, and the peaks of the Central Mountain Range in the distance. For many visitors, this aerial tour is the highlight of a trip to southern Taiwan. The region's subtropical climate means it is warm year-round, with heavy rain from May to September. Winter months, from November to February, offer the clearest skies for flying.

Practical Information

The airfield is not open daily; it operates on select days, typically weekends and public holidays, and is busiest in the evenings around the hours noted. The busiest times vary by day: Monday at 10 pm, Tuesday at 11 pm, Wednesday at 6 pm, Thursday at 5 pm. These times may correspond to sunset scenic flights or special events, so arriving early is advisable. There is no public phone number or official website consistently available; visitors should check with the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Administration for current flight schedules. The address is no. 100, Dapeng Bay, Donggang Township, Pingtung County. The airfield is accessible by car, and parking is free. Wheelchair users will find level access throughout. The only restroom is a single unisex toilet inside the terminal. For food and drink, the nearest options are at the Dapeng Bay Visitor Center, a five-minute walk away, which has a small café and vending machines. The best advice: book a light aircraft flight in advance through a local tour operator, as slots fill quickly on weekends, especially during the lantern festival season. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled flight to complete registration and receive a safety briefing. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a camera—the views are unparalleled.