From the sun-kissed depths of coral reefs to looming misty mountains, these destinations are a nature lover's dream. Here are the most alluring wildlife destinations in Asia with rare and endemic species.
1. Tamilland Islands
This group of islands in the Andaman Sea is home to an astonishingly diverse and rich marine life, with more than 3,000 species of fish and 500 species of coral in Similans to date.
Similan is one of the top ten diving destinations in the world, partly because of the diversity of marine life found there, and partly because of the huge difference in reef topography between the east and west coasts of Similan.
If you can't dive, don't worry - there are plenty of snorkeling spots to explore the Similan Islands at your leisure.
2. Danum Valley, Malaysian Borneo
Borneo has always been a popular wildlife destination as it is home to several species found elsewhere in the world. The Danum Valley Reserve in Sabah encompasses 438 square kilometers of pristine tropical rainforest.
In addition to endangered species such as Asian elephants, orangutans, clouded leopards, and proboscis monkeys, it also contains Danum Valley Field Center, one of the most mature rainforest research centers in Southeast Asia.
Hiking in the untouched rainforest of Borneo in the shadow of the hornbill is a truly magical and unusual experience, so if you love nature, put it on your bucket list!
3. Ranthambore National Park, India
Rajasthan's thriving Ranthambore National Park was once a hunting ground. The park is now home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild boars, tiger-billed snakes, and sea turtles, and is considered one of the best spots in the world to glimpse wild tigers.
Tours of the park are conducted as in-vehicle safaris or bush walks with local guides. Also worth a visit is Ranthambore Fort, located within the park. The fortress is a UNESCO Heritage Site and the first foundation stone was laid in 944 AD.
4. Rajah Sikatuna National Park, Bohol, Philippines
Bohol's Rajah Sikatuna National Park is a sprawling 9,000 hectares of forest and grassland, including the world's largest virgin molt forest with more than 100 caves. The national park is a prime birding site: more than 120 species of birds have been spotted in this reserve, including endangered species such as the striped reed warbler and the Philippine cockatoo. If bird watching gets your heart racing, then this is the best wildlife destination for you.
5. Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia
Topping the list is Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia. In addition to wildlife, the park also houses an Augustine Rehabilitation Center, which cares for more than 5,000 orangutans in captivity. The orangutans gradually reintegrated into the wild after learning how to extricate themselves.
Head to the heart of the jungle for the sights (and sounds) of black gibbons, thriving acrobatic Thomas langur monkeys, and even hornbills.
Close encounters with Sumatran tigers or Sumatran rhinos are unlikely due to their low numbers, but being around the forest on a guided tour will ensure you are on the lookout for dangerous wildlife and you don't miss the cuter bush dwellers.
