12 top wildlife destinations across Asia, and how to get the most out of each

Borneo, the largest island in Southeast Asia, is among the most biodiverse places on earth, home to elephants, tigers, orangutans, and rhinos. You can also see wild cats, such as Sunda clouded leopards and the marbled cat, best spotted in the Deramakot Wildlife Reserve in Sabah. For a close encounter with an orangutan, take a boat along the Kinabatangan River – where you might also glimpse elephants and rhinoceros – or trek through central Sabah’s pristine jungle. Don’t miss the Danum Valley Conservation Area, the largest remaining habitat for endangered species like the Borneo pygmy elephant and Sumatran rhino, and consider night safaris, which offer chances to spot rarer, more elusive wildlife.

Book it: Book it: Try the 12-day North Borneo Explorer, or the 21-day Grand Tour of Borneo, both of which offer the chance to spot a variety of Borneo’s wildlife including orangutans.

Cambodia’s jungles, rivers, and wetlands are home to an astonishing range of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot over 600 species, including the critically-endangered giant Ibis, the country’s national bird. The Mekong River hosts Irrawaddy dolphins and giant catfish, while inland forests feature Asiatic black bears, leopards, and the nocturnal slow loris. In the eastern province of Mondulkiri, one of Cambodia’s least-visited regions, you can explore lush, tropical jungle. Here, the Elephant Valley Project works with local villagers to rescue and rehabilitate domesticated elephants, offering visitors the chance to meet these gentle giants in a natural, ethical setting.

Book it: Take the 16-day Land of Apsaras tour, which includes several wildlife experiences.

China’s vast landscapes make it one of Asia’s most rewarding wildlife destinations, home to everything from crested ibis and red-crowned cranes to snow leopards, golden snub-nosed monkeys, Amur tigers, and sun bears. Yet the true star, surely, is the giant panda. With only 700 – 1,000 remaining in the wild, sightings in their natural habitat are rare, but Bamboo Travel can arrange a visit to a breeding station in Chengdu, where you can learn more about how these iconic creatures are being protected. For a more in-depth experience, you can even spend the day volunteering at the Giant Panda Base in Dujiangyan.

Book it: Indulge in a Taste of Sichuan, a 12-day tour of this charming region.

The Wizard of Oz song, ‘Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!’ could well sum up India, home to Asiatic lions, wild tigers, sloth bears, and the Himalayan black bear. At Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat, you can see the last wild Asiatic lions, while you can track the thriving tiger population in Ranthambore. In Rajasthan, spot leopards around Jawai, or head to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, where more than 360 species, from white ibis to painted storks, make it a birdwatcher’s paradise. For something different, explore the Little Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh and one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the subcontinent.

Book it: Follow On the Tiger Trail – an exciting 13 day tour.

Indonesia spreads across thousands of islands, each with its own unique wildlife. In the Komodo Islands you’ll find the komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, while in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra, is the best place to spot the vividly-hued Sumatran Orangutan whilst trekking in the dense jungles of Gunung Leuser National Park.The island of Sulawesi in eastern Indonesia is a birdwatcher’s paradise; head to the Lore Lindu National Park to spot the likes of the Great Short Wing and Purple Bearded Bee Eater. Take a klotok [traditional wooden boat] down the Kalimantan River, for sightings of wild apes, clouded leopards and sun bears, and if you’re a diver, head to Bunaken National Marine Park to swim alongside butterfly fish, damsels, parrot fish and more.

Book it: Bamboo Travel offers a range of fascinating, in-depth tours, from the 17-day Treasures of Indonesia to the 15-day Adventures in Sumatra and 20-day Adventures in Sulawesi.

Japan’s wildlife is shaped by its islands, mountains, and changing seasons, and offers some iconic species which draw travellers from around the world. Firstly, and most famously, are the snow monkeys; officially called Japanese macaques, they’re known for bathing in hot springs in the Jigokudani hot springs in Nagano prefecture. Just like humans, they like to escape the chill of winter, relaxing or playing in the steaming waters. Secondly, you can observe the captivating red-crowned cranes; symbols of longevity, they display a distinctive mating dance which usually takes place in February and March. Meet the resident population at the Tsurui Crane Sanctuary close to Kushiro city on Hokkaido (also home to brown bears and golden eagles).

Book it: Embark on a thrilling, 19-day self-drive adventure around Hokkaido.

Located in the highlands of Northern Laos, the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area is a biodiversity hotspot and home to some of Southeast Asia’s most endangered species. The Nam Nern Night Safari is a pioneering ecotourism project which offers an adventurous 24-hour experience to search for wildlife in this upland forest and learn about the local conservation efforts. On a river cruise after nightfall, you might spot sambar deer, otters, civets, loris, porcupine and owls.

Book it: Enjoy the 15-day Secrets of Indochina tour, which takes you overland from Luang Prabang to Hanoi.

Nepal’s dramatic landscapes, from Himalayan peaks to subtropical lowlands, make it a superb wildlife destination. Chitwan National Park is the country’s premier spot for animal encounters, offering jeep safaris, jungle walks, and river cruises. Here you can see the iconic one-horned rhino, as well as deer, monkeys, wild boar, and some of the park’s 500 bird species. A serene cruise on the Rapti River in a hand-carved dugout canoe provides excellent birdwatching, along with chances to spot Gharial crocodiles and rhinos on the banks. For fewer crowds and the best chance of spotting a wild tiger, head to Bardia National Park.

Book it: Head off on a 14-day Classic Nepal tour which includes the wildlife of the Chitwan National Park.

Papua New Guinea is renowned for its extraordinary birdlife, especially the dazzling bird of paradise. With 42 subspecies, many live deep in the jungle, but the highlands around Goroka and Mount Hagen are prime spots to see at least ten of these. In the remote Western Province, the Bensbach Wildlife Lodge and Lake Murray Lodge offer superb wildlife encounters. Here, alongside birds of paradise, you might spot pelicans, hornbills, and eagles, as well as mammals and reptiles including wallabies, deer, and monitor lizards.

Book it: Take the 14-day Wildlife of Papua New Guinea tour to see some of the country’s most spectacular creatures.

With a rich mix of tropical forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems, Sri Lanka is renowned for its wildlife. It has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, mainly in Yala National Park. Sightings of these beautiful big cats are, of course, never guaranteed, but you could also try Wilpattu National Park, Kumana, Wasgamuwa and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Watch out for whales and dolphins in Mirissa, on the south coast, between December and April, while birders should head to the Horton Plains National Park. It has unique vegetation and is famous for many rare and endemic highland birds that you won’t see elsewhere in the country.

Book it: The 17-day Birds and Wildlife of Sri Lanka tour covers most of these exciting experiences.

Elephants have long been sacred in Thailand, symbolising strength, wisdom, and good fortune. In recent years, however, many have been exploited in the name of tourism. Thankfully, there are many ethical sanctuaries across the country, including the Elephant Nature Park, just outside Chiang Mai, where rescued elephants live in freedom within a safe environment; a visit here is educational and rewarding.

Divers and snorkellers will enjoy Koh Tao, one of the country’s top spots for underwater life. The coral reefs here teem with turtles, reef sharks, barracuda, and many varieties of colourful reef fish, while whale sharks have also been sighted in these waters.

Book it: See elephants for yourself on the 17-day Alternative Thailand tour.  

Swimming with whale sharks is a bucket list activity for many travellers, and the Philippines is one of the best places in the world to make this dream come true. The only place to go for an ethical encounter with one of these gentle giants is Donsol, close to Legaspi, and home to the Whale Shark Interaction Eco-Tourism Project, a champion of sustainable tourism.Another extraordinary creature you’ll find in the Philippine archipelago is the tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, with cute features and big, round eyes. Meeting one is a highlight of any stay on Bohol or Panglao Island; Bohol is home to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can see them in their natural habitat.

Book it: Discover the dramatic scenery and diverse animals of the Philippines on this exhilarating, 22-day Wildlife Adventure tour.