From craggy mountain peaks and lush rainforest to underground caves and marine sanctuaries, Asia’s national parks cover some of the most diverse terrain on Earth. With such variation, it’s hard to narrow down the highlights! Our team have picked a few of their favourite national parks from across Asia to give you a little inspiration…
Orangutans in the mist - Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
Walking through the dense rainforest of Sumatra's Gunung Leuser National Park, swathes of titan-like trees stretching skywards, it is easy to imagine the land as it was millennia ago. The rush of the river cutting a path from the mountains to the sea, interspersed with the calls of the wildlife, provides the soundscape; if you are lucky, a flash of golden fur might catch your attention through the greenery and you will be treated to the sight of a rare Sumatran orangutan, or perhaps even have an encounter with Sumatran elephant in their natural habitat. Ed suggests wild camping in the rainforest 'if you are adventurous enough', although listening to the patter of the rain as you lay in a cosy bed at the Jungle Lodge or Bukit Lawang Eco-lodge is pretty special too.
Wetland wonderland - Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Wilpattu, the largest of Sri Lanka’s national parks, is an oasis in the centre of the dry zone; a unique wetlands habitat of naturally-forming shallow lakes, known as ‘villu’, attracting an array of wildlife to the lush land, even during dry season. Many species come to drink at the water’s edge and make their homes in the fertile surroundings. Water birds such as spoonbills, White Ibis, egrets and herons, are often sighted here, as are owls, kites and even eagles. Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears and deer wander freely, and the park is home to a healthy leopard population. According to Anna, the leopards are spread out over greater distances than at the more well-visited Yala but if you spot one you are 'likely to be able to enjoy the sighting without getting stuck in a queue of other jeeps!'.
suggested read: 9 classic must-see sights in Taiwan
Buddhas and waterfalls - Phnom Kulen National Park, Cambodia
Cambodia’s national parks have really opened up in recent years, allowing visitors greater freedom to explore without needing specialist jungle-trekking equipment! Phnom Kulen, with its undulating hills and waterfalls in sheltered glades, leading to a rocky mountain range with an ancient, almost magical, appeal, is a particular highlight. There are several sites of archaeological significance within this park, including Preah Ang Thom: an enormous, highly decorated reclining Buddha carved directly into solid rock. Should you wish to experience the sacred sites after the crowds have dispersed, you can camp by the temples and wake up to the sounds of the wildlife. Anna suggests visiting at the weekend so you can mingle with the locals as they come to swim and picnic by the waterfalls.
Dragons in paradise - Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Komodo National Park encompasses Indonesia’s lesser-visited islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar and the surrounding seas, and is home to hundreds of vulnerable species. It was originally created to protect the region’s most iconic creature: the Komodo Dragon. The sight of these leathery, dog-sized monitor lizards slouching around gives a certain prehistoric feeling to the landscape, and the park is committed to preserving the unique biodiversity of their habitat. Stay in a bungalow next to the seafor your own private slice of paradise, or charter a yacht and go diving in the crystal waters. You’ll discover a rainbow array of corals, sponges and over 1,000 species of tropical fish, and your visit helps fund the continued preservation of this exquisite region.
Elephant encounters - Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Claire’s top recommendation is Khao Sok National Park on the West coast of Thailand’s southern peninsula. Her reason? 'Elephant Hills - say no more'. Elephant Hills is a visionary project located deep within the rainforest, and combines luxury glamping with elephant rehabilitation and conservation-focused interactions with the animals. With a firm commitment to the welfare of the elephants, there are no rides or performances. Instead, you have the chance to watch the elephants enjoy a mud bath (which can get pretty messy!) then help clean and feed them before observing them interact with one another in their natural habitat. You can also stay on the water and enjoy superb birdwatching from your floating camp.
Hidden labyrinth - Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam
The scenery surrounding Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is notable in itself - eerie, rocky outcrops rising abruptly from the flat landscape, covered in blankets of trees, with rivers snaking between - but the terrain below the ground is truly something else. The park is home to over 300 linked limestone caves, the largest such complex in Asia, which you can explore accompanied by a trained guide. The largest cavern discovered so far is the 19 metre long Paradise Cave which is covered in stalactites and stalagmites spiking out from the rough rock, as well as underground beaches and bulbous limestone formations. Kate loves this 'area of natural beauty which sees fewer visitors than other parts of Vietnam, with three vast caves all offering something different,.
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