Exploring the beauty of nature can be a great adventure, full of exciting and unforgettable experiences. Being in the middle of the forest, you can easily be touched with all the natural beauty that’s guaranteed would make you feel serene. Not only mesmerised by the surrounding green sceneries, but you may also meet unique and exotic wildlife there.
Well, for the nemophilists, someone who is fond of forests or forest scenery, Southeast Asia has a lot of magical jungles to offer. Packed with interesting activities and tours within the beautiful and pristine jungles, here are the top 8 jungle destinations in Southeast Asia that are just too perfect to be missed out on.
1. Biodiversity of Brunei’s Rainforests
Brunei, a small country in the northern part of Kalimantan, is famous for its biodiversity of rainforests. You have to witness it yourself by visiting the Sumbiling Eco Village and trekking while interacting with the local Iban community.
Next, you can continue to visit the rainforest in Ulu Teburong National Park which is still very natural. You can do various exciting activities there, such as walking through the canopy, taking a boat trip, trekking and swimming under the forest waterfall.
2. Thailand’s Beautiful Forests and Beaches
While in Thailand, some of the places that you have to visit are the bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, and the waterfall in the forest of Erawan National Park. You could explore the Chiang Mai area and hill tribe villages in the north, spend the night at the village house then go to Koh Samet. The recommended time to visit this beautiful forest is in July, August and December.
3. Nature Adventure of Borneo Island
The island of Borneo, which is the third largest island in the world, is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world. One of the absolute itinerary when visiting Borneo is that you must feel the sensation of climbing Mount Kinabalu, which is the highest peak in Southeast Asia.
Afterwards, you can explore the Kinabatangan River, where you will meet various wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, tree snakes and civets. Next, you can go to the Sepilok Nature Reserve, which is home to orangutans and the sun bear conservation centre.
4. The Hidden Beauty of Cambodia
One thing that’s in the spotlight when travelling to Cambodia is exploring the jungle safari and the legendary temples of Angkor. Afterwards, you can end your trip to the private island in the Gulf of Thailand and witness the beauty of the beach. If you want to spend the night there, try staying at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge which is a luxury campground on the banks of the Tatai River.
5. Rainforest in Malaysia
If you want to see one of the most beautiful forests in Asia, you can visit Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia. This national park on the east coast of Malaysia presents an adventure exploring 130 million years of rainforests.
Besides exploring the rainforest in Taman Negara, you can also do other exciting activities in the area. Some other interesting activities such as night safari, snorkelling, diving and kayaking on the coast of the Redang islands which are 9 islands with closed forests.
6. The Pristine Island of Langkawi
Langkawi Island is one of the leading destinations in Malaysia, especially for seclusion. If you are travelling to the very natural island of Langkawi, you can visit the conservation centre for orangutans and sun bears, and observe birds to Lake Pitas.
Besides that, you can also sail on the Kinabatangan River which is home to a variety of wildlife such as pygmy elephants, silvered leaf monkeys and orangutans. Then there is Datai Langkawi which is located on the remote corner of Pulau Langkawi, which is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and is still very natural.
7. Trekking in the Nature of Papua New Guinea
The natural beauty in Papua New Guinea is indeed amazing. So it's not surprising that Papua New Guinea is a destination that has one of the most beautiful forests in Asia.
The Owen Stanley Range, which is covered in forests in the southeastern part of Papua New Guinea, must enter your itinerary if you want to see the beauty of one of the most beautiful forests in Asia. There you can do quite challenging trekking on the Kokoda Trail along 60 miles or around 97 kilometres.
8. Adventure with Sumatera’s Orang Utan
If you want to see orangutans in the wild, Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the best places in Indonesia. While you are there, you can also visit Berastagi and climb Mount Sibayak, an active volcano, which is covered in forest.
Besides that, you can end your trip in Samonsir to stop at Lake Toba. If you want to spend the night in this area, you can stay at Ecolodge Bukit Lawang, which also helps support the Sumatra Orangutan Conservation Programme.
