Our Guide to Wildlife in Asia

Diving hotspots

Southeast Asia is rich in diving hotspots that allow travelers to discover amazing marine life unique to the region. Indonesia is known for some of the best diving, particularly around Raja Ampat, an area made up of over 17,000 islands. This destination boasts an incredible variety of coral and marine species, making it one of the top diving spots in the world, with a high number of recorded marine species.

For unique diving experiences, Indonesia’s smaller islands offer great opportunities. Muck diving, which involves exploring muddy seafloors, is popular in places like Ambon and Lembeh. In Ambon, divers can see rare creatures like psychedelic frogfish, rhinopias, and scorpionfish, along with fascinating underwater volcanoes. Lembeh is especially known for its outstanding muck diving, featuring unusual macro sea life, including hairy frogfish, bumblebee shrimp, and the remarkable mimic octopus.

Incredible birdlife

Asia is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from the seas to the skies. In untouched Borneo, you can find a remarkable array of birdlife soaring over lush landscapes. This biodiverse region features around 750 bird species, with 40 unique to Borneo. Sabah, a Malaysian state in northern Borneo, is a prime spot for birdwatching, hosting 622 bird species and offering various locations to suit every birdwatcher.

Close to Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu, lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinabalu Park, which is home to many endemic bird species. Spanning 75,000 hectares, this stunning national park offers diverse environments, from lowland forests to sub-alpine areas, ideal for spotting 17 unique bird species. To find the elusive Banded Broadbill, visit the Poring Hot Springs and Langanan waterfall.

In Nepal, Royal Chitwan National Park truly lives up to its name, which means ‘Heart of the Jungle.’ Located in the Terai lowlands of southern Nepal, this tropical forest is home to over 500 bird species. Many of these are birds of prey, including impressive honey buzzards and graceful darters. Most lodges around Chitwan offer walking safaris and birdwatching trips. Led by knowledgeable naturalists, these guided experiences provide travelers with unique insights into the park’s protected habitats and diverse birdlife.

Where to see Big Cats

In the Indian Subcontinent, there are many opportunities to see Asia’s famous big cats. In India, you can find Bengal tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park, Ranthambore National Park, and Kanha Tiger Reserve. Bandhavgarh has been a tiger-friendly area for centuries, originally preserved for Maharajas and their guests.

Ranthambore has successfully revived its tiger population from near extinction at the end of the last century, and now tigers roam around ancient temple ruins, creating a magical atmosphere. Kanha Tiger Reserve is known as one of the best parks in India for tiger safaris, where these majestic cats rule the dense jungle.

In the beautiful northern region of Ladakh, India, snow-capped mountains and vast plateaus provide excellent opportunities for spotting snow leopards. The Snow Leopard Lodge is the only wildlife-focused lodge in Ladakh and is a great stop for wildlife enthusiasts. Travelers usually start their snow leopard excursions at dawn to look for signs of these elusive cats. After the morning’s findings, the chief spotter plans the day’s activities over a hearty breakfast. While seeing a snow leopard is not guaranteed, the stunning landscapes and the excitement of the search make for a unique experience.

To see Asiatic lions, visit Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, India. This protected area is the last stronghold for Asiatic lions, which were hunted down to just 20 individuals in the early 20th century. Thanks to conservation efforts in Gir Forest and nearby sanctuaries, their population has grown to about 650. Besides lions, you can also spot tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, and jungle cats in Gir Forest National Park, offering plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Majestic mammals

One of Asia’s most beloved animals is the elephant, and Thailand is a popular destination for memorable elephant encounters. At My Way, we advocate for responsible interaction with elephants, and there are many ways to do this by choosing the right sanctuaries. It can be challenging to identify sanctuaries that treat elephants humanely, but our expert travel designers recommend Elephant Valley in Chiang Rai.

This sanctuary allows visitors to walk alongside elephants in the forest, assist during bathtime, or enjoy a picnic with these gentle giants. Guests also learn about elephant biology, behavior, and conservation from the local guides who work there. By prioritizing the needs of the elephants, Elephant Valley offers a rewarding experience that benefits both the animals and their visitors.

Elephants are also a major attraction in Sri Lanka, particularly during the annual Minneriya Elephant Gathering, which draws visitors from around the globe. This unique event occurs during the dry season (from May to October) and features the largest assembly of Asian elephants in the world at Minneriya National Park. Herds from across Sri Lanka’s North Central Province come here to graze on fresh green grass and bathe in the waters amid wetlands, grasslands, and scrub jungle. Watching the elephants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.

The weird and wonderful

Dugongs are among the unique and fascinating animals found in Asia, alongside creatures like komodo dragons. These rare marine mammals are related to manatees and share similarities in appearance and behavior. Interestingly, they are also distantly related to elephants, giving them a distinctive look that combines features of both whales and elephants.

Despite their size, dugongs are gentle giants that are herbivores, spending their days grazing on underwater grasses. Once easy targets for coastal hunters, dugongs are now considered a vulnerable species. One of the best places in Southeast Asia to see dugongs is in the waters around Con Dao, Vietnam. This beautiful archipelago consists of 16 protected islands with white sand beaches and turquoise waters, providing a habitat for these elusive creatures.

In Indonesia, Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of three main islands-Komodo, Rinca, and Padar-along with the surrounding waters. Many visitors come to this park to see its famous residents, the komodo dragons. These impressive creatures look like they belong to the Jurassic period, sporting dinosaur-like features and a fierce demeanor. While sightings of komodo dragons aren’t guaranteed, those eager to see these incredible predators often leave satisfied. For the best chance to spot a Komodo dragon, we recommend cruising the islands on one of our luxury private vessels, allowing you to explore both land and underwater life.

Dusky leaf monkeys, also known as spectacled langurs, can be found in Malaysia and Thailand. Although Borneo is famous for its orangutans, it is also a great place to see these charming monkeys. With their grey and brown fur and light patches around their eyes and mouth, they often look surprised. These herbivorous monkeys mostly eat leaves, seeds, fruit, and flowers. Sadly, their population has declined by about 30% over the past 30 years, leading them to be recognized as a vulnerable species. The main threats to these cute animals are farming and expanding human settlements, making Borneo’s protected rainforests an essential habitat for their survival.