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    Our Guide to Wildlife in Asia

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    Rachel O'Leary headshot
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    Asia is an incredibly vast and diverse continent with a wide variety of wildlife to match. Travelling here offers the chance to see tigers in India, snow monkeys in Japan, leopards in Sri Lanka, elephants in Thailand and so many other stunning animal species. Here’s our ultimate guide to wildlife in Asia, covering landscapes that include the rainforests of Borneo, the mountains of Bhutan and beyond.

    Why Asia is a unique wildlife destination

    Asia is the world’s largest continent, covering nearly a third of the planet. Its sheer enormity means it contains an immense range of landscapes and habitats that are home to all kinds of rare and fascinating species. For travellers drawn to the wild, be it in search of a specific species or hoping to be awed by creatures you never knew existed, Asia offers a wealth of opportunities.

    Top wildlife experiences by country

    See tigers and elephants in India

    India is enormously biodiverse, from the Kerala backwaters to the peaks of Ladakh. Among its hundreds of mammal species, two stand out: the Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant. The former can be found, notably in Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh, two national parks that boast a large number of wild tigers as well as leopards, hyenas, deer, sloth bears and many other species. 

    If you want to see elephants, Kaziranga National Park offers one of the best chances to spot these majestic creatures in the wild, and is also known for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses and water buffalo. All three of these parks offer some of the best safaris in Asia. They also contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at helping to protect and support the habitats of endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and Indian elephant.

    Track leopards in Sri Lanka

    Part of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. You’ll find one of the world’s highest concentrations of leopards in Yala National Park. These elusive felines are hard to spot – making each sighting even more magical. There are plenty of other animals that inhabit the park, including Indian elephants and sloth bears.

    You can observe a similar variety of species in Wilpattu – the country’s largest national park – and Gal Oya, an off-the-beaten-track option that also offers boat safaris and beautiful birdlife. We suggest staying at the gorgeous Gal Oya Lodge, which reinvests part of its profits into initiatives that benefit the local community as well as operating its own conservation-focussed research centre.

    Observe orangutans in Borneo

    Part of the Malay Archipelago, Borneo is perhaps best known for its abundance of primates, and particularly for its native orangutans. You can learn more about this critically endangered species at the Sepilok Nature Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan. The Danum Valley, and areas around the Kinabatangan River, are considered among the best places in Borneo to see wild orangutans.

    In addition to these gentle giants, Borneo is also home to many of the most majestic rainforest animals in Asia, including sun bears, pygmy elephants, gibbons, saltwater crocodiles and clouded leopards. The best time to visit Borneo for wildlife experiences is between May and August, in the middle of the dry season.

    Spot snow monkeys and rare birds in Japan

    There’s no shortage of awe-inspiring animals in East Asia, and Japan is home to a few especially unique species. In Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, located northwest of Tokyo, you can see the adorable macaques that inspired the park’s name. In winter (December–February) you might even get to watch the monkeys relaxing in the steaming waters of natural hot springs.

    Japan is also a fantastic destination for bird watching. Avid birders can go in search of rare species like red-crowned cranes in Hokkaido and Okinawa rails, among many others. And if you find yourself in Okinawa between January and March, make sure to keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales as well.

    Encounter elephants and gibbons in Thailand

    Thailand offers remarkable opportunities to encounter Southeast Asia’s extraordinary wildlife, including singing gibbons, spectacled langurs, Indochinese tigers, and dholes (Asiatic wild dogs). But the country’s most  renowned species is arguably the Asian elephant. You can learn about these enormous and endlessly impressive animals at elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khao Sok.

    Gain a deeper understanding of elephant behaviour through thoughtfully guided experiences that prioritise the animals wellbeing, by observing their natural routines at a respectful distance. You can also visit Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about its Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, which rescues and rehabilitates these endangered primates.

    Spot red pandas and big cats in Bhutan

    The small, landlocked country of Bhutan is home to a wide variety of fascinating wildlife. Here you can find a variety of big cats like Bengal tigers, snow leopards and clouded leopards, as well as many different species of primates, sloth bears, black bears, golden langurs, water buffalo, wolves and deer – just to name a few.

    Bhutan also boasts a significant population of red pandas. These small, agile mammals are among the country’s most unique and endearing animals, and are also endangered. They can  be found in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Bhutan, and in high-altitude forests throughout the country – although they’re notoriously difficult to spot in the wild.

    Responsible wildlife tourism in Asia

    Wherever your journey in Asia takes you, or what animals you’re hoping to see, we, guided by our Positive Impact Principles, aim to help you experience this continent’s wonderful wildlife in a responsible way. These principles include animal welfare guidelines that inform our choices when it comes to activities and accommodation. We also aim to support and collaborate with organisations and properties that prioritise the well-being and protection of endangered species and their habitats.

    The best time to see wildlife in Asia

    The best time to see wildlife in Asia depends entirely on your destination and the animals you’re hoping to see. For example, December to February is the best time of year to observe snow monkeys soaking in the hot springs of Japan; February to April is the best time to spot tigers in India; and May to August is ideal if you want to witness Bornean orangutans in the wild. Our travel designers can help you craft the optimal itinerary depending on which species you’d like to see.

    Ready to start planning your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your wildlife adventure in Asia, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help

    Luxury accommodation in Asia

    There are many incredible places to stay in Asia. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline