There are many stunning national parks in South East Asia that are brimming with a rich diversity of flora and fauna as well as varied landscapes and terrains. There are also lots of different activities available too, so if you love spending time in the great outdoors whilst on holiday, South East Asia has plenty of choices.
Some of the top national parks in South East Asia include:
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Khao Sok National Park is a lush and thick area of beautiful jungle within easy reach of the popular holiday spot of Phuket. There is plenty of accommodation right outside the park, and you can spend the night in a delightful tree house bungalow for amazing views and something different. There are many different types of plants and flowers within the park, and if you are lucky you may see the incredible and rare rafflesia. The rafflesia is the biggest flower in the whole world, but it is only in bloom for a couple of days out of the year. Staff can generally advise if there are any in bloom and guide you in the right direction. Creatures that live in the park include elephants, bears, and tigers, leopards, although the chance of actually seeing any of the large animals is rare. Just knowing that you are walking through their home though can be a thrill! You will see many different types of birds, insects, and butterflies, and might see monkeys and rodents. There is a good number of walking trails through the park, and you can visit cascading waterfalls and enjoy the amazing views from the various viewpoints.
Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, Indonesia
Located on the island of Java, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park is a gorgeous UNESCO protected area. There are steep ridges and gaping ravines, and the views are breath taking. Including two mist-shrouded volcanic mountains, the landscapes are diverse and interesting. There are verdant tea plantations nearby, adding to the overall scenic outlooks. Leopards roam the national park, and you will see many different birds. Some rare species call the park home too. When it comes to plant life, the national park contains some species that are completely unique to the area.
Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
Taman Negara National Park lays claim to being the oldest primary rainforest on the whole planet. There are jungle lodges where you can spend a night or two surrounded by nature at its very best, falling asleep to the sounds of the wild. There are a number of charming floating restaurants in Kuala Tahan. Within easy reach from the country’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur, it is a popular spot for tourists. There are lots of walking trails where you will see an array of plant life and creatures, and the waterfalls at Lata Berkoh are a favourite place. As well as being a very pretty sight you can also swim in the crystal clear and refreshingly cool waters. Night walks and boat trips are available, and you can visit nomadic settlements and learn some traditional skills, such as shooting a blowpipe. There are caves to explore, and dare-devils can raft along the raging rapids or tackle the longest canopy walk in the world.
This is just a small selection of the stunning national parks in South East Asia. If they have whetted your appetite, start planning your great adventure soon! There are amazing national parks throughout Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines … and other countries too!
