Sir David Attenborough's Asia: Six wildlife hotspots
Go beyond the screen and discover Asia’s most exciting natural wonders with some thrilling animal encounters along the way.
Veteran broadcaster (and British national treasure) Sir David Attenborough has made his return to national TV this week with his brand-new Asia series, shining a light on some of the most incredible sights across the world’s largest continent.
Having watched the first episode in this seven-part docuseries, ‘Beneath the Waves’, our team has been busy thinking about their most memorable animal encounters across Asia, and the best wish-list-topping spots to see its diverse ecosystems first-hand. Here are just a handful of our most popular picks:
Indonesia – Komodo Islands
While Indonesia is well-known for its picturesque Balinese beaches, its smaller Komodo islands deserve far more recognition for their magnificent local fauna. With thrilling animal encounters both by land and by sea, catch a glimpse of the islands’ formidable dragons or delve beneath the waves to explore some of the richest coral reefs on the continent.
Our recommended tour: Indonesia – Bali and Beyond with Komodo extension
Nepal – Himalayan Foothills
A far cry from the Indonesian islands, Nepal’s grand Himalayan stretches are no less impressive and showcase a completely different side to Asia’s vibrant natural world. With vast mountain landscapes to the north, great lakes dominating its centre and tropical savannah lowlands in the south, Nepal’s boasts glorious local wildlife ranges from agile snow leopards, and tree-clinging red pandas, to herds of imposing Asian Rhinos.
Our recommended tour: India and Nepal – Tigers, Taj & Temples
India – Kerala
Away from the bustle of India’s northern centres, Kerala promises a thrilling wildlife-rich oasis amongst the ancient temples and rolling foothills of the country’s rural south. With winding backwaters, home to a whole host of lively mangrove species, and sprawling, elephant-rich national parks, India’s glorious south deserves a place atop any wildlife-spotting wish-list. Whether you’re venturing out in search of tigers in Periyar National Park or keeping an eye out for the colourful local birdlife on a traditional houseboat, Kerala showcases India’s untamed natural world in truly memorable fashion.
Our recommended tour: Kerala & India’s Beautiful South
Malaysia – Borneo
One of the world’s most celebrated animal-spotting destinations across the entire globe, Borneo boasts a stellar reputation for biodiversity and there’s nowhere better to take in its vibrant wildlife than Malaysia’s northerly Sabah region. With its abundant orangutan population and endangered sun bears, Borneo’s northern corners offer the perfect setting to see some of the world’s rarest creatures in their natural habitats.
Our recommended tour: Borneo’s Orangutan & Rainforest Adventure
Vietnam – Hạ Long Bay
Swapping Borneo’s orangutan sanctuaries for the colourful aquatic life of the South China Sea, a trip to Vietnam’s famed Hạ Long Bay promises unforgettable sightings bookended by emerald waters and tropical rainforest. Watch its gentle waves glow with bioluminescent plankton by night or spot the faces of Vietnam’s elusive white-tabby monkeys peeking out of the from the thicket of one of the bay’s karst islands.
Our recommended tour: Classic Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Uzbekistan – Kyzyl-Kum Desert
Ending on a bit of a wildcard, Uzbekistan may not be the first destination that springs to mind when it comes to wildlife-spotting, but its semi-arid desert stretches host a wealth of diverse and wonderfully unique local fauna. From the Bactrian camels and Russian tortoises, that thrive amidst the Kyzyl-Kum Desert’s barren landscapes, to mountain-dwelling snow leopards and Saiga antelope, Uzbekistan boasts a surprising number of fascinating creatures.
Our recommended tour: Uzbekistan – Ancient Cities of the Silk Road
Book your Asia escape
The best part about Asia, though, is that there are far too many wonderful destinations to include in this short six-spot list, and there's a whole host of incredible animal hotspots to explore. Start planning your wish-list wildlife escape with the help of our dedicated holiday planners today and gear up for fascinating wildlife encounters across Asia’s glorious natural world.
