Best birdwatching destinations in Asia
Best birdwatching destinations in Asia
Tropical forest habitats and diverse wetland bird sanctuaries in Asia
Asia is the largest continent on earth and its birdlife reflects that scale. With over 4,000 species recorded across its habitats, it holds more birds than any other continent, from the Himalayan high altitude zone to the tropical rainforests of Borneo, the wetlands of the Indian subcontinent to the temperate forests of Japan. The sheer variety of ecosystems packed into a single landmass makes it one of the most rewarding birdwatching destinations in the world.
Endemism is high across the region, particularly in island groups like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, where isolation has produced species found nowhere else. The Asian mainland has its own concentration of range-restricted birds, many of them poorly known and genuinely difficult to find. For listers and explorers alike, the continent offers decades of material.
Migration corridors running from Siberia and Central Asia down through Southeast Asia and on to Australia bring additional variety through the shoulder seasons, with coastal wetlands and forest sites becoming staging posts for enormous numbers of birds in transit. Whether you're after rare endemics, spectacular congregations, or simply want to experience birdwatching in landscapes that feel genuinely different from anywhere else, Asia rewards the effort generously.
Lists by region
National Park in Indonesia
Tanjung Puting National Park
Orangutan paradise in Borneo jungle
Visitors travel by klotok, a slow wooden riverboat with a sleeping deck, along the Sekonyer River. Storm's storks, hornbills and kingfishers are often seen from the water. The boat stops at feeding stations where orangutans come to eat. Evenings on the deck are full of bird calls from the forest.
Island in Indonesia
Sulawesi
Vibrant cultures and pristine mountain landscapes
Forest trails are easier to walk in the dry months, from about June to October. The island has dozens of birds found nowhere else. Tangkoko Nature Reserve in the north is a good place to look for hornbills. The maleo, a bird that buries its eggs in warm sand, also nests there.
National Park in India
Kaziranga National Park
Land of Rhinos and Wild Grasslands
The park is open from November to April, when roads are dry and many winter birds visit the wetlands. More than 450 bird species have been recorded here. Jeep safaris pass greater adjutant storks and Bengal floricans. Rhinos and elephants graze beside the pools, so the birding trips are full of other wildlife.
Archipelago in Indonesia
Raja Ampat
Vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical islands
Most people know this archipelago for its coral reefs, but its forests are just as special for birds. Wilson's bird of paradise lives on Waigeo and nearby islands, with a red back and curly tail feathers. Guides lead small groups to forest hides before sunrise. Travel between the islands is by boat.
Island in India
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Crystal waters and pristine wilderness
These islands in the Bay of Bengal are far from the mainland, so many of their birds live nowhere else. Look for the Andaman woodpecker and the Andaman serpent eagle in the forest. Chidiya Tapu near Port Blair has easy trails. Sea eagles often perch over the shore.
National Park in Thailand
Khao Sok National Park
Ancient Jungle and Emerald Lake Paradise
Many visitors sleep in floating raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake and wake to bird calls. Long tail boats take small groups past limestone cliffs. Hornbills and kingfishers are often seen along the shore. Guided walks in the rain forest add trogons, barbets and bulbuls to the list.
State/Prefecture in India
Rajasthan
Desert palaces and vibrant cultural tapestry
This dry state in northwestern India also has green wetlands that fill with birds. Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 350 bird species. Painted storks nest in the trees and ducks cover the pools in winter. Hire a bicycle to ride the flat paths.
National Park in Thailand
Khao Yai National Park
Wild Elephants, Waterfalls and Jungle Trails
Compared with most Asian rain forests this park is easy to reach, about three hours by road from Bangkok. Great hornbills and Oriental pied hornbills fly over the trees. Watchtowers near ponds give good views of barbets and flycatchers. The trails are well marked and the visitor centre sells maps.
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Wild and quiet, this northern Japanese island has wide wetlands and snowy forests. Red crowned cranes gather near Tsurui in winter and perform their dances in the snow. Whooper swans rest on Lake Kussharo, where hot springs keep parts of the shore from freezing. Bring warm clothes and a long lens.
Island
Borneo
Wild rainforests meet unique wildlife
The island was joined to mainland Asia during the ice ages, which helps explain its rich forest wildlife. All eight Bornean hornbill species live here, including the huge rhinoceros hornbill. Danum Valley has canopy walkways and trails. Birders also look for the Bornean bristlehead, a strange bird found only on this island.
National Park in Japan
Shiretoko National Park
Brown bears and drift ice in Hokkaido
Remote and wild, this peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where sea and forest meet. Steller's sea eagles and white tailed eagles perch on drift ice in winter. Boat trips from Rausu go out to see them. Blakiston's fish owl, a huge owl, lives along the rivers.
National Park in Nepal
Chitwan National Park
Wild Rhinos and Jungle Adventures
The park was created in 1973 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. More than 500 bird species have been recorded in its forests and grasslands. Canoe rides on the Rapti River pass kingfishers, storks and peafowl. Guides lead walks through the grassland to look for Bengal floricans.
Country
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
Though about the size of West Virginia, this island has 34 bird species found nowhere else. Sinharaja rain forest is a UNESCO site with many of these endemic birds. The Sri Lanka junglefowl, the national bird, is easy to see at Yala. Forest, wetlands and hills are all within a day's drive.
National Park in India
Kanha National Park
Tiger paradise in magical wilderness
The core zone covers about 940 square kilometres of sal forest and open meadows. More than 300 bird species have been recorded here. Jeep safaris pass Indian rollers, paradise flycatchers and several kinds of woodpeckers. Tigers and barasingha deer share the same meadows, so the park is good for birds and mammals.
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