Best rainforest destinations in Asia
Best rainforest destinations in Asia
Tropical island canopy reserves and ancient river valleys across Asia
Asia's rainforests are concentrated in the island archipelagos and peninsular regions of Southeast Asia, where some of the world's oldest and most biodiverse tropical forest systems support extraordinary concentrations of endemic species found nowhere else on earth. The continent's rainforest environments range from accessible national park circuits with established lodge infrastructure to remote primary forest requiring serious expedition planning and specialist local operators.
The region's forests are among the most significant wildlife habitats on earth, with great apes, big cats, hornbills and proboscis monkeys among the most sought-after species for dedicated wildlife visitors. Canopy walkways, river-based wildlife watching and guided night walks reveal dimensions of forest life invisible from standard trail systems and represent the most rewarding experiences at the strongest destinations.
Heat, humidity and monsoon seasons affect access and comfort considerably and seasonal timing is an important planning factor. Deforestation has significantly reduced primary forest cover across parts of the region and researching the ecological status of specific destinations ensures visits support rather than undermine conservation. Guided access is strongly recommended across most remote rainforest destinations.
Lists by region
National Park in Thailand
Khao Sok National Park
Ancient Jungle and Emerald Lake Paradise
It rains in most months here, but the drier time from December to March is easier for hiking. Limestone cliffs rise above the rain forest and a huge lake called Cheow Lan. Rafflesia, a giant flower, grows on the forest floor. Canoe trips and guided jungle walks are popular.
Island in India
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Crystal waters and pristine wilderness
Hundreds of islands lie in the Bay of Bengal. Many are covered in dense evergreen rain forest that reaches down to white beaches. Forest trails on the larger islands pass giant trees and hanging vines. Boat trips reach quiet coves where the trees grow almost to the water.
National Park in Indonesia
Gunung Leuser National Park
Breathtaking peaks and ancient rainforests
Wild and humid, this park in northern Sumatra is part of the UNESCO Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. Orangutans, tigers, elephants and rhinos all live in the same forest. Guides lead jungle treks from Bukit Lawang along the river. Trekkers often see orangutans on the trail.
Island in Malaysia
Langkawi Island
Tropical Beaches, Rainforests and Sunsets
Ride the Sky Cab up Gunung Machinchang in the morning, when the sky is clear and lines are short. The cable car rises above forest that grows on very old rock. Dusky leaf monkeys, hornbills and flying lemurs live in the trees. Hikers climb steps to the Seven Wells waterfall.
National Park in Indonesia
Tanjung Puting National Park
Orangutan paradise in Borneo jungle
The park covers about 4,150 square kilometres of rain forest, swamp and rivers in Indonesian Borneo. Orangutans come to feeding platforms at Camp Leakey, a research station set up in 1971. The Sekonyer River has dark water coloured by plant tannins. Slow wooden boats carry visitors upstream.
National Park in Malaysia
Mulu National Park
Lush limestone canyons echo ancient wildlife
Many evenings visitors gather at the Deer Cave bat observatory to watch millions of bats fly out over the trees. A guide is required for the caves. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also has the Pinnacles, sharp limestone blades that rise above the rain forest. Boats and boardwalks reach the main caves.
Island in Japan
Yakushima
Ancient cedars, mossy forest and waterfalls
Japanese cedars called yakusugi have grown on this island for more than 1,000 years. The oldest, Jomon Sugi, is thought to be at least 2,000 years old. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is wet and misty on most days. Moss covers the rocks and roots along the trails.
Island in India
Havelock Island
Tropical Paradise with Underwater Wonders
This small island is the main base for visitors to the Andamans. It has thick evergreen forest behind its beaches. Trails near Radhanagar Beach pass tall trees and wild jungle. Elephant Beach is reached by a short forest walk or by boat. Birds and butterflies are easy to spot.
Island
Borneo
Wild rainforests meet unique wildlife
The rain forest on this island is about 130 million years old. That makes it one of the oldest in the world. Orangutans, pygmy elephants and clouded leopards live among the tall trees. Boat safaris on the Kinabatangan River pass monkeys and hornbills. Danum Valley has canopy walkways high above the forest floor.
Island in Indonesia
Mentawai Islands
Surfer's paradise with tribal culture
These islands lie off the west coast of Sumatra. Siberut, the largest, is covered in thick rain forest and is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Several primates found nowhere else live here, including the Mentawai langur. Guides lead treks of several days to villages of the Mentawai people.
National Park in Thailand
Khao Yai National Park
Wild Elephants, Waterfalls and Jungle Trails
A popular local habit is to take a night safari by truck with a ranger. Rangers use spotlights to find deer, civets and sometimes elephants. By day, hikers walk to waterfalls such as Haew Suwat. Gibbons often call from the treetops in the early morning, so a night in the park is worthwhile.
National Park in Malaysia
Taman Negara National Park
Lush canopy trails reveal hidden wildlife wonders
Compared with rain forests in Borneo, this park is easy to reach. It is about three or four hours by road from Kuala Lumpur. It covers a large part of the centre of Peninsular Malaysia. A long canopy walkway hangs high above the forest. Boat rides on the Tembeling River reach the park.
Forest in Sri Lanka
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Ancient rainforest teeming with elusive wildlife
Dense, dark and very wet, this reserve covers about 8,900 hectares. It is one of the last large patches of original rain forest in Sri Lanka. Many of its trees and animals live nowhere else on earth. Leeches are common on wet trails, so leech socks are worth packing.
City in Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Gateway to Borneo’s wild beauty
Unlike most Asian cities, this one is only about two hours by road from a UNESCO World Heritage rain forest. Kinabalu Park has orchids, pitcher plants and cool mountain forest on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu. Poring Hot Springs has a canopy walkway above the trees.
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