National Parks in Southeast Asia
With so many varied terrains in the region, it follows that Southeast Asia’s national parks and reserves offer equally diverse landscapes. The tropical climate of the region supports lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, making the parks here great places to gain insight into the region’s natural world.
Thailand’s Similan islands marine reserve draws divers with its underwater surprises, while Khao Yai National Park has a large population of wild elephants. Perhaps the most popular park in the region, however, is Malaysia’s Kinabalu National Park, where climbers can scale the region’s highest peak.
Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia: The most visited of Malaysia’s national parks and also one of its first, Taman Negara offers well-trodden paths through dense jungle. The park stretches across three states, and ecotourism tours to see the resident Indochinese tigers are popular.
Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia: Home to the endangered Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhino, Sumatran striped rabbit and the Sumatran elephant, this park is an ideal destination for wildlife lovers. Encompassing stretches of rainforest, the park is best explored by organized tour.
Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia: Taking its name after the 3,000-plus meter high mountain that sits in the park and popular for its resident orangutans, Gunung Leuser is part of a World Heritage site that spans two other neighboring national parks, Bukit Barisan Selatan and Kerinci Seblat.
Gunung Mulu National Park, Malaysia: Gunung Mulu in the remote Malaysian state of Sarawak is protected as a World Heritage site. Its interesting karst formations and caves attract attention, as does the largest naturally enclosed space on the planet, the Sarawak Chamber.
Kerinci Seblat National Park, Indonesia: The extensive Kerinci Seblat is loved for its mountains, waterfalls, whitewater and hot springs among other things. The wildlife here is also superb, with Bornean clouded leopards and Sumatran rhinoceros resident at the park.
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand: Spanning four provinces, the country’s first national park protects herds of wild elephant among other outstanding animals. Basic accommodation is available in the park, and the best way to tour it is by car.
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand: The dense rainforest in Surat Thani province has been protected as Khao Sok National Park for nearly three decades. The local wildlife population can be spotted from boats on the park’s picturesque lake.
Kinabalu National Park - Borneo, Malaysia: Guarded by the highest peak in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park is not just a playground for trekkers; it is home to rare species of flora and fauna.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia: In addition to housing the komodo dragon, after which the park takes its name, Komodo National Park is a habitat for a number of other hard-to-find creatures. Stretching across numerous volcanic islands, the park offers stunning scenery.
Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Vietnam: The biodiversity of Kon Ka Kinh has been protected since 2002, when the area received national park status. Home to 400-plus animal species and numerous rare plants, the park rarely disappoints nature lovers.
Lorentz National Park, Indonesia: Ranking as the largest park in the region, the diverse Lorentz National Park encompasses swamp forests and alpine areas, mangroves and sea. The creatures that inhabit this park are as varied as the landscapes.
Bako National Park – Borneo, Malaysia: The remote Bako in the Malaysian state of Sarawak offers unspoiled beaches, grassland and rainforest. The mangroves here are great for bird-spotting, while the state capital, Kuching, is nearby.
Maliau Basin - Borneo, Malaysia: One of the least visited parks in the region due to its remote nature in the Malaysian province of Sabah, Maliau Basin offers exciting off-the-beaten-track adventures. Rare orchids and untouched rainforest await those that make the trip here.
Danum Valley - Borneo, Malaysia: A haven for bird lovers, the Danum Valley is home to thousands of bird species as well as other interesting creatures, including pygmy elephants, clouded leopards and Sumatran rhinos.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam: Phong Nha, protected as a World Heritage site, is best known for its breathtaking limestone karsts and 300-plus cave complexes. The grottoes here are also noteworthy.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines: There are few places in the region where you can navigate an underground river, but Puerto Princesa offers just that. Above ground visitors can take in the karst mountains and pretty coastline.
Similan Islands National Park, Thailand: Accessible from Phuket and Krabi by boat, the Similans are commonly considered Thailand’s most pristine islands. Popular as a diving site, only a few of the idyllic islands offer accommodation.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore: Ornithologists will not want to miss this reserve, where migratory birds make an annual stop. Located in the northwest of the island, Sungei Buloh is easy to reach.
Tarutao National Marine Park, Thailand: If you want to escape the crowds at Thailand’s busier parks, Tarutao in the south of the country spans more than 50 idyllic islands. The warm Andaman waters and the white sand beaches here make it hard for visitors to leave.
Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia: The volcanic Krakatoa islands are today protected as a World Heritage site and feature rare wildlife such as the Javan rhinoceros as well as lush lowland rainforest.