Orangutans in the jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park, North Sumatra

Orangutans in the jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park, North Sumatra
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The most beautiful national parks in Southeast Asia

Pure nature: in these national parks, rare animals and fascinating landscapes can be experienced.

The Gunung Leuser National Park on Sumatra is one of the largest and most species-rich national parks in Southeast Asia. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rainforests of Sumatra, and home to many endangered species such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers and Sumatran rhinos.

The park’s jungle landscape, criss-crossed by rivers and waterfalls, is breathtaking, and offers adventure-seekers the opportunity to explore a variety of hiking trails; it is an extraordinary experience to encounter a wild orangutan on a hike.

The realm of a thousand islands: Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Another highlight of Indonesia is the Komodo National Park. The park is famous above all for its namesake inhabitants, the Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world. But the park’s underwater world is also spectacular and attracts divers from all corners of the globe.

The Komodo National Park comprises more than 29 islands, including the main islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar. These islands offer breathtaking landscapes with rugged hills, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters.

View of Kelor Island in Komodo National Park
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View of Kelor Island in Komodo National Park

Tropical Wilderness: Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, the oldest national park in the country, is another must-see for nature lovers. It is known for its dense forests, majestic waterfalls and diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards and over 300 species of birds. A special feature of the park is the nightly migration of millions of bats, which put on an impressive show in the sky. In addition, Khao Yai National Park is known for its orchids and primeval forest charm.

Fairytale Laos: Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park

Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng in Vietnam is home to Asia’s oldest karst mountain range and some of the largest and most beautiful caves in the world, including Son Doong Cave, the largest known cave on the planet. A boat trip on the underground river or a hike to the caves is an unforgettable experience.

The national park also offers impressive landscapes with dense jungle, mountains and rivers to explore and enjoy. Numerous rare and endangered animal species also find a safe habitat here.

Wild Borneo: Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia

Finally, no visit to Southeast Asia should end without a detour to Kinabalu National Park in Borneo, Malaysia. This park is famous for the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea.

The national park offers remarkable biodiversity, including numerous species of orchids and the world’s largest carnivorous plant, the Rafflesia. The park’s hiking trails lead through diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows. A climb up Mount Kinabalu is a highlight of the trip for many visitors, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Falstaff Editorial Team
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