There are countless magnificent national parks in Asia, each of which can offer the visitor something unique. Many of the animal and nature experiences offered by Asian national parks cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. For nature lovers, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to the most beautiful national parks in Asia.
The best national parks in Asia
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Komodo National Park is a national park in Indonesia, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to Countryaah.com, Indonesia is the third largest country in Asia.
The multi-island national park was pacified to protect the island’s unique animal population, among other things. Namely, the islands are home to huge Komodo dwarfs, the largest lizards in the world, who have also given the islands their name.
The comodonvaran can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh up to 70 kg. In addition to the Comodon Varans, the islands are home to wild boars, buffaloes, parrots, macaques and many other fascinating animals.
The nature of the Komodo Islands is very diverse, and the national park area has everything from a tropical rainforest to Savannah and beautiful white sand beaches. The sea water surrounding the islands is perfectly clear, so there are also plenty of good snorkeling and diving spots in Komodo National Park where you can admire corals and colorful fish.
Did you know that Komodon Varans live in the wild only on Komodosa Island and the surrounding islands?
Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
Gunung Leuser National Park is located in the northern part of Sumatra.
The national park’s ecosystem is one of the most diverse in the world, and its landscapes can accommodate volcanoes as well as rivers and lakes. In addition, the national park is home to more than 700 different species of animals, from the rare sumat tanner to the sumat tern and the many colorful bird species that fly high in the canopies of the jungle.
If you want to see oranges on your trip, Gunung Leuser is one of the best destinations. The endangered sumatran oranges living in the park form one of the last wild orangutan populations.
Did you know that there is a plant in the jungles of Sumatra called “Rafflesia” that can weigh up to 11 kg and has no actual roots at all?
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is just a short train ride from the heart of Tokyo’s big city.
The national park includes four different areas, but it is perhaps best known for its spectacular views of Mount Fuji, which is also located inside the park.
Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan (3776 meters) and is surrounded by uniquely beautiful and fascinating nature, including hot springs and stunning lakes. In Fuji-Hakone-Izu, you should visit at least Lake Kawaguchi-ko, one of the five lakes in Fuji. The lake offers incredibly beautiful views of Mount Fuji, which mirrors the surface of the lake.
Although the volcano has not erupted for more than 300 years, it is still active.
Did you know that here a few times a year you can experience a natural phenomenon called “Diamond Fuji” where the rising or setting sun is exactly in line with the top of Mount Fuji?
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
A beach holiday in Khao Lak is definitely worth a visit to Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand.
The National Park area has rainforests, waterfalls and majestic limestone cliffs – and simply breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
One of the highlights of the national park is the emerald green Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs. You can enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake, for example on a boat trip on a traditional long tail boat.
Khao Sok is also an ideal destination for a hiking trip, during which you can learn a lot about the diverse flora and fauna of the Thai jungle. Nearly 50 different mammal species and more than 300 different bird species live in the national park.
Did you know that Khao Sok National Park has one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world?
Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, Java, Indonesia
The national park surrounding Mount Bromo is one of the attractions of the Indonesian island of Java.
One of the most special landscapes in all of Indonesia awaits the visitor here: compared to the tropical greenery, the volcanic terrain of the area is quite rugged and barren.
The main attraction of the national park is the Bromo volcano, which is still active. The mountain is 2329 meters high, and although it is not the highest on the island, it is definitely the most popular.
One of the experiences the national park has to offer is in a class of its own: if you get up early and climb the vantage point on Mount Penanjak, you can watch a stunning piece of natural art as the sun rises over Mount Bromo.
Did you know that the landscapes surrounding Mount Bromo are covered with gray volcanic sand that creates a stunning contrast against the green mountain.
Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam
Cat Tien National Park is one of Vietnam’s largest nature reserves and is only 160 km from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
Hundreds of different animal species live in the area of the national park, which includes e.g. asian elephant, tiger, leopard and water buffalo.
There are many hiking trails in the park, where you can enjoy the fascinating nature and animals of the forest up close. With good luck you can see gibbons or colorful birds, for example. As many as 1,610 different plant species also grow in the forest. On the night safari you can get to see the active animals of the park at night.
Did you know that the oldest tree in Cat Tien National Park is 700 years old and its trunk is 4 meters in diameter?
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Located in southeastern Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the oldest and most famous of Sri Lanka’s national parks.
Yala is also the best safari destination in Sri Lanka.
Here you can see herds of elephants gathering at the drinking spot and maybe even rare leopards hiding among the green bushes. In Yala National Park, leopard bonga is more likely than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. In addition to leopards, Yala is home to wild boars, crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys and deer. The 979 km2 area of the national park is also home to 215 different bird species, six of which are found only in Sri Lanka.
Although the park has been pacified to this day, Yala National Park was a hunting area favored by the British elite during colonial times.
Did you know that one of the most popular sites in the park is a temple called Sithulpawwa? The temple is said to have been home to nearly 12,000 monks throughout its history.
Kepi National Park, Cambodia
If you’re heading for a beach holiday in the town of Kepi in Cambodia, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Kepi National Park.
Kepi National Park is known for its great hiking trails, along which there are several wonderful vantage points.
The main entrance is just behind the Veranda Natural Resort, and the paths through the park are clearly marked with yellow signs.
The eight-kilometer route takes you around the park, but along the way there are many smaller side paths deviating from the main path. One of the most popular is the uphill “Stairway to Heaven” which takes you past a beautiful pagoda and nunnery all the way to the top called “Sunset Rock” which offers stunning panoramic views over the coast and green jungle.
Did you know that you can see many different animals in a national park, such as butterflies and monkeys?
