The best wildlife destinations in Asia

To spot: Asian elephants, white-handed gibbons, Asian black bears

This UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is a two to three-hour drive from Bangkok, but you feel like you’ve entered another world. There are over 2,000 square kilometres of lush forests perfect for peeping 300 species of birds, native deer, gibbons and the mighty Asian elephant. Home to various nocturnal animals like the Malayan porcupine and Indian civet, this is the spot for a thrilling night safari, which you can sign up for at the Khao Yai Visitor Center.

Time Out tip: Base yourself at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort. This wildly whimsical and luxurious train-themed hotel offers a slew of nature-themed tours in the park.

To spot: Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, tarsiers

Borneo has a treasure trove of “aww”-inducing animals to take snapshots of. The Kinabatangan River stretches 560 kilometres through forests, mangroves, and floodplains, making it Malaysia’s second-largest river. It’s chocked full of rare species, including howling monkeys, trumpeting elephants, and growling hornbills. Most travellers opt for a multi-day tour to fully enjoy one of the world’s richest and most fascinating ecosystems.

Time Out tip: Take one of the many sunrise and night cruises for the best chance of seeing the river’s signature creatures.

To spot: Leopards, sloth bears, elephants

Arguably the best place outside of Africa for a safari, this massive Sri Lankan conservation park is a go-to for travellers. Spread over 130,000 hectares and split into five zones, Yala is said to have the world’s highest concentration of leopards. Aside from these elusive cats, you’ll catch elephants stomping up the road, jackals, peacocks, crocodiles, endemic hornbills and, if you’re extremely lucky, a lazy sloth bear.

Time Out tip: Yala is known for its long lines, so make sure your safari guide has a pre-booked entry ticket. Enter from Yala East to avoid the hoards of jeeps.

To spot: Black-necked cranes

A borderline religious pilgrimage for birders, Gangtey Valley is home to the sacred black-necked crane. Every October to March, these endangered birds migrate from Tibet to this serenely scenic valley in Bhutan. Local folklore claims that these massive birds circle the famous Gangtey Monastery three times before landing in the grassy fields. If you happen to visit outside their migratory pattern, pop into the Black-Necked Crane Center to look at the injured cranes there for rehabilitation.

Time Out tip: Stay at Gangtey Lodge, a small, all-inclusive boutique hotel overlooking the valley. Each room has heated floors, a soaking tub and a fireplace, making a stay here as cosy as they come. 

To spot: Tigers, leopards, wild boars

Straight out of “The Jungle Book,” this central Indian park is known for its high density of tigers. More than 22 species of mammals and 250 birds live in 1,000 square kilometres of the jungle, but animal lovers are sequestered in a much smaller area called the Tala Range. While big cats are the star of this safari show, you can also see swamp deer, elephants, sloth bears, wild dogs, langurs and wild boars.

Time Out tip: Get your safari on at the brand-new Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort. Made up of 19 luxurious tents, guests can go on day or night game drives with the resort’s local naturalists.

To spot: manta rays, whale sharks

For marine-life lovers, there’s no experience more exhilarating than snorkelling with hundreds of colossal manta rays doing back flips in the water. Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll. Every year, from May to October, plankton fills this protected bay, drawing the world’s largest population of manta rays and the occasional whale sharks in for a feast. Only a certain number of boats and snorkellers can be in the water at any time here, so let your resort know that manta ray sightings are a top priority for your stay.

Time Out tip: Nearby resorts like Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Soneva Fushi, Anantara Kihavah, Vakkaru Maldives, and Amilla Maldives are great jumping-off points for a speedboat ride to Hanifaru Bay.

To spot: Gobi bears, snow leopards, Siberian Ibexes

The largest national park in Mongolia, it’s a whopping 27,000 square kilometres, covering mountains, plains, wetlands and the iconic Gobi Desert. Untouched wilderness, dinosaur fossils and nomadic tribes are another big draw to the area. But this national park is massive, so you’ll need to prioritise your visit according to your animal wishlist. The Gobi bear is among the world’s rarest species, as is the sneaky snow leopard, best spotted in the park’s Nemegt Mountains and Yolyn Am Gorge.

Time Out tip: You’ll want to book a tour for this kind of elite animal-spotting. Nomadic Expeditions leads customised private trips through the region’s protected areas.