Some of the worldís most wonderful and unusual animals in the world may be found in Asia. From the tree-swinging orangutans of Malaysia, to the beautiful tigers of India, Asia is just about the place to go to for that one of a kind wildlife spotting experience.
India
While Indiaís tiger population is on the decline, there is always a good chance of coming across one of the majestic cats at the Kanha Tiger Reserve and in Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore National Parks. Wild elephants are best spotted at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Corbett National Park. For avian enthusiasts, Kaladeo National Park, one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in the world, is the place to go. Another is the desert village of Keechen that is host to the winter population of cranes.
Indonesia
The Bukit Lawang Orangutan Sanctuary and the different avian species at the Kerinci-Seblat National Park are top draws for wildlife enthusiasts on Indonesiaís island of Sumatra. On Komodo, tourists continue to gape at the ferocious looking giant monitor lizards more popularly known as Komodo Dragons. West Papua is a haven for bird-watchers with the innumerable cockatoos, birds of paradise, parrots and cassowaries.
Malaysia
Gibbons, macaques, and monitor lizards abound in the Taman Negara National Park on the peninsula. The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary on the island of Sabah is another tourist attraction coupled with opportunities to see the fauna of Mount Kinabalu which includes over a thousand species of orchid, 26 types of rhodendrons, and plenty of the rather bizaare insect-eating pitcher plants. For a bit of bird watching, Gunung Mulu National Park on Sarawak affords tourists access to a wide variety of bird life among which are eight species of hornbill.
Nepal
The plains of Tarai is a good spot to watch for rhinos, monkeys and bears especially at the Chitwan National Park. The Bardia National Park offers good opportunities to encounter langurs, wild pigs, rhinos, tigers, and occasionally, a Gangetic dolphin. The Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve offers encounters with swamp deer, crocodiles, and magnificent bird varieties including cranes, cormorants, and eagles.
Philippines
The Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center in Davao is home to the worldís largest eagle, the Philippine Eagle (once known as the monkey-eating eagle), the countryís national bird. Whale Shark sites are accessible from Donsol in Bicol, Sea cows (locally known as dugongs) may be observed in Palawan, while tourists may cuddle tarsiers at Bohol.