11 Incredible Creatures You Must See In Asia

There is a startling variety of wildlife in Asia’s dense, lush tropical jungles, expansive deserts, and high-altitude mountain ranges. These animals are an absolute dream to encounter in their natural habitat, and for any adventurer or nature lover, an encounter will be a memory you will never forget.

If you dream of trekking through misty forests or leisurely cruising down quiet rivers, here are 11 incredible animals you can see and where to see them in Asia, plus hints on how to spot them.

Snow Leopards

Central and South Asia’s frigid rocky slopes are the home of snow leopards, known as the “ghost of the mountains.” They are one of the hardest big cats to spot in the wild, but their elusive nature makes them most worthwhile. Prime places to spot a snow leopard are Ladakh in India and the Altai Mountains in Mongolia. October to February are the best time to spot them when their prey is further down in altitude. Consider a conservation-focused snow leopard expedition guided by local experts who intimately know the animal’s behaviors.

Red Pandas

Red pandas, with their fiery coats and playful antics, are almost too cute to be real. Shy creatures of the temperate forests of Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India spend much of their time lounging in trees. India’s top region for red panda tracking is the Singalila National Park. Conservation groups often organize guided treks to increase your odds of seeing one and help preserve these adorable animals.

Komodo Dragons

Komodo dragons are the largest lizards on Earth, and they are fascinating as they are intimidating. These reptiles are native to Indonesia’s Komodo National Park and can grow to over 10 feet long and weigh more than 150 pounds. Visit Komodo Island or Rinca Island to see them and go on guided tours where you will be close to these prehistoric predators. The drier months from April to December are the best time to visit.

Bengal Tigers

Few experiences come close to looking a Bengal tiger in the eye while in the wild. Home to more than 70 percent of the world’s tiger population, reserves such as Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, and Sundarbans are also some of the best places to spot tigers, according to Setmytrip.com. Timing is everything, and the summer months (March to June) are best because tigers travel to water sources to escape the heat.

Irrawaddy Dolphins

Round-headed dolphins are charming and frequent Southeast Asia’s freshwater rivers and estuaries. They are in the Mekong River in Cambodia and Laos or the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar. They are so playful that they bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to see them. Conservation-focused tours are essential for the survival of the Irrawaddy dolphins. A 2022 study by WWF estimates that there are fewer than 100 Irrawaddy dolphins in some river habitats.

Malayan Tapirs

With blazing black and white coloration, the Malayan tapir resembles a creature out of children’s dreams. These shy animals are found in the rainforests of Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra and are best seen at dusk or dawn. Tapirs can easily be spotted in Taman Negara National Park of Malaysia. Not only does it add to the thrill, but also to seeing these nocturnal creatures foraging.

Asian Elephants

Asian elephants are majestic and intelligent. They are found in India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. You can see them in the wild at sanctuaries such as Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park or Thailand’s Kui Buri National Park. These locations have great ethics and show elephants behaving naturally with little human interference. Scientific studies of elephant memory have proved what was known in folklore, according to Phangan Elephant Sanctuary: these creatures have extraordinary memories with seemingly ancient souls.

Proboscis Monkeys

The peculiar Proboscis monkey, with its potbelly and bulbous nose, is a curious sight. These monkeys were only found in Borneo’s mangroves and rainforests and are easiest to view along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysia. The best time to take a river cruise is early morning or late afternoon.

Giant Salamanders

The world’s largest amphibian is the Chinese giant salamander, which can grow up to six feet long. However, these elusive creatures are found in freshwater rivers and lakes in China, where they are critically endangered through habitat loss and poaching. Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of the conservation areas, and help support the control of loose ecotourism.

Hornbills

Hornbills are well known for their striking beaks and bright plumage and are tropical Asia’s symbols of biodiversity. Their natural habitat is the dense forests of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The best place to see them? A popular hornbill hotspot is Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park, where guided bird-watching tours sometimes turn up several hornbill species. With loud honking calls, they often give away their location before you have even seen them, so keep your ears tuned!

Saiga Antelopes

Saiga antelopes have peculiar tubular noses, though you’re more likely to associate them with the steppes of Central Asia. One of the best places to see them is Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel National Park. Yet their population remains fragile after bouncing back from the brink of extinction from conservation efforts.