1920 Sh 753506305 Tiger Ranthambore National Park

Sir David Attenborough's Asia: Six wildlife hotspots

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Newmarket Holidays

Go beyond the screen and discover Asia’s most exciting natural wonders with some thrilling animal encounters along the way.

Veteran broadcaster (and British national treasure) Sir David Attenborough has made his return to national TV this week with his brand-new Asia series, shining a light on some of the most incredible sights across the world’s largest continent.

Having watched the first episode in this seven-part docuseries, ‘Beneath the Waves’, our team has been busy thinking about their most memorable animal encounters across Asia, and the best wish-list-topping spots to see its diverse ecosystems first-hand. Here are just a handful of our most popular picks:

 

Komodo Islands

 

Indonesia – Komodo Islands 

While Indonesia is well-known for its picturesque Balinese beaches, its smaller Komodo islands deserve far more recognition for their magnificent local fauna. With thrilling animal encounters both by land and by sea, catch a glimpse of the islands’ formidable dragons or delve beneath the waves to explore some of the richest coral reefs on the continent.

Our recommended tour: Indonesia – Bali and Beyond with Komodo extension

 

Nepal

 

Nepal – Himalayan Foothills 

A far cry from the Indonesian islands, Nepal’s grand Himalayan stretches are no less impressive and showcase a completely different side to Asia’s vibrant natural world. With vast mountain landscapes to the north, great lakes dominating its centre and tropical savannah lowlands in the south, Nepal’s boasts glorious local wildlife ranges from agile snow leopards, and tree-clinging red pandas, to herds of imposing Asian Rhinos. 

Our recommended tour: India and Nepal – Tigers, Taj & Temples 

 

Kerala

 

India – Kerala 

Away from the bustle of India’s northern centres, Kerala promises a thrilling wildlife-rich oasis amongst the ancient temples and rolling foothills of the country’s rural south. With winding backwaters, home to a whole host of lively mangrove species, and sprawling, elephant-rich national parks, India’s glorious south deserves a place atop any wildlife-spotting wish-list. Whether you’re venturing out in search of tigers in Periyar National Park or keeping an eye out for the colourful local birdlife on a traditional houseboat, Kerala showcases India’s untamed natural world in truly memorable fashion.

Our recommended tour: Kerala & India’s Beautiful South 

 

Borneo

 

Malaysia – Borneo

One of the world’s most celebrated animal-spotting destinations across the entire globe, Borneo boasts a stellar reputation for biodiversity and there’s nowhere better to take in its vibrant wildlife than Malaysia’s northerly Sabah region. With its abundant orangutan population and endangered sun bears, Borneo’s northern corners offer the perfect setting to see some of the world’s rarest creatures in their natural habitats.

Our recommended tour: Borneo’s Orangutan & Rainforest Adventure

 

Vietnam

 

Vietnam – Hạ Long Bay 

Swapping Borneo’s orangutan sanctuaries for the colourful aquatic life of the South China Sea, a trip to Vietnam’s famed Hạ Long Bay promises unforgettable sightings bookended by emerald waters and tropical rainforest. Watch its gentle waves glow with bioluminescent plankton by night or spot the faces of Vietnam’s elusive white-tabby monkeys peeking out of the from the thicket of one of the bay’s karst islands.

Our recommended tour: Classic Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 

 

Uzbekistan

 

Uzbekistan – Kyzyl-Kum Desert 

Ending on a bit of a wildcard, Uzbekistan may not be the first destination that springs to mind when it comes to wildlife-spotting, but its semi-arid desert stretches host a wealth of diverse and wonderfully unique local fauna. From the Bactrian camels and Russian tortoises, that thrive amidst the Kyzyl-Kum Desert’s barren landscapes, to mountain-dwelling snow leopards and Saiga antelope, Uzbekistan boasts a surprising number of fascinating creatures.

Our recommended tour: Uzbekistan – Ancient Cities of the Silk Road 

 

Asian bird

 

Book your Asia escape

The best part about Asia, though, is that there are far too many wonderful destinations to include in this short six-spot list, and there's a whole host of incredible animal hotspots to explore. Start planning your wish-list wildlife escape with the help of our dedicated holiday planners today and gear up for fascinating wildlife encounters across Asia’s glorious natural world.

Top Asia Holidays:

1920 Adobestock 208653771 Komodo Island, Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia
Save up to 10%
New
Indonesia - Bali & Beyond with Komodo Extension
Indonesia
+ 2 More
  • Cross Komodo’s azure coastline in search of its thriving marine life & take in a pair of popular diving spots, Manta Bay and Kanawa Island
  • Marvel at the Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist religious site in the world, and visit the nearby village of Candirejo
  • Watch Mount Bromo transform in the different light, with scenic Jeep drives at sunrise and sunset around its spectacular volcanic landscapes
  • 21 days from £4,879 pp

    was £5,135 pp

  • Dates Available

    October 2025 - October 2027

  • Duration

    21 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions

    17 included

  • Meals

    28 included

Sh 120725032 Everest Nepal EDIT
India and Nepal - Tigers, Taj and Temples
India, Nepal
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  • Chand Baori, Abhaneri's astonishing stepwell
  • Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset in Agra
  • Visit Amber Fort and Jaipur's exquisite Palace of the Winds
  • 17 days from £3,799 pp

    was £3,998 pp

  • Dates Available

    May 2025 - November 2026

  • Duration

    17 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions

    19 included

  • Meals

    38 included

Boat in Kerala
Kerala and India's Beautiful South
India
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  • Cruise through Alleppey’s verdant backwaters on a traditional thatched houseboat
  • Marvel at the Chinese fishing nets along Kochi’s harbour
  • Take in the garden city of Bangalore and explore the elegant Summer Palace, a former residence of Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan
  • 18 days from £2,485 pp

    was £2,615 pp

  • Dates Available

    November 2024 - November 2027

  • Duration

    18 days

  • Depart From

    3 airports

  • Excursions

    17 included

  • Meals

    30 included

Orangutans, Borneo
Borneo's Orangutans and Rainforest Adventure
Borneo, Malaysia
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  • Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Spend an unforgettable day at the Rainforest Discovery Centre
  • Wildlife cruises on the Kinabatangan River and oxbow lakes and a stay in a jungle lodge
  • 13 days from £2,930 pp

    was £3,255 pp

  • Dates Available

    November 2024 - November 2027

  • Duration

    13 days

  • Depart From

    2 airports

  • Excursions

    8 included

  • Meals

    20 included

Picturesque Sea Landscape of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Classic Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
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  • Discover the historical landmarks of Hanoi, including Hoa Lo Prison, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Imperial Citadel
  • Set sail on an overnight cruise around the spectacular Halong Bay, with a cooking class, squid fishing and morning tai chi
  • See the Củ Chi tunnel complex while learning about the importance of this underground labyrinth
  • 20 days from £4,166 pp

    was £4,385 pp

  • Dates Available

    January 2025 - November 2026

  • Duration

    20 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions

    8 included

  • Meals

    30 included

Registan Square, Samarkand
New
Uzbekistan - Ancient Cities of the Silk Road
Uzbekistan
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  • Discover Samarkand’s Timurid past with guided tours of its famed monuments
  • Witness Uzbekistan’s diverse natural beauty, from its rugged alpine landscapes and river valleys to the expansive ‘red deserts’
  • Delve into the history of the Great Silk Road with stops in UNESCO-listed Bukhara, a major hub of Islamic culture, and Khiva
  • 11 days from £2,466 pp

    was £2,739 pp

  • Dates Available

    March 2025 - November 2026

  • Duration

    11 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions

    11 included

  • Meals

    20 included

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