There’s little doubt that Asian safaris and getaway adventures showcase some of the planet’s most remote, unique and unexplored sceneries. From Mongolia to India all the way through China and Indonesia, it is amazing how the beauty of the Asian alps blends perfectly with the flora and fauna to come up with picturesque sights and unforgettable experience. And if you’re wondering where you to set your sails next, here some of the top 10 Asian safaris that any globetrotter should have on their bucket list.
1. Watch the Mongolian Gazelle Migration
Every year, one of the continent’s last remaining animal population will migrate in large droves over the remote steppe of Eastern Mongolia. During this time, you can catch the sights and sounds of more than a million gazelles as they troop from the grasslands near the border of Kazakhstan to the Russian Federation before crossing over the China. It’s quite a sight to behold.
2. The Horse Safari in Mongolia
Still, in Mongolia, you can venture deep into the remote, almost unpopulated northern frontier that is sparsely occupied by the Tsaatan people and nomadic reindeer herdsmen. Apart from learning a thing or two about the rich culture of these Asian countrymen, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of camping in the mountains and by alpine pastures. Some things are better experienced than described, really.
3. The Japanese Hokkaido Adventures
Nobody would have ever imagined of a Japanese safari outreach. But it seems that one of the most industrialised nations in Asia has few tricks her hat. During winter, Hokkaido, Japan is one of the best places on earth where you can watch the gorgeous rare Japanese cranes gyrating and dancing in the snow. This intriguing and quaint sight is usually punctuated with Stellar sea eagles that can be seen gathering and playing on the sea ice while in the company of white-naped cranes. If anything, this a must-execute expedition for avid every bird watcher.
4. Tigers in the Ranthambore National Park
Being of the most renowned and visited parks in Northern India, it is not surprising that the Ranthambore National Park is also home to the Asian tiger. A one or two-day safari to this Maharaja of Jaipur hunting ground should reveal the rare sightings of the world’s biggest predators in its natural habitat. If not that, you can while the time away watching the marsh crocodiles or go for a bird-watching hike in the jungle.
5. The Maldives
You must have already heard the stellar reputation of this small island as a paradisal holiday destination. But apart from its breath-taking beaches, Maldives has a rich population of dolphins and sperm whales which are rare to catch in other parts of the world. That is beside snorkelling and endless sunbathing in the pristine south-west Asian beaches.
6. The Bali Safaris
The Bali Marine Park is arguably one of the island’s most visited tourist destination. Started back in 2007 by a holiday and tours foundation known as Safari Indonesia, the Marine park covers several hectares in the Gianyar region of southeastern Bali. In here, you will be treated to sights of more than 400 rare species of animals all the way from Africa, India and Indonesia. And, yes, even before you ask, the park has rare Indian white tigers on site.
7. Siberia Safaris
Though it might not sound like your dream safari destination, the lowly populated Siberian swathes of snow and ice offer the opportunity of driving a reindeer sledge through acres of the Taiga forests. What’s more, the occasional shot of vodka from the friendly locals will do more than just warm you as you navigate in the coldest and bleakest inhabited places on the planet today.
8. The Sumatran Orangutans Safaris
The Gunung Leuser National Park that is located near world-famous Bukit Lawang is one of the few places on earth where you might fall in love with super-adorable Orangutans. And this is thanks to the rehabilitation centre on site that is dedicated to teaching young Orangutans how to co-exist peacefully in the wild. Still in this park, expect to encounter tapirs, gibbons, tigers, elephants and even rhino roaming around in the wild.
9. The Panda Safaris
This threatened but protected species can be found in Sichuan Province in China near the Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. So as you enjoy the high altitude primary forest, you can track and catch glimpses of the few last wild pandas left on earth.
10. The Komodo Dragons in Indonesia
If you’re yet to see a real-life dragon, the Komodo Islands in Indonesia is the place where your next globetrotting compass should be pointed. The rather shy dragon is king in this Island and dominates over larger animals including buffaloes and wild dogs.
