Malaysia

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s premier wildlife destinations, offering an extraordinary diversity of tropical rainforests, mountains, mangroves and coral reefs. Split between Peninsular Malaysia and the island of Borneo, the country protects some of the oldest rainforests on Earth, where an exceptional variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and marine life can still be found.

The ancient rainforests of Borneo are the country’s greatest wildlife treasure. Sabah and Sarawak are home to iconic species such as the Bornean Orangutan, Bornean Pygmy Elephant, Proboscis Monkey, Sun Bear and Clouded Leopard, while the Kinabatangan River is widely regarded as one of Asia’s finest wildlife-viewing destinations. In Peninsular Malaysia, vast protected forests such as Taman Negara shelter Malayan Tigers, Asian Elephants, Tapirs and Gaur, alongside hundreds of bird species.

Malaysia is equally celebrated among birdwatchers. More than 800 bird species have been recorded, including spectacular hornbills, pittas, broadbills, trogons and pheasants. Mountain habitats such as Mount Kinabalu support numerous Bornean endemics, while lowland rainforests and mangroves provide outstanding opportunities to observe kingfishers, raptors and migratory birds.

Beyond its forests, Malaysia’s marine ecosystems are equally remarkable. The coral reefs of Sipadan rank among the world’s finest dive sites, attracting Green and Hawksbill Turtles, reef sharks, rays and immense schools of tropical fish, while coastal mangroves support crocodiles, macaques and countless waterbirds.

Whether cruising along the Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans and pygmy elephants, trekking through the ancient rainforest of Taman Negara, climbing Mount Kinabalu in search of endemic birds or diving the legendary reefs of Sipadan, Malaysia offers one of Asia’s richest and most rewarding wildlife experiences.