Home to the oldest rainforest in the world, Borneo enjoys a level of biodiversity seen in no other place on the planet. The unique habitats and sheer stretch of lowland forest, though severely impacted by deforestation during the past 50 years, create individual and isolated homes for species not seen anywhere else on the planet. Around 100 species found on the island are endemic to Borneo, including proboscis monkeys, Bornean orangutans, and Borneo pygmy elephants.
wildlife
Asia is known for its extraordinary wildlife, from big cats to mythical great apes, as well as an abundance of fascinating birdlife in a wide range of habitats.
In a nutshell, India and Sri Lanka have the most varied wildlife: think leopards, bears and elephants with the added pull of the tiger in India. However, the island of Borneo (Malaysian Borneo and Kalimantan which is the Indonesian part of the island) is the only place in the world to catch glimpses of orangutans in the wild. Indonesia is also home to the heaviest lizards on Earth, the Komodo Dragons, which live on remote islands with tropical beaches.
We not only talk about the amazing wildlife experiences to be had but also about the challenges faced in protecting some of the most endangered species in the world. Wildlife activities done right benefit all those involved from the animals to local communities.
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaSustainable TravelThailand
Guide to Elephants in Thailand | Ethical Advice
Thailand is a world-famous destination for elephant experiences. Explore our recommendations for Elephants in Thailand, experiences and locations
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Spotting these incredible human-like animals is an incredibly popular experience for any traveller to Borneo. There are various ways in which you can see orangutans; in the wild, captive or in a semi-wild environment. We cover a comprehensive overview so you can find a way that works for you.
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Spotting the elusive tiger in India has to be an activity on many travellers’ bucket list. We’d like to help you get the best chance of seeing a tiger in India – we hope this article can help.
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Sri Lanka is a haven for a variety of wildlife. Here we provide the ultimate guide to the best wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka for you so you can make the right choices.
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A natural phenomenon, learn all you need to know about The Elephant Gathering in Sri Lanka, from the Sri Lanka travel specialists.
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One of the main attractions of Borneo is its ancient rainforest. But where will give you the wildlife sightings and overall experience you desire?
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As Asian travel experts, it goes without saying that we at Experience Travel Group love elephants. Majestic, intelligent and playful, these gentle giants inspire awe and wonder in people of all ages and from all walks of life. And yet still, all too often, they are taken advantage of for the sake of tourists.
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When most people think of Borneo, one creature springs with mind. Of course, orangutans are incredible, and trying to spot one in the wild is a must for any wildlife-lover in Borneo. But I find that the orangutans often obscure all the other incredible things about the island…
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India and Africa are both renowned for incredible wildlife. However, the safari experience on offer in each destination are remarkably different.
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As one of the most threatened species on the planet, it’s exciting news that tiger numbers are on the rise in South India. Significant gains have been made in the…
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Content Editor Philly explored Thailand’s hidden coastal regions on a research trip to the country. Here she recounts her encounter with pink dolphins, yes pink, in the undiscovered district of Khanom. Beautiful, mysterious and friendly, they proved to be a highlight of the adventure.
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Nigel Tisdall, renowned travel writer and photographer, recently visited Kuching with Experience Travel Group. From exploring the riches of nearby Bako National Park, to discovering the English Brooke family’s legacy in Kuching itself, to climbing the lush (albeit steep!) Mt Serumbu, here he recounts his best experiences.
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Nestled in the dense forests of Ulu Muda forest, The Earth Lodge is one of the most unique and remote lodges in all of Southeast Asia. It provides an adventure guests will likely remember for the rest of their lives. Here, co-founder of Experience Travel Group, Tom, reviews his Earth Lodge experience.
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We sent travel writer and wildlife enthusiast Robin McKelvie on a research mission to Satpura National Park. Less frequented than the more famous Ranthambore National Park, here he shares his experience spotting on his jeep, walking and canoe safari.
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Guest PostsSri LankaSustainable Travel
An Insight on Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka
by Guest PostFounder of Gal Oya Lodge, Sangjay, shares his tips for travelling like an ‘insider’ in Gal Oya National Park – home to herds of elephants, crocodiles and various bird life. From joining local naturalists on wildlife research missions, to walking with Vedha chiefs through ancient forests, to enjoying boat safaris spotting elephants – he details how to make the best of your visit.
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ETG stopped selling Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage years ago after our own findings from company investigations and supporting reports from animal welfare experts at NGOs such as the Born Free Foundation. Here we hope to empower you in making an informed decision about visiting the ‘orphanage.’
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One of our travel specialists, Lauren, recently tried out our new whale watching experience off the coast of Mirissa, Sri Lanka. Spotting them from a new smaller, faster speed boat – it made for an unforgettable memory.
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Alice and family enjoyed a summer adventure in Indonesia, exploring the best of Java whilst chartering a boat around Komodo. From dragons, to manta rays, to stunning colourful reefs – she shares her best moments.
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Along Sri Lanka’s south coast, one is likely to come across various small holdings advertising turtle hatcheries, and some may even get the chance to visit the beaches of Rekawa…
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaSri Lanka
Yala fights back against dangerous driving
by Guest PostAfter recent wildlife casualties due to reckless driving of some safari vehicles in Yala, the Sri Lankan Government is taking steps to combat this issue – very welcome news to…
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Read about our chat with Amit Sankhala on protecting India’s tigers. Amit is a fountain of knowledge and passion on wildlife conservation.
Discover what happened when acclaimed travel journalist Robin Mckelvie explored the land of the Komodo dragon with Experience Travel Group.
We’ve been saying it for years. But this week Lonely Planet confirmed that Sri Lanka is the world’s best country to visit (in 2019, at least). Improved transport links, exciting…
Discover 10 of the rarest and most fascinating animals in Asia, as shared by our wildlife exp
Travel expert Sara recently went on her own personal holiday to Sri Lanka with 12 members of her family. As an avid wildlife enthusiast, her father suggested an early morning whale watching experience. He made the arrangements himself during our holiday but the experience was less than dreamy. Here Sara reports back on how NOT to do whale watching.
Mu explored the wild and varied nature of India’s famous national parks. Spotting wild peacocks rooting at the side of the road, to hearing the chattering of Nynah birds to close encounters with rather confident monkeys, here she shares her experience with a few additions from our India experts.
Sustainable TravelThailand
How Holidaymakers Can Help Save Lorises From Extinction
by Guest Post & Amelia Curran
With the start of Slow Loris Outreach Week (SLOW), it’s fitting we turn our attention to one of the most cute and intriguing animals on Earth.