Go on, get lost. Escape the urban jungle for, well, the original version. From Asia’s tiger parks, to the dense tropical rainforests of South America, your own Jungle Book experience is never out of reach. With so many jungle destinations to choose from, you may be wondering where to start. Here we share some of our favourites from both within Australia and around the globe for those in search of a truly wild holiday.
1. Bandhavgarh National Park, India
Lions may be the king of the plains, but tigers are king of the jungle. When it comes to catching a glimpse of the majestic Bengal Tiger, there’s no better place than India. For travellers desperate to see this tiger on its own terms, a visit to India’s Bandhavgarh National Park is a must, as it has one of highest density populations in the whole country. The animal encounters don’t stop there; travellers can also take a jeep safari to see an abundance of exotic jungle animals in their element, from wild boar and barking deer, to blue bulls and leopards.
Where to stay: Check out Hotel Rishi Regency or Hotel Gulzar Towers
2. Amazon Rainforest, Peru
Whether exploring on foot, boat or by plane, the Peruvian Amazon is an incredible natural wonder. One of the most biodiverse regions on earth, the rainforest engulfs more than half of the country and crosses the border to Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil. Where beauty meets the beast, the Peruvian Amazon is colloquially known as ‘el infierno verde’ or ‘the green hell’ and with good reason. On one end of the spectrum, the rainforest is criss-crossed with serpentine rivers and striking, Insta-worthy waterfalls, while on the other, anacondas lurk in swamps and giant anteaters roam the forest floor. Looking high in the trees, birdwatchers can observe the bold and brilliant scarlet macaw in its natural habitat.
Where to stay: Check out Casa Morey or La Posada de Lobo Hotel & Suites
3. Bako National Park, Malaysian Borneo
In closer proximity to Australia, Malaysian Borneo is an easy destination for Aussie travellers seeking an authentic, jungle experience. While most tourists tend to head to mainland Malaysia to visit the the Cameron Highlands, adventurers to Malaysian Borneo are privy to a jungle beauty that’s remote, lush and filled with fauna and flora. In fact, it’s home to half of all known plant and animal species in the world. At the Bako National Park, you can spot everything from Proboscis monkeys and macaques to Bornean bearded pigs and flying lemurs. However, Malaysian Borneo’s most famous drawcard is undoubtedly the endangered orangutan, known to locals as the ‘old man of the jungle’. We recommend heading to the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak, where you can see the species up close and learn more about the work that’s being done to rescue them.
Where to stay: Check out The Crown Borneo Hotel or Yomi Hotel
4. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Uniquely situated between the North and South American continents, Costa Rica has a rich biodiversity and is home to hundreds of endemic species including lizards, finches, gophers and cichlids. The Monteverde Cloud Forest, renowned for its dreamlike veil of clouds that linger in the treetops, offers a surreal walk through the jungle. Travellers wandering along the Park’s trails and suspension bridges can catch a glimpse of the magnificent quetzal, the bird known as Costa Rica’s national symbol. Adventure seekers can even go ziplining high in the canopy for a unique bird’s-eye view of the surrounding world.
Where to stay: Check out the Hotel Villa Verde or Hotel Cipreses
5. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar
Lemurs are the main attraction at this Madagascan jungle hotspot. There’s the golden bamboo lemur, the eastern woolly lemur,the black-and-white ruffed lemur and the extremely rare aye-aye among others. Lemurs are indeed everywhere in Madagascar. Located in the southern central province of Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana is a fantastic park for keen trekkers, offering five different circuits to explore. For travellers that have more time, we recommend taking the longer circuits, as they are generally quieter and therefore offer a more intimate and rewarding interaction with the wildlife.
Where to stay: Check out the Radama Hotel or Ibis Antananarivo Ankorondrano
6. Daintree Rainforest, Australia
Travellers need not venture across the seas to get a taste of the jungle. At more than 165 million years old, Australia’s iconic Daintree Rainforest provides Aussies with an experience that rivals any other in Asia. Wildlife lovers will not be disappointed here, with exotic flora to be discovered including the rare and primitive ‘idiot fruit’ – a flowering plant that’s as old as the dinosaurs. Travellers might also spot Australia’s southern cassowary, of which only 1,200 remain. Adventurers looking for a more extreme jungle holiday can head to Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets reef, for an exhilarating ‘jungle surfing’ experience. Serious thrill-seekers can take the night time tour when the nocturnal creatures creep out from the shadows.
Where to stay: Check out the The Epiphyte Bed & Breakfast or Daintree Rainforest Retreat
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