Getting up close and personal with creatures native to a destination you’re visiting, is always a highlight of any journey. Exploring cultural and history is great, but discovering mother nature’s furry, scaly and feathered locals is a real bonus.

 

Orang-utans and Sun Bears in Malaysia

Malaysia’s thick, virgin rainforests are teaming with wildlife, and some of the world’s favourite and most famous locals include the orangutans and Malaysian sun bears in Borneo.

The plight of these animals due to increased clearing of rainforests in the region has seen rehabilitation and breeding centres grow, providing a sanctuary for these incredible creatures, and also a great opportunity for visitors to observe them in their natural habitat.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre not only provides a safe haven to orphaned, injured or sick animals, it also helps to educate the world about one of our favourite primates plight due to deforestation. You’ll learn a lot and also have the opportunity to feed and interact with them in the Outdoor Nursery.

At the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre you’ll enjoy a similar experience, and take some time to also visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre to learn more about the unique wildlife and animal species that call this amazing ecosystem home.

 

Birds of prey, butterflies and crocodiles in the Philippines

In the pretty, green expanses of Davao, visit the Philippines Eagle Research and Nature Park, home to 36 magnificient Philippine eagles. Meet two of the park’s most famous residents Pag-asa (Hope) and Pagkakaisa (Unity), both bred and hatched at the park and wonder at the beauty and strength of these incredible birds.

Then discover some of the world’s most stunning orchids at the Malagos Garden Resort, and take a stroll through the striking butterfly sanctuary. Feed some of the most exotic birds you’ll ever come across in the aviary, before moving onto some more slippery locals at the Crocodile Park.

If giant reptiles and amphibians are your flavour of wildlife you’ll get the chance to get as close as safely possible, under the guidance of an expert animal caretaker.

 

Wildlife rescue centre, Phnom Penh

Before you arrive at the Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Centre, stop by the local market and do some shopping for them as you pick up some fruit. Once you arrive at the centre, which is home to hundreds of animals rescued from the wildlife trade, you’ll be guided by the animal’s caretakers and learn how over 1,200 of these animals from 102 species have been rescued and rehomed.

You’ll be taken behind the scenes to visit wild cats and primates, and also visit the animal nursery, topped off by the opportunity to help bathe one of the park’s resident rescued elephants.

 

Anita Duffin for BeMyGuest