When researching potential wildlife destinations in Southeast Asia, I discovered several vlogs about Bako National Park in the Malaysian part of Borneo. This park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and for being a natural habitat for endangered species, especially the highly endangered proboscis monkeys. The idea of visiting such a unique place was incredibly enticing, so I decided to plan a trip. My experience at Bako National Park was nothing short of amazing, pushing me to my physical limits. It also underscored an important lesson: wildlife sightings in nature are never guaranteed.

Orang Utan is a malay word and means "person of the forest".  The Orang Utan is the only great ape found in Asia, where it roams the tropical rain forests of Borneo and Sumatra. This fascinating and intelligent animal is perfectly adapted to a life in the tree tops and therefore heavily relies on its natural habitat. Three subspecies of Orang Utan are recognized today and all of them are critically endangered. I was blessed to experience an Orang Utan in the midst of Borneo's beautiful jungle.

The mega cities of South and Southeast Asia are veritable concrete jungles, with towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. However, if one keeps their senses aware while wandering around sightseeing and shopping - wildlife is waiting to be discovered.

Leopards, known for their elusive nature and remarkable adaptability, are big cats found across both Africa and Asia. In India, the encounters between humans and leopards have been on the rise due to the encroachment of big cities into the leopard's natural habitat. Nowadays, leopards can be even spotted in the outskirts of large cities. The Jhalana Leopard Reserve just outside of Rajasthan's capital Jaipur has a dense leopard population and offers a great chance to see these cats in the wild...

The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, or the Terracotta Army - China is a great destination for travelers with its blend of rich history, diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. When I was planning my trip to the "Middle Kingdom", I also longed to explore the country's rich biodiversity. China is famously known for its beloved symbol, the giant panda. And no better place to see pandas of all ages and sizes than the Panda Research Center in Chengdu!

One of my earliest childhood memories was seeing a huge tiger right in front of me at a zoo. I was astounded by the size and power of this magnificent cat. Since that day, the tiger has been my favorite animal, and it was a dream come true when I embarked on a journey to the Bandipur National Park to encounter one of these magnificent cats in their natural habitat.