In collaboration with High Life: Living the Good Life, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in High Life Volume 2 in 2017, we explore some of the world’s most beautiful forests.
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than what one seeks. Is it not a humbling experience, to be surrounded with the raw, the primitive, and the untouched? It is through nature that we can really understand ourselves, for the clearest path to the universe is through the forest.
Genting Malaysia understands the importance of Earth’s beauty and her many finer qualities. Environment care is one of the company’s key sustainability interests. Genting’s development projects and operations are carefully planned and designed to minimise and protect the impact on the ecosystem. Resorts World Genting is the only integrated resort in Malaysia surrounded by a 130 million-year-old rainforest, home to some of the world’s oldest trees and plants, exquisite insects and rare flora and fauna, making it Malaysia’s very own Garden of Eden.
To those who want to take on the path less travelled, HIGH Life presents six jungle paradises. Embrace your curiosity of Earth’s natural state and Mother Nature’s lungs; tall trees, healthy rivers and exotic flora and fauna are what you need, for none of them can be found in the concrete jungle.
Amazon Rainforest
Lungs of the Planet
Located in South America, the Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest that covers 2.72 million square miles of land. It is the quintessence of jungles – famed for its immense biodiversity, it is home to approximately 10 million species of animals, plants and insects known to man.
Experience the wonders of the Amazon rainforest with a guided tour from Manaus in the North Region of Brazil and trek through the forest with naturalist guides. Learn from experts how to use natural surroundings to survive in the wild. From building traps for jungle wildlife to finding clean water, it is an educational experience for forest lovers.
If trekking isn’t your thing and you just want to relax, you can cruise out of the port of Manaus and down the Rio Negro. Observe the beauty of nature from your relative safety and experience the ‘Meeting of the Waters,’ which is where the dark waters of Rio Negro and the muddy waters of the Amazon meet and yet does not mix.
Borneo Rainforest
One of the Ancients
Considered home to one of the world’s oldest jungles, Borneo is the world’s third largest island and the largest island in Asia. A colourful paradise and a dream come true for those who seek adventure, it is administered by 3 different countries – Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Renowned for its thick and rich rainforest, Borneo is teeming with exotic and awe-inspiring species of wildlife creatures. It is home to approximately 210 species of mammals. The jungle contains unique creatures that only exist in Borneo, such as the Borneo bay cat and Borneo pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinos and orangutans.
What truly brings Borneo to life are its indigenous people, commonly known as the Dayaks. Experience one of the few rare tribal cultures that still exist today. Borneo is a one-ofa- kind experience, and the things you can do on the island are plentiful – too plentiful, if that’s possible. The fact that the island is shared by 3 different countries means that you can expect different tour experiences with every visit.
Kakadu, Australia
Mankind’s History
Recognised as a global treasure, Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia, covering 20,000 square kilometres, which is nearly half the size of Switzerland. What makes Kakadu unique is the story on its rocks. Archaeologically speaking, Kakadu’s rock art along the escarpment, gorges and rock outliers is considered as one of the longest historical records of any group of people in the world. Kakadu is included on the World Heritage list for its cultural and natural importance.
And of course, what is Australia without its diverse species of plants and animals? Where there’s a river, you can bet there’s a crocodile lurking beneath the waters. Kakadu has no shortage of crocs. If you’re up for crocodile watching, you can enjoy a boat cruise in the Yellow Water Region to get a sight of this prehistoric predator. Do note that saltwater crocodiles can attack people on boats. You have been warned.
Kakadu truly is a beautiful place. Respectfully, besides the history, the animals, or the people and their indigenous cultures, Kakadu has no shortage of amazing views. It’s a place where moments happen – from the orange sunset in the Jabiru region, to lush green rainforests in the East Alligator region, or majestic views of rock art galleries of Nourlangie Rock, Kakadu is the place to be.
Congo Rainforest
Importance of Conservation
Located in Central Africa, the Congo rainforest, or more commonly known as the Congo Basin, is the world’s second largest rainforest and makes up one of the most important wilderness areas left on Earth.
The Congo rainforest is a conservationists’ dream. It is brimming with national parks and protected wilderness areas. Despite this, many animals are still victims of illegal poaching and wildlife trade. The number of elephants in the Congo region has reached levels which endanger the survival of their species. The fight for the conservation of Congo rainforest never ends and is still going strong.
If you’re planning to visit Congo, Odzala National Park is a good start to witness the haven for forest elephants and western gorillas, and then the Kisantu Botanical Gardens, for you to surround yourself with exotic foliage and tropical flowers. Not to mention the Bonobo Nursery Sanctuary for an opportunity to see this endangered ape species.
Corcovado, Costa Rica
Backpacker’s Heaven
If you seek a relaxing adventure, Corcovado National Park might be just the place for you. From mangrove swamps to highland cloud forests, the park is teeming with a variety of wildlife such as tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, squirrel monkeys and white-lipped peccaries.
The park is ideal for trekking, hiking, and camping. The hiking trails in the park will lead you deeper into the pristine part of the rainforest, revealing the most unique flora and fauna that exists specifically in their respected areas.
By the end of your visit, you’ll be leaving with breathtaking memories. The display of nature in Corcovado is surreal, and your visit will always be with a guide so you will always be in relative safety.
Sundarbans, Bangladesh
Land of the Tigers
Located on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarbans mangrove forest is the largest mangrove forest in the world. The forest is mist-shrouded and is prowling with majestic tigers.
The Royal Bengal tiger is magnificence incarnate. Around 400 of these creatures live in Sundarbans, making this the largest single population of tigers on Earth. The forest is pretty wide (140,000 hectares), so the chances of spotting one are pretty rare. Besides spotting tigers, floating through the mangrove forests and being taken away by the scenery is enough of an experience.
The best way to experience the Sundarbans is on a boat trip into the mangrove forest, best done from the Bangladeshi town of Khulna. You’ll be cruising on the main tour boat and getting the chance to track tigers on foot (accompanied by armed forest guards) or on smaller boats along narrow river channels.
