To those seeking the thrill of standing atop mountains, diving beneath the surface of turquoise seas, trekking through ancient forests, and feeling immense serenity amidst nature’s grandeur: this one’s for you.
From volcanoes that touch the clouds to coral reefs that are bursting with life, Southeast Asia is a paradise for nature-loving travelers. These landscapes are breathtaking, playing host to an array of rare wildlife found nowhere else and home to communities whose longstanding traditions have stewarded the land and sea. Responsible travel isn’t just nice-to-have, it’s essential if we want to preserve the magic of these extraordinary places.
So, get your bucket list out! We have a few suggestions for you to add, as well as how to enjoy them in ways that protect these places and support the people who make them so unforgettable.
Trek an Active Volcano in Indonesia
Indonesia’s volcanic landscapes are the stuff of legend. As a key part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the island nation boasts over 130 active volcanoes, many of which welcome adventurous hikers.
For those seeking a challenge, ascend Mount Rinjani in Lombok. Standing at 3,726 metres, it rewards climbers with a breathtaking dawn view over its vast crater lake and distant islands. The journey is as captivating as the summit: trails rise from tropical rainforest through montane forest to alpine meadows, each stage revealing unique wildlife, from the endemic Lombok deer to ebony leaf monkeys. At higher altitudes, you’ll find yourself rewarded as blooms of Edelweiss (known locally as the “eternal flower”) blanket the slopes, lending a dreamlike quality to the mountain air.
Equally mesmerising is East Java’s Mount Ijen. Before sunrise, hikers can witness the famous “blue flames,” a rare phenomenon caused by igniting sulphur gases, before gazing into its luminous turquoise crater lake. Beyond its natural allure, Ijen is also a place of human resilience. For generations, sulphur miners have descended into the crater to extract what they call the “devil’s gold,” enduring harsh and hazardous conditions for their livelihood. Observing their work offers a sobering glimpse into the challenges faced by local communities.
When visiting, trek with an experienced guide, stay on marked trails, and carry your trash back down; you can even help clear what others have left behind to restore the trails to pristine condition. Resist the urge to pick Edelweiss or other alpine flowers, which are fragile and slow-growing. At Ijen, consider supporting local miners by purchasing small sulphur carvings or crystals, a modest but important source of income. You can also join community initiatives like the Clean Friday Ijen trail clean-ups, where visitors and locals work side by side to protect the volcano.
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines
The Philippines is home to some of the most spectacular UNESCO sites in Asia, and two stand out for nature lovers.
The Philippines is a key part of the Coral Triangle, the global centre of marine biodiversity, often referred to as the “Amazon of the seas.” At its heart lies Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea. A world-renowned diving site, Tubbataha is accessible only by liveaboard during March to June. This marine sanctuary is home to over 360 coral species and 600 species of fish, as well as hawksbill and green sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. One of the most pristine reef systems remaining on Earth, this thriving sanctuary still supports apex predators like tiger and hammerhead sharks, whose presence is an inspiring sign of ecological balance.
Just as captivating on land is Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Palawan. Take a boat tour through one of the world’s longest underground rivers, winding beneath dramatic limestone chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. This hidden world shelters bats and swiftlets, while the surrounding forests are alive with Palawan porcupines, bearcats, monkeys, and hornbills. Drifting quietly through the caves, the interplay of water, stone, and wildlife reminds travelers how inseparable nature and culture truly are here.
To safeguard these sites, travelers can take simple but meaningful steps: use reef-safe sunscreen, follow strict “no touch, no take” rules, and respect Tubbataha’s visitor limits to avoid overwhelming its reefs. In Puerto Princesa, stay on designated paths, keep noise low, and follow ranger guidance, avoiding flash photography that can stress cave-dwelling species. Most importantly, choose accredited, community-based operators so your visit directly supports the local families who help protect these ecosystems.
Explore Urban Nature in Singapore
Singapore’s reputation as a bustling city often overshadows its other identity: a City in Nature. This vision underpins the nation’s efforts to weave greenery and biodiversity into daily urban life, creating landscapes where nature flourishes alongside skyscrapers.
The iconic Gardens by the Bay embodies this harmony with its Supertrees; towering vertical gardens that harness solar energy, collect rainwater, and provide shade for passersby. Walking through the man-made grove, inspired by rainforest trees, you’ll find yourself surrounded by orchids, ferns, and bromeliads clinging to the trunks – a staggering 162,900 plants comprising more than 200 species and varieties. Don’t miss the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, cooled conservatories that feature rare plants from around the world.
Just offshore, the Southern Islands are a marine haven. At Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, Singapore’s first marine protected area, vibrant coral reefs play host to giant clams, seahorses and a myriad of reef fish. Nearby Lazarus, St. John’s, and Kusu Islands serve as critical habitats for endangered hawksbill turtles, herons, and even the rare Neptune’s Cup sponge, once thought extinct. These islands show how even in a highly urbanised nation, biodiversity can still thrive when protected.
Travelers can support this “City in Nature” vision by treading lightly: make use of the island’s efficient public transport system, which reduces your carbon footprint while connecting you easily to key attractions. In parks and nature reserves, stay on designated paths, avoid smoking, and never feed or disturb wild animals, as this disrupts their natural behaviours. Beyond nature, sustainable travel also means respecting the island’s rich cultural heritage: follow site-specific guidelines at temples, mosques, and heritage landmarks.
Exploring Southeast Asia’s natural wonders can make for an unforgettable experience, but how we travel matters just as much as where we go. By making mindful choices, from respecting landscapes and cultural traditions to supporting community-led conservation, we ensure that these extraordinary landscapes continue to thrive for years to come.
For travelers looking to turn intention into action, Agoda’s Eco Deals program offers a simple way to support responsible tourism: every booking helps fund WWF conservation projects across the region. To support, simply book a hotel with an Eco Deals badge, and Agoda will donate $1 to aid conservation efforts, while you can enjoy discounts of up to 15%.
Turn your holiday into a force for good, safeguarding wildlife, supporting local communities, and keeping Southeast Asia’s natural wonders alive for generations to come.
