Kelimutu National Park

Be intrigued by Kelimutu National Park’s main attraction, the tri-coloured crater lakes, known not only for its picture-perfect beauty but for the mystery surrounding it — the lakes have consistently changed colours and locals believe this is because of the neglected ancestral souls. Apart from the mysterious lakes, tourists can also go on a hike along trails of forests, rice fields, and hills, soak in hot springs, admire traditional architecture, or learn more about the people’s culture through dance and musical performances. The place attracts thousands of tourists each year thanks to its rich biodiversity, and interesting heritage.

Location

Kelimutu National Park is located at East Nusa Tenggara.

Opening Days and Hours

Park is open daily from 5:00 to 18:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the park costs IDR 20,000 (USD 1.5) and an additional IDR 50,000 (USD 3.5) if you’re bringing a camera.

How to Get There

Fly from Denpasar to Maumere and Ende.
From Ende, board on a public car or take bemos or buses to Kelimutu National Park.
If coming from Maumere, you can access the park via a 3-4 hour bus ride.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families with kids

Time to Spend

Spend at least 3 to 5 hours in the area.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Best time to visit Kelimutu National Park is between April and September, the dry months in Indonesia.

Activities

Hiking
Soaking in hot springs
Lake Viewing

Food

Several restaurants in the area like Rainbow Cafe, Bintang Cafe and Restaurant, and Chenty Restaurant and cafe serve Indonesian and Western dishes to visitors. Warungs are also available.

Nearby Attractions

Komodo National Park

Stay

Find accommodations from nearby homestays and inns such as Arwanty Bungalow, Bintang Lodge by Tobias, Watugana, Maria Inn, and Flores Sare. Rates start from USD 50 to USD 100.

The Komodo National Park, undoubtedly Indonesia’s paradise is a well-preserved destination that brims with life — apart from the Komodo dragon, the verdant green forests are home to buffalos, deer, monkeys, different birds, and the surrounding sea is filled with turtles, manta rays, sharks, dolphins, and different kinds of fishes. On Rinca Island, tourists can see firsthand how Komodo dragons thrive in their natural habitat — if you’re lucky, you can see them in action while they are at play, or while they’re hunting prey. If you don’t see a dragon, which is rare, on your trip to the national park, you don’t need to fret because there are other scenic sights and interesting animals that would compensate for that.

Location

Komodo National Park is located at East Nusa Tenggara.

Opening Days and Hours

Park is open anytime.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the park is IDR 150,000 (USD 10.5)

How to Get There

From Bali, fly to Labuanbajo.
From the airport, hire a taxi to take you to the harbor where boats to Komodo National Park can be found.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families with kids

Time to Spend

You can spend a minimum of three hours exploring Komodo National Park.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to schedule your trip to Komodo National Park is from April to December when the weather is particularly dry and sunny.

Activities

Hiking
Scuba Diving
Boat Rides

Food

Food choices around Komodo National Park are limited but you can dine in at Atlantis, a beach club offering Spanish dishes and seafood. Bring a large water bottle with you if you go hiking because tap water on the island is not potable.

Nearby Attractions

Pink Beach
Gili Motang

Stay

Eden Beach Resort, Waecicu Beach Inn, Bajo Sunset Hostel, and Exotic Komodo Hotel offer accommodations at rates starting from USD 40 to USD 100.

Tourists can observe the monkeys swinging from tree to tree, sleeping on pathways, and feeding on bananas, all under the cool shade of the leafy nutmeg forest. Apart from seeing grey-tailed macaques in their natural habitat, other interesting sights — ancient temples, moss-covered statues of guardians, a Pura that serves village funerals, relics of bathing temples, and dragon staircases — can be seen inside the Sacred Forest. Local guides assisting guests are also great sources of information with regards to the significance of the temples, statues, and other relics found inside the forest.

Location

The Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest is located at Wenara Wana, Ubud, Bali.

Opening Days and Hours

The forest is open to the public from 8:30 to 18:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission to the forest costs IDR 50000 (USD 3.7) for adults and IDR 40000 (USD 2.4) for children.

How to Get There

From Denpasar Airport, board a shuttle to Ubud Central.
From Ubud, rent a metered taxi to the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families with kids

Time to Spend

You can explore the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest for two hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the forest is after 14:00. After this time, monkeys have already been fed, and therefore, they are less aggressive.

Food

Enjoy authentic Indonesian food and other Western dishes served in nearby restaurants such as Maha, Wanara Kitchen, Habitat Cafe, Warung Semesta, and Three Monkeys.

Nearby Attractions

Puri Lukisan Museum
Saraswati Temple
Neka Art Museum
Bali Zoo

Stay

Nearby hotels and inns around Ubud offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 50 to USD 200. Choose from Champlong Sari Hotel, Kiskenda Cottage, Pertiwi Bisma, Evitel Hotel, and Ubud View Bungalows.

The most popular part of Bokor National Park, Bokor Hill Station, is a collection of structures — royal residence, casino, hotel, and church– built by the French settlers during the 1920s as a refuge from the scorching heat of the Cambodian weather. What remains of the grand structures are creepy, dilapidated buildings often swallowed up in the fog that perpetually covers the entire station. The place may have earned the title “the eeriest place in Cambodia” because of the sight of abandoned buildings and the cool, foggy weather, but Bokor National Park still is a great place to explore thanks to its relaxing greenery, two-tier waterfalls and spots that offer a great vista of the Gulf of Thailand.

Location

Bokor National Park is located at National Highway 3, 8 kilometres from Kampot.

Opening Days and Hours

The park is open anytime, but tourists are strongly advised to visit at daytime.

Entry Fee and Bookings

A fee of KHR 2,000 (USD 0.50) is charged upon entrance.

How to Get There

Fly to Phnom Penh via AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airlines, and Cambodia Airlines.
From Phnom Penh, you can take a taxi, the bus, or the train to Kampot.
Hire a van to Bokor National Park.

Suggested For

Solo Travelers/Backpackers
Couples
FamiliesGroups

Time to Spend

Spend at least 3 hours to enjoy the attractions and the sights in the area.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the park is during the rainy season, a perfect time to see Popokvil Waterfall’s beauty.

Food

Tourists can buy basic refreshments and food from the stalls behind Bokor Palace Hotel. Thansur Bokor Highland Resort also offers a variety of Cambodian, Chinese, Japanese, and Western dishes.

Safety and Fraud

To ensure your safety, keep in mind to always stay on existing paths to avoid the danger of landmines and wild animals.

Nearby Attractions

Teuk Chhou Zoo
Tada Waterfalls
Love the River

Stay

Guests can avail accommodations from Thansur Bokor Highland Resort at rates ranging from USD 40 to USD 65 during the weekdays and USD 50 to USD 75 on the weekends.

From the viewing deck at Merlion Park, tourists can see clearly Singapore’s Merlion, an eight-meter statue depicting a half-fish, half-lion creature that symbolizes both the country’s origin as a fishing village and it’s etymology. Nothing says “I have been to Singapore” better than taking a snap with the water-spouting 70-tonne statue. Aside from taking photos of the Merlion, visitors can also stay to witness the spectacular sunset at Marina Bay, or board a bumboat and see more of the attractions — like Clarke Quay and Boat Quay — that are along Singapore River.

Location

Merlion Park is located at One Fullerton Road, Singapore.

Opening Days and Hours

The park is a busy destination that is open 24-hours.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Merlion Park charges no entrance/admission fee.

How to Get There

Board the MRT to Raffles Place.
From the MRT station, take the 6-minute walk to Merlion Park.

Suggested For

Solo Travelers/ Backpackers
Couples
Families
Group of friends

Time to Spend

You can fully enjoy the sights and activities at Merlion Park for an hour.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Merlion Park is an open area that could get hot and crowded during daytime. The best time to visit is during afternoons.

Nearby Attractions

Clarke Quay
Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay
Sentosa Island

Food

Enjoy savory meals at Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant and The Lighthouse Restaurant, and indulge in delicious desserts at Lady M Confections and Monti which are all conveniently located near Merlion Park.

Stay

Hotels near Merlion Park like Jayleen Hotel, Santa Grand Hotel Quay, Fragrance Hotel, and Grand Park City Hotel offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 90 to USD 200.

It is the longest underground river that is filled with stalactite and stalagmite formations – which tourists can see and tour via a boat.

Location

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in Barangay Cabayugan, around 80 kilometres north of Puerto Princesa.

Opening Days and Hours

The park is open during daytime, but tours have to be booked in advance as it gets fully booked in some days.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Seniors and PWD: USD 2
Children: USD 2
Locals: USD 3.5
Minors: USD 3
Adults: USD 5

*Booking fee starts at USD 30 per person including boat fare and entry fee.

How to Get There

You can get to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park via a 1 to 1 ½ hour ride on a van or jeepney. Drop-off point is Sabang, from which you can enter the park via a short hike or a 20 to 40 minute boat ride.

Suggested For

Backpackers
Solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families with kids

Time to Spend

The entire tour plus travel time to get to the park takes around 3 to 5 hours – also depending on how long the line is at the entrance

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is during the summer months of March to early June.

Activities

Adventure caving
Trekking
Swimming
Mangrove forest tour
Wildlife watching
Boating
Firefly watching

Food

There are a number of restaurants near the national park that offer different cuisines such as Filipino, Asian, Western, and even local Palawan delicacies.

Nearby Attractions

Ugong Rock
Palawan Heritage Center
Palawan Museum
Honda Bay
Tubbataha Reef
Coron Reef
Sabang Beach

Stay

You can opt to stay in hotels and resorts located in Puerto Princesa, but the nearest accommodation to the park is the Nitivos Beach Resort, which costs USD 26 per night.

Explore the Mulu National Park and be enchanted by the beauty of limestones clinging to the side of the mountain, which creates a surreal limestone forest.

Location

The Pinnacles is located in the Gunung Mulu National Park. The park’s headquarters is about 1.5 kilometres away from the Mulu Airport.

Opening Days and Hours

There are no specific opening days or hours, as it also depend on weather conditions, but most hikes typically start from 06:00 onwards.

Entry Fee and Bookings

For international tourists, access to the national park is RM 30 (USD 7.30) for adults and RM 10 (USD 2.43) for children. Locals pay half the amount. Entrance fees for senior citizens cost RM 7 (USD 1.70). Tours or activities for The Pinnacles are separate and costs will vary depending on the package.

How to Get There

Getting to The Pinnacles will require several steps:

Charter a flight from Miri Airport to Mulu Airport
Grab a shuttle from the Airport to the National Park Entrance or walk for about 20 to 30 minutes
Once inside the park, you can then check with park authorities to confirm your hike itinerary to The Pinnacles

Suggested For

The Pinnacles is suitable for those who love adventure and nature. It is a great place for young couples, group of friends, solo travelers, and backpackers. As the hike is rather steep right from the start and can be quite challenging, you will need to be in good shape to finish the hike.

Time to Spend

You will need at least two full days to reach The Pinnacles. First, you will need to reach the base camp on the first day and then proceed to the viewpoint of the Pinnacles the day after.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

A hike to The Pinnacles is only allowed if weather conditions are good, so try to schedule your visit around July to September, as this is considered the driest period of the year.

Food

Between the base camp and the starting point of the hike, food is not available unless you have registered for a packaged tour. So be prepared if you are attempting it without a guide.

Nearby Attractions

The Pinnacles is within the Mulu National Park, wherein other hiking trails and cave exploration tours are available.

Stay

The park offers budget accommodations, and even several home stays nearby. A luxury resort is also located nearby.

Good to Know

Please ensure that you have proper footwear, as the hike can get slippery and steep. It will also be good to stay hydrated by bringing your own water bottle.

Taman Negara is the world’s oldest deciduous rainforest, approximated to be more than 130 million years old and home to Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. It is a treat for nature lovers as there are many rare flora and fauna that can be found here.

Location

Taman Negara is sandwiched between the states of Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

Opening Days and Hours

Although you can stay inside the park for days, the ticket counter is only open from 09:00 to 17:30 daily.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Park entry costs only RM 1 (USD 0.24), while a camera permit costs RM 5 (USD 1.22). You can also obtain a fishing license for RM 10 (USD 2.43) per person. Bookings can be made at the park headquarters.

How to Get There

You can get to the park by bus from the bus station at Pekeliling, Kuala Lumpur to Jerantut, then using the local bus, Pahang Lin Siong or Bas Latif to Taman Negara. Taxis are also available from Kuala Lumpur but it can be quite costly. You can also choose to ride the train (KTM) to Jerantut and take the connecting services to Taman Negara. Alternatively, you can drive from Kuala Lumpur using the East Coast Expressway. The journey takes about 3.5 hours from the nation’s capital city. Exit at Termeloh and head towards Jerantut. There are also boat services from from Kuala Tembeling Jetty to Kuala Tahan Jetty at Taman Negara which takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

Suggested For

Taman Negara is the perfect destination for nature lovers. It is great for couples and a small group of friends but not the most suitable for seniors and young kids, as the hikes do require a certain level of fitness.

Time to Spend

Spend at least a full day to see all kinds of wild flora and fauna at the park.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

A number of activities are available, such as jungle trekking, fishing, wildlife watching, and boat rides.

Food

There are floating restaurants at the riverside of Kuala Tahan, including the Family Restaurant, Wan Cafe, and LBK which serve local food such as toasted bread with kaya (coconut jam), fried rice, drinks, sandwiches, and soup.

Stay

Taman Negara has many accommodation options from budget to mid-range homestays and chalets for visitors.

Good to Know

It is easy to get around without any guide and you can explore the forest on your own. However, if you go deep into the jungle, especially by the Keniam, Tenol, or Tahan Mountain trails, it is recommended that you go with a guide to avoid getting lost.

The Rainforest Discovery Centre or RDC is a must for all nature lovers. Visitors can hike the many trails within the ancient Kabili-Sepilok Rainforest, view the top of the forest on the canopy walkway, and learn about Borneo’s rainforests at the Visitor Building or Plant Discovery Garden.

Location

The centre is located in Sepilok, about 23 kilometres from the nearest town of Sandakan and 17 kilometres from Sandakan Airport.

Opening Days and Hours

The ticketing counter is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00, while the trails are open until 19:00. Night walk tours are also available from 18:00 to 20:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

The adult entrance fee is RM 7 (USD 1.70) for Malaysians and RM 15 (USD 3.65) for foreigners. For children aged 5 – 17 years old, the fee costs RM 3 (USD 0.73) for locals and RM 5 (USD 1.22) ringgit for foreigners. Children younger than 5 years old can enter for free. Night walk tours must be pre-booked at the ticket counter by 16:30 on the day of the tour, and costs RM 30 (USD 7.30) per person for a minimum of 4 people.

How to Get There

The RDC is accessible by road with a 45-minute ride from Sandakan or a 30-minute ride from the airport. Taxis and public buses are available from Sandakan centre, but you can only take private taxis from the airport. If you are taking the bus, tell the bus driver to stop at the junction and walk about 5 minutes to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. A parking area is available.

Suggested For

The centre is suitable for people of all ages interested in exploring the rainforest or just being surrounded by nature.

Time to Spend

The RDC is massive and you will need more than a full day to explore every forest trail open to tourists. However, half a day is sufficient for the canopy walkway, 1 to 2 trails, and the Plant Discovery Garden.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Due to the tropical heat around noon time, it is best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon.

Activities

Forest hike, canopy walk, bird-watching, night walking, garden visit, and boat rides (only on weekends)

Food

There is a small cafe in the centre that sells drinks, ice-cream, and a limited choice of local food. You may bring your own food or eat at one of the restaurants in the centre of Sepilok, which is about 2.5 kilometres away.

Nearby Attractions

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Stay

There are a mid-range forest lodge and bed and breakfast within a short walking distance to the centre. There are no 5-star hotels near here.

Good to Know

Bring lots of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars if you want to spot for wildlife.

Come and explore one of the more accessible national parks with hikes and explorations made for the whole family. You can also learn about the bird nest industry and ancient settlements who used to live in the region.

Location

Niah National Park is located approximately 3 kilometres away from Batu Niah, a small town in Miri.

Opening Days and Hours

Ticketing office opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Access to the national park costs RM 20 (USD 4.86) for foreign adults and RM 7 (USD 1.70) for foreign children, while locals pay half this rate.

How to Get There

If you are departing from the Miri town centre, then you can choose to either drive, grab a taxi, or take public transport such as buses to get to the park. Because Miri town centre is about 110 kilometres away, the journey might take up to 1.5 hours. If you are staying in the small town of Batu Niah instead, then you can take a 10-minute taxi ride to reach your destination.

Suggested For

Niah National Park is suitable for those who love adventure and nature. It is a great place for young couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, families with kids, and backpackers.

Time to Spend

It is best to spend at least 4 hours in the park for a more relaxing pace through the trails and cave explorations.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to go to the park is early in the morning as soon as it opens, as the temperature would be cooler then. This is to allow flexibility in your schedule as well, which you might need in case of bad weather conditions.

Activities

Most activities involve hiking and exploring caves. Photography would be a nice additional activity as the walk through the jungle is full of beautiful flora and fauna.

Food

A canteen is located behind the main office, which serves food at affordable prices. Otherwise, you might want to consider having a meal before or after the hike back in Batu Niah where you will have more choices.

Safety and Fraud

Do follow the marked trails to ensure your safety within the park.

Stay

The park itself offers accommodations such as hostels and chalets, priced from budget to mid-range. You can also choose to stay in Batu Niah, which has several inns and motels available too. No luxury accommodations are available in the area.

Good to Know

Exploring the caves can be a slippery affair, so it would be best to go with proper non-slip footwear. Birds and bats occasionally fly overhead too, so do wear a hat to protect yourself from droppings. A torchlight is also recommended to navigate darker areas in the caves.