Is it an alien or an earth animal? You may ask yourself these questions when stumbling upon some of Southeast Asia’s wild animals. Meeting these creatures is peculiar and intriguing to say the least, yet the sad fact remains; many of them are endangered in the wild. Only with the help of an expert guide can you truly experience these unique animals in their natural habitat.

Indonesia is a haven for unique animals. With over 17,000 islands and boasting some of the world’s oldest and most dense tropical rainforests, it is no wonder the country is home to an immensely diverse ecosystem supporting a number of native animals. Orangutans certainly spring up to mind. Their habitat range is quite small, ranging from the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. For many, just seeing these intelligent apes in their natural environment and in action is a highlight. The sight of these brightly colored primates swinging through trees, nursing their young and playing amongst the jungle landscape is truly a fascinating sight.

To see a dragon in its natural habitat, look no further than Komodo, home to a species of lizard that, can at times, double the length of a human. Their dinosaur-like characteristics makes them one of the most photographed and ‘must see’ animals in Indonesia. To witness them feeding and sauntering around in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.

Cruise the Mekong River in Cambodia and you may just catch a glimpse of the rare Pink River Dolphin, otherwise known as the Irrawaddy River Dolphin. With just a few hundred left in the wild, these marine mammals continue to inspire travelers to visit the region and venture along coastlines, down rivers and through estuaries in search of one of the world’s most fascinating animals.

Sticking to the Mekong, why not fascinate yourself with a catfish? Of course, this is no ordinary fish; this is the Mekong Giant Catfish. They can grow up to 3.2 meters longs and weigh 300 kilograms, laying claim as the world’s largest freshwater fish.

Southeast Asia is your venue for unique animals and memorable experiences. In addition to the creatures mentioned, where else can you watch monkeys swinging from tree to tree in the morning, ride an elephant in the afternoon then watch a firefly light show in the evening? The region is a paradise for any wildlife enthusiast.