Environment
Crossing these countries meant crossing a wide range of geographical zones, from temperate to tropical and from tundra to steppe. Within these zones I have seen among the most amazing animals and plants. Too many to mention, so that’s why I made a top 10 list of animals and plants, a top 5 with the worst experiences, a top 5 with national parks, and a top 5 of activities I enjoyed the most!
Top 5 most memorable experiences
- Eye in eye with orang utans
- Finding gibbons after hearing their calls for hours
- Overlooking the virgin primary forest of Brunei’s Ulu Temburong NP from world’s tallest canopy walkway (295 m)
- Peering into the crater of Gunung Bromo volcano
- Cycling through the rice paddies in Sapa, Vietnam
Top 5 national parks
- Ulu Temburong NP, Brunei
- Khustain NP, Mongolia
- Bako NP, Malaysia
- Taman Negara, Malaysia
- Stolby NP, Russia
Top 5 worst experiences
- Leeches
- Bed bugs
- Mosquitos
- Litter
- Sand flies
Top 5 activities
- Canyoning (crossing waterfalls and abseiling from deep cliffs in Dalat, Vietnam)
- Rock climbing (among the best spots were Krabi and Vang Vieng)
- Mountain biking (the best trails in Northern Vietnam)
- Snorkeling (this part of the world has an amzing under water world with the famous moon fish and whale sharks)
- Climbing volcanoes (Gunung Bromo, Indonesia was the best!)
Top 10 species (should have been a top 100:)
- Wild cat
- Takhi horse
- Ibex
- Mouse deer
- White-naped crane
- Rhinoceros hornbill
- Stork kingfisher
- Malaysian tapir
- Rafflesia flower
- Pitcher plants