Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, China: A Kaleidoscope of Alpine Lakes

Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan Province, is arguably Asia’s most visually stunning national park. Its name, meaning "Valley of Nine Villages," reflects the Tibetan settlements within its borders. The park’s must-see landmarks are its incredible travertine lakes, which display shades of turquoise, emerald, and deep blue.

Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai)

This shallow lake is a natural aquarium. Fallen tree trunks and submerged vegetation are clearly visible through crystal-clear water, creating intricate patterns. The lake’s bottom is covered with colorful calcite deposits, giving it a patchwork appearance. Visit around midday when the sun is directly overhead for the most vivid color saturation. The lake sits at an elevation of 2,472 meters and is fed by underground springs that maintain a constant temperature, preventing it from freezing even in winter.

Nuorilang Waterfall

One of the widest travertine waterfalls in China, Nuorilang spans approximately 270 meters. Unlike waterfalls that cut through solid rock, Nuorilang cascades over a travertine dam formed by millennia of mineral deposition. The result is a broad, curtain-like sheet of water. In summer, the volume is immense; in winter, icicles transform the cliff into a frozen organ pipe. A boardwalk runs along the top and bottom, offering different perspectives. The mist rising from the falls nourishes moss and ferns that cling to the calcium-rich rock face.

Shuzheng Lakes

This series of 19 lakes, arranged in a staircase formation, is connected by small waterfalls. Each lake has a slightly different mineral composition, creating a gradient of color from pale green to deep blue. The tiered design is caused by successive travertine barriers that have built up over centuries. The area is accessible via a 3.5-kilometer boardwalk that winds through forest and along the lakeshore. In autumn, the surrounding birch and maple trees turn gold and red, contrasting brilliantly with the blue water.

Primeval Forest

At the park’s highest accessible point, the Primeval Forest offers a different landscape: dense, mossy woodland with towering firs and spruces. The air is thin and cold, and the forest floor is carpeted with fallen needles and ferns. This area provides habitat for the Sichuan golden monkey and the giant panda, though sightings are extremely rare. A short, circular trail takes you through the heart of the forest, with signs identifying key tree species and their ecological roles.

Learn more about Jiuzhaigou’s UNESCO designation.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia: Dragons, Beaches, and Volcanic Seascapes

Located in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Komodo National Park is not only famous for its namesake reptiles but also for its starkly beautiful landscapes. The park covers three major islands—Komodo, Rinca, and Padar—and numerous smaller islets. Its terrain ranges from dry savannah hills to white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

Padar Island Panorama

For the park’s most iconic view, hike to the summit of Padar Island. The trail is steep and rocky, but the reward is a 360-degree vista of four distinct bays, each with a different beach color: one white, one black (volcanic sand), and one pink (mixed white sand and red coral fragments). The best time to hike is at dawn, before the sun becomes intense. The entire round trip takes about 60-90 minutes. The view of the surrounding islands rising from the turquoise sea is a must-see for any photographer.

Komodo Dragon Encounters on Rinca Island

While Komodo Island also has dragons, Rinca Island offers a more concentrated population and easier terrain for viewing. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the world’s largest living lizard, reaching up to three meters in length. Guided ranger-led treks take you through savannah and dry forest, where you can observe dragons basking in the sun or guarding their nests. The rangers carry wooden sticks for protection and provide detailed information about the dragons’ behavior, diet, and conservation status. The experience is both thrilling and educational.

Pink Beach and Coral Reefs

One of only seven pink sand beaches on the planet, Pantai Merah (Pink Beach) on Komodo Island gets its color from Foraminifera, microscopic organisms with red shells that mix with the white sand. The beach is also a prime snorkeling location. The coral reef directly off the shore is diverse, with hard corals, soft corals, and abundant fish species. Currents can be strong, so snorkeling with a guide is recommended. Look for parrotfish, surgeonfish, and—if you are lucky—turtles. Visibility typically exceeds 20 meters.

Gili Lawa Darat

This small island at the northern tip of Komodo offers exceptional sunset views. The landscape is arid and rugged, with grass-covered hills. From the summit, you can see the entire Kalong Strait and the silhouette of flying foxes (fruit bats) emerging at dusk to feed. The island has basic camping facilities, and some tours include an overnight stay for stargazing and a sunrise trek.

Explore travel tips for Komodo National Park.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China: The Avatar-Inspired Sandstone Pillars

Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is China’s first national forest park and part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Its landmark features are the quartz-sandstone pillars that rise abruptly from the valley floor, some reaching heights of over 200 meters. These pillars, shaped by millions of years of erosion, inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar.

Southern Sky Pillar (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain)

Formerly known as the Southern Sky Column, this 108-meter-tall pillar was officially renamed in honor of the Avatar connection. It is one of the park’s most recognizable formations, with a slender profile that tapers toward the top. The best view is from the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, accessible via the Bailong Elevator (the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, at 326 meters). From the observation deck, you can see the pillar rising from the mist, especially impressive on overcast days when clouds partially obscure its base.

Tianzi Mountain

Often called the "Monarch of the Peak Forest," Tianzi Mountain offers panoramic views of thousands of pillars stretching to the horizon. The mountain gets its name from a local Tujia chieftain who once ruled the area. The summit area is sprawling, with multiple observation points linked by paved paths. Key viewpoints include Imperial Brush Peak (Yunqing Rock) and West Sea Peak Forest. The area is especially atmospheric in the early morning when mist fills the valleys and only the tops of the tallest pillars are visible, creating a seascape of stone.

Golden Whip Stream

For a ground-level perspective, follow the 7.5-kilometer Golden Whip Stream trail. The path is relatively flat, following a clear stream between towering rock walls. The water is so clean that it is drinkable, according to local guides. The stream is named after a peak called Golden Whip Rock, which resembles a whip. This trail offers close-up views of the sandstone formations and their vegetation, including ferns, mosses, and rare orchids. Macaques are commonly seen along the trail. The walk takes about 2-3 hours and is a good alternative to the crowded summit areas.

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

While not a natural landmark itself, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge offers a unique way to experience the canyon. Spanning 430 meters at a height of 300 meters, it is the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Walking across it provides a dizzying view of the canyon floor and the forest canopy below. The bridge uses a special type of glass that is designed not to crack or shatter. Even if it did, the glass is laminated, ensuring it would remain intact. The bridge can hold up to 800 visitors at once.

Plan your visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan: Iconic Volcano and Hot Springs

This sprawling national park spans from Mount Fuji to the Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands. Its centerpiece, Mount Fuji, is Japan’s highest peak and a cultural icon. However, the park offers much more than just its famous volcano: volcanic valleys, crater lakes, hot springs, and rugged coastline are all accessible within its boundaries.

Mount Fuji (Fujisan)

At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is a stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707. While climbing the peak is only possible during the official season (July to early September), the mountain can be appreciated year-round from multiple vantage points. The classic view is from the Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida, where the five-story pagoda frames the mountain against the sky. For a closer view, the Fifth Station (Gotemba) sits at 2,300 meters and offers a perspective of the volcanic landscape without the need for a full climb. The mountain is symmetrical near-perfectly, a result of its repeated eruptions and subsequent erosion.

Owakudani Volcanic Valley

Located in the Hakone caldera, Owakudani is an active volcanic valley with vents spewing steam and sulfurous fumes. The air smells strongly of hydrogen sulfide, and the ground is warm to the touch. A ropeway takes visitors over the valley, offering views of boiling ponds and yellow sulfur deposits. The highlight is tasting kuro-tamago (black eggs), which are hard-boiled in the volcanic hot springs. The eggshells turn black due to a chemical reaction with the sulfur compounds. Eating one is said to add seven years to your life. The area is accessible year-round, though it may be closed during periods of high volcanic activity.

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)

This crater lake formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after its last eruption. The lake is famous for its reflection of Mount Fuji on clear days, a view that has been celebrated in Japanese woodblock prints. Pirate ship-style boats cruise the lake, providing a leisurely way to see the landscape. The lake’s shoreline is lined with onsen (hot spring) resorts, and several temples, including the Hakone Shrine with its red torii gate partially submerged in the water. A hiking trail circumnavigates the lake, but the full loop is 18 kilometers and takes most of a day.

The Izu Peninsula Coastline

The southern part of the park stretches along the Izu Peninsula, known for its rugged coastline and lush subtropical vegetation. The Jogasaki Coast features dramatic cliffs, a suspension bridge over a narrow inlet, and a walking path along the rocky shore. In winter, whales migrate through the waters off the peninsula. The region is also dotted with hot spring towns like Atami and Ito, where you can soak in baths with ocean views.

Discover the highlights of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Chitwan National Park, Nepal: Jungle Safaris and Endangered Wildlife

Located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s best places for wildlife viewing. Its landmark is not a single rock formation or waterfall but the ecosystem itself: dense sal forests, elephant grass grasslands, and riverine jungles that support a remarkable array of species.

Bengal Tiger and One-Horned Rhino Safaris

Chitwan is one of the few places where you can reliably see the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in the wild. Jeep safaris and elephant-back safaris (though controversial) take visitors into the park’s core zone. The best time for tiger sightings is early morning or late afternoon, particularly near water sources. The rhinos are more visible year-round, often seen grazing or wallowing in mud holes. The park has a population of approximately 600 rhinos and 130 tigers, though the tigers are more elusive. Safaris typically last 3-4 hours and cover areas like the Kasara region or the Sauraha sector.

The Sauraha Viewpoint and Rapti River

Sauraha is the main tourist hub on the park’s eastern border. The Rapti River forms a natural boundary, and its banks are prime locations for spotting crocodiles—both the mugger crocodile and the rare gharial. A sunset walk along the river offers views of the forest edge and the distant hills. Canoe trips are available, allowing you to drift silently past basking crocodiles and kingfishers. The viewpoint at Sauraha also provides a panoramic vista of the park’s landscape: a mix of flat grasslands and forested hills.

Gharial Breeding Center

This conservation facility, located near the park headquarters at Kasara, is dedicated to breeding the critically endangered gharial crocodile. The gharial is characterized by its long, narrow snout, adapted for catching fish. The center also houses other reptile species and provides educational displays. Visitors can see juvenile gharials in enclosed ponds and learn about the threats facing the species, including habitat loss and fishing net entanglement. The center has successfully released hundreds of gharials into the park’s rivers since its founding.

Elephant Breeding Center

Located in Sauraha, this facility is home to several female elephants and their calves. The center was established to support the park’s elephant population and to study elephant reproduction. Visitors can observe the elephants at close range, learn about their care, and see young calves playing. The center is not a zoo; its purpose is conservation and education. The elephants are used for patrolling and research purposes. The best time to visit is during feeding times, when you can watch the elephants interact with their handlers (mahouts).

Read more about Chitwan National Park’s UNESCO status.

Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia: The World’s Oldest Rainforest

Taman Negara, meaning "National Park" in Malay, is one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, estimated at 130 million years old. Located in the center of Peninsular Malaysia, it spans three states: Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Its must-see landmarks include the canopy walkway, ancient river systems, and the region’s highest peak.

Canopy Walkway (Terowong Silara)

This suspension bridge, suspended 40 meters above the forest floor, stretches 530 meters through the treetops. It is one of the world’s longest canopy walks. The walkway connects several large trees, allowing you to traverse from one platform to another while surrounded by the emergent layer of the rainforest. From this height, you can see hornbills, gibbons, and sometimes eagles. The walkway is made of wooden planks and steel cables; it sways as you walk, which adds to the experience. The walkway is open in two sessions: morning and afternoon, and is accessible via a 1-kilometer boat ride and a short hike from the park headquarters at Kuala Tahan.

Kuala Tahan and the Tahan River

The gateway to the park, Kuala Tahan is a small village on the banks of the Tahan River. The river is the park’s main transportation artery. Rapid-shooting boats carry visitors to various trailheads and campsites. The river itself is a landmark: its brown, tannin-stained water is safe for swimming in places, and its banks are lined with dense vegetation. Night river cruises offer the chance to spot fireflies, crocodiles, and the occasional tapir coming to drink. The confluence of the Tahan and Temeling rivers is a popular swimming spot with a sandy beach.

Gunung Tahan Summit

Malaysia’s highest mountain in the peninsula, Gunung Tahan (2,187 meters) is a challenge for experienced hikers. The trek takes 4-7 days one way and involves crossing rivers, scrambling over rocks, and navigating through montane forest. The summit offers unparalleled views of the surrounding rainforest and, on clear days, the South China Sea. The trek is not for beginners; it requires a guide, permits, and significant physical preparation. Many visitors choose to skip the full climb and instead opt for shorter jungle treks like the Bukit Teresek trail, which takes 1-2 hours and offers a view of the canopy from a lower hill.

Orang Asli Village Visit

Park authorities offer guided visits to settlements of the Orang Asli (indigenous people) who live within the park boundaries. These visits are respectful, educational, and tightly controlled. Visitors learn about traditional uses of rainforest plants: medicinal herbs, materials for shelter, and techniques for making fire without matches. The visits are typically brief (1-2 hours) and are designed to share cultural knowledge without disrupting daily life. The Batek tribe is the most commonly visited group. Tours leave from Kuala Tahan and are accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide.

Book a tour and plan your Taman Negara itinerary.

Bali Barat National Park, Indonesia: Coral Atolls and Dry Forest on the Island of the Gods

Bali Barat (West Bali) National Park covers approximately 190 square kilometers on the island’s northwestern tip. It is less visited than Bali’s tourist-centric south, offering a quieter experience with distinct landmarks: pristine coral reefs, the only remaining habitat for the Bali myna, and dry deciduous forests that contrast with Bali’s lush green rice terraces.

Menjangan Island (Pulau Menjangan)

This small island off the park’s coast is a marine reserve famous for its drop-off coral wall and excellent snorkeling and diving. The island’s name means "deer," and it does host a population of wild deer, which can sometimes be seen near the shore. The coral wall begins at a depth of 2-3 meters and drops to over 60 meters. The visibility is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters. Snorkelers can see various corals, from table corals to brain corals, and encounter angelfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, and occasionally reef sharks. The island has basic facilities: a snack bar, toilets, and a dock. Access is by boat from Labuan Lalang or the main park office at Cekik.

Labuan Lalang and the Mangrove Trail

Labuan Lalang is the most common access point for the park. From here, a boardwalk trail winds through the mangrove forest, offering views of the dense root system and the marine life it supports. The trail is about 1.2 kilometers long and takes 20-30 minutes to walk. It is especially interesting at low tide when you can see crabs, mudskippers, and juvenile fish. The mangrove ecosystem acts as a nursery for many fish species and provides protection against coastal erosion. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the ecological importance of mangroves.

Bali Myna (Bali Starling) Conservation Program

The park is the last stronghold of the critically endangered Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi), a white bird with black wingtips and vivid blue eye patches. Only about 100 individuals remain in the wild, all within the park. The park runs a captive breeding and release program, and visitors can see the birds at the park headquarters in Cekik or at a special aviary near the Gilimanuk entrance. The birds are highly protected, and rangers conduct regular patrols to prevent poaching. The success of the program has been modest but significant in helping stave off extinction.

Gunung Klatakan and the Rainforest Trek

For those who want to experience the park’s interior, the Gunung Klatakan trek takes you through dry deciduous forest at the base of an extinct volcano. The trail is steep in places and offers a serious hike of 3-4 hours round trip. Along the way, look for ebony leaf monkeys (lutung), crab-eating macaques, and various bird species. The summit provides a view of the surrounding forest and the Bali Sea. A guide is highly recommended, as the trail is not well-marked. The park has also reintroduced the Javan rusa deer and the wild boar, both of which are regularly sighted in the forest.

Get the guide to Bali Barat National Park.

Final Thoughts on Asia’s Must-See Natural Landmarks

Asia’s national parks protect some of the planet’s most remarkable natural landmarks, from the turquoise travertine lakes of China and the volcanic seascapes of Indonesia to the rainforest canopies of Malaysia and the rhino-filled grasslands of Nepal. Each park offers a distinct experience, whether you are marveling at a world-famous peak, snorkeling over a vibrant coral wall, or watching a Komodo dragon stalk its prey. The key to an enriching visit is preparation: understand the geography, the best seasons, and the ecological significance of what you are seeing. These landscapes are not just beautiful; they are vital refuges for biodiversity and windows into Earth’s geological and evolutionary history. When you visit, do so with respect for the environment and the communities that call these places home.