In light of the approach of Wildlife Awareness Day, KAYAK.sg has put together a list of regional conservation efforts and beautiful national parks worth paying a visit.
Preserving the world’s flora and fauna is important to ensure they will be around for future generations. Wildlife conservation is one of the key practices supporting this goal. Ahead of the UN-declared Wildlife Awareness Day, the travel experts at KAYAK.sg have compiled a list of five conservation projects and wildlife refuges for Singapore nature lovers. Each one provides a beautiful backdrop for a getaway while also supporting environmental efforts and exposing travellers to impressive natural settings.
Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai
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The wild Asian elephant is an endangered species, and in the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, conservationists are working hard to protect this gentle giant. Here, animal lovers can learn more about these giants, feed them, experience a splashing bath, and get in touch with the natural environment.
How to get there: Flights to Chiang Mai start from S$255*
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s
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This nature paradise is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka and covers almost 1,000 square kilometers. It is home to a wide variety of wild animals including the endangered Sri Lankan leopards, sloth bears and aquatic birds which can be spotted when taking part in a Safari.
How to get there: Flights to Sri Lanka start from S$296*
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo
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This conservation project for the orangutan lies on the northern coast of Borneo and provides a home for orphaned, injured or displaced orangutans. Once the orangutans have been successfully rehabilitated, they are released into the Kabili-Sepilok Forest, a virgin tropical jungle reserve. Travellers visiting this rehabilitation centre can enjoy a hike through the reserve, observe the orangutans having their lunch and watch a presentation describing the reserve’s conservation efforts.
How to get there: Flights to Sandakan start from S$190*
Bandhavgarh National Park, Bandhavgarh
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March is one of the best months to take a trip to India and pay the tigers a visit, as the cooler, drier climes and less-dense foliage make them easier to spot. The Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the country. Rent a four-wheel-drive open Jeep to explore the park during sunrise and sunset, the most active times of the day to spot these majestic creatures.
How to get there: Flights to Jabalpur start from S$690*
Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu
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The giant panda is one of the most rare and endangered species on this planet. At the Chengdu Panda Base, Singapore travellers will have the opportunity to watch these cuddly creatures playing, resting, mingling with one another, or eating. Lucky travellers may even catch a glimpse of panda cubs nestled in the nursery rooms. The base is also home to other wildlife including red pandas, swans, peacocks and butterflies.
How to get there: Flights to Chengdu start from S$455*
The beauty in nature and wildlife is one of the main reasons many travellers head to remote parts of the world, to live and witness once in a lifetime and memorable experiences. Unfortunately, many of these places and animal habitats are under threat and face challenges to remain in their original state. Luckily there are projects and facilities in place to make sure the natural world is preserved and looked after. Travellers looking for their next adventure can use Explore, to discover new destinations within their set budget.
*Flight prices are based on flight searches conducted on KAYAK.sg on 18 February for travel between 28 February and 6 March 2016. Flight prices quoted are per person for a return economy fare and are subject to change; availability may be limited and offers may no longer be available.
Main image credit: @duangnapa_b/shutterstock.com
