Things to Do in Southeast Asia
Trekking: hit the little-explored Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak for trekking through deep jungles and tribal villages or make a trip to the scenic trails around Java’s Mount Bromo, Indonesia, where you can trek among volcanic islands and lush jungle on well-worn tracks. The national parks of both Thailand and Malaysia also offer quality hiking, with northern Thailand popular for its hill tribe experiences.
Diving and snorkeling: the warm waters of the region are home to abundant marine life which is best explored in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Diving hotspots include Thailand’s Similan islands, Malaysia’s Sipadan, the Philippine resort of Donsol and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands. Diving outfits and snorkel hire are widespread throughout the region.
Surfing: Southeast Asia has a number of beaches perfect for surfing, with the epicenter of the action being Bali’s Kuta beach in Indonesia, where the left-handers are world-class. The surf in Thailand and the Philippines is equally good in places, with Phuket and Bardoc stealing the limelight. While Indonesia’s breaks are best tackled by experts, the waves elsewhere in the region are better suited to beginners.
White water rafting and kayaking: the arrival of the wet season sees Southeast Asia’s rivers swell to exciting proportions, creating perfect rapids and whitewater for adventurous rafters and kayakers. Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have some great options to challenge experts, while Burma, Vietnam and Laos have appealing options for lazy floating and kayaking.
Mountain climbing / rock climbing: Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu is a focus among climbers to the region, while the well-marked rock climbing trails among the limestone cliffs of Krabi, Thailand also draw an international crowd. The Philippine volcanic landscapes offer good mountain climbing, as do the volcanoes in Indonesia, but unpredictable eruptions make it wise to keep abreast of climbing conditions.
National parks and reserves: sections of tropical rainforest and jungle have been carefully preserved for visitors to enjoy, with many of the region’s protected nature areas home to diverse wildlife. Some of the parks offer accommodation, allowing you to enjoy the nature at leisure.
World Heritage sites: Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the most visited World Heritage site in the region, but Indonesia’s vast temple complex at Borobudur is equally amazing. A number of other sites of cultural, artistic and historic value await visitors.
Spiritual places and trips: the spiritual tapestry of Southeast Asia is evident everywhere you go, with centuries-old Buddhist temples, colonial era Christian churches and ornate Islamic mosques found across the region. Don’t miss the early morning, colorful procession of Buddhist monks collecting alms in Laos.
Islands and beaches: idyllic beaches are what draw most visitors to the region, and there are plenty of sandy stretched to choose from. Party-lovers can hit Thailand’s Gulf islands or Bali’s Kuta, while secluded Malaysian and Philippine islands await those seeking solitude.