8 Most Adorable and Memorable Animal Encounters to Experience in Asia

Animal lovers, you're in for an awesome treat! 

Did you know that Asia has some of the best animal sanctuaries in the world? This makes for memorable animal encounters with your loved ones!

Whether you would like to experience petting some furry pals, swimming with schools of fish, or going on a bird feeding frenzy, we know just the right places for you. Experience the beauty of nature by observing the diverse array of creatures thriving in their natural habitats. Time to pin this list for the best animal encounters around Asia.  

The Philippines, particularly the island of Cebu, is one of the best destinations for whale watching. Swim up close with whales, sharks, and dolphins in their natural habitat in Oslob, Cebu. Admire the majestic diversity of Philippine marine life as we take pride in our efforts to care for sea creatures in the country.

Address: Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Oslob, 6023 Cebu, Philippines

In Vietnam, you will not only come to appreciate the culture but the natural wildlife as well. This Southeast Asian nation is known for having prolific wildlife! You definitely shouldn't miss the chance to see wild animals like giraffes and white rhinoceros roaming free in the animal sanctuary Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. Board their enclosed safari truck and take a trip around the jungle! 

Address: Hon Tre Island, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, Vietnam 

Contact: 1900 6677

Dubbed as Thailand's largest open-concept zoo, grab the opportunity to see and interact with more than 8,000 animals at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo! Now that's a lot, whew!

Your trip will surely be an informative and unforgettable one as you navigate around the different areas of this animal sanctuary. Have the best animal encounters in the African savannah, cats complex park, aviary, and deer park! Planning to encounter nocturnal creatures? Stay after dark and visit their night safari! But do you know what's the ultimate must-see? Elephants swimming!

Address: Khao Kheow Open Zoo 235 Moo.7, Bangphra, Sriracha, Chon Buri 20110, Thailand

Did you know that Singapore's River Wonders is Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife park? If you haven't heard of this animal sanctuary yet, then it's about time to schedule a trip. Enjoy memorable animal encounters as you see giant pandas, red pandas, sturgeons, and Indian gharial, just to name a few wild animals, in the flesh. How exciting!

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826

If you're touring around Malaysia, don't forget to visit this historic animal sanctuary. After all, Zoo Negara is also the national zoo. 

Did you know that you can see penguins even in tropical countries? In Malaysia, you won't need to travel all the way to Antarctica just to see aquatic flightless birds as Zoo Negara houses Humboldt penguins! You can also have the chance to feed Javan deers! Now that's a one-of-a-kind animal encounter!

Address: Zoo Negara, Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Contact: +603-4108 3422/7/8 

Everyone goes to Bali to experience the ultimate kind of relaxation and to connect with nature. Complete your holistic journey by spending time at the Bali Zoo. At this animal sanctuary, you can also feed parrots, goats, lions, saltwater crocodiles, lemurs, meerkats, tigers, and even elephants!

Address: Jl. Raya Singapadu, Singapadu, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582

Contact: (0361) 294-357 

Appreciate the diversity of marine life and creatures at the Shimoda Aquarium in Japan.  This marine animal sanctuary features dolphins, sea lions, seals, different kinds of fish, and even penguins. 

Address: 22-31 Sanchome, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0023, Japan

Contact: +81 558-22-3567 

Pet and make besties with friendly beasties at the Zoolung Zoolung Indoor Animal Theme Park! At this indoor animal sanctuary in Seoul, South Korea, you'll be able to do just that as you can touch and feed different kinds of animals from the Amazon rainforest and Africa straight onto your lap. 

Address: 15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea