Malaysia top five most popular forest destination in Asia

25 March 2025

SINGAPORE: Kilim Geoforest Park in Langkawi, Malaysia, has secured a spot among the top five most popular forest destinations in Asia, as revealed by search data from the digital travel platform Agoda in February of this year.

This stunning park showcases Malaysia's rich mangrove ecosystems, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and ecological significance. Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Kilim Geoforest Park features an intricate network of mangrove forests that play a critical role in coastal protection and biodiversity conservation.

Visitors can explore the park's enchanting mangroves by boat, gliding through winding waterways flanked by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery. Along the journey, they can spot an array of wildlife, including eagles, otters, and mudskippers, making each trip a memorable experience in this captivating natural wonder.

To mark the International Day of Forests which is celebrated on March 21, digital travel platform Agoda unveils its list of the five most popular forest destinations across Asia based on searches made on the platform in February 2025.

Seoul Forest Park in Seoul (South Korea) emerges as the most popular forest destination, followed by the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali (Indonesia) and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto (Japan) in second and third place respectively. Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Kilim Geoforest Park in Langkawi (Malaysia) round out the top five.

From urban green havens to ancient rainforests, mangroves, and misty mountain woodlands, Asia offers a diverse array of green canopies for travellers seeking to reconnect with nature. Whether hiking through tropical jungles, exploring wildlife, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of towering trees, these five forest escapes across Asia present the perfect setting for a rejuvenating getaway.

Nestled in the heart of South Korea's bustling capital, Seoul Forest Park is a sprawling green sanctuary that provides a refreshing retreat from the city. With a mix of woodlands, wetlands, and themed gardens, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along scenic trails, explore the butterfly conservatory, or interact with deer in the ecological forest. The park has become a popular spot for both city-dwellers and travellers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the calming embrace of nature while enjoying views of the Han River.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, Bali, serves as a serene nature reserve and temple complex, surrounded by towering nutmeg and banyan trees that hold spiritual significance in Balinese culture. Home to over 1,260 long-tailed macaques, the sanctuary offers shaded trails for peaceful hikes beneath the forest canopy. Visitors can explore ancient temples, learn about the sacred trees, and observe the macaques in what is a vital site for conservation and Balinese heritage.

Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove enchants visitors with its surreal beauty. As they walk among the towering bamboo stalks, travellers are enveloped in a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The gentle rustling of leaves and dappled sunlight create an ideal setting for the Japanese practice of 'shinrin-yoku,' or forest bathing, which promotes immersing oneself in nature through the senses. Beyond the grove, visitors can explore the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a boat ride along the scenic Hozu River, adding cultural and historical depth to this natural wonder.

Known as the "Roof of Thailand," Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai presents a majestic blend of misty forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. Hikers can explore trails that lead to the summit of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, where they will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. The park is home to unique flora and fauna, including rare bird species and vibrant rhododendron blooms.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, said, "Forests are nature's sanctuaries, and Agoda is proud to offer travelers opportunities to recharge and reconnect with nature while supporting conservation efforts. Through the Eco Deals program, Agoda donates one US dollar to WWF conservation projects for every booking made on discounted partnering properties. It's a win-win for travelers and the planet, making it even easier to experience breathtaking forest escapes at great value."

Since the recent launch of the 2025 edition, Agoda's Eco Deals programme empowers Asia-bound travellers to give back to the destinations they love while enjoying great value deals. Through the programme, travellers benefit from discounts of up to 15% on partner hotels across 10 Asian markets, including in new participating markets Japan and South Korea.

For every Eco Deals booking, Agoda donates one US dollar to WWF conservation projects, supporting wildlife protection and the preservation of critical habitats across Asia including forest management and restoration initiatives in Indonesia's Bukit Tigapuluh (30 Hills) National Park and Vietnam's Bach Ma National Park.