Brave enough? The most spectacular jungles in the world for intrepid travelers

Jungles are some of the most interesting places to explore if you seek a combination of travel and adventure. There is no jungle in the world that doesn’t have spectacular nature, bursting with flora and fauna that you have never seen before.

Head-sized turquoise butterflies, howling monkeys, and high humidity might be some of the first things that you’ll notice.

They are noisy places from the damp muddy floors to the top of the thick canopies. The first contact with the jungle is the most exciting because you don’t know what to expect. It’s far from just another hike in the wilderness! Here are some of the world’s most spectacular jungles that all intrepid travelers should visit.

The jungles of Borneo

Orangutans are native to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Orangutans are native to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.

The island of Borneo is almost entirely covered with jungle. It’s the third largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea. Borneo is off the Malaysian coast and it’s the perfect spot for all wildlife enthusiasts, especially those who love monkeys.

The tangled mangrove of Borneo hides 50 mammal species, more than 200 birds, and absurd amounts of insects. One of the main reasons why Borneo is so green is the extreme humidity during the whole year, especially the monsoon season.

The Brazilian Amazon

The Amazon is known for its dramatic waterfalls.
The Amazon is known for its dramatic waterfalls.

The Amazon Rainforest is the biggest in the world, often referred to as the “lungs of our planet.” It has more than 10,000 species and stretches over nine countries.

Traveling through the Brazilian Amazon, which covers much of northwestern Brazil, is a uniquely special experience, first of all because of the gigantic size and then because of the unique plants and animals that live here.

A Brazilian Amazon river cruise is one of the most spectacular experiences that can happen in your life.

India, the Jungle Book

The tigers of India.
The tigers of India.

The jungles of Rudyard Kipling are definitely a place you must visit if you liked the Jungle Book when you were little. If you had dreams of being like Mowgli when you were a small child and live by the rules of the jungle with your animal buddies, then you must visit Kanha National Park in India.

Here you will find your personal Sherkan because the Indian jungles are famous for their numerous tiger residents.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

Jungle canopy walkway.
Jungle canopy walkway.

Sinharaja Forest does not cover not a big area, but it definitely deserves its space on this list. The tropical jungle of Sinharaja is a mystical place where you can find hidden ancient structures of long forgotten civilizations.

These sites don’t get too much attention from the world and maybe that’s even better for the preservation of the jungle as it is. Intrepid travelers will enjoy walking the paths of ancient kings and spotting all kinds of wildlife.

The coastal jungles of West Africa

Gorillas are a critically endangered species.
Gorillas are a critically endangered species.

Have you ever wanted to be Tarzan and roam around the jungle all day? If the answer is yes, the coastal jungles of West Africa are waiting for you to hang on a vine and swing between trees. Most people who go on a jungle adventure expect to see monkeys and apes, which happens for sure in Tarzan’s Africa.

Gorillas are the most common primate species that you see while trekking in these beautiful coastal jungles. Remember, no matter how much you love animals and you want to play Tarzan, gorillas are wild animals with extreme strength, so make sure you keep a safe distance if you spot one.

The jungles of New Guinea

Indonesia offers some of the wildest and densest rainforest in the world.
Indonesia offers some of the wildest and densest rainforest in the world.

The island of New Guinea, Indonesia, is more than 75 percent wild rainforest, which makes this territory one of the most wanted jungle destinations in the world.

The independent nations of Papua New Guinea, Papua, and Western New Guinea are the only place on the planet besides Australia where you can see kangaroos in the wilderness. History buffs will enjoy exploring the jungles of New Guinea and its native cultures.

The thick canopies here will leave you speechless and change your life forever. Some parts of our planet are simply unforgettable.

Waipoua Forest, New Zealand

Kauri Tree. Author: Colin Henein – CC BY-SA 3.0
Kauri Tree. Author: Colin Henein – CC BY-SA 3.0

The North Island of New Zealand is home to one of the oldest forests in the world: Waipoua Forest. There are two main reasons to visit this natural wonderland. The first is, of course, the spectacular Kauri Trees and their massive trunks, and the second one is the awesome neon glow-worm show.

Jungle travels are exciting, humid, full of life, and sometimes dangerous. Before heading to your first jungle destinations, make sure you get all the necessary vaccinations for the area you’re visiting, bring a lot of bug repellent, good hiking boots, and an adventurous spirit.

stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival