It’s a no brainer that Penang is loved for its delicious street food but who knew that Penang National Park has been ranked one of the best parks in Asia?
According to Agoda.com, the Penang National Park made the list as one of the highest rated parks and green spaces in Asia. This was discovered via an analysis of customer feedback and booking information by Asia’s leading online hotel booking site that revealed eight of the best parks in the region, ranked by international travellers who have booked their accommodation on Agoda.com.
From lush jungles to manicured parklands, the travellers who participated in the survey were lovers of a wide range of green space options. The list also included national parks (for hiking or outdoor activities), marine parks (for diving or kayaking) and green areas in the middle of a city that boasted a rich historical context.
Besides the Penang National Park, find out the highest rated parks in Asia along with some great hotel recommendations to complete your trip:
Penang National Park, Malaysia
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5
The dense and beautiful Penang National Park is located in the northwest corner of Penang and was established in 2003. It’s Malaysia’s smallest and youngest national park but don’t let its age fool you, this park is packed with things to see and do. Take your pick from two hiking trails that snake through rugged forest landscapes or isolated beaches for a quick dip or relaxing nap. Don’t forget to snap some photos of eagles, monkeys, otters, leopard cats and pangolins even! For a great view of the forest from a different angle, try the 250m long canopy suspended from the trees 15m above the ground.
Recommended hotels: Hard Rock Hotel and Sun Yi Villas
Hallasan National Park, Jeju-do, South Korea
Average customer rating: 4.39 out of 5
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, Hallasan National Park is located on Jeju Island, South Korea’s southernmost province. Famous for its dramatic geological features, the 153 sq.km park has amazing sites such as the Manjanggul Lava Tube which happens to be the world’s largest as well as Sunrise Peak, and several impressive caves. Mt. Halla is South Korea’s highest point which makes a perfect photo-op with Baekrokdam Lake at the top. Don’t know where to start? Head over to the visitor’s center where the staff will get you well acquainted with the park, including lectures, guided hikes, and classes for kids.
Recommended hotels: Ocean Palace Hotel and Hotel Neighbourhood Jeju
Taroko National Park, Taiwan
Average customer rating: 4.38 out of 5
Taroko National Park is located on the eastern side of Taiwan, away from the cities that line the west side of the island. A great destination for nature lovers, the waterfalls, peaks, trekking trails and campgrounds are some of the wonderful spots that this 900 sq. km park has to offer. This park is unique to the other national parks on this list as it can be seen from trains that pass down the island’s east coast. Marble and limestone cliffs are highlighted by the Taroko Gorge, a gorge that’s carved deep in the Earth spanned by narrow bridges and ringed by hiking trails and cliff-side temples. With this park, you’ll have a tough time picking your favourite photo!
Recommended hotels: Leader Village Taroko Hotel and Promisedland Resort & Lagoon
Osaka Castle Park, Osaka, Japan
Average customer rating: 4.29 out of 5
Osaka Castle Park might be the smallest on this list but its beauty and historical significance has won the hearts of many visitors. This park was home to various official buildings since the 1400s before it was made a park in 1931. In addition to several athletic fields, this park also has an open air concert hall but the highlight truly is Osaka Castle, which sits on top of imposing stone walls and covers 15 acres. Its surrounding includes 250 acres of finely manicured garden, including moats, walking paths and hundreds of cherry and apricot trees. Within the park, there are thirteen structures such as gates, turrets and a gun powder storehouse that have been designated Important Cultural Properties, to provide an insightful peek into Osaka’s history.
Recommended hotels: Hotel New Otani Osaka and Hotel Monterey La Soeur Osaka
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Average customer rating: 4.23 out of 5
Without a doubt one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has the awards and badges to match its beauty. Halong Bay is located alongside the Cat Ba National Park which is a Special National Landscape Site, the craggy coastline has about 1,600 islands just offshore. Complete with hiking trails, large caves, and vantage points that offer spectacular views across the ocean – especially during sunset. Take it all in with a single- or multi-day boat tours on large junks and be sure to visit the 90 sq. km Cat Ba Island and let its waterfalls, jungle, lakes and dramatic cliffs take your breath away.
Recommended hotels: Paradise Suites Hotel and Paradise Luxury Cruise
Ang Thong National Marine Park, Ko Samui
Average customer rating: 4.17 out of 5
Once a haven for pirates and smugglers, Ang Thong National Marine Park can be seen from touristy Ko Samui. This marine park encompasses 42 islands across 102 sq. km of deep blue ocean and was designated as a marine park in 1980 due to a fragile ecosystem that includes everything from turtles to monkeys and pigs. The best way to get here are via organised boat trips which usually departs from Ko Samui or Ko Pha Ngan. Whether you choose to relax on the beaches, snorkel among fish and coral, paddle around in a kayak or explore trekking trails on some of the larger islands, you won’t be disappointed. Most tours also include a trip to Ko Mae Ko, which offers a stunning view from its peak across the park’s entire expanse.
Recommended hotels: Nora Buri Resort & Spa and Bandara Resort & Spa
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Average customer rating: 4.12 out of 5
Khao Yai was established in 1962 the 2,100 sq. km was Thailand’s first national park. With a hard-to-beat location, you’ll be trekking through lush wilderness to a jungle waterfall only a few hours after leaving Bangkok! From its lowest point above sea level (100m) to its highest (1,350m), the park is home to an extensive list of sensitive and endangered fauna such as pythons, bears, elephants and a famous lonely lost crocodile. The average daily temperature of the park is in the low 20’s Celcius, making it perfect for those who want to escape the sweltering heat of Bangkok. Most people opt to rent a car or motorcycle to explore the park on their own time but whatever you decide, be sure to head to the visitor’s center for maps and tips before heading out.
Recommended hotels: Muthi Maya Forest Pool Villa Resort and Thames Valley Khao Yai Hotel
Rizal Park (Luneta Park), Manila
Average customer rating: 3.88 out of 5
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park is smack in the middle of Manila, making it a beautiful escape from the traffic and noise, and a significant symbol of the country’s tumultuous history. Named after national hero Jose Rizal, who was an author and Filipino nationalist who was executed in 1896 for advocating sweeping social reforms during the Spanish colonial era, the 140 acre is located beside the famous Intramuros walled city. A popular spot for locals to picnic, exercise, and relax among among gardens and greenery, the park is also adjacent to the Museum of the Filipino People, Department of Tourism, and the National Library. So if you’re looking to soak in some history, this is the perfect place. An impressive monument of Rizal stands on the western end and for those who enjoy their trivia – all road distances in the Philippines are measured from Kilometer Zero, just across the street from the Rizal Monument.
Recommended hotels: Manila Hotel and Hotel H20
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