Top 10 Rainforests of the World for Travelers

When you’re ready to explore the rainforests of the world, it can be hard to pick just one. And we bet you’re thinking of the biggie - the Amazon. As you search for ecotourism options at the most beautiful rainforests in the world, think outside the, er, jungle. There’s the Daintree in Australia, the lush island of Dominica in the Caribbean and Bako National Park in Malaysia. The Amazon is the queen of rainforests, yes, but we encourage you to keep your options open, particularly if you’re seeking a truly off-the-beaten path, less crowded option. 

1. Daintree National Park, Queensland, Australia 

Considered to be the oldest surviving tropical rainforest in the world, Daintree is not only beautiful, but historic. You’ll meet the Bennett’s tree kangaroo, spot saltwater crocodiles and glimpse some of the planet’s earliest plants, like the Lycopsida. The rainforest, from the Daintree River north to Cape Tribulation, is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. You’ll reach it via cable ferry and are then free to explore the rainforest, whitesand beaches, coral reefs, river and more than encompass this impressive national park. 

2. Dominica 

If you’re looking for an eco-trip to one of the lush rainforests of the world, yet don’t want to travel halfway across the globe, consider Dominica, the Caribbean’s “Nature Island.” Whether you’re into hiking, birding or simply communing with nature, you’ll find it in the rainforests of Dominica. Set your sites on Morne Trois Pitons National Park or Morne Diablotin National Park, home to a bird preserve that protects indigenous species.  

3. Bako National Park 

For flying lemurs, bats, Proboscis monkeys and the largest flower in the world - the Rafflesia - head to Bako, in Sarawak, Borneo. It’s relatively small as the rainforests of the world go, but packs a lot of punch within its dense tropical forest, beaches and striking rock formations. And as for those monkeys, Sarawak is home to the largest number of Proboscis monkeys in Borneo, so you’re bound to meet a few in their natural habitat. 

4. Loango National Park, Gabon 

As close to the Garden of Eden as you’ll get, Loango contains pristine, virgin rainforest and is home to forest elephants, water buffalos, gorillas, hippos and more. It’s one of the world’s best wildlife-watching spots. Community-building eco-tourism opportunities have made it easier and less expensive to visit the rainforest.

5. Khao Yai National Park 

Cycle or scoot your way through Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Knowledgeable local guides are happy to escort through this beautiful rainforest, home to more than 40 waterfalls, not to mention hundreds of mammals and birds. Local legend says there are white tigers here, but, truth be told, you’re much more likely to see a wild Asian elephant. 

6. Harapan Rainforest, Indonesia 

An eco-tourism hot spot, the Harapan Rainforest counts many of the world’s most endangered wildlife species among its residents. Look for Sumatran tigers, orangutans, Asian elephants, clouded leopards and the adorable Malayan sun bear. 

7. Monteverde, Costa Rica 

One of the most recognizable rainforests of the world, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the rainforest are located in the Puntarenas and Alajuela provinces. The area is home to more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. The “big cats” are found here - it’s one of the few places on Earth that support their habits - so keep an eye out for jaguars, pumas, margays, ocelots, oncillas and jaguarundis. 

8. Amazon, Brazil, South America 

Of course, no list of the most beautiful rainforests of the world would be complete without the stunner among them, the mighty Amazon. Covering the majority of northern Brazil, as well as parts of Colombia, Peru and other South American countries, it is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. There are millions of wildlife species (and more yet to be discovered!), 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish species hiding in the Amazon’s vast web of ecosystems.

9. Tongass National Forest, Alaska, United States

Look north for one of the mightiest rainforests of the world: Tongass National Forest. Amongst the ancient temperate forests and their mountains and glaciers, you’ll find brown bears, salmon, humpback and orca whales, otters, beavers - and more than 70,000 people in 32 communities. The region depends on its resources for everyday life, so your visit there will help support local community and the rainforest.

10. North Western Ghats, India

Running along the Arabian Sea, North Western Ghats is a World Heritage Site brimming with national parks, dense forest and wildlife preserves. The ecosystems here are thanks to the Indian monsoon system and create habitats for thousands of mammal species.