The Proboscis monkey is the largest monkey in the world and is a seriously threatened species that only live in Borneo. There are estimated 20.000 left and surprisingly Brunei is the home to half of them, where they live along the banks of Brunei River. The males are easy recognised with their potbellies, big blobby noses, and permanent erected penis (we kid you not). They are quite shy and keep to the shadow during the heat of the day, so the best time to observe them is at dusk along the river bank.

Normally we don't do zoos here at GlobeSpots, but this is one of a kind (especially in China, where animal wellness is as rare as the Panda). They only do pandas here, where the Giant is the main attraction (the other one is the smaller and less famous Red Panda). The pandas are enclosed based on age and the younger ones are clearly the most active. In the nursery (officially named the Jungle Gym) it's possible in autumn to see the newly born and they are not just cute, but super cute. Through out the garden well-meant signs state odd slogans such as "Wildlife is not food". But it's all part of the Panda experience.

There are a few things in this world you have see before believing them and the Rafflesia (Rafflesia arnoldii) is one of them. It is the biggest flower on the planet. It is huge, plastic-like and smelly. More than a meter in diameter, can weight more than 10 kg, and its perfume resemble the smell of rotten meat. This rare flower only blooms in a few weeks and then it is gone. The season is between August and November and the locals know where to find the blooming ones.

Not just a natural spa, but a whole river with steaming hot water flowing through the jungle in the shade of volcano Inerie. The water is hot, as in around 47 degrees, and not suitable to swim in, but downstream several cold side-rivers flow in and make the temperature more tub-warm. To find the spot, travel on the road from Bena to Naga outside Bajawa. Cross the bridge over the steaming river and follow the trail behind the houses to the right. It is a totally tranquil settings with bamboos and trees hanging over the green bottom river. Locals come down to bath and do not seem to mind the numbing heat in the unmixed hot water upstream.

The world's biggest lizard is the Komodo Dragon that can grow to over three meters long. It is aggressive, fast, and its bite can be deadly due to the impressive range of bacterias in its mouth. The Komodo dragon lives not only on Komodo Island, but also on Rinca Island which is closer to Flores. On Rince you actually have a better chance to see the dragons, since the island is smaller and there is less food available – meaning they hang out around the ranger station. To catch a sight of a full grown monster in their natural environment, go to Komodo, but you might risk not see any at all. The best option is of course to visit both islands.

A little rustic bungalow on stilts overhanging crystal clear water and corals is one of the main attractions at Iboih on Pulau Weh Island. The only activities here are the quiet island life, lazy hours in the hammock, and the amazing diving and snorkelling which can offer encounters with manta rays, stingrays and whale sharks among others. It's truly a real little getaway.

Sumatra and Borneo are the only places in the world to see wild orangutans. The best place in Sumatra is probably Bukit Lawang in the rainforest at the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. The rehabilitation centre is placed up river on the jungle side from the village. In good Indonesian easy-going-style nothing is fenced off at the feeding platform, so you will get VERY close to the orangutans, so keep your distance to the big ones. It's also possible to different treks through the jungle with a local guide to see the same orangutans, and maybe some others, in their natural habitant.

Sarawak's tourist profile could easily have been designed based on this tranquil and lush national park. Jungle cruise in canoes on bending rivers, spotting orangutan (or maybe just their nests) while trekking, swimming under cool waterfalls, and longhouse stay with the friendly Iban people are the attractions here. Bookings need to be made from Kuching and longer expeditions deep into the jungle are possible, which will only increase the chances to see orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, and other wildlife.

This is "the place" to see semi-wild orangutans in Sarawak. The centre is located 25 km outside Kuching and doesn't see that many visitors (compared to Sepilok in Sabah), not even in high tourist season (July - August). There are feeding twice a day at the platform a couple of hundreds meters in the jungle but there are no guaranties - the orangutans are semi wild. Sometimes they just hang around the park centre, especially mothers with their toddlers in tow, and then there are a pretty good chance to see them up close.

This beach and protected area is nesting ground for the Green turtle. It's possible to witness the egg laying from close distance and later see other nest hatch, where over a hundred small turtles race to the ocean. It's close to impossible to get there without a car - as elsewhere in Oman. The peak season is March to September.