Digital travel platform Agoda has announced 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, emerged 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 is home to 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 offer the perfect setting for a rejuvenating getaway.
1. Seoul Forest Park, Seoul, South Korea
In the heart of South Korea’s bustling capital lies Seoul Forest Park, a sprawling green sanctuary that offers a retreat from city life. Featuring a mix of woodlands, wetlands, and themed gardens, visitors can enjoy walks along scenic trails, explore the butterfly conservatory, or interact with deer in the ecological forest. The park is also a popular spot for city-dwellers and travellers alike to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying views of the Han River.
2. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Bali, Indonesia
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, Bali, is a nature reserve and temple complex surrounded by towering nutmeg and banyan trees, many of which hold spiritual significance in Balinese culture. Home to more than 1,260 long-tailed macaques, the sanctuary offers shaded trails for hikes under the forest canopy. Visitors can explore ancient temples, learn about the sacred trees, and observe the macaques, within a vital site for conservation and Balinese heritage.
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan
Walking through the towering bamboo stalks, visitors to Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are enveloped in a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. The rustling of leaves and dappled sunlight create an ideal setting for the Japanese practice of ‘shinrin-yoku’, or forest bathing, the act of taking 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.
4. Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai is a 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’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. The park is home to unique flora and fauna, including rare bird species and colourful Rhododendron blooms.
5. Kilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi, Malaysia
Kilim Geoforest Park in Langkawi is a showcase of Malaysia’s mangrove ecosystems, offering a blend of natural beauty and ecological importance. As a UNESCO Global Geopark, its network of mangrove forests plays a vital role in protecting the coastline and supporting biodiversity. Visitors can explore the mangroves by boat, gliding through winding waterways surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery, spotting wildlife such as eagles, otters, and mudskippers along the way.
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 launch of the 2025 edition, Agoda’s Eco Deals programme allows Asia-bound travellers to give back to the destinations. 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 $1 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.
