Some species such as happy tourists and long-horned spiders can only survive in the hills where it’s cooler.Elephant sanctuaries are almost everywhere, but seeing one in the wild is rarer – national parks in Thailand and Borneo are the best bet.This lizard, in Khao Yai, changes colour according to its mood“Common mynas are one of the rarest birds in Asia.” – Said with a very serious face.Theft is one of the most dishonourable acts in SE Asian cultures – nobody told the macaques, of course.My Israeli friend in Khao Yai was a little crazy, but it sure made for a good shot!Every guesthouse worth its salt has at least a few resident geckosThis kingfisher slept through a very loud boat engine, a flashlight shone onto it and us being one metre away, but when I accidentally nudged the branch away it flew!Fortunately for Bangkok’s visitors, there are plenty of oases of calm among the chaos of the cityIn Sumatra, entering the jungle without a guide is prohibited as orangutans are apparently dangerous. Meanwhile, this one got to within three metres of me in Malaysian Borneo and I was fine.Just as I was about to take a leak, I looked up and came upon a snake thinking, “Hmm, now that’s not something I see every day.”Black hornbills may look ominous, but they’re more interested in stealing food than your soul.The real reason to visit Penang’s botanical gardens is the dusky langursSukhothai’s egrets bring a bit of life to the ruinsGibbons lay to rest the myth that apes can’t sing. Exhibit A…
