Discover the Hidden Treasures of Phuket’s Jungle

Phuket is a popular destination for beach lovers, but it also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the lush and diverse jungle that covers most of the island. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush, a wildlife encounter, or a relaxing escape, you can find it in one of the many jungle adventures in Phuket. Here are some of the best ones to try:

Zip-lining

If you want to experience the thrill of flying through the air and enjoy the panoramic views of the forest canopy, then zip-lining is the activity for you. Zip-lining is a fun and safe way to glide from one platform to another along steel cables, using a harness and a pulley. You can choose from different courses and levels of difficulty, depending on your preference and skill. Some of the best places to go zip-lining in Phuket are:

• Hanuman World: This is one of the most popular and well-known zip-lining parks in Phuket, located near Chalong. It offers three different packages, with up to 32 platforms, 16 zip-lines, 3 abseils, 3 sky bridges, 2 spiral staircases, and a sky rail. You can also enjoy a walk on the 600-meter-long canopy walkway, which is the longest and highest in Phuket. The park also has a restaurant and a souvenir shop on site. The prices range from 1,500 to 3,000 baht per person, depending on the package. The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Flying Hanuman: This is another great option for zip-lining in Phuket, located near Kathu waterfall. It features up to 15 zip-lines, 2 sky bridges, 2 abseils, 3 spiral staircases, and a sky rail. You can also learn about the history and culture of the local people and the conservation efforts of the park. The prices range from 2,300 to 3,250 baht per person, depending on the package. The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Elephant sanctuaries

If you love elephants and want to interact with them in an ethical and respectful way, then visiting an elephant sanctuary is a must-do in Phuket. Elephant sanctuaries are places where rescued elephants are given a new home and a chance to live freely and happily in their natural habitat. You can observe them as they roam, forage, bathe, and socialize with each other, and even feed them or join them in the water. Some of the best elephant sanctuaries in Phuket are:

• Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: This is the first and most ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket, located near Bang Pae waterfall. It is home to over 10 elephants who have been rescued from logging and tourism industries. You can choose from different programs that include walking with the elephants, feeding them fruits and vegetables, watching them bathe in the pond or mud pit, and learning about their stories and personalities. The prices range from 2,500 to 3,000 baht per person, depending on the program. The sanctuary is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: This is another ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket, located near Nai Thon beach. It is part of a larger network of sanctuaries across Thailand that aim to protect and care for elephants. You can choose from different programs that include feeding the elephants by hand or basket, walking with them through the jungle or along the beach, bathing them in the sea or river, and making herbal medicine for them. The prices range from 1,700 to 2,400 baht per person, depending on the program. The sanctuary is open daily from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Waterfalls

If you want to cool off from the heat and enjoy the beauty of nature, then visiting a waterfall is a perfect way to do so. Waterfalls are not only refreshing but also scenic and relaxing. You can swim in the clear pools at the base of the falls or hike up to the top for a better view. Some of the best waterfalls in Phuket are:

• Bang Pae Waterfall: This is the largest and most popular waterfall in Phuket, located inside Khao Phra Thaeo National Park near Paklok. It is 18 meters high and flows all year round. Many locals come here on weekends with their families or friends to picnic and play in the water. You can also visit the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, which rescues and rehabilitates gibbons who have been exploited by illegal trade. The entrance fee to the park is 200 baht per person, plus a car fee. The waterfall is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
• Kathu Waterfall: This is a smaller but still impressive waterfall in Phuket, located near Patong. It consists of a series of drop pools that lead up to the main pool at the top. The hike up is challenging but rewarding, as you can enjoy the views and the sounds of the water. There is no entrance fee to the waterfall, but you may have to pay for parking. The waterfall is open 24 hours, but it is best to visit during daylight.

These are some of the best jungle adventures in Phuket that you can try on your next trip. They will give you a chance to experience the wild side of the island and have fun at the same time. Just remember to be respectful of the environment and the animals, and follow the safety rules and guidelines of each activity.