From coral reefs to inland lakes, the wetlands make for an exciting adventure for the out-and-about traveller. DAVID BOWDEN offers his top 10 wetland picks in Southeast Asia

Wetlands are the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems and increasingly placed on travel itineraries of regional tourism. They are generally considered as land covered permanently or seasonally by fresh, salt or brackish water. They extend from coral reefs to inland lakes. International Wetlands Day, celebrated on Feb 2 every year, aims to draw attention to the importance of wetlands. It marks the anniversary of the Convention On Wetlands Of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) signing in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. 

Here are the 10 best wetlands to seek out on your next journey through the region. 1 Mekong Delta, Vietnam The Mekong River flows into the South China Sea at the southernmost tip of Vietnam. It’s known as Vietnam’s Bread Basket or Rice Bowl as half of it is under cultivation. Countless canals and backwaters dissect the flat landscape. Floating markets around Vinh Long and Cantho are essential stopovers, but most finish by midday. Most tourists make it a day visit from Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s possible to extend in a homestay on fruit orchards around Vinh Long. Delta Adventure offers trips from one day to three. Details, go to www.deltaadventuretours.com

2 Langkawi Geopark, Malaysia Not only are the mangrove forests lining parts of Langkawi important for protecting the coastline from natural calamities but they provide an exciting and educational experience for visitors to Malaysia’s leading island paradise. The wetlands are part of the Unesco Geopark that protects the 550 million-year-old rock formations and unique plants. The gnarled mangrove roots provide a habitat for fish and crustaceans while monkeys and various bird species make their home in the foliage. Get close to scores of Brahminy Kites and White-breasted Sea Eagles, but travel with guides and operators who don’t encourage the artificial feeding of these mighty raptors. Contact: Asian Overland Services, Tel: 04-955 2002, Web site: www.asianoverland.com.my 

3 Krabi, Thailand Krabi has become a popular destination with lots of recreational activities along the coastline and islands that dot the Andaman Sea. Join in a kayak trip in and around the limestone caves, steep cliffs and mangrove forests. Paddlers are transferred from the many luxurious Krabi resorts to Thalane where trained staff explain the basics of kayaking. Once on the water, most kayakers find it a relaxing way to discover the picturesque backwaters. Contact: Phuket Sealand, Tel: +66-762 229 001. Website: www.phuketsealand.com

4 Thale Noi, Thailand Thailand’s first Ramsar site and largest waterbird reserve is also the country’s second largest freshwater lake. Located in southeast Thailand, it’s accessible from Hat Yai and Phattalung with the small village of Thale Noi as the departure point for most long-tail boat trips across the shallow lake. The wetlands cover 450 sq km, but only 28 sq km is lotus and lily-lined water. Over 180 bird species are said to use the wetlands, with the best time to see them from October to May, during their annual migration from Siberia to Australia and back. Take a two-hour early morning boat trip across the lake to see water lilies, birds and fishermen. Stay in simple chalets in Thale Noi, or in hotels in Hat Yai or Phattalung. Details, go to www.tourismthailand.org

5 Lower Kinabatangan River, Malaysia Home to many native plants and animals, this base for nature-based tourism is centred on the village of Sukau along the Menanggul River that flows into the Lower Kinabatangan River. Tourists can stay in chalets and get close to primates such as orang utan, long-tailed macaque, Bornean gibbon and pig-tailed macaque. The 27,000ha Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is home to these and birds. Contact: Tel: 088-438 300, Website: www.sukau.com

6 Tonle Sap, Cambodia Southeast Asia’s largest lake covers some 15 per cent of Cambodia. In the dry season, Tonle Sap may only cover 2,700 sq km, but this could swell to 16,000 sq km in the wet season, The river reverses direction during the year. In the dry season the backflow of the Mekong River forces the river to flow inland and into the lake. The ancient temples of Angkor are the jewels in Cambodia’s travel crown and a boat journey on Tonle Sap should be on everyone’s itinerary. Boats depart from Phnom Krom, a 30-minute drive from Siem Reap. A Unesco Biosphere, the lake has enough fish to feed some three million Khmers. Details, go to www.tonlesap.net

7 Santubong, Malaysia Dolphins in wetlands? Tours along Sarawak’s Santubong River start each morning from a small river landing. With Mt Santubong at 810m as a formidable backdrop, the river estuary is home to two dolphin species – the Bottlenose Dolphin and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback. The pioneer operator is CPH Travel, although some smaller operators also take visitors dolphin watching beside the mangrove forests lining the riverbank. Contact: CPH Travel, Tel: 082-414 921, Website: www.cphtravel.com

8 Kuala Selangor, Malaysia Once considered a wasteland, Kuala Selangor is now recognised as one of nature’s most biologically productive areas. This fishing village is 65km north of Kuala Lumpur and best known for its seafood restaurants that literally hang over the river. But its estuarine nature park, or Taman Alam Kuala Selangor, is attracting many visitors, too. It covers 300ha at the base of Bukit Melawati and the Altingsburg Lighthouse. Rejuvenating coastal swamp, secondary forest and mangroves front the Strait of Malacca. The wetlands here are a haven for many bird species and associated wildlife. In all, 156 bird species, both resident and migratory, have been recorded. The main bird migration period from mid-September until April involves some 57 species, including the rare Lesser Adjutant and Milky Storks. Simple chalet accommodation is available. Another attraction is the fireflies colony at Kampung Kuantan. Contact: Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Tel: 03-3289 2294. Website: www.tourismselangor.gov.my

9 Lake Naujan, Philippines The Philippines’ fifth largest lake is located on the Mindoro Island. Covering 81 sq km, with the lake at 14km by 7km and up to 45m deep, this Ramsar site is volcanic in origin. It supports 17 communities who fish and grow crops along the land adjacent to the water. The Lumangbayan River flows from the lake to the sea. Migratory waterfowls make their home here. The lake is also one of the best places to see the Philippines Duck, but watch out for the occasional crocodile. Details, go to www.philippinecountry.com

10 Sungai Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore Even in urbanised Singapore, wetlands are an important habitat. Sungai Buloh is a protected area for resident and migratory waterbirds and the National Parks Board offers free guided tours at 9.30am and 3.30pm every Saturday. There are various boardwalks through mangroves, with trails of up to 7km. Resident waterbirds live here, but the best time to see migratory waders and shorebirds is from September to March. Education forms a big part of the reserve’s activities. Contact: Sungai Buloh Wetland Reserve, Tel: +65-67941401, Website: www.nparks.gov.sg