Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary

Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected tropical rainforest in Waeng District, Narathiwat Province, southern Thailand near the Malaysian border. Covering about 434 square kilometers across the Sankala Khiri Range, it comprises the Hala and Bala forest sections. Renowned as one of Thailand's richest lowland evergreen forests, it hosts exceptional biodiversity including ten hornbill species, gibbons, and rare flora, offering pristine nature and birdwatching opportunities.

Visitors can expect dense pristine lowland evergreen rainforest with towering trees, canopy viewpoints, and natural trails through the Hala and Bala forest blocks. The sanctuary is known for birdwatching, especially hornbills, as well as sightings of gibbons, butterflies and rare plants such as Maha Sadam. Facilities are basic with a visitor centre and marked nature trails. Access is controlled and guided walks are typically required, offering a quiet, undisturbed forest experience.

The sanctuary was established in 1996 by combining the Hala Forest and Bala Forest reserves to protect one of Thailand's last intact lowland evergreen rainforests along the Sankala Khiri Range. It is managed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation as a protected wildlife sanctuary covering approximately 434 square kilometers across Narathiwat and Yala provinces.