The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), sometimes called the mainland clouded leopard, is one of the most elusive and mysterious cats in the world. Named for its large grey “cloud-shaped” markings, it is perfectly adapted to life in the dense forests of Southeast Asia, from the foothills of the Himalayas to southern China. With a body length of up to 108 cm and a tail almost as long as its body, this remarkable cat uses its tail for balance when leaping through trees and is one of the few wild cats capable of climbing down vertical tree trunks head first.
Mostly nocturnal, clouded leopards rest high in the canopy during the day and hunt at night on the forest floor. Their prey includes monkeys, deer, birds, and smaller mammals, and they are powerful ambush predators despite their relatively small size compared to other big cats. Watching one in the wild is a rare privilege, as these secretive cats are masters of camouflage and avoidance.
Because clouded leopards are nocturnal and secretive, sightings are rare year-round. However, the best opportunities come during the dry seasons in Southeast Asia (generally March to October) and Borneo (best from April to September), when trails are more accessible and wildlife is easier to track. Even if you don’t see a clouded leopard, visiting these habitats during peak wildlife seasons offers excellent chances to observe other iconic species, and every trip supports conservation of the forests these cats depend on.
Clouded leopards live in fragmented populations across Asia, including Nepal, Bhutan, Northeast India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Borneo, with smaller populations in southern China and possibly Vietnam. They prefer dense tropical and subtropical forests, making them difficult to observe in the wild.
Borneo is regarded as one of the best places to search for them, alongside a wealth of other rainforest wildlife such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys. In the Himalayan foothills of Nepal and Bhutan, sightings are extremely rare but possible, adding to their almost mythical reputation.
This spectacular two-week journey through wildlife-rich Borneo including Sepilok, where you can see orangutans as they are re-habituated after deforestation or poaching, and the Kinabatangan River, a haven for wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, mouse deer, wild boar and buffalo.
A stunning safari ensuring that you venture through a number of different areas within India. Track leopards whilst staying in luxurious African-style tents, stand in awe at the splendour of the Taj Mahal as well as exploring the bustling streets of Delhi.
