If, like me, you’re a fan of the incredible nature documentaries on BBC Earth, you’re in for a treat. The new BBC Earth nature documentary, Asia, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, is being released this month. Living in Singapore, it’s worth getting excited about as it’s the first time BBC Earth has dedicated a major wildlife TV series to our continent. I’ve had a little sneak peek, so I can let you in on what’s in store!
What I love about Asia and other BBC Earth programmes is that everyone in my extended family (from 7 to 77) enjoys watching them together. They’re beautifully shot, with a playful, suspenseful and haunting musical score – it never ceases to amaze me how the talented filmmakers capture the circle of life undetected. Both educational and entertaining, these programmes provide access to remote environments and rare animals that I can only dream of seeing in my lifetime.
All about Asia, the BBC Earth TV Series with Sir David Attenborough
Filmed over the course of nearly four years, this seven-part series delves into the story of the biggest continent on Earth. What I didn’t know before watching is that Asia is home to the highest mountain range, the deepest ocean, the tallest jungles, and the biggest cave in the world! This series unveils Asia’s epic landscapes and spectacular wildlife, featuring extraordinary previously unseen animal behaviour.
At 98, there’s no-one in the nature documentary world more iconic than Sir David Attenborough. He brings his signature warm, insightful and engaging narration style to Asia. Once again he blends scientific depth with wonderful storytelling to inspire wonder and respect for our incredible region. The show also explores the conservation challenges facing the continent, and shines a light on the potential conservation solutions.
Epic locations and a huge variety of animals
From the vast Gobi Desert, to the jungles of Borneo, and from the polar wilderness of Siberia to the coral seas of the Indian Ocean, this series showcases the breath-taking diversity of Asia’s wildest places. Filming locations also include Lake Baikal in Russia; the Lut Desert in Iran; and the Arabian Peninsula’s Empty Quarter. Plus, there are busy Asian cities such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Taipei, Bhopal, Hanoi and Singapore.
During the series, you’ll gain an insight into the lives and behaviours of a startling variety of animals. Expect to see the full gamut of species from impressive beasts like rhinos and elephants, to cunning predators like wolves, sharks and orcas, and cute red pandas and not so cute sea snakes! Fun fact – sperm whales sleep upright! Intrigued? Me too.
For a snippet from the series, check out the trailer below.
And just to whet your appetite further – you might just catch a glimpse of the Sunda pangolins in urban Singapore… There’s a good reason to watch the whole Asia TV series!
A sneak peek into the first three episodes of Asia
Episode 1 – Beneath the waves
Did you know that Asia has the longest coastline, and the most abundant coral reefs on Earth? Its seas are connected by some of the world’s most powerful currents, and are home to over sixty percent of all marine species. This episode features the charismatic creatures of Asia’s oceans, never-seen-before spectacles and brand-new animal behaviour. From giants in the deep ocean, to tiny fish that climb trees, squid that glow in the dark, and grey reef sharks that hunt in their hundreds. Some gorgeous aerial shots too – they reminded me of holidays in Batu Batu!
Episode 2 – Above the clouds
Asia is the most mountainous continent on earth. From the forested slopes of the tropics to the hostile heights of the Himalaya, Asia’s mountains are home to an astonishing abundance of specialised plants and wildlife. In India, elephants live in high-altitude tea plantations; and in Thailand, mountainous caves hide the planet’s greatest gathering of swifts. In Pakistan, markhor live life truly on the edge, fighting for mates atop towering cliffs; and in Nepal, the forested foothills of the Himalaya provide hiding places for one of Asia’s shyest but most adorable mammals, the red panda.
Episode 3 – The frozen north
In northern Asia, life defies hostile extremes. In Russia’s Lake Baikal, a seal pup must take evasive action when its ice den starts to melt. Hokkaido’s thermal springs are a haven for dancing red-crowned cranes. Fish owls thrive in the forests where Russia and China meet. Elsewhere, in Japan, bats hibernate beneath snow, while red foxes and sea eagles compete for food. In Arctic Russia, polar bears wait on isolated islands for the return of sea ice.
Where to watch Asia
You can stream Asia now on BBC Player. As many Brits out there will know, BBC Player is a multi-genre streaming platform for British programmes from 5 channels: BBC Earth, BBC Lifestyle, BBC FIRST, CBeebies, BBC BRIT. You can access BBC Player via Singtel CAST and StarHub. You can also watch Asia on BBC Earth every Sunday at 7:55pm, via Singtel (channel 203) and StarHub (channel 407).
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