The area covers 270,000 rai from Betong in Yala and Chanae district in the west, to Waeng and Sukhirin districts of Narathiwat in the east. It is interspersed with village communities that prevent wildlife from moving between the two sides. Hala is a bigger woodland, home to big animals including tigers. On the Bala side, birds are the main attraction. Hala is accessible from Yala; Bala can be reached at Waeng district.

At heights ranging from 500 to 1,500 metres above sea level, the terrain includes mountain peaks such as Lee Pae, Batu Tamo and Loh Choo, the source of the Kolok and Sai Buri rivers. The former marks the border between Thailand and Malaysia.

The area is a haven and an escape for birdwatchers and trekkers. The forest is well-known for hornbills: out of the 12 species found in Thailand, the area is home to 10, including Rhinoplax vigil, Buceros rhinoceros and Anthracoceros malayanus.

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