Breakfast with orangutans, splash in the mud with elephants, and get the kids interacting with animals whilst learning the wonders of wildlife conservation... All of this and so much more at Bali Zoo!
It’s no secret that Bali is packed full of family-friendly activities and fun adventures for visitors of all ages. From jungle treks to wild water sports, the options are endless when it comes to keeping your kids – and you – entertained on the island. But if wildlife encounter is your family’s thing, then a trip to the zoo is one for the memory books! There’s one address that’s doing things differently, it’s Bali Zoo in Gianyar. SO much more than just a “look from afar” kinda zoo, Bali Zoo lets you and your crew see and interact with animals like never before. We’re talking brekkie with orangutans, muddy bath-time with elephants, interactive activities and even a staycay surrounded by the jungle…
With more than 600 animals across 70 species, Bali Zoo is the perfect animal-infused day out for you and the fam. Having been around since 2002, it’s the island’s first and only Balinese-owned zoological park with a vast area of 12 hectares to roam and explore. We’re talking a deer park at the zoo’s entrance (a Bali first!) where herds of friendly deer and wallabies give you a very warm welcome upon arrival, plus a splash park for the kiddos, multiple zones that span the world’s continents, and a safari car track that takes you around the entire park.
That’s not the only special thing about Bali Zoo though, because this animal sanctuary is also taking part in preserving and conserving endangered species. It was awarded by the government as the “Best Conservation and Recreation Institution in Indonesia” in 2017, all thanks to its rehabilitation and release program for wild animals such as gibbons and orangutans. And the best way to experience all of this first hand? With one of Bali Zoo’s awesome animal encounters the whole family will love…
Eat breakfast with orangutans
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, and at Bali Zoo, early risers get the chance to have breakfast like a king, with one of the park’s most majestic residents, orangutans! The “Breakfast with Orangutans” at Bali Zoo starts with a early pick-up from your residence, and meeting the Zookeeper upon arrival. You will be guided to a traditional Sumatran Buffalo House, where breakfast will be served starting from 8am until 10am. As the cheeky orangutans play and frolic in the background, you’ll graze on seasonal fruits and veg, freshly baked breads, and a choice of main ranging from Eggs Benedict to Indonesia’s favourite brekky, fried rice. And when the time comes to bid farewell to your primate chum, you can go on to experience even more wildlife encounters.
Make the biggest, muddy splash with the elephants
Watching and admiring elephants from a distance is one thing, but taking a bath with them takes it to the next level! At Bali Zoo, don’t miss the chance to experience a day in the life of an elephant trainer and learn more about these smart animal’s behaviour. Guided by an experienced mahout, Bali Zoo’s animal encounter program “Elephant Mud Fun” invites you to join the friendly Sumatran elephants for a refreshing bath and a scrub down. You’ll arrive bright and early at Kampung Sumatra area, where the mahout gives you a brief introduction to the program and what the gentle giants are all about. Then, you’ll be guided to select the elephants’ breakfast before making your way to the river bank where you’ll have a chance to feed Dumbo and family. And before you know it, it’s time to change into your bathing suit and give the elephants a well-deserved spa time… Mud mask for everyone!
Conservation is key at Bali Zoo
Beyond the fun animal encounters, conservation is at the heart of Bali Zoo. More than your regular family friendly destination, it’s a sanctuary where you and the little ones can connect and learn about the wonderful world of wildlife and their habitats. Bali Zoo is committed to providing education with every visit, supporting their mission in protecting and preserving animals. Through their interactive programs, you can learn more about the animals whilst supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.
And the result? Lots of success, from the birth of baby elephants and orangutans, to animal rehabilitation and release programs into their natural habitats, too. In addition, Bali Zoo has partnered with the Asri Foundation Chainsaw Buyback, which raises awareness and encourages former loggers to trade their chainsaws with a more sustainable livelihood – a program which preserves Indonesia’s forests, AKA home to the country’s majestic wildlife… It’s an unforgettable animal encounter with a difference at Bali Zoo!
Bali Zoo, Jl Raya Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar, p. +62 361 294 357, e. [email protected].