Splash in the mud with elephants, have breakfast with orangutans, and learn all about the wonders of wildlife conservation!
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 encounters are your family’s thing, then a trip to Bali Zoo will be one for the memory books!
Doing things completely differently to regular zoos, Bali Zoo lets you and your crew see and interact with animals like never before. We’re talking brekkie with orangutans, muddy baths with elephants, interactive and educational activities that focus on wildlife conservation, and even a staycay surrounded by the jungle…
With more than 600 animals across 70 species, Bali Zoo is the perfect animal-filled 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 whopping 12 hectares of park 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.
But that’s not the only special thing about Bali Zoo. This animal sanctuary is focussed on preserving and conserving endangered species. So much so, the government named it 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!
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: the orangutans! The “Breakfast with Orangutans” signature experience at Bali Zoo starts with an early pick-up from your residence, before meeting your 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 breakfast 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 a splash with muddy elephants!
Watching and admiring elephants from a distance is one thing, but taking a bath with them takes things to another 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 “Elephant Mud Fun” animal encounter program invites you to join the friendly Sumatran elephants for a refreshing bath and a scrub down. You’ll arrive bright and early at the 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 treatment… A 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 just a fabulous family-friendly destination, it’s a sanctuary where you and your 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 award-winning conservation efforts.
And what awesome conservation efforts they are… Bali Zoo has successfully bred and raised baby elephants and orangutans, they’ve guided animal rehabilitation and release programs, and they’ve even partnered with the Asri Foundation Chainsaw Buyback, which raises awareness and encourages former loggers to trade in their chainsaws for a more sustainable livelihood. This program is particularly impactful, as it helps to preserve Indonesia’s forests, which are home to the country’s most majestic wildlife.
And now, you can stay at Bali Zoo!
Yep, you read that right. If you’re not ready to leave the wonderful wildlife at Bali Zoo, you can stay at Sanctoo Suites & Villas. Just footsteps from Bali Zoo, here you can immerse in nature with the sounds of wildlife serenading you from dawn ‘till dusk. Blending luxury and comfort, Sanctoo offers spacious suites (including family suites) and sophisticated one-bedroom villas, turning a visit to the zoo into an unforgettable family holiday. We love the sleek yet exotic designs, not to mention the chance to meet friendly birds right outside your window! You’ll even receive exclusive benefits, like early access to the zoo, private animal encounters as well as family-friendly excursions too. Not only that, your stay contributes to Bali Zoo’s awesome wildlife conservation efforts. It’s a bucket list staycay that you and the kids will remember for years to come!
Bali Zoo, Jl Raya Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar, p. +62 361 294 357, e. [email protected].
Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/bali-zoo-family-friendly-things-to-do/
