Bali Zoo Review: A Wildly Entertaining Morning with Orangutans

A Wild Breakfast Experience at Bali Zoo

summarizeEditor's Summary

The Bali Zoo is a must-visit destination for any animal lover, with its sprawling 16-hectare grounds and impressive variety of over 1,000 animals. Our recent visit was a unique experience, and we were blown away by the sheer size of the zoo and the well-maintained facilities. From the adorable deer that greeted us at the entrance to the orangutans we had breakfast with, every moment was a delight. The zoo's beautiful grounds and colorful entrance set the tone for a fun-filled morning, and we were impressed by the ease of getting tickets and navigating the zoo. The zoo offers a range of activities, including animal encounters, shows, and a petting zoo, making it a great day out for families. If you're looking for a wild breakfast experience, the Bali Zoo is the place to be. With its beautiful gardens, impressive animal collection, and unique breakfast experience, the Bali Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and educational day out.

settingsSpecifications

Yer8/10

KararMükemmel

Kalite9/10

Kahvaltı9/10

Görünüm8/10

HizmetKalitesi9/10

OrangutanGösterisi7/10

We recently visited the Bali Zoo, and I must say, it was a unique experience. As a zoo enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of visiting many zoos around the world, but the Bali Zoo stood out for its sheer size and variety of animals.

From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the zoo's beautiful grounds and well-maintained facilities. The entrance was colorful and welcoming, with a sign that read 'Welcome to the Bali Zoo' in bold letters. Our driver had already bought our tickets, which made the process smooth and hassle-free.

As we entered the zoo, we were greeted by adorable deer strolling alongside the path that led to the main zoo area. They were not skittish and had grown accustomed to people, so we could approach and pet them. The little ones still gave us a wary eye and tried to keep their distance, but overall, they looked well-groomed and content.

We headed out early to get to the zoo by 8 am for the breakfast with orangutans. We packed some snacks from our hotel, thinking it would be a formal affair. When we arrived, there weren't many people around, and the entrance was pretty colorful. Our driver had already bought our tickets, as he was organizing the whole trip for us.

As we walked towards the breakfast area, we were struck by the sheer number of tables and realized that our breakfast would be a full-on buffet with plenty of space for guests. This was similar to a hotel breakfast, only with a much larger area. We walked in, grabbed a seat, and then headed off to fill our plates.

The breakfast was really diverse, with plenty of options to choose from. Alongside the main courses, there were tasty tartlets, croissants, pastries, fruits, and bread rolls, plus stations for making omelets, pancakes, and crepes. As for the actual breakfast, it was good, and there's definitely something for everyone.

I even regretted snacking on some food from our hotel room earlier, as I would have loved to have had this spread instead. Had I known how excellent the breakfast would be, I probably wouldn't have bothered with the hotel food at all.

As we finished our breakfast, we were looking forward to the main event - the orangutan show. The orangutan then swung down from the ropes to the breakfast crowd. It created a huge mob that instantly surrounded him to take selfies and ask staff to take photos with him in the background. We decided to wait for the main crowd to disperse before getting closer to him.

You can't get too close to him, nor touch him. He reached out to me with his hand, and I was about to say hello, but the zookeeper quickly called out to me, saying not to touch or even offer my hand, as he might squeeze it or pull it. Orangutans are incredibly strong animals, and it's essential to be cautious and follow all safety measures to avoid any unpleasant situations.

So, we just observed him and took a few photos as a memory. We even managed to capture ourselves in the background, and it's quite clear that he's having a rough time with these daily shows and the crowds of tourists coming to see him. He looked at everyone with this intense gaze, like, 'How are you all so exhausting?' and then sighed, going about his business. It's really interesting how much they resemble us, even in their mannerisms and those understanding eyes.

Next thing I knew, a little monkey from the gibbon family popped up in another part of the restaurant. He was a crowd-pleaser, swinging from side to side on the trapeze, grabbing branches, and swinging them around to get everyone's attention. He was super affectionate, and you could touch him and shake hands with him, but he was more interested in what was on your hands and trying to grab things he didn't need.

Be careful, especially if you're wearing wristbands, because he'll try to sneakily take them off. He was a mischievous little guy, and I found myself watching him nonstop. I loved the views from the breakfast area - you can see the whole zoo. And if you time it right, you can catch a second attraction: a swim with the elephants and a walk with them.

After breakfast, we headed out to explore the rest of the zoo. Many of the animals were in open enclosures, which made it easy to see them. And the wild animals were behind glass, of course, for safety's sake. There were warning signs somewhere to avoid any unexpected surprises when visiting the zoo.

I really liked the car stuck in the glass, it looks pretty cool and unique. There were some educational stands in front of some enclosures with descriptions and exhibition samples. And while we were strolling through the zoo, we stumbled upon the lemur enclosure where these adorable creatures were roaming freely.

One of them posed perfectly and was super interactive. I've had a blast with lemurs on Madagascar, where they'd jump down from trees and cover us in hugs, all in pursuit of the bananas we'd brought for them. The zoo's territory is massive, so they have these mini boats that you can ride to get from one part to another. Alternatively, you can just walk around and explore.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the small museum on the zoo grounds. It's definitely worth a quick visit. Overall, I really enjoyed the Bali Zoo. The grounds are huge, beautiful, and well-maintained, with some areas where smaller, non-aggressive animals can roam freely.

There are loads of animals, with most in open enclosures. You'll also find various activities on site, like elephant rides, breakfast with orangutans, photo ops with the animals, and a mini water park. That being said, I was a bit disappointed with the breakfast with orangutans experience, which I had envisioned as a more exclusive, private affair.

In reality, it's just a buffet-style breakfast area where an orangutan and a gibbon will swing by for a 30-minute visit amidst a crowd of tourists. I think it's an interesting concept that definitely draws in a lot of visitors who, like us, might not have done their research beforehand.

I'm not sure why I had such high expectations, but the zoo's brochure made it look like something truly unique. I'm trying to be more adventurous and participate in these kinds of activities to avoid any regrets, like what happened on Mauritius where we skipped the lion safari at the zoo and later wished we had gone.

I'd definitely recommend the Bali Zoo, especially if you can combine it with a tour of Ubud.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What are the operating hours of the Bali Zoo?

The Bali Zoo is open from 8 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 3 pm. It's recommended to arrive early to get the most out of your visit and beat the crowds.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the zoo?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks into the zoo, but please note that there are designated areas for eating and drinking. It's also worth noting that the zoo offers a variety of food options within the premises.

Are the zoo's staff knowledgeable about the animals?

Yes, the zoo's staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the animals, and they're always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Can I get a refund if I don't like the zoo?

No, the zoo has a strict no-refund policy, so it's essential to check your tickets and the zoo's website before making a purchase.

Are the zoo's facilities wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the zoo's facilities are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available throughout the premises.

Can I bring my pet into the zoo?

No, pets are not allowed within the zoo, except for service animals.

Are there any discounts available for students or seniors?

Yes, the zoo offers discounts for students and seniors, so it's worth checking their website for more information.

Can I get a map of the zoo?

Yes, you can get a map of the zoo at the entrance or at the information desk. You can also download a digital map from the zoo's website.

What is the best time to visit the zoo?

The best time to visit the zoo is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat.

check_circlePros

•The zoo's grounds are beautifully maintained and offer a serene atmosphere for a fun-filled day with the family.
•The variety of animals is impressive, with a range of species that will keep you entertained throughout the day.
•The breakfast with orangutans is a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else.
•The zoo's colorful entrance sets the tone for a fun-filled morning and makes for great photo opportunities.
•The deer that greet you at the entrance are adorable and add a touch of magic to your visit.
•The zoo's staff are friendly and helpful, making it easy to navigate the zoo and get the most out of your visit.
•The zoo offers a range of activities, including animal encounters, shows, and a petting zoo, making it a great day out for families.
•The zoo's facilities are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available throughout the premises.

cancelCons

•Some of the enclosures could be larger to provide a more natural environment for the animals.
•The zoo can get crowded during peak season, making it difficult to navigate and get a good view of the animals.
•Some of the signs and information boards could be more informative and provide more details about the animals and their habitats.
•The food options within the zoo could be more varied and offer healthier options for visitors.
•The zoo's gift shop could be better stocked with unique and relevant souvenirs.
•The parking area could be better managed to reduce congestion and make it easier to drop off and pick up visitors.
•Some of the animal exhibits could be improved to provide a more immersive experience for visitors.
•The zoo's hours of operation could be more flexible to accommodate visitors with different schedules.