Explore Bali Safari and Marine Park: Family-Friendly Animal Encounters

Introduction to Bali Safari and Marine Park

Hello explorers! If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure in Bali that combines nature, culture, and conservation, look no further than Bali Safari and Marine Park. Located in Gianyar Regency, this is one of the island’s top family attractions and a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
 

As your tour guide for the day, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from what animals you’ll see to how to plan the perfect visit.


📍 1. Where Is Bali Safari and Marine Park?

Location:

Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19.8, Gianyar, Bali

Approximately 45 minutes from Ubud or 30 minutes from Sanur

Getting There:

Private driver or taxi is the most convenient option

Some packages include round-trip transfers from your hotel


🎟️ 2. Ticket Types and Packages

Bali Safari offers several ticket options:

✅ Basic Safari Explorer:

Safari Journey (tram ride)

Animal presentations

Freshwater aquarium

Water play zone

🥇 Jungle Hopper:

Everything in Explorer +

Elephant show

Big Cat show

Bali Agung cultural performance (depending on schedule)

🐅 Leopard / Rhino / Dragon Packages:

Priority seating for shows

Buffet lunch at Uma Restaurant

Night Safari (in select packages)

Personal guide or express tram access

Tip: Book online in advance for discounted prices and guaranteed slots, especially during weekends and holidays.


🦓 3. Safari Journey — See Animals Up Close

One of the park’s highlights is the Safari Journey, where you ride a special tram through different animal habitats. You’ll travel through regions modeled after:

Indonesia: See Komodo dragons, orangutans, and Sumatran tigers

India: Look out for Indian spotted deer and Himalayan bears

Africa: Witness zebras, lions, ostriches, wildebeest, and rhinos

The animals roam in open enclosures, and the tram guide offers fun facts along the way. It’s safe, educational, and thrilling for all ages.


🐅 4. Top Attractions and Shows

🐘 Elephant Show (Bali Elephant Educational Show)

Watch elephants perform and learn about their conservation

A great mix of entertainment and awareness

Showtimes: Typically around 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM

🐯 Big Cat Show

Featuring tigers and leopards in a theatrical setting

Demonstrates their hunting behavior and natural instincts

🎭 Bali Agung Show

A cultural extravaganza with Balinese dance, costumes, animals, and special effects

Held in the Bali Theatre — a 1,200-seat indoor venue

Tells a mythological story tied to Balinese heritage


🐒 5. Other Experiences at the Park

🐊 Animal Encounters

Take photos with orangutans, parrots, or snakes

Learn about the animals from experienced keepers

Safe and supervised

🐐 Petting Zoo

Great for younger children

Interact with goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more

🐠 Freshwater Aquarium

Walk through a tunnel surrounded by exotic freshwater fish

Spot rare species from Indonesia’s rivers and lakes

💦 Water Play Zone

A small water park for kids to cool off

Bring swimwear or a change of clothes if traveling with children


🌃 6. Night Safari Experience

For a different kind of thrill, opt for the Night Safari — available with select ticket packages.

Ride a caged tram through the park after dark

Watch nocturnal animals feed and roam under moonlight

Includes BBQ dinner, fire dance performance, and feeding experiences

Tip: The Night Safari has limited slots, so book early. It’s one of the most unique experiences in Bali.


🍽️ 7. Dining at the Park

The park offers a range of food options:

🍴 Tsavo Lion Restaurant

Dine face-to-face with lions (separated by glass)

International buffet and à la carte menu

🍛 Uma Restaurant

Buffet lunch included in premium packages

Mix of Indonesian and Western dishes

🍔 Mara River Safari Lodge Café

Quick bites, ice cream, and drinks

Note: Outside food and drink are not allowed inside the park.


🛏️ 8. Stay Overnight: Mara River Safari Lodge

For the ultimate experience, stay overnight at Mara River Safari Lodge, the park’s on-site African-style resort.

Rooms overlook animal habitats like zebras and wildebeest

Wake up to wildlife roaming outside your window

Includes exclusive park access and guided activities


🕘 9. Best Time to Visit

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Night Safari: Starts at 6:00 PM

Visit early in the morning to beat the heat and catch animal feeding times

Weather Tip: Bali’s dry season (April–October) is ideal, but the park is enjoyable year-round thanks to shaded areas and indoor attractions.


🧒 10. Is Bali Safari and Marine Park Kid-Friendly?

Absolutely! The park is very family-oriented, with stroller-accessible paths, clean restrooms, and play areas. Children will enjoy:

Feeding elephants

Watching live animal shows

Splashing at the water zone

Meeting friendly zoo animals


📸 11. Photography Tips

Bring a zoom lens or good phone camera for wildlife shots

Use burst mode for fast-moving animals

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers the best lighting


💚 12. Conservation and Education

Bali Safari is more than entertainment — it's dedicated to wildlife conservation.

Operated by Taman Safari Indonesia, which runs multiple conservation projects

Hosts endangered species like the Bali starling, Sumatran tiger, and Javan leopard

Runs educational programs for schools and communities


🧭 13. Sample One-Day Itinerary

9:00 AM: Arrive at the park, collect tickets
9:30 AM: Safari Journey tour
10:30 AM: Freshwater Aquarium and petting zoo
11:30 AM: Elephant Show
12:30 PM: Lunch at Tsavo Lion Restaurant
2:00 PM: Big Cat Show
3:00 PM: Bali Agung cultural performance
4:30 PM: Photo with orangutans
5:00 PM: Exit or stay for Night Safari if booked


🎒 14. What to Pack

Sunscreen and hat

Comfortable walking shoes

Refillable water bottle

Rain poncho (during wet season)

Extra clothes for kids using water play zone

Camera or phone for photos


💬 Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Day at Bali Safari and Marine Park

Whether you're traveling with kids, looking for adventure, or simply love animals, Bali Safari and Marine Park offers an experience like no other in Bali. It’s fun, educational, and full of moments you’ll treasure — from petting a baby deer to watching a tiger leap mid-air.

Make sure to add this to your Bali itinerary, and prepare for a wild day in the heart of paradise.