Bali Safari Marine Park

Bali Safari and Marine Park, the third of it's kind in Indonesia was opened to the public on Wednesday, October 10, 2007.  

The Bali theme park located near Lebih Beach in Gianyar only a few minutes from Sanur and less than 30 mins from Bali’s capital Denpasar, is operated by Taman Safari Indonesia who also operate a very successful 130 hectare Safari Theme Park in Bogor, West Java. Construction commenced on the Bogor facility in 1980, re-devoloping a former unproductive tea plantation which officially opened to the public in 1986 and now attracts some 1.4 million visitors annually. The new Bali Safari Park was designed by an American architect who specialises in designing animal friendly wildlife theme parks around the world.

In this latest venture Taman’s team was careful to develop a park that was as close as possible to the natural habitats of its animals. Ensuring the conservation of rare and endangered animals is the focus of  the group who will also employ a team of vets as well as several specialist  zoologists. Jansen Manansang, a member of the Taman Safari board, is the president of the South East Asian Zoo Association, and assisted in the staff selection criteria. The SEA Zoo Association’s focus is on the welfare of animals domiciled in zoo park habitats.

The venture currently employs more than 250 people, and in the foreseeable future this number will be increased to about 400 charged with caring for the animals and serving the thousands of visitors expected to visit Bali Safari each day. The development has met no resistance from the local Cucukan community who look forward to the increase in tourism to this part of the island that has up to now been overlooked by tour operators and developers. Once completed the park is expected to provide a huge economic boost to the local community, but the park’s focus will always be the upkeep and wellbeing of its animals, and it's continued involvement in conservation efforts and education.

Like a scene from the movie Jurassic Park guests will traverse the 40 hectare park in purpose built safari busses passing through different sections of the park themed to a number of animals, including: zebras, elephants, wildebeest, Sumatran tigers, alligators, bears and  primates – all roaming in large, near-natural settings including a monkey inhabited rainforest, a rare Bengali white tiger habitat and a savannah-like landscape with wildebeast, hippos and lions. Guides are present to offer information about each animal, as well as the park’s conservation efforts and to this end the park will invite and encourage visits from school students who will learn much about the environment and conservation from what they see happening at the park.  

The Bali Safari and Marine Park will be home to over 400 animals representing approximately 80 different species. A captive breeding program will be implemented especially for those rare and endangered species.

Once in full operation the Bali Safari & Marine Park will offer:
• Several large restaurants.
• A 1200 seat theatre and exhibition area.
• An Amazon Water Cruise.
• A Safari Lodge with overnight accommodation.
• An environmental education centre.
• Fun zones, Water Park, Amusement rides and open recreational and picnic areas.