Bali Zoo — Attraction in Pulau Bali

Out of all the zoos I’ve visited (Bali Safari, Surabaya Zoo, Gembira Loka Jogja Zoo, Batu Secret Zoo, Taman Safari Prigen), this one is by far my least favorite (and least fun)

From the start, the ticketing process was confusing. There were two lines for booked guests. I thought online bookings were included there. We queued twice at the "booked guest" counter, but were told to move to the far corner—turns out the "online booking" sign wasn’t easy to see. But online bookings are also early bookings, right? And the other counter was already empty. So, we had to queue again. Thankfully, after waiting a while, the booked guest counter allowed us to enter through there.

Second, some staff weren’t very friendly to local visitors. If you’re a foreign tourist, they will smile and give good service for sure. But to us, not always. Of course, not all staff are like that—just some.

Third, the food stalls are not friendly to local wallets, in my opinion. This zoo feels more suitable for foreign tourists. For example, I paid IDR 50k just for two drinks (mineral water and Cola Zero). Other things are also expensive. Feeding the animals starts from IDR 50-75k as far as I know.

Another downside: the layout inside the zoo feels very random. There’s no printed map or route map on site. We had to waste time trying to figure out where to go, since the only map available had to be scanned with a phone.

Also, the customer service on Instagram is not very responsive. I messaged them with a question, but they just told me to contact WhatsApp. And even there, the reply was very slow. The admin team should be more integrated and helpful.

Besides that, there were only a few animals inside.

I also didn’t really understand their aviary concept. In Gembira Loka Zoo (Jogja), the aviary section is full of birds flying around, which feels lively. But in Bali Zoo, we were greeted by a mix of random animals. Lemurs,foxes, and just a few birds not to mention they didnt fly. It didn’t really feel like a proper aviary experience. Maybe they should change the name?

Still tired. Still a lil bit fun. But yeah, my least favorite zoo...

Unethical Treatment of Elephants

I was deeply disturbed to see that Bali Zoo still offers elephant rides, a practice that is widely condemned by animal welfare experts across the world. These intelligent, emotional, and social creatures are not entertainment props, yet here, they are used to carry tourists around for profit.

The training methods required to make elephants submit to giving rides are often violent and traumatic, especially when they are young. No matter how “well-treated” they may appear on the surface, the truth is that true respect for elephants means not riding them, ever.

In 2025, it is shocking and unacceptable that an establishment claiming to care for animals would continue supporting such outdated and unethical practices. There are so many better, more compassionate alternatives that still allow for educational and respectful engagement with wildlife. Many ethical sanctuaries across Asia have made this shift, Bali Zoo is behind.

Until the zoo discontinues elephant rides, I STRONGLY urge others not to support this business. Exploiting animals for human entertainment is not conservation—it’s cruelty dressed up as tourism.

Elephant riding is never safe or ethical—even with weight limits or so-called safety precautions.

No matter how “gentle” it may seem or how many restrictions are in place, the act of riding an elephant always involves harm. Their spines are not built to carry weight, and repeated rides—whether by one person or several—cause long-term physical damage, stress, and suffering.

Even if weight limits are enforced, they do nothing to undo the psychological trauma elephants endure during the brutal training process that forces them to submit to human control. The use of chains, bullhooks, isolation, and confinement is common across the elephant riding industry.

There is no humane or responsible way to ride an elephant. If you care about elephants, don’t ride them—ever. Support ethical sanctuaries where they are treated with the freedom, dignity, and respect they...

The Bali Zoo offers a fantastic day out for families and animal lovers alike! It's clear that the zoo has put a lot of effort into creating an engaging and memorable experience for visitors.

One of the standout features is the variety of unique animal encounters available. "Breakfast with the Orangutans" is a definite highlight, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while these intelligent primates play nearby. The "Elephant Mud Bath and Expedition" also offers an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with majestic Sumatran elephants, feeding and even bathing them – a truly unforgettable interaction!

Beyond these special experiences, the zoo boasts a diverse collection of animals from Indonesia and around the world, housed in lush, well-maintained enclosures. You can spend hours wandering through the beautiful grounds, observing lions, tigers, crocodiles, and many other fascinating creatures. The staff are generally noted as being very helpful and attentive, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

For families with younger children, the "Jungle Splash Water Play Park" provides a wonderful way to cool off and burn some energy, while the petting zoo allows for gentle interactions with smaller, friendly animals. The night safari and fire dance show also offer a unique perspective on the zoo after dark.

While some reviews mention minor issues like potential crowds or the cost of certain additional activities, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. The ease of ticket exchange (especially when booked online) and the provision of shuttle buses within the spacious zoo are also appreciated.

Overall, Bali Zoo offers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience, making it a highly recommended attraction for anyone visiting Bali. It's a place where education and entertainment beautifully intertwine, leaving you with lasting memories of Bali's...