OVERVIEW OF THE STAY EXPERIENCE Say no to mainstream holidays and run-of-the-mill, sanitised hotel rooms. It’s time to be a little more adventurous with your family! Why not allow you and your kids to embrace the wild child inside and… stay in a safari instead?
We did just that at Mara River Safari Lodge, and it was truly an experience like no other.
Located within Bali Safari Marine Park, this resort has a myriad of activities that cater to everyone from the young to old. Think waking up with rhinos outside your window, feeding gentle elephants and even getting up close and cosy with a tiger – does that give you that rush of adrenaline?
There’s more to come, so join us on the greatest safari adventure yet!
1. Say hi to Mr. Rhino, your neighbour – Kifaru Family Suite
Space is never a problem at Kifaru Family Suite – perfect for families with two children, you’ll even get your own living area for some family bonding!
But why stay inside when all the fun’s outside? Not only can you enjoy a gorgeous view of rhinos and herbivores grazing in the distance, the Kiboko pool is also just a few steps away, ready to sooth you from that summer heat!
Photo Via Indra__setiadi, Godafredo We stayed in the Twiga Deluxe Room while we were there, and even got the chance to feed the zebras right below our balcony – now that’s something that you don’t get to do every day!
Photo Via Travel.with_.tiffanee 2. Chill out poolside with the zebras and elephants – Kiboko Pool
Who wants to chill in a boring old pool when you can have a good soak while watching the zebras, elephants and rhinos?
Mara River Safari Lodge’s Kiboko Pool is one of few pools in the world that offer you the privilege of chilling with your furry (and leathery) friends (but of course not with them in the pool!).
Photo Via Marariversafarilodge Photo Via Annchigintceva Photo Via Sansansianly You can also chill out with a drink at the pool bar if you like!
Photo Via Shayrasailani 3. Join the lions for a roaring good meal – Tsavo Lion Restaurant
Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat raw meat like they do – Tsavo Lion Restaurant doesn’t only offer you an amazing view of lions through their full-length glass windows.
Photo Via Lesyacolor, Nazzarif The food here is just as delectable! Our personal favourites were the savoury Tasmanian Salmon (Rp. 150,000/USD $11.50) and Crispy Duck Leg (Rp. 180,000/USD $14) – don’t say we don’t share the good stuff!
Photo Via Theyumlist, Hungryhongkong Kids will even have their own yummies to choose from the kids’ menu, and the little ones will be duly entertained by the Banana Flambé, a gorgeous dessert that’s prepared right before your table!
Just don’t forget to snap a wefie with the King of the Jungle lurking right beside you – yes, even as you wash your hands in the toilet.
Photo Via Foodyfoodbali
Tsavo Lion Restaurant Opening Hours: 7am – 10pmContact: +62 361 9500004. Little critters your young ones can play with – Petting Zoo
Is it a little scary to introduce your kid to a tiger straight away? Don’t worry, you’ll find adorable little critters such as goats, guinea pigs, ponies and rabbits at the safari park’s petting zoo, all waiting to play nice with your little ones.
Photo Via Nindyparasadyharsono, Alisonlewislim There’s even a daily animal show at the Hanuman stage, where the whole family can learn more about your new animal friends! We attended one such performance, and boy, are these animals more talented than us! Picture cats on ropes, orangutans breaking open coconuts and guinea pigs running across the stage with more discipline than an army – colour us impressed!
You can even snap a photo with one of the orangutans after the show. Just be careful not to get your hat stolen!
Photo Via Lengyein, Dusdls81
Animal Educational Show Price: Entrance to the petting zoo is free for park visitors. Showtimes: 11am daily at Hanuman Stage and an additional show on Monday at 3:30pm.5. Dive into the Animal Kingdom – Safari Journey
Now that you’re perhaps a little braver, it’s time to hop onto the tram ride into the wilderness.
Literally! The safari journey took us into sweeping areas of nature where we could get up close to animals like ostriches, giraffes, lions, and even leopards. Who can say that they’ve stared at a leopard in the eye?
Photo Via Bungcand, Chan_in_world While you’re busy gawking at the sun bears, your friendly tour guide will even engage you with some songs and informative knowledge about animals!
You may even be a little reluctant to leave when it comes to an end (we were!), but don’t worry, you’ll surely have more chances with your newfound animal friends throughout the resort. Feed an elephant a banana and watch them bathe, or throw your stripey neighbours a carrot – this friendship never ends!
Photo Via Desydhrmwn Photo Via Hyeonsig_hwang
Day Safari The Day Safari Journey tram ride is included in every package. Note: Although elephant riding is available, we do not support it. Did you know that elephants are actually not built to carry heavy weights on their backs? Help protect these gentle giants by saying no to elephant riding!
6. Stare into the tiger’s mouth – Night Safari
Are you a morning or night person? If you’re the latter, the Night Safari is the perfect chance for you to meet your animal counterparts!
Tigers, elephants, zebras and other nocturnal animals are out to play, and you’ll be getting up real close from your precarious perch in a truck wrapped around with bars - yes, you’re literally caged while the animals roam free!
Photo Via Barabanova_ksu Watch on as tigers jump onto your truck! You’ll even get to feed it some raw meat (not your own, thankfully)!
You might have to watch your kids to make sure that they aren’t sticking their hands and legs out in between the bars, but this definitely is an experience of a lifetime. Not many people can say that they’ve been drooled on by a tiger, but we are proud (and slightly grossed out) to say we have!
Night Safari Price: USD $59(Adult), $45 (Child) Inclusive of Night Safari Journey, Welcome Drink, All-You-Can-Eat Dinner at N’Kuciro BBQ & Grill, Animal Encounter, Arfika! Rhythm of Fire Show.7. Whoosh your way to a wet and wild world – Waterpark & Funzone
When it comes to pleasing your own little animals, Bali Safari Marine Park knows best.
The park comes armed with a Waterpark & Funzone, where your family can have a relaxing and fun day together if you’re not up to exploring the safari park (or have eagerly gone through everything on your first day).
Pack a raincoat, for you’ll be having a wet and wild time at the Funzone! Your kids will enjoy zooming down the colourful waterslides, and older ones will absolutely love the exciting flume ride and hydrolift.
There’s also a mini coaster and the go go bouncer, which consists of mini cars that are thrown up and down by tentacles, and go back and forth at the same time! I cried on this ride, but I’m not braver than most of the six-year-olds out there, so don’t worry, your kids will love this!
Waterpark & Funzone Admission is included in every package except the Night Safari Package. 8. Get absorbed into a fairytale world – Bali Agung Show
...With animals!
If you’ve been to Bali before, you’ll be familiar with this Balinese folktale that recounts the story of King Jaya Pangus and his marriage to a Chinese merchant’s daughter, as well as his love affair with Dewi Danu, goddess of the lake.
The Bali Agung Show at Bali Safari Marine Park takes things up a notch with a huge cast of 150 dancers, including gorgeous handmade props and costumes – we were particularly wowed by the huge dragon and absolutely breathtaking dress that Dewi Danu wore in the show!
Photo Via Beautyfulbali With a perfect mix of deft storytelling and burst of colour on the stage, your kids (and you) will definitely be kept busy and entertained. Psst – that’s not all, for you’ll also get to see the unusual sight of real animals taking part in the production!
Photo Via Baligardenbeachresort
Bali Agung Show The Bali Agung Show is included in every package. Showtimes: 2:30pm – 3:30pm (Tuesday – Sunday)9. Campfire in the night – Arfika! Rhythm of Fire Show
Instead of always trying to calm down the hyperactive ones, why not feed the fire in their souls with this unique fire show?
Included as part of the Night Safari package (the dance happens after the night safari tour), this fire dance offers you insights into the African culture, complete with a Balinese twist. Watch rings of fire spin before your eyes and shoots of fire reaching into the dark night. It’s just like having a campfire under the night sky with your family, except this is 10 times more exciting!
Photo Via Marariversafarilodge Photo Via Henleejosh
Mara River Safari Lodge Inclusive of daily breakfast at Tsavo Lion Restaurant, and free entrance to Bali Safari Marine Park. Address: Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8, Bali, Gianyar, IndonesiaContact: +62 361 4791800 Website Ready for your next wild adventure at Mara River Safari Lodge? We’ve got the perfect offer for you!