Indonesia Safari Park
Taman Safari was established as a National tourism Object by the Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication, (Late) Mr.Soesilo Soedarman, and pronounced as Indonesian Centre for Reproduction of Endangered Wildlife (ICREW) and Ex-situ Conversation. Taman Safari Indonesia was designed with two concepts in mind combining modern zoo tourism with an area of natural beauty. The collection now has more than 2500 animals from 200 different species. More than 50% were born at Taman Safari, other wildlife have been entrusted by th Forestry Department (Directorate General PHPN/Forest Protection and Nature Conservation) the remainder entrusted from public or exchanged with wildlife from overseas zoos. Part of the wildlife collection at Taman Safari are protected species not only endemic in Indonesia, but also from the five continents. Some animals as endangered species, need special care to increase their population with captive breeding.
A trip to Taman Safari Indonesia means that you’ll be one of the 1,5 million visitors that annually crawl up those narrow mountain roads to the wildlife mecca of West Java. So, you’d better be prepared. There’s a reason that Taman Safari is so popular and if you follow these ten rules you’re guaranteed to have a great experience.
Rule #1 Avoid weekends and public holidays
If you set out mid-morning on a Saturday or Sunday during the school holiday season, Idul Fitri or any other big holiday, you will literally find yourself in a standstill about ten kilometers short of the park.
Rule #2 Get your timing worked out
It’s a big park and there’s a lot to do. In addition to the popular drive around the safari, there’s a large amusement park full of games, attractions and food, an expansive area resembling a traditional zoo and a ton of shows. Check for showtimes upon arriving or, better yet, on-line before setting out.
Rule #3 Don’t miss the Wild West Show
Yeah, it may sound a bit silly to have a group of local dressing up as drunken Mexicans in ponchos and American Indians in Mohawks and the stereotypes should leave you wincing a bit, but the choreography and special effects are actually quite impressive. If you can get past the outdated storyline, this is a fun show.
Rule #4 Don’t poke the animals too hard
One of the best features at Taman Safari is the chance to get nice and cozy with some absolutely
terrifying creatures. Sure, you can let Desi the orangutan sit on your lap, but why not go all the way and let the keepers drape a massive python around your shoulders or climb into the circles snuggle up against an Indian white tiger, Sumatran tiger or a leopard. At Rp 5,000 for a photo op at the Baby zoo, these animals may seem resigned to their quasi-gigolo status, but every once in a while a darting glare or a deep growl reminds folks that there aren’t creatures to mess with.
Rule #5 Think twice about night safari
As a concept, the draw of creeping into the mysterious jungle and observing the nocturnal practices of the animals may sound good, but the reality is more about being shuttled onto a bumpy bus with a running Indonesian commentary to spot a few animals sleeping on their sides or off in the dark distance. On top of that, the convoluted system for getting a bus ride involves queuing at the Fuji stand below the Rainforest Cafe and getting a lottery number. Sometimes, it takes up to an hour to get your name called. A much better option is to go during the day, when you can stay in your own car and the animals freely mingle about accepting the carrots you dangle out the windows. Unless you really want to try another atmosphere at night.
Rule #6 Pay close attention in the nocturnal animals cave
This is one of the best exhibits at the park, with a remarkable collection of snakes, lizards, bats and more kept in a bunker below the primates. It’s pretty easy to skip right past some of the windows thinking that there’s nothing inside, but closer inspection finds some incredible creatures. Amongst the best are some radiating blue lizards, massive pythons and authentic vampire bats curled up and hanging from the ceiling. Also, check out the massive, ancient fish swimming around at the last exhibit.
Rule #7 Don’t think about local construction standards atop the Ferris Wheel
There’s the wet fun of the flume ride, the kiddie excitement of roller coaster and even a haunted house. Most of the rides here are designed for children but a few offer up a good time for adults as well. The Ferris Wheel has a worthwhile view up the narrow valley so climb aboard and try not to think about what’s holding you up.
Rule #8 Stretch your legs
Yeah, it may seem that the walk from the car park to the monkeys is more exercise than you get in an entire week in Jakarta, but don’t stop there. Take a deep breath of fresh air and join one of the treks through the safari jungle. At a minimum, check out the beautiful Jaksa Falls just beyond the Wild West Show area. For those more adventurous, sign up for the 8 km Macan Tutul hike, which takes you through the jungle valley and puts you up close and personal with many of the non-human-eating animals, including elephants.
Rule #9 Don’t stick your head out at the Lions
The safari park is spectacular with tons of animals simply meandering amongst all the cars. On your way in, there will be kids lining the streets selling carrots. Pick some up and dangle them out your window to the antelopes, zebras, giraffes and other creatures that’ll come up to say hey. Just make sure you don’t offer up the same deal to the King of the Jungle.
Rule #10 Bring Back a Souvenir
Deep down, everyone has a soft spot for stuffed animals. Even if you bring your extended family of twelve, there must be someone at the house or office that didn’t make the trip. So, stop by the souvenir shop for the inexpensive but adorable monkeys, tigers and other stuffed friends.
For more information, please visit http://www.tamansafari.com/
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