Elephant Safari Park Bali
Bali is a destination of alluring natural beauty. Tropical rainforests and volcanic mountains, gorgeous sandy beaches to mesmerize you and several monuments and temples to take you back through history. The Elephant Safari Park Bali adds to this experience, allowing you to closely and humanely interact with these magnificent creatures in an undeniably stunning setting.
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Imagine getting personal and up-close with rare wildlife species right before retreating to a first-class hotel? If you are looking for a once in a lifetime and gratifying experience, the Elephant Safari Park is where you need to be. An excursion to this elephant park is among the most memorable activities any Bali visitor will experience.
Situated in the beautiful interior of Bali, approximately 18km north of Ubud, The Elephant Park is among the most breathtaking experiences to behold. Operated by Mason Adventures, it is open from 8 a.m. down to 6 p.m. The cost depends on the activities which you take part in during your visit.
The assortment of activities includes exclusive elephant rides, a research center, a restaurant, a small-sized botanical garden, a museum and overnight accommodation in the form of a lodge. It is simply a visitor’s paradise, and perhaps more importantly, the park is dedicated to taking care of retired working elephants, ensuring a better life for them. At this park you have the opportunity to get up-close with 31 Sumatran elephants.
In line with the World Zoo Association, this Bali Park adheres to strict International animal care standards. It took a combined three years to establish this exceptional park. It was designed to safeguard the endangered Sumatran elephant species and was first opened to the public in 2000.
The park was carefully designed and landscaped so that it as closely as possible reflects the original Sumatran habitat of the elephants. You do not need to worry about animal cruelty – repetition, reward and patience are the only tools used for training elephants here. If you choose to go on an elephant, rest assured that this will not be causing the animal any pain or discomfort. Specially designed and made light weight wooden seats are well padded so sit comfortably on the elephants back. This exercise actually helps the elephants stay fit, healthy and strong.
The Park follows the ‘5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare’ which were established in 1965 in Great Britain. These freedoms are: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury or discomfort; freedom to express; and freedom from fear and distress. In two decades of operation, the part has been recognized internationally by a number of animal welfare organizations, including the National Geographic Society and being a partner in conservation with the World Wildlife Foundation.
Its exceptional state has even led it to be labeled The Best Elephant Park in the World by none other than Steve Irwin, the renowned ‘crocodile hunter’ and conservationist from Australian. Such is its popularity that numerous high-end tourists and famed personalities constantly find their way here, including. David Beckham, Dolf Lundgren, Posh Spice, Johnny Knoxville, Julian Lennon and Steve’ O among many others.
One of the few factors that define its status is the near heavenly setting. Mountains, rainforests, and artfully landscaped botanical gardens encircle these 31 Sumatran elephants residing here. What’s more, the park is also home to the only mammoth skeleton in Southeast Asia, which is over 15,000 years old. It is part of the more than 1000 exhibits that grace the comprehensive museum in the park.
Other amenities found in the spectacular museum include an exclusive Information Centre comprising displays and a graphic history of the elephants, a spa, not to forget the grand elephant memorabilia collection just to mention but a few.
As you might expect, most of the activities in this park revolve around the massive creatures. Lucky for you, you can touch, feed, photograph and even ride on them. As aforementioned, the Park’s operator, Mason Adventures, provides an assortment of package choices among them overnight stays in the onsite park lodge. Nonetheless, if you prefer visiting during the day, you can arrive early in the morning for a full day, or if you’d prefer have a half day visit.
Naturally, you can admire the Sumatran elephants in the gorgeous tropical setting. You can witness first-hand how they immerse themselves deep in the park’s lake, take a ride on them, feed each with your hand, or even take pictures with them, among many other exciting activities. If you choose to go for the elephant ride as part of your park tour package, you can enjoy sensational rides from the safety of comfortable teak seats perched on their backs.
The tour follows a special track within the park, and lunch is served right next to the lake where the elephants take their routine baths. Once you are done here, the next stop is an even better site to behold. You are guided into an arena where you get entertained by three elephants in an exclusive talent show that takes place every day.
Although this show is quite short (just 15 minutes), it is, however, an interesting way to learn the natural behavior of the largest mammal on the land. What’s more, it is also a way to demonstrate the innate intelligence of the elephants. This is particularly visible when they engage in small tricks like kicking soccer balls, shooting a basketball, painting and even swinging hula hoops. And while these creatures are acting in a ‘professional capacity,’ they are however not punished if they bail on their entertainment tasks. At the park, the elephants wellbeing is placed above their value as a tourist attraction.
Finally, you can dine and wine on a delicacy of cuisine options derived from the island at the spectacular 200 seating capacity lakeside restaurant. What’s more, you can also stroll around and purchase various elephant affiliated souvenirs at the Park’s gift shop. Some of the items you will find at the gift shop include clothing, jewelry, paintings, and carvings.
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