We woke on Wednesday to a glorious Bali morning so it was decided that we should go to the Bali Safari Park because we had heard so much about it. M rang our taxi driver and within the hour we were off. The drive to the park was awesome as none of us had ever been past Sanur on the coastal stretch and found the scenery to be just lovely.
We honestly thought that a couple of hours at the park might be enough, but I must tell you that there is more to this place than we imagined. On arrival we caught the shuttle up to the park area and there, right in front of us, was the most beautiful cheetah, asleep in a tree, so close you could almost touch it. Out came the map and it was off to our first port of call which happened to be an elephant in a big trough of water. L wanted her photo taken with him but there were several kids in front so we had to wait a while. I must say this guy was very obliging indeed. He plonked his head out of the water and onto the concrete so that you could stand right next to his face for the photo. He had a mahout on his back giving instructions.
Just as L approached the elephant decided he was hot. Soooo under the water he went. The handler was struggling to stay on the elephants back as he dived again and again. Then he rubbed along the wall,trying to dislodge his rider, sticking his trunk out to breathe. The handler was becoming really embarassed with the situation and the more he tried to get the big guy to cooperate the more uncooperative he got,rolling around and diving, much to the delight of the small crowd. Eventually the young elephant just left, mahout in tow. Show over... Elvis has left the building.
On our way to see the baby oranutang we walked through a misting area, one of several in the park. A great idea considering how hot it gets during the day.
Wow.. not one but a pair of twin baby orangutangs!! So gorgeous. So cheeky.
After a short wait M was first. L and I took heaps of photos while the babies rolled around, sat on M ,cuddled, stole her sunglasses, and put them on to look very cool indeed. What an entertainer. L was next and had her own unique experience whereby she was checked out thoroughly for fleas by the sunglass stealer and made to scratch the belly of baby number 2. These baby's looked to be having as much fun as we were. My turn.. Well perhaps a sequined top was a bad choice for the day! One baby decided that they reminded him of mamma, and sucked one right off my top. OK, until he managed to also get hold of my nipple. The photos tell the story with me shrieking several times in fits of laughter while having my nipple chewed. Ouch, I hear you say! You betcha!! About this time the little fella thought I really might have his morning tea on board and, in front of the crowd which consisted of young nubile women and their partners, he thought he might go hunting. This was about the same time that I decided that to expose myself in front of said crowd might be a bit embarassing, considering my age. I have never fed a baby anything, let alone an oranutang!! Our relationship was thus terminated.
Photos with the other animals cost less than $3 each so we happily indulged. The baby lion was not in any way drugged,nor was the baby tiger. One tried to whack M when she touched it tummy . Both were hot, it was a hot day. All of the critters in the park were sleepy.
After our photo sessions we decided that a drink would be in order so we found the lion cafe. My gosh. The whole front of the restaurant is glass and looks over the lion enclosure. The lions are only feet away and were snoozing in the sun.
First cold towels then complimentary dips and crackers. How great is that? It was getting close to lunch time anyway so we decided to eat here. We all had soft shell crab salad and I might tell you it was incredible, as were our drinks. Cardinal rule in Bali..NEVER try to change the menu. M ordered a coffee with ice cream which arrived in a cocktail glass. Pity she was thirsty. I ordered an iced coffee with soy milk not cows milk.. I got iced coffee. no milk. no nothing..soy in a jug on the side. Serves me right!! Had a giggle and moved on. Lunch we thought was very reasonable, about $11 Au each.
Next we saw the new accommodation huts. We will definitely be spending a night there next trip. They are decorated in an african theme. Each is smallish but all have balconies and semi outdoor bathrooms.They are situated within the area of the safari and at night all the amimals come up very close to feed and use the waterhole. The people tell us that you can hear the lions calling after dark, which would be magic. The animals are penned after 10pm. so no worries.
The last thing on the agenda was the safari tour. probably lasted 45 min to an hour, and was just so well done. The bus drove through water, over bridges and through different types of shrubbery depending on the animals. The park had exhibits from all over and every single one looked well fed and in great condition. The antics of the animals kept us all ennthralled and at one stage I had to wind up the window due to an over inquisitive ostrich who was tall enough to get inside.
After our day in the park we decided on a relax and a swim before dinner. The main pool was still very milky so off to the new pool again.
Today is Wednesday. Wednesday is mexican night at M's place. Has been for 20 years. We all have our foibles, written by the queen of foibles..so really who are we to break tradition? Off to POCO LOCO. I have been waiting for this for months. Never, ever dissapoints. Even for a big eater like myself one course is enough at this place. The mini bar was there but we were very early and it was pretty quiet, so he hadn't started his rounds. Frozen margs for L and M and something green for me. All good.
Another day in paradise slips away