Jbr ...part 3
Driver:
We had been using the same driver for all our outings as he was very reasonably priced and spoke good English.He has been to Perth a few times working as a roof carpenter ,so it was nice to chat about Perth with him.His rate was 250,000rp for a day. We would give him extra if it turned out to be quite a long day and if he was unable to take us he would send his brother (?) always the same cost. His name is Echo.
Bali Zoo:
Entry cost for six of us, 2 adults ,15(adult price),12,10 and 4 was 774,000rp. We really enjoyed the zoo,there is a lot of opportunity to interact with the animals,and plenty of photos holding parrots ,birds,iguana,python, and that gorgeous little google eyed creature some sort of little lemur .The kids spent alot of time taking turns having a cuddle.
The lion cubs were definitely the highlight of the day. They were feisty and cheeky trying their best to get away from the trainers.They'd grab their tails and pull them back till they behaved and sat long enough for the kids to have a pat and a few photos. They had been brought out onto a grass but they hadn't taken into consideration that it was right outside an enclosure with deer in it. This one particular cubs instincts were on high alert and it kept running off and hiding in the long grass just off the fence line getting into pounce position. The deer kept a close eye on him as well.I managed to get a lovely photo of him hiding in the grass ,cheeky little cub.
We walked around and had a look at the animals in their enclosures,and most seemed comfortable and happy. The tiger was in a big area and you could go up to a viewing area and look down into it.But the white tiger was in a a caged off area quite close to the barrier with a few plants in between you and the fencing. I was a bit concerned the kids might get too close and try and poke a finger at it. Looking around I noticed my teenage son had disappeared through a small, rickety waist high bamboo fence, to get a 'good shot' as he put it.He was right up against the fence and this beautiful white tiger was slowly approaching.I was now demanding that he come back as I was sure it was a staff restricted area,and as I got just inside the gate to try and grab my boy by the ear,this tiger let out a playful growl and I jumped and ran ,my son got his photo and a huge earful from me!!
The black panther and the leopard looked unhappy as they were in a long caged area ,just pacing up and down. The panther was making a sad moan,pacing back and forth.Well,I assume it was a sad moan, because I'm not a big cat expert.Maybe it was lunch time?? Dunno,but it made me feel sad (...) watching him. Again these enclosures were abit too close for comfort.
We went along to the restaurant for the show and lunch at 1pm.That was really good,they showed alot of different animals and people were able to go up and have a hold.Then last of all they brought the lion cubs in.We were eating lunch and they were wandering around the place and people were having a pat from their tables. I turned to watch this little Japanese boy trying to have a pat and the trainer kept pulling this feisty one back by his tail so this little boy could have a moment with the cub.The boy was getting impatient with the lion scurrying off and the lion cub was getting pissed off having his tail pulled at. Well, the combined Karma didn't go down to good!
Next thing I hear a lady screaming terror!! I turned around to see her lifting her boy up and this cub attached to his bum ,teeth around his little rump and claws holding his legs! One sharp wack from the trainer and a nervous giggle from thetrainer and it let go. The mother was hurrying back to her seat,the boy was whimpering and the cub was happily running around pleased with his attempt at jumping this kid.I didn't think the boy was really injured until the staff came running over to clean his bottom with something and I cant recall the last time I heard a child shriek so loudly!!Poor little man must have had something put on his wound that made the lions bite seem like nothing!!He howled for ages.
Well ,the lunch at the restaurant along with drinks cost us 300,000 rp and the show is definitely worth going to see.(that was the animal show not the boy vs cub show!)Just watch out for the cub with the attitude,LOL.
We also had a family photo taken with a nice Bali zoo back drop and I had a photo printed onto a mug which was ready in 10 minutes and cost 50,000rp! It's a great shot of my little girl with a beautiful green parrot on her arm having a good chew on her braids.
The Safari Park:
We were picked up by Echo at 8am and arrived at the park about 9.30. There was a nasty accident on the way between a car and bike,unfortunately we later heard the motorbike rider didn't survive.The accident was just before the entrance. Our driver wasn't keen on coming into the park as he'd been a few times before.The entry fee was $250 for our family.
I will just add here that in our opinion (kids as well) we found the safari park not as interactive as the zoo and entry a little pricey .So, we preferred our day at the zoo to going to the Safari park.
The actual bus safari is nice but ALL the big cats and cubs were sleeping/snoozing and dopey looking. The zebras were cool,they came right up to the bus to have a snoop. It was a very hot day when we went ,so we were feeling it walking around. The baby orangutan was a highlight for the kids,they had photos taken.We didn't have to pay anything ,I had my camera on multishot and we took about 6 shots of the kids and then the same again of me then my hubby holding it.
I took photos of the water park which has several slides and a shallow pool and there is a fun ride area as well,but we didn't go to either of these.Everyone just wanted to get back to the hotel for a swim. It is a big park to walk around and I think the kids expected to see more exotic animals rather than a few sleeping cats and lots of deer,cows,goats,rabbits etc. I am not saying give it a miss,just that I liked the zoo better. A friend of ours went a few days before us and she said it was just 'OK'. So I suppose it is different for everyone depending on the places you have been to before and what your expecting.
For those of you going to the Safari and doing the tram ride, each row of seats on the tram/bus has it's own door .The best position is the back row as you have the large window behind you to take some great shots with no ones head in your way. You will need to be first in line so you can have the choice.Each row seats 5 people comfortably.
We found the souvenir shop to be very reasonably priced and all the kids got a soft toy to take home. A small stuffed toy averaged about 50,000 and a medium one was around 80,000.
I haven't proof read my report so I hope there aren't too many mistakes! I will add to my JBR's in the next few days!
Cheers Lynette