The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago of roughly 17,000 islands stretching from Asia to Australia.
It is sandwiched between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Some larger islands are Sumatra, Bali, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guinea.
The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta.
Before European rule, the regions were controlled by extensive Asian and Polynesian island Kingdoms.
Dutch Europeans colonized the area from 1816 until 1945 when the Indonesian people won independence.
The islands of Indonesia now comprise Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s largest Sunni Muslim population.
Ethnically Indonesia is highly diverse.
Its people, from rural farmers to cosmopolitan urbanites, speak over 300 local languages and dialects.
Islands have unique but fragile ecosystems and contain extraordinary biodiversity.
So it is true of the archipelago.
And with few exceptions, Indonesia’s many premier zoos and aquariums protect indigenous wildlife and an interconnected ecosystem.
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9 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Indonesia
Taman Safari Bogor, Cisarua
Taman Safari Bogor-Cisarua showcases over 2,500 animals.
This unique three-hour drive-through design allows visitors to stay in their cars and see the animals in a more natural setting.
Taking a guided park tour is also possible for a more educational experience.
Cisarua is home to sun bears, giraffes, pandas, elephants, orangutans, and even Komodo dragons.
Several designated rest stops are throughout the drive, and eight food courts and restaurant locations.
A Taj Mahal-like structure doubles as a small petting zoo and an amusement park with overhead coaster tracks offer extra entertainment.
The Safari compound is also connected to the Royal Safari Resort, Hotel, and on-site campgrounds.
Bali Zoo
Bali Zoo, located in southern Bali, holds over 500 animals representing roughly 65 species.
Themed open-air habitats such as the Savannah or Mud Flats provide many elephants, lemurs, lions and tigers, and orangutans with natural living space.
Well-maintained and highly interactive, this Bali favorite adheres to global zoo standards.
The zoo has also established a successful Silver Gibbon breeding and release program.
Popular features at Bali Zoo are the educational animal shows and the various opportunities to feed the animals.
The 12-hectare site also contains a quick-service food court, an on-site restaurant, and free WiFi.
There is also a splash pad and children’s playground near the entrance to the park.
Bali Zoo is open daily from mid-morning until early evening and free shuttles run throughout the day.
Bali Bird Park
The island of Bali is closer to the northern Australian coast than to Ho Chi Minh City in the north.
This unique island is famous for its tropical landscape and exotic beauty.
Bali Bird Park is located in Gianyar, just a few miles from Bali Zoo.
It is a dedicated Avian bird-watching park that houses over 250 world bird species.
One of Bali Bird Park’s primary missions is to conserve exotic species through education and repopulation.
Visitors are invited to pet and feed the resident birds of paradise, Congo Greys, South African Parrots, and chatty Macaws.
There are also falcons and other birds of prey.
Raised wooden pathways provide easy access to the lush forest and surrounding gardens.
Plan three or more hours to see everything in the park and catch a show at the Avian Theater.
The Bali Bird Park is also home to some of the region’s larger reptiles, including the fierce Komodo dragons and giant monitor lizards.
Jakarta Aquarium & Safari, Jakarta
Jakarta Aquarium & Safari (JAQS) in Jakarta is a master indoor living environment with over 3500 exotic and local animals and marine life.
It is located in the city’s center’s Neo Soho retail and leisure complex.
Visitors to the Aquarium will have the opportunity at the Touch Pool to pet snakes and stingrays or join the otters in their home tunnel.
In addition to intimate feeding times, there are daily educational shows featuring binturongs, penguins, and otters.
These fun-filled hour-long presentations are designed for the whole family.
Jakarta Aquarium houses freshwater and saltwater tanks home to dozens of aquatic species.
An underwater passageway allows visitors a unique perspective.
For those looking for adventure, scuba diving or aqua trekking in special tanks for a memorable experience is also possible.
After a few hours touring the Aquarium, stop for a relaxing, upscale dinner with the Humboldt penguins at Pingoo Restaurant.
The marine adventure is open daily, from mid-morning to early evening.
And tickets can be purchased online or at the Aquarium.
Batu Secret Zoo
Located in Batu, northwest of Malang in East Java, the Batu Secret Zoo and Theme park highlights the region’s natural history and offers zoological education.
Two larger-than-life grey elephants greet visitors to the Batu Secret Zoo.
Separated into themed areas, climbable animal statues and a safari ride enhance the amusement park atmosphere.
Animals from across the planet are housed in these festive enclosers.
There are separate areas for the usual suspects: large cats, gazelles, giraffes, and foxes.
Elephants and lemurs are also counted among the residents of the Batu Secret Zoo.
Toward the entrance are the nocturnal animal and reptile houses and the feeding and petting zoo.
Part of a zoo complex, the park offers guided educational safari-styled tours.
Next to the zoo is an eco-park and a natural history museum.
The food court, necessary amenities, playground, and splash pool are all separated from the animals.
Open daily from 9 AM until 4 PM, mid-day is the most popular, while Fridays are less crowded.
Taman Safari Indonesia, Prigen
Another highly rated safari zoo from the Taman Group is in Prigen, East Java.
Like Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor, this driveable zoo is well-known for caring for and respecting the animals and environment.
Some park highlights include a baby and petting zoo, a penguin zone, and an Australiana Zone, which features animals from the Australian continent.
There is also an interactive living museum.
The Taman Safari Prigen isn’t just about feeding the elephants.
Conservation is a driving force for Taman Safari, which hold membership in several international protection and conservation groups.
Multiple entertainment areas include a large water park and amusement park with rides for all ages.
The Safari compound offers a Resort Hotel with meeting space and on-site restaurants.
Open daily
Taman Safari Indonesia, Bali Safari & Marine Park
The Bali Safari & Marine Park is another Indonesian Zoo managed by the Taman Group.
It is located south of Gianyar on the Tukard Pakerisan River near the island’s southern coast.
This animal park strongly focuses on endangered animals from Indonesia, Africa, and the sub-continent of India.
The park is home to roughly 60 species and over 400 endangered animal groups, such as the Sumatran tigers and white starlings.
This focus on conservation expands to the dolphin park.
For dinner, the compound’s Tsavo Lion Restaurant is a perfect spot for the listen to the lions’ nighttime roars or for a filling meal before a Night Safari.
Taman Margasatwa Ragunan
Ragunan Wildlife Park is one of the oldest zoos in the world.
It was established on 350 acres in 1864 and is located in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta.
The Ragunan Wildlife Park is a traditional enclosure zoo home to nearly 295 species and over 2200 animals reptiles, fish, and birds.
A highlight of Ragunan is the collection of giant bronze animal statues of elephants, primates, and big cats.
These have been placed at the entrances to the various enclosures.
And quietly indicate who and what to expect around the corner.
Despite its age, Ragunan Wildlife Park remains a popular Jakarta destination.
A small train tours the park on a regular schedule. However, many visitors prefer to ride bicycles and horses along the park path.
An adjacent river accommodates swan boats.
In addition to the zoo, the Ragunan Orchid Park is part of the surrounding gardens.
Kebun Binatang Zoo, Bandung
Bandung Zoo is a zoological attraction in the heart of downtown Bandung on West Java.
This intimate zoo is home to roughly 80 rare animals and hundreds of Southeast Asian animals, interspaced with a native garden.
Birds of prey occupy individual cages, but visitors can hear peacocks throughout the zoopark, and turtles are often found roaming the pathways.
Kebun Binatang is open daily from 10 AM until 4 PM, with Sunday being the busiest.
9 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Indonesia – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Taman Safari Bogor, Cisarua | Jalan Kapten Harun Kabir No.724, Cibeureum, Kec. Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat 16750, Indonesia |
| Bali Zoo | Jl. Raya Singapadu, Singapadu, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia |
| Bali Bird Park | Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir Singapadu, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia |
| Jakarta Aquarium & Safari, Jakarta | Jl. Letjen S. Parman No.106, RW.5, Tj. Duren Sel., Kec. Grogol petamburan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11470, Indonesia |
| Batu Secret Zoo | Jl. Oro-Oro Ombo No.9, Temas, Kec. Batu, Kota Batu, Jawa Timur 65315, Indonesia |
| Taman Safari Indonesia, Prigen | RT.12/RW.06, Gn. Princi, Jatiarjo, Kec. Prigen, Pasuruan, Jawa Timur 67157, Indonesia |
| Taman Safari Indonesia, Bali Safari & Marine Park | Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra No.km 19, Serongga, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80551, Indonesia |
| Taman Margasatwa Ragunan | Jl. Harsono RM No.1, Ragunan, Ps. Minggu, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Kebun Binatang Zoo, Bandung | Jl. Tamansari No.17, Lb. Siliwangi, Kecamatan Coblong, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40132, Indonesia |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Indonesia located?
Indonesia is a 1700-island archipelago that stretches from the Indian Ocean through the Pacific Ocean and into New Zealand and Australian waters.
What language is spoken in Indonesia?
Indonesia is a linguistically diverse country.
Its people speak over 800 languages and dialects.
The most common first language taught to most from childhood is Javanese.
It is usually a language spoken at home or between family members.
Indonesian, or Bahasa, is the country’s official language and is spoken by over 94% of the population.
What is the most common religion in Indonesia?
As declared by the Republic of the Indonesian government, the official religion of the county is Islam.
It is also the most common, as 87% of Indonesians identify as Muslim, with the majority Sunnis.
Christians, both Protestant, and Catholic worshipers comprise roughly 10%.
And the ancient Asian religions are represented by less than 3%.
Before the archipelago’s conversion to Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism were the predominant religions.
Does Indonesia have a rainy season?
Indonesia is usually divided into two seasons, wet and dry. June, July, and August are the best three months to visit because the weather is typically dry and cool during the later part of summer.
Officially Indonesia’s dry season runs from April to October.
The monsoons are common from November to March, leaving the climate hot and humid.
Monsoons are also known to make traveling difficult.
