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Despite travelling to Bali with our kids for years, we had never visited one very popular family attraction: Bali Zoo.
We have always been cautious about animal attractions in Bali. In fact, we stopped doing most animal experiences around 10 years ago after seeing things that just didn’t sit comfortably with us and elephant riding was a big reason Bali Zoo had stayed off our itinerary. That changed in 2026.
Bali Zoo stopped elephant riding in January 2026 and later introduced Elephant Explorer, a new experience focused on observing, feeding and learning about the elephants rather than riding them. Elephant Explorer officially launched in April 2026.
That was enough for me to finally say: OK, let’s go and see Bali Zoo for ourselves.
So during our July 2026 Bali trip, we did exactly that. And honestly? Our experience was much more positive than I expected.
We explored Bali Zoo, experienced the Elephant Explorer session, had Breakfast with Orangutans, enjoyed Brunch with Capybaras, and stayed right next door at Sanctoo Suites & Villas.
So if you are wondering whether Bali Zoo is worth visiting with kids, what you can do with a standard entry ticket, or whether it’s worth paying extra for one of the animal experiences, here is everything we learnt from our visit.
CHECK OUT MORE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN BALI
Disclosure: We were hosted for the Bali Zoo experiences featured in this review. As always, what I share is based on our own experiences, and all thoughts are our own.
Where is Bali Zoo?
Bali Zoo is located in Gianyar, south of Ubud, making it an easy day trip from Ubud, Sanur and the main South Bali tourist areas.
The zoo is currently open daily from 9 am until 5 pm, although experiences such as Breakfast with Orangutans begin earlier.
One thing I hadn’t really understood before visiting was how much there actually is to do at Bali Zoo. You can visit with a general admission ticket and have a great day without paying for any additional experiences. Or, if your family loves a particular animal, you can add one of the separately booked experiences.
What is included with Bali Zoo general admission?
You don’t need to book a premium animal experience to enjoy Bali Zoo.
General admission gives you access to the zoo itself, along with the regular animal encounters and presentations running throughout the day. Jungle Splash Waterplay is also included as part of standard zoo admission.
What surprised me was how interactive a general admission visit could be. You can stop, learn, watch presentations, and feed selected animals along the way. For families who don’t want to spend extra money on an experience, there is still plenty to make a visit worthwhile.
Animal presentations and educational experiences
Check the schedule for free animal and bird presentations taking place throughout the day at Bali Zoo.
A newer feature of the Bali Zoo is the free Jungle Encounters. Find Tamaki Gate (next to the Capybara cafe) and from 10 am to 11:30 am and 1 pm to 2:30 pm. You can meet the animals up close, including the snakes!
I really liked the educational side of the zoo. The kids could actually watch what was happening, listen to staff and learn about the animals rather than relying on me to read every information board aloud.
Feeding animals at Bali Zoo
One of the fun parts for kids (and adults!) is the opportunity to feed selected animals around the zoo.
Animal feeding costs extra, but it makes exploring the zoo much more interactive for kids. Feeding opportunities can vary throughout the day, so check what is available when you arrive and work it into your day as you explore.
CHECK OUT THE LINK FOR ANIMAL FEEDING PRICES
Bali Zoo Map
Bali Zoo is spread across different areas, so it is worth looking at the Bali Zoo map when you first arrive.
You don’t need to create a military-style itinerary before arriving, but having a rough idea of where you are going saves you from constantly backtracking in the Bali heat.
My advice? Work out which presentations or experiences you really want to see, and let the rest of your day flow around those.
Food at Bali Zoo
Food matters when you are spending half a day or longer at an attraction with kids. We explored Central Food Village, a handy place to stop in the middle of your Bali Zoo visit.
There are different food and drink options, plenty of seating and, very importantly, an air-conditioned indoor area. It gives everyone somewhere to sit down, eat and reset before heading back out into the zoo. For families with younger kids, grandparents, neurodiverse children or anyone who finds the Bali heat draining, I think that air-conditioned break is particularly useful.
Grab & Go carts are also around the zoo, with snack and drink options available.
Bali Zoo Zoovenir shops
And of course… what is a family day out without somebody trying to bring home another stuffed animal? Bali Zoo has its own Zoovenir shops selling animal-themed gifts and Bali Zoo souvenirs.
The shops are fun to wander through and make an easy final stop before leaving. Although apparently our suitcases never contain quite enough random stuffed animals, so there’s always room for one more 😂
Jungle Splash Waterplay at Bali Zoo
Bali Zoo also has Jungle Splash Waterplay, giving kids somewhere to cool off during a day at the zoo. The Waterplay area is designed more for kids under 10 years old. If Jungle Splash is part of your plan, pack swimmers and a change of clothes.
Bali Zoo Experiences
This was one of the things I wanted to make really clear in this Bali Zoo review. The special experiences are optional extras. You don’t have to book them to enjoy Bali Zoo.
But if your children have a particular favourite animal or you want something a little more memorable than a standard zoo visit, there are some really interesting options.
During our visit, we experienced:
Experience packages include your Bali Zoo admission, so check the inclusions before buying a separate general admission ticket. And we have a discount!
Use our code RWK20 for 20% off Elephant Explorer, Breakfast with Orangutans and Brunch with Capybara when booking directly through the Bali Zoo Website.
USE THE DISCOUNT CODE RWK20 FOR 20% OFF
Elephant Explorer at Bali Zoo
Of all the Bali Zoo experiences we tried, Elephant Explorer was the one I was most interested in but also the one I approached most cautiously. Elephants were a big reason we had avoided animal attractions in Bali for so long.
The Elephant Explorer experience is focused on observing the elephants, learning about their behaviour and care, and spending time with them in a much more relaxed way.
What actually happens on Elephant Explorer?
We started at the ticket desk, where we chose a snack and drink for later at the private cafe used by Elephant Explorer guests.
From there, we headed through the entrance to the lounge area where tea, coffee, water and snacks were available. We watched a short video about elephants and what to expect from the session, it was actually really entertaining, and there was also time to use the toilets before heading off.
Next, we jumped into the ranger vehicle for the drive out to a dedicated elephant area that general admission guests don’t have access to. When we arrived one of the mahouts explained the elephants’ food and showed us how they prepare it.
We then wandered down to meet the elephants, learn their names and hear more about their personalities and care. We took a water break in the shade and took photos in front of the ranger vehicle before we slowly and respectfully followed the elephants to the next area.
Along the way, we saw just how much food they eat every day: it is a LOT!
We then headed to the private cafe area, where there were toilets, a welcome drink and another chance to help prepare food. The mahouts showed us how they look after the elephants’ feet before we had the chance to feed the elephants and gently pat them.
Our food and drinks then came out at the cafe, and this was probably one of the things I liked most about the experience; nothing felt rushed. We had time to sit, relax, ask questions and just enjoy being there. The whole experience took around 1.5 hours before we headed back out to continue exploring Bali Zoo.
Our thoughts on Elephant Explorer
I’m definitely not an expert in elephant welfare, and every family needs to decide which animal experiences they feel comfortable with. For us, Bali Zoo ending elephant rides was an important change. From our own visit, Elephant Explorer felt much more focused on observation, education and learning about the elephants and their care. It felt completely different from the elephant experiences that had made us hesitant to visit attractions like this in the past.
Breakfast with Orangutans at Bali Zoo
Now onto an experience that sounds incredibly touristy… Breakfast with Orangutans. And yes, we loved it 😂
Breakfast runs in the morning, usually from around 8 am to 10 am. We arrived at about 8:30 am and stayed until around 9:45 am, which was perfect for us.
There was a good breakfast spread, plenty of family-friendly options and, importantly, decent coffee. Of course, you’re not really booking it for the buffet.
The orangutans are nearby while you eat, and during our visit there was a mum with the most gorgeous, cheeky baby who completely stole the show. We had plenty of time to eat, watch the orangutans, take photos and enjoy a few other animal encounters without feeling rushed.
It’s also a really easy way to start a Bali Zoo day. Breakfast is sorted, you are already there early, and once you finish, you can head straight into the zoo.
BOOK BREAKFAST WITH ORANGUTANS HERE
Brunch with Capybara at Bali Zoo
Brunch with Capybara is held at Capy Cafe and combines brunch with a supervised capybara encounter. Sessions run about 1.5 hours, starting at 9:30 am, and include feeding and interaction time.
We fed them, patted them, watched them wander around and swim, and even had one hanging out beside us while we had our drinks.
What I liked most was that it didn’t feel like a rushed photo opportunity. We had time to enjoy brunch, relax with our drinks and spend plenty of time with the capybaras while the Bali Zoo team supervised the interactions.
The food was good too, not just something added to justify calling it brunch. Our package included brunch, a drink, capybara feeding and interaction, Bali Zoo admission and insurance.
This is such a fun option for families with tweens and teens, especially with the current capybara obsession. Just be prepared to leave with about 700 capybara photos on your phone!
BOOK THE 9:30 AM BRUNCH WITH CAPYBARAS HERE
BOOK THE 11 AM BRUNCH WITH CAPYBARAS HERE
Which Bali Zoo experience should families choose?
I don’t think one experience will suit every family because they are all quite different.
Elephant Explorer was the most meaningful one for us because I loved the unique, private experience it provided.
Breakfast with Orangutans worked brilliantly as the start of a full Bali Zoo day.
And Brunch with Capybara was fun, relaxed and probably the cutest of the three.
Think about which animals your family is most interested in and how structured you want your day to be. I also wouldn’t try to cram every experience into one visit.
One special experience, combined with plenty of time to explore the zoo, feed some animals, watch a presentation, and stop for lunch, will be far more enjoyable than spending the whole day checking your watch and racing to your next booking.
Don’t forget there are more experiences you can enjoy at the Bali Zoo. Check out this link for all the available packages.
Staying next to Bali Zoo at Sanctoo Suites & Villas
One thing that made our Bali Zoo experience so easy was staying directly next door at Sanctoo Suites & Villas. I will be writing a separate full Sanctoo review shortly because there is far too much to include here, but it definitely deserves a section in this post.
Sanctoo sits beside Bali Zoo and offers a mix of suites and private villas. We stayed in the Family Suite Aviary, and it was honestly so fun with the kids, with birds and lemurs just outside our suite windows.
Having Bali Zoo right next door completely changed how we approached our visit. There was no pressure to try to squeeze everything into one enormous day. We could do an experience, head back to Sanctoo for a swim or some downtime and then return to the zoo.
For families with young children or neurodiverse kids who benefit from breaks away from crowds, heat and stimulation, that flexibility is fantastic.
Sanctoo currently promotes unlimited Bali Zoo access as a benefit with some direct bookings and packages, so definitely check the inclusions of the rate you are booking.
READ OUR FULL SANCTOO SUITES & VILLAS REVIEW
CHECK SANCTOO SUITES & VILLAS PRICES
You don’t need to stay at Sanctoo to visit
This is something I think is really useful for families visiting Bali Zoo. You don’t actually have to stay overnight at Sanctoo to enjoy parts of the resort.
The Cassowary Restaurant is open to the public, so non-staying families are very welcome to head across for lunch, drinks or dinner. The restaurant overlooks the lagoon-style pool and is home to the resort’s resident cassowaries, Willa and Probo. It currently opens daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
The Sanctoo Spa is also open to non-staying guests, subject to treatment-room availability. You can enquire on the day, but I would definitely reserve in advance if you know you want a treatment. The Spa is tucked into the jungle beside a cascading waterfall, and we absolutely loved our massage there.
BOOK A TREATMENT AT THE SANCTOO SPA HERE
Sanctoo pool day pass: Summer Splash Package
Non-staying guests can also use the Sanctoo swimming pool by booking a day-use package. See the image below for details, and contact Sanctoo directly with any further questions.
CONTACT SANCTOO SUITES & VILLAS
Our honest thoughts on animal experiences at Bali Zoo
I wanted to include this because otherwise the review wouldn’t tell the whole story. We had deliberately avoided Bali Zoo for years after seeing animal experiences in Bali that made us uncomfortable, particularly involving elephants. So when Bali Zoo ended elephant riding, it mattered to us.
It didn’t remove every question we have about animals in captivity, but it made us willing to visit, ask questions and see the zoo for ourselves. We found the zoo clean and well-maintained, the staff knowledgeable and passionate, and I liked that many of the experiences focused on education rather than simply getting a photo.
Most importantly, Elephant Explorer felt completely different from the elephant-riding experiences that had stopped us visiting in the past. Animal tourism is one of those areas where I think it’s OK to keep asking questions, keep learning and make the choices that feel right for your own family.
Is Bali Zoo worth visiting with kids?
After finally visiting, I can understand why Bali Zoo is such a popular family attraction in Bali and you don’t have to spend a fortune on additional experiences.
A standard Bali Zoo ticket still gives families plenty to do, with animals to see, feeding opportunities, presentations, educational interactions, places to eat and the opportunity to explore at your own pace.
If you want something extra, experiences such as Elephant Explorer, Breakfast with Orangutans and Brunch with Capybara can make the visit more memorable.
I also think the combination of Bali Zoo and Sanctoo is particularly good for families. Whether you stay at Sanctoo like we did, or simply head there afterwards for lunch, a swim or a spa treatment, it turns a potentially long, hot zoo day into something much more relaxed.
And after avoiding Bali Zoo for all those years? Yes, we would go back.
Bali Zoo tickets and discount code
You can book a standard Bali Zoo admission ticket if you simply want to explore the zoo at your own pace.
BOOK BALI ZOO GENERAL ADMISSION
For the three experiences we tried, you can save 20% with our discount code RWK20 when booking through our links.
ELEPHANT EXPLORER → BOOK HERE
BREAKFAST WITH ORANGUTANS → BOOK HERE
BRUNCH WITH CAPYBARA → BOOK HERE
Remember to check exactly what is included with your experience before buying a separate Bali Zoo entry ticket, as most packages already include zoo admission.
Bali Zoo with kids: FAQs
Is Bali Zoo worth visiting with kids?
We really enjoyed our first visit. Even with a standard admission ticket, there are animals to see, feeding opportunities, animal presentations, and educational experiences, so you don’t need to book a premium experience to make the day worthwhile.
How long do you need at Bali Zoo?
I would allow at least half a day if you are visiting with general admission. If you are adding Breakfast with Orangutans, Elephant Explorer or Brunch with Capybara, having lunch and taking your time, it can easily become a full-day activity.
What time does Bali Zoo open?
Bali Zoo currently opens from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Some booked experiences, including Breakfast with Orangutans, begin earlier.
Is Bali Zoo stroller friendly?
Yes. We found the main paths easy to navigate, and current ticket information lists Bali Zoo as both stroller/pram and wheelchair-accessible.
Can you feed animals at Bali Zoo?
You can feed selected animals around Bali Zoo. Some require you to purchase animal food separately, and you should only feed animals where zoo staff permit it.
Does Bali Zoo still have elephant rides?
No. Bali Zoo stopped elephant riding in January 2026 and has replaced riding with its Elephant Explorer program, which focuses on observing and learning about the elephants from a ranger vehicle and participating in activities such as feeding.
Does Bali Zoo have food?
Yes. The zoo has a wide range of reasonably priced food and drink options. We particularly appreciated the air-conditioned indoor dining area when we needed a break from the Bali heat.
Can you stay next to Bali Zoo?
Yes. Sanctoo Suites & Villas is directly beside Bali Zoo, making it a great option if you want to spread your Bali Zoo experiences over your stay rather than squeezing everything into one day.
Can you visit Sanctoo if you’re not staying there?
Yes. We confirmed directly with Sanctoo that Cassowary Restaurant welcomes outside guests, the spa can be booked by non-staying guests (subject to availability), and pool packages are available for day visitors.
Is Bali Zoo suitable for neurodiverse kids?
Every child is different, but several things worked well for our family. We could explore at our own pace; the pathways were easy to navigate, and there were places to stop throughout the day. Having an air-conditioned area at Central Food Village was also useful when we needed a break from the heat.
If your child becomes overwhelmed by heat, noise or crowds, I wouldn’t try to cram too many scheduled experiences into one day. Staying next door at Sanctoo worked particularly well for us because we had somewhere close by to return to for a swim and downtime before doing anything else.
Planning a Bali Zoo Visit With Kids?
After avoiding Bali Zoo for so many years, I’m really glad we finally gave it a go. For our family, the biggest difference was seeing the move away from elephant riding and experiencing the zoo in a way that felt more comfortable for us. Whether you keep it simple with general admission, add one of the special experiences, or make a full day of it with lunch, a swim or spa time at Sanctoo, there are plenty of ways to make Bali Zoo work for your family.
If you’re planning a Bali trip and have questions about Bali Zoo, Sanctoo or travelling Bali with kids, come and join our Rolling Along With Kids Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get advice from other families. You can also follow us on Instagram for more Bali family travel tips, reels, hotel reviews and ideas from our own trips.
Join our Facebook Group → CLICK HERE
Follow Rolling Along With Kids on Instagram → CLICK HERE
And if you have already visited Bali Zoo, I would love to hear what your kids enjoyed most and especially which animal experience was their favourite.
Kate xx
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