Living in a bustling and fast-paced country like Singapore, we definitely don’t get to see as much nature and wildlife compared to people living in our neighbouring countries. The only times most of us have seen wildlife is on visits to the Singapore Zoo, or the occasional monkey, wild boar, and otter sighting. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break from the city, or an animal lover who wants to experience living with them at your doorstep, take a trip to Indonesia and check out these wildlife resorts in Bali.
The current exchange rate is 10,000 Indonesian Rupiah = ~S$0.85 as of 25th September 2024.
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Image adapted from: Mason Elephant Lodge
At Mason Elephant Lodge, expect to be greeted by elephants wherever you go. As Asia’s first welfare-certified elephant park, this resort houses Bali’s largest herd of 31 rescued Sumatran elephants.
Image adapted from: Mason Elephant Lodge
Other than choosing from 30 elephant-themed rooms, there is an abundance of activities to do here involving the elephants. Join the elephants in the lake at bathtime or take part in the Jumbo Wash, where you can scrub and wash your newfound friend. You could even hop on the back of one of the elephants for a Safari Ride.
A single-person room here starts from IDR2,200,000/night without activity inclusions. To amp up your experience, get the inclusion package and enjoy exclusive services like VIP Elephant Chauffeur room pickups, access to the Elephant Viewing Terrace & Tree Top Walkway, plus breakfast for IDR3,650,000, which includes a villa stay.
Image credit: The Menjangan
The Menjangan is not only a nature retreat located in one of the most beautiful parts of Bali, but also the largest resort within West Bali National Park.
Explore the park from the back of a horse, or simply look out for free-roaming deer, monkeys, and various species of birds from the comfort of your villa.
Image credit: The Menjangan
If you want to see more, sign up for a snorkelling and diving experience to check out the underwater wildlife in the beautiful clear waters of Bali. A stay here starts from just IDR1,801,800/night and comes with breakfast.
Image adapted from: Mara River Safari Lodge
Just as you would expect in an African safari, Mara River Safari Lodge is home to almost all of The Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and African buffalos. The themed lodges feature open-air terraces, and are located within the Bali Safari & Marine Park, so don’t be too shocked to see zebras and rhinos chilling by your balcony.
Image credit: Mara River Safari Lodge
For meals, head over to the Tsavo Lion Restaurant to see lions up close while you dine. Then, Feed the Predators such as tigers from the safety of a cage. If that’s too much for your nerves, you can also feed the veggie-eating giraffes and zebras.
Villas here start from IDR2,975,000/night for the Swala Deluxe Room, including breakfast.
Image credit: Sarinbuana Eco Lodge
Situated on the remote slopes of Mount Batukaru, a 1.5-hour drive from Canggu and Ubud, lies Sarinbuana Eco Lodge. Its close proximity to the rainforest offers close encounters with the wildlife like civet cats, birds, and other animals that freely roam the property.
Immerse yourself in nature’s peace while you’re here. Go on treks to enjoy bird and nature watching, or swim in the natural, chemical-free pool. As an eco-lodge, they use all-natural products and follow eco-friendly practices such as using energy saving LED bulbs, and not providing single-use plastic bottles.
A stay at their Rumah Manis Bungalow costs IDR2,000,000/night.
Image credit: @bismaeight via Instagram
Nestled within Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, is luxury boutique resort Bisma Eight. The hotel and villas are just a short stroll from the neighbouring Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest, so don’t be surprised to see the cheeky creatures drop in to say hi.
A stay in the hotel starts from IDR3,853,425/night, inclusive of breakfast, while a villa stay is priced from IDR6,580,905/night and comes with breakfast. Stay for 3 nights or more to enjoy discounts of up to 15% on your rates.
Image credit: @bambuindah via Instagram
Bambu Indah is an ecologically mindful jungle retreat surrounded by flora and fauna. Each standalone room in the boutique resort is uniquely built out of organic bamboo or teak wood, and decorated with artefacts from Southeast Asia. Pick from a treehouse, structures by the river, or even built into the caves, and spend your afternoons in the natural spring pools.
The resort’s riverside jungle locale means you’re up close and personal with all sorts of wildlife, including ducks and the resident water buffalo. Book a stay here from IDR4,576,000/night.
Image credit: @lodgeinthewoods via Instagram
Founded by Singaporean Bernard Teo, who was seeking a reprieve from 3 decades in the fashion industry, Lodgeinthewoods is not your usual Balinese retreat. Located in Kaba-Kaba, a village 15 minutes away from Canggu, the minimalist, modern resort was built without felling a single tree.
All 6 villas on the property are named after their rescued horses and goats, who are residents there too. Fun fact: all of the animals that stay here are white – including the chickens and bunnies.
Yes, all of them.
Image credit: @lodgeinthewoods via Instagram
Included in your stay are farm tours, animal feeding, fishing, and farming experiences such as egg hunting or harvesting vegetables. Otherwise, take a dip in their magnesium-rich pool or book one of their mountain bikes to explore the area.
A stay here starts from IDR3,516,412/night with breakfast included.
Image credit: @padmaubud via Instagram
Located within an unspoiled river valley overlooking the beautiful forest of Payangan, Padma Resort Ubud is a wonderful place to bring the whole family as they offer many activities for all to enjoy.
Enjoy a day of feeding animals like rabbits, turkeys, guinea fowls, cows, goats, and deer on the premises. Kids can also feed the fish in the koi pond. Other in-house activities to add to your itinerary are archery and yoga. You can also head out to chase waterfalls and hike up Mount Batur to catch the sunrise.
We’ve spotted prices from IDR3,405,350 for the Premier room, inclusive of breakfast.
Escape from the mundane city life for a vacation at one of these wildlife resorts in Bali. Even if you’re heading there for a solo trip, you’ll have plenty of furry and feathered friends to keep you company.
Other resorts in Bali:
Cover image adapted from: @lodgeinthewoods via Instagram, Mason Elephant Lodge, Mara River Safari Lodge
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