Bali Butterfly Park

Tourists visiting the northern part of the island can make a quick stop at Bali Butterfly Park where they can embark on an educational tour which features hundreds of butterflies from 15 different species, and various insects and arachnids on display. Visitors will have the chance to see some of the exotic and endangered butterflies like birdwing, Bali peacock and paradise birdwing, along with insects such as beetles and hairy spiders all from Indonesia’s archipelago. Butterfly and insect enthusiasts can take home fancy souvenirs that include dried butterflies and insects set on glass frames.

Location

Bali Butterfly Park is located in Wanasari, 6.5 kilometres north of Tabanan Regency.

Opening Days and Hours

The butterfly park is open from 8:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission fees are waived for children. Adults are charged 50,000 (USD 3.5) entrance fee.

How to Get There

From Denpasar Airport, hire a taxi, a private car, or a scooter to Tabanan.
You can also take the bus from Ubung Terminal to the outskirts of Tabanan.
From the outskirts, board a bemos to Bali Butterfly Park.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families with kids

Time to Spend

You can spend a total of 2 hours in the park.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The park is usually packed with visitors from 9:00 to 13:00. To avoid the crowd, schedule your visit between 13:30 to 17:00.

Activities

Guided Tour which includes seeing butterflies up close.

Food

Avail of food and drinks from nearby restaurants such as Warung Jepun, Warung Lemo, Balinese LifeStyle, Warung Dayu Manu, and Warung Ampik.

Nearby Attractions

Taman Ayun Temple
Telaga Waja River Rafting
Sangeh Monkey Forest

Stay

Hotels and inns offering accommodations near Bali Butterfly Park include Puri Taman Sari Resort, Villa Taman Di Blayu, Alam Taman Villa, Campuhan Guesthouse, Ubud Raya Hotel, and Ananda Cottages. Rates start from USD 35 to USD 150.

The Bali Zoo offers a number of activities and presentations that promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests. This includes an up close and personal feeding encounter with a Bengal tiger, elephant exhibitions, and even a dining experience with a lion family or flock of birds.

Location

Bali Zoo is located in Jalan Raya Singapadu, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali.

Opening Days and Hours

The Bali Zoo is open from 09:00 to 17:00 every day of the week.

Entry Fee and Bookings

You can avail of the following tickets:

Night at the Zoo: IDR 828,750 (USD 58.01) for adults, IDR 573,750 (USD 40.16) for children aged 2 to 12 years old
Dinner with the Great Elephant: IDR 582,250 (USD 40.76) for adults, and IDR 408,000 (USD 28.56) for children aged 2 to 12 years old
Mahout for a Day: IDR 7,053,750 (USD 493.76) for both adults and children aged 2 to 12 years old
Elephant Expedition: IDR 964,750 (USD 67.53) for adults, and IDR 701,250 (USD 49.09) for children aged 2 to 12 years old
Exclusive Elephant Expedition: IDR 1,343,000 (USD 94.01) for adults, and IDR 998,750 (USD 69.91) for children aged 2 to 12 years old
Short Elephant Expedition: IDR 794,750 (USD 55.63) for adults, and IDR 573,750 (USD 40.16) for children aged 2 to 12 years old
Short Exclusive Elephant Expedition: IDR 1,171,300 (USD 81.99) for adults, and IDR 848,300 (USD 59.38) for children aged 2 to 12 years old
Zoo Explorer: IDR 644,300 (USD 45.10) for adults, and IDR 497,250 (USD 34.81) for children aged 2 to 12 years old
Zoo Admission: IDR 321,300 (USD 22.49) for adults, and IDR 208,250 (USD 14.58) for children aged 2 to 12 years old
Breakfast with Orangutan: IDR 403,750 (USD 28.26) for adults, and IDR 318,750 (USD 22.31) for children aged 2 to 12 years old for package without hotel transfers, or IDR 573,750 (USD 40.16) for adults, and IDR 463,250 (USD 32.43) for children aged 2 to 12 years old for package with hotel transfers
Breakfast with Orangutan and Elephant Expedition: IDR 1,232,500 (USD 86.27) for adults, and IDR 930,750 (USD 65.15) for children aged 2 to 12 years old

How to Get There

You can drive to Bali Zoo from Ubud (15 minutes), Sanur (25 minutes), Kuta (45 minutes), or Nusa Dua (60 minutes). You can also arrange for pick up services from your hotel to Bali Zoo via travel agents, your hotel, or even the Bali Zoo website.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families with older kids

Time to Spend

You can spend 1 day exploring Bali Zoo.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Bali Zoo is any time of the year, however, note that heavy rains can be experienced in Bali from December to March, while low humidity can be experienced from June to September.

Activities

Animal Encounters
Petting Zoo
Feed the Animals
Animal Presentations
Elephant Expedition
Breakfast with Orangutan

Food

The Bali Zoo has restaurants that are also included in their activity of dining with wildlife, which are:

Gayo Restaurant
Wana Restaurant Lounge Bar
Wantilan Restaurant

Nearby Attractions

Jungle Splash Waterplay
The Sanctoo Villa/Spa and Wellness
Bali Jaya Tour
Prapen Jewelry & Artifacts
Krisna Yuna Gallery
Bali Puja Tour
Bali Bird Park

Stay

Accommodations near the Bali Zoo include villas and resorts such as The Sanctoo Villa and Elephant Park, Mandala Desa, Villa Kayu Lama, Villa Kusumasari Boutique Resort, and The Alena Resort. Prices range from USD 74 to 542 per night.

Home to luscious, green trees, botanical gardens, and 31 Sumatran elephants, Elephant Safari Park is the place to visit if you want to have an up-close and interactive experience with the elephants. Guests won’t only learn more about the enormous mammals; they can also observe the animals as they play, eat, take a dip in the lake, and even paint! Tourists are also given the chance to touch, feed, and take pictures with the elephants.

Location

Elephant Safari Park is located at Taro, Tegelalang, Indonesia.

Opening Days and Hours

Park is open from 8:00 to 18:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission to the park costs IDR 295,000 (USD 20.65) for adults, IDR 155,000 (USD 10.85) for children, and IDR 77,000 (USD 5.39) for infants. You have to pay an additional charge ranging from IDR 249,000 to IDR 950,000 (USD 17.43 to USD 66.50).

How to Get There

From Denpasar Airport, take the bus to Ubud.
From Ubud Town Center, hire a taxi or a scooter (USD 5) that will bring you to the Elephant Safari Park.

Suggested For

Solo Travelers/ Backpackers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

The ideal time to spend inside the park is 2 to 3 hours.

Activities

Elephant Back Ride
Elephant Show
Elephant Safari Ride

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Beat the crowd and the scorching heat of the sun by starting your trip to the park at 8:00 in the morning.

Food

Indulge in Indonesian and other Asian delicacies at nearby restaurants such as Park Restaurant, Koko Bambu Restaurant, D’alas Warung, and The Puhu Restaurant.

Nearby Attractions

Ubud Monkey Forest
Goa Gajah
Puri Lukisan Museum

Stay

Find the best accommodation from a number of hotels and inns available near Elephant Safari Park. Hotels such as On Ham Retreat and Resort, Hati Patti Cottages, Pajar House, Villa Sarna, and Villa Wendang offer rooms at rates ranging from USD 30 to USD 100.

One of Sentosa’s most popular attractions, Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom’s abundant and lush greeneries, plus the unique butterfly experience offered to tourists is a real treat to everyone, nature-lover or not. Inside the quaint tree house called Butterfly Aviary, tourists can interact with different species of butterflies and see firsthand the live specimens of pupa. Inside a man-made cave is the Insect Kingdom where tourists can learn from various mounted displays that feature some of the most notable insects like the tarantula, scorpions, and the 160 mm Hercules Beetle.

Location

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom is located at 51 Imbiah Road, Sentosa, Singapore.

Opening Days and Hours

Visitors can come to the park daily from 9:30 to 19:30.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission to the park costs SGD 18 (USD 14) for adults, and SGD 12 (USD 8.92) for children. For Singaporeans and permanent residents, a fee of SGD 14 (USD 1.25) is charged to adults, and SGD 12.60 (USD 9.36).

How to Get There

Board an MRT to HarbourFront Train Station
From the station, take Exit B
Proceed to the cable car station and avail of a cable car trip to Imbiah Lookout
Alight at Waterfront Station and walk for 15 minutes

Suggested For

Solo Travelers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

You can spend a minimum of 1 hour exploring the butterfly gardens, and the insect displays.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The busiest time in the park is from 13:00 to 18:00. The best time to visit the park is before 12:00.

Food

There is a considerable number of restaurants that are not more than 2 kilometers from the garden. Choose from Chinese, Malaysian, and other Asian dishes at restaurants like Starz Restaurant, Taste of Singapore, Asian Deli, and Ivy Restaurant.

Nearby Attractions

Universal Studios
Singapore Zoo
Madame Tussauds

Stay

Find accommodations nearby hotels such as La Meridien, Hotel Indigo, Amara Singapore, Holiday Inn, and Ibis Express which offer rooms starting USD 160 to USD 250.

The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is located in the deep forest of Corella and is home to almost a hundred tarsiers – cute, wide-eyed primates that are nearing extinction. The visitors can visit the tarsiers inside a pollution-free mini protected forest filled with vegetation, a variety of flora and fauna, and trees where tarsiers can swing to and fro. Tourists can also make a stop at the sanctuary’s Visitor’s Complex, which includes a library, exhibits, and an audio-visual room to help them know the tarsiers better.

Location

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is located at Tarsier Sanctuary Road, Corella, Bohol.

Opening Days and Hours

The sanctuary is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the sanctuary is PHP 60 (USD 1.25) per person.

How to Get There

Fly from Manila to Tagbilaran via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.
From the airport, you can ride a tricycle to Sikatuna Jeepney Terminal.
Board a jeep to Sikatuna via Corella and tell the driver to drop you off at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.

Suggested For

Solo Travelers/Backpackers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

Tourists can spend as much time as they want inside the sanctuary but they are encouraged to not spend more than 5 minutes on each tarsier.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Group tours are often catered during the morning, so if you are a solo traveler or did not sign up for any tour, it is best to visit in the afternoon.

Food

The closest restaurants to the sanctuary are 11 kilometres away, so tourists should bring packed food if the schedule is tight.

Nearby Attractions

Loboc Floating Restaurant

Stay

The nearest hotels to the sanctuary are located in Tagbilaran City. Hotels like MetroCentre Hotel, Kew Hotel, Vest Grand Suites offer accommodation at rates starting from USD 30 to 40.

Good to Know

Tarsiers are emotionally sensitive animals so tourists should refrain from talking loudly and taking photos with the flash on.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located in a rainforest, providing refuge to displaced orangutans. Visitors can get up close and personal with the habituated orangutans by walking around on the boardwalk or viewing platform.

Location

Sepilok is about 23 kilometres from the nearest town of Sandakan and 17 kilometres from the Sandakan Airport.

Opening Days and Hours

The ticketing counter is open daily from 09:00 to 11:00, and 14:00 to 15:30.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Adults: Locals: RM 5 (USD 1.22); Foreigners: RM 30 (USD 7.30)
Children (below 18 years old): Locals: RM 2 (USD 0.49); Foreigners RM 15 (USD 3.65)

How to Get There

The Centre is accessible by road with a 45-minute ride from Sandakan or a 30-minute ride from the airport. Taxis and public buses are available from Sandakan Centre but you can only take private taxis from the airport. However, the bus does not stop directly at the Centre so you will have to walk or take a taxi to cover the 1.5 kilometres to reach it. A parking area is available in the Centre.

Suggested For

The centre is suitable for people of all ages interested in wildlife and rainforests. The boardwalks provide easy access around the Centre and are great for exploring the rainforest.

Time to Spend

1 to 3 hours will be sufficient to watch the orangutans and explore the section of the centre that is open to tourists.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit is during one of the two daily feeding times at 10:00 and 15:00, so that you are almost guaranteed to see at least one orangutan.

Food

Food is not allowed inside the centre but there is a small cafe at the entrance that serves local food. Chinese food is served at the Banana Cafe in Sepilok Jungle Resort about 5 minutes walk away. If you are looking for something more luxurious, the restaurant at the Sepilok Nature Resort serves both local and Western cuisines. It is located only a 2-minute walk away, and serves beer and cocktails.

Safety and Fraud

Do not stare into the eyes of the orangutans as this can be taken as a sign of aggression. Since the orangutans are wild and roam freely at the centre, you should stay a safe distance away from them.

Nearby Attractions

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Rainforest Discovery Centre

Stay

There are a few accommodations in Sepilok located within walking distance of the centre. You can choose to stay at a hostel, bed and breakfast, mid-range eco-resort, or a more high-end forest resort. There are no 5-star hotels near the area.

Good to Know

The centre charges an additional RM 10 (USD 2.43) for each camera that you bring into the sanctuary. Bags are not allowed to be brought in but a locker is provided to store your belongings free of charge.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is a place built primarily to treat injured or orphaned orangutans that require rehabilitation before being returned to the wild. Come learn about the importance of wildlife conservation directly at the centre.

Location

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is located about 24 kilometres south of Kuching city centre.

Opening Days and Hours

The Wildlife Centre is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00, with a lunch break from 12:30 to 14:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

The admission fee costs RM 3 (USD 0.73), and another RM 40 (USD 9.73) for a guided tour for a group of 5 people.

How to Get There

You can either drive or grab a taxi, which takes about 30 minutes from the city centre. You may also consider taking a bus, which is a cheaper but slower option. All options will require a 15 to 20 minute walk to the centre from the main road.

Suggested for

The wildlife centre is suitable for people who love nature and enjoy photography. It is a great place for young couples, families with kids, solo travelers and backpackers.

Time to Spend

2 to 3 hours is enough to explore the entire centre as well as accommodate any feeding time.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

It is best to visit during the orangutan feeding times scheduled every 09:00 to 10:00, and 15:00 to 15:30 daily, as doing so almost guarantees the sighting of at least one orangutan.

Food

Restaurants or cafes are not available in the centre or anywhere nearby. So have an early bite or head back to the city centre after the visit for better food options.

Nearby Attractions

Jong’s Crocodile Farm is around 12 kilometres from the wildlife centre or a 20-minute drive away if you would like to know more about reptiles.

Stay

Accommodations are not available near the wildlife centre. You should stay within Kuching city centre as it is a convenient location with numerous transport options. You may consider Backpacker’s Stay for a budget option, LimeTree Hotel for a mid-range option, or The Hilton for a luxury option.

Good to Know

The wildlife centre has a number of rules that must be adhered to. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals and visitors.

Viewing the world’s smallest bears in their natural habitat is very rewarding because they are very elusive and difficult to spot in the wild. Although you cannot get in close contact with the bears, you can watch them through telescopes staff members carry and offer around.

Location

BSBCC is located in Sepilok, which is about 23 kilometres from the nearest town of Sandakan and 17 kilometres from Sandakan Airport. It is opposite the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Opening Days and Hours

The centre is open daily from 09:00 to 15:30.

Entry Fee and Bookings

The adult entrance fee is RM 15 (USD 3.65) for Malaysians and RM 30 (USD 7.30) for foreigners. For children below the age of 18, it is RM 2 (USD 0.49) for locals and RM 5 (USD 1.22) for non-Malaysians.

How to Get There

BSBCC is accessible by road with a 45-minute ride from Sandakan or 30-minute ride from the airport. Taxis and public buses are available from Sandakan town centre but you can only take private taxis from the airport. However, the bus does not stop directly at the centre so you will have to walk about 1.5 kilometres to reach it. A parking area is available.

Suggested For

The centre is suitable for people of all ages interested in wildlife and rainforests. The boardwalks and viewing platforms provide easy access around the BSBCC so it is well-suited for young children too.

Time to Spend

The centre is relatively small and you can finish exploring the section open to visitors within 10 minutes. However, you can easily spend 1 – 2 hours watching the sun bears and talking to the friendly staff members to learn about these dog-like mammals.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Sun bears tend to take cover in the dense forest when the day gets too hot so the best time to visit is early in the morning or on a cloudy, even rainy, day.

Food

Food is not allowed inside the centre but there is a small cafe at the entrance that serves local food. Chinese food is served at the Banana Cafe in Sepilok Jungle Resort about 5 minutes walk away. If you are looking for something more luxurious, the restaurant at the Sepilok Nature Resort serves both local and Western cuisines. It is only a 2-minute walk away also serves beer and cocktails.

Nearby Attractions

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is next just door, a 2 min away,
Rainforest Discovery Centre is 2kms away and can be reached by taxi in 5 mins

Stay

There are a few accommodations in Sepilok within walking distance of the centre. You can choose to stay at a hostel, bed and breakfast, mid-range eco-resort or a more high-end forest resort. There are no 5-star hotels near here.

Good to Know

Flash photography is not allowed as it might agitate the sun bears who had all gone through traumatic experiences.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a 280-acre park in a rainforest. With an aviary, zoological trail, and botanical garden, you get to meet animals like pygmy elephants and Malayan tiger cubs. You can also see endemic plants like the giant pitcher at the botanical garden.

Location

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is located along the Penampang-Papar old road, about an hour’s drive from the city centre.

Opening Days and Hours

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is open daily from 09:30 to 17:30.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance fee costs RM 10 (USD 2.43) for locals, and RM 20 (USD 4.86) for foreigners.

How to Get There

You can get to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park via car or taxi from Kota Kinabalu.

Suggested For

The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park suits families with young kids, groups of friends, couples, and seniors who are wildlife lovers.

Time to Spend

Most people spend about 3 to 4 hours exploring the park.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is popular among visitors who would like an introduction to tropical rainforests and its wildlife. Most people visit during the weekends so avoid doing so if you want to dodge huge crowds.

Food

You can buy food from the kiosks within the park.

Nearby Attractions

You can walk to the J Borneo Native Village, which is adjacent to the wildlife park for Kadazandusun theatre performances. Another option is to visit the farms and local handicraft centre in Penampang (30 minutes’ drive away).

Stay

There are many accommodation options in Kota Kinabalu that you can choose to stay at, from budget hostels to luxury five-star hotels. There are also homestays and Airbnb options too.

Good to Know

Use a hat or sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Butterflies dance freely in the beautiful garden of Kuala Lumpur Buttefly Park that is filled with a plethora of lush greenery and colourful flowers. Other attractions here are Japanese koi fish, turtles, live insects and a museum. It also houses an exhibition area with information on butterflies and other insects, and a souvenir store for tourists.

Location

The park is located in the area of the Perdana Botanical Garden, which is easily accessible from the city centre. It is about 60 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and 4 kilometres from the transportation hub, KL Sentral.

Opening Days and Hours

The park is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Adults: RM 11 (USD 2.67) for Malaysians and RM 22 (USD 5.35) for foreigners
Children 2 to 11 years old: RM 6 (USD 1.46) for Malaysians and RM 11 (USD 2.67) for foreigners
Children below 2 years old: Free
Family package for Malaysian citizens (2 Adults + 3 Children): RM 34 (USD 8.26)
To bring in a video camera, you will be charged RM 4 (USD 0.97) and tripods are not allowed in the park.

How to Get There

The park is accessible by bus, rail, and cars. If you are taking the bus, hop on the RapidKL B101 or B102 bus and alight at the Dayabumi complex, then walk for 12 minutes to the park. By rail, you can either get on the KTM Komuter and disembark at the Kuala Lumpur station then walk for 13 minutes, or the LRT Kelana Jaya Line and alight at the Pasar Seni station before walking for 18 minutes to the park. The most convenient way though, is by taxi or Uber, which will take you directly to the main entrance of the butterfly park.

Suggested For

The park is suitable for travelers of all ages, especially for nature enthusiasts, insect lovers, and families with kids.

Time to Spend

Visitors are recommended to spend about an hour in the park.

Food

There is no food available in the park. However, visitors may find many good places to eat at nearby areas like Hornbill Restaurant & Café at the Bird Park, food stalls at Petaling Street (China Town) and Little India.

Nearby Attractions

Perdana Botanical Gardens – where the park is located in
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens – located in the Perdana Botanical Gardens
National Monument – 10 minute walk
National Mosque – 12 minute walk
Islamic Arts Museum – 10 minute walk
Central Market – 17 minute walk
Petaling Street (China Town) – 19 minute walk

Stay

Visitors can easily find accommodation in the city of Kuala Lumpur, ranging from budget hostels, mid-range accommodation, to luxury hotels.

Good to Know

Do not go to the park when it is raining because chances are, you will not see any butterflies and it is difficult to find shelter. Going in the early morning may give you the opportunity to see many butterflies feeding on various hibiscus flowers or fruit trays.