“The most amazing place I have stayed. Every aspect of our stay was perfect. Awesome helpful staff, accomodation, restaurants and safari park.”
Who knew you could have an African experience in the tropical paradise of Bali? Like you, we were surprised to discover Mara River Safari Lodge when we were looking for a somewhat unconventional getaway in Indonesia. The four-star themed resort is located within the Bali Safari & Marine Park, a leading cultural entertainment and wildlife park in Indonesia, hence the rustic ambience as opposed to romantic, which is what Bali is largely known for.
Being animal lovers, we really looked forward to staying here and seeing how close we could be to the living animals. What we found upon arriving was more than what we could hope for. We met a few zebras, rhinos and ostriches just by walking to our airy lodge from the reception, and we felt their presence all throughout our stay. It was an unusual yet down-to-earth experience that we couldn’t wait to share to our own families back home. For a Balinese vacation unlike any other, we’ll instantly vouch for Mara River Safari Lodge.
Swala Deluxe Room
Situated on the ground floor, Swala Deluxe provides guests easy access to the animals roaming the grounds. Two doors are placed on either side of the beds both leading to the balcony to let you enjoy more of the surrounding scenery. Adding to this ‘organic’ atmosphere are indigenous plants encircling the room which give a touch of tranquillity on their own.
Twiga Deluxe Room
Although inspired by an African safari, the hotel has not completely forgotten to give a Balinese flair to its rooms. The Twiga Deluxe features a gorgeous bed for two, decorated with a refreshing white canopy for a hint of romance. Located on the second floor, the room offers a spacious balcony allowing you to look at the vast grounds and the animals conveniently.
Kirafu Family Suite
A family of four will fall in love with their two-bedroom bungalow that sits on another section of the property. Kifaru obviously offers more space, hence giving the family a chance to engage in more activities indoors while being surrounded by African-style furnishings. Instead of animals, the suite overlooks another one of the hotel’s signature facilities, the Kiboko Swimming Pool.
Tembo Family Suite
When you get to experience something as extraordinary as a Safari-themed hotel, it’s only fitting to celebrate it with more of your loved ones to share the fun times with. Tembo is made precisely for guests coming in as a slightly bigger group. No doubt, they will find the three-bedroom accommodation perfect for their needs. It has a separate living and dining area, and overlooks the Kiboko Swimming Pool which they can enjoy any time they wish to.
#1
Meet and bond
with the animals
Unlike in zoos where the animals are locked up and barely get to interact with people, Mara River Safari Lodge offers its guests a rare opportunity to get up close with them in the hotel grounds. You’ll enjoy just watching them go on about their business or choose to get involved by personally feeding these animals. Guests can also take part in the Safari Journey or Night Safari to explore a total of 60 animal species while riding on a tram!
#2
Dine with lions or in an exotic African village setup
Not to disappoint you, but the lions won’t exactly be joining you on your table. But in Tsavo Lion restaurant, you can still get a close encounter with these magnificent kings of the jungle albeit through full-length glass panels surrounding the area. The hotel also houses a second restaurant, Uma. In the Balinese language, Uma has the meaning of rice fields. Guests can enjoy a selection of local, Asian, Western and Indian cuisines in a rice field-themed restaurant laden with Balinese culture. With spacious and comfortable areas, Uma Restaurant is a great choice for a family lunch with your adventure.
#3
Experience rejuvenating
Balinese therapies
With the many activities that await the guests in the hotel, getting a good massage is always a good idea to go for in between breaks, and you may get it from the Spa & Beauty facility sitting in a serene space amidst the African savannah and poolside areas. A few of our favourite treatments here include the Balinese, aromatherapy and reflexology massages.
#4
Watch the in-park shows
Whether it’s knowing more about the animals in the park, admiring the legend of King Sri Jaya Pangus or learning a traditional Balinese dance, the educational and cultural shows offered by the hotel are guaranteed to take your breath away. Some of your options include the Harimau Show, Elephant Show and the periodic Barong dance and Rindik performances around the hotel.
#5
Experience thrilling rides at Waterpark & Funzone
Mara River Safari Lodge’s Waterpark offers an amazing change of scenery that guests can also find pleasure in, especially if you’re into some H2O fun. This facility is complete with water slides, adult and children’s pools, as well as rides that will truly get your adrenaline pumping, including the Climbing Car, Spinning Coaster and Flume Ride.
Park privilege
As part of the Bali Safari & Marine Park, Mara River Safari Lodge is offering all of its guests complimentary entrance to the park, which is home to numerous exotic and native animals like the Komodo Dragon, Orangutans, Bali Mynah and Sumatran Elephant. Guests will also love riding the Safari Tram, watching spectacular shows at the Bali Theatre and making a splash at the Waterpark and Funzone. In addition, you will be given a special price for select park activities like the Elephant Back Safari and Night Safari.
Breakfast by elephant
Guests who book one of the family suites overlooking the Kiboko Pool get an extra treat of starting their day in the company of one of the most magnificent creatures that ever walked the planet – the elephants. An elephant will pick them up from their poolside home and bring them straight to their breakfast venue every day of their stay!
Award-winning theme park
Bali Safari & Marine Park is owned by Taman Safari Indonesia Group, a leading conservation institute and one of the most loved natural theme parks in Indonesia. Its efforts toward nature conservation and recreation have become so prominent that Bali Safari & Marine park alone has bagged plenty of awards, including Indonesia’s Leading Amusement Park by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Mara River Safari Lodge is located in Gianyar in central Bali. It is about 27 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and less than an hour drive from Sanur and Ubud. The hotel offers an airport transfer service which you can avail upon booking. An alternative way of travelling between the hotel and the airport would be hiring a metered taxi.
Aside from the Bali Safari & Marine Park, guests at the Mara River Safari Lodge can also enjoy more attractions nearby. Some of the most recommended are the Komune Beach Club and Jivva Beach Club, which are a mere 10 and 15-minute drive from the hotel, respectively.
Other places of interest that are also not that far from the property include the Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace and Ubud Market. Museum-lovers can even journey to the Rudana Museum, Bali Shell Museum, Arma Museum and Bali Museum. For temple-hopping, two of the ideal places to go to are the Jagat Temple and the Penataran Sasih Temple, while people seeking some downtime can practise yoga at the Yoga Barn Studio.
