Tucked away in Batubulan, on the road from Sanur to Ubud, is an oasis that's home to hundreds of tropical birds.
Bali Bird Park has species from all over Indonesia, including the endangered Bali Starling. As you travel around the park you'll move from Sumatra to Borneo, then into a huge Papua aviary where an elevated walkway lets you get up close with the birds perched in the trees.
There are also areas dedicated to Africa and South America.
By keeping these regions separate and planting each one according to the natural habitat, Bali Bird Park makes its residents feel as at home as possible.
I was struck by how much open space there is where some birds are free to roam. On entering the park you're greeted by a selection of brightly coloured parrots and macaws perched on branches, ready to pose for photos.
There are staff on hand to take professional photos, but you're free to take your own as well. This is a refreshing change from some parks where there is a charge just to get a photo with certain birds and animals.
There are little touches around the park which show a lot of thought has gone into making the design of the park reflect the diversity of Indonesia. For example, a traditional Toraja house provides a twilight environment for some of the park's nocturnal residents.
Throughout the day there are different shows and feedings to attend. The enthusiasm and passion of the staff is clear as they tell you all about the birds they have on display.
Fancy getting your hands dirty feeding fish to the pelicans? Or seeing how fast a Komodo dragon moves when it's spotted a meal?
When it's time for
you to eat, you can visit the on-site restaurant. If you time it right, there is even a bird show you can watch while you eat.
The food we had was fine but a little expensive for what it was. However, a big plus for those with children is the play area to keep little ones entertained while the adults have a rest and enjoy their meal!
If the heat of the day gets too much, you can retreat to the air-conditioned 4D cinema which shows short films at regular intervals.
A leisurely walk around the park including lunch and visits to a few shows takes 3-4 hours.
Tickets cost 385,000 for adults and 192,500 for children aged 2-12. For Indonesian KTP holders and KITAS/KITAP holders it's 140,000 for an adult and 70,000 for a child.
You can book tickets on Bali Bird Park's
website, and they also offer packages with options for transport, meals and participation in feeding shows.