2025 Lombok Wildlife Park: The Ultimate Guide for a Perfect Family Day Trip
Planning a trip to the Lombok Wildlife Park from the Gili Islands? After several days of sun, sand, and snorkeling on Gili Trawangan, our family was itching for a new adventure, and this amazing little zoo delivered more than we could have ever hoped for.
This guide shares our honest experience, from the best way to get there to secret animal encounters and must-know tips that will save you time and money. If you’re looking for a memorable day trip that your kids will talk about for years, a visit to the Lombok Wildlife Park is an absolute must.
Why a Day Trip to Lombok Wildlife Park is a Fantastic Idea
Even paradise can benefit from a change of pace. While the Gili Islands are famous for their beaches and laid-back vibe, Lombok offers a glimpse into a different side of Indonesian nature and culture.
The Lombok Wildlife Park isn’t a massive, sprawling zoo. Instead, it focuses on intimate and interactive experiences. It’s a place where you can get incredibly close to the animals, making it especially magical for children. This focus on engagement over sheer size makes it the perfect destination for a half-day adventure.
How to Get to Lombok Wildlife Park from Gili Trawangan
Getting to the park is part of the adventure! It’s a straightforward two-step process involving a boat and a short car ride.
Step 1: The Local Boat from Gili Trawangan to Bangsal
Our journey started at 10:15 AM with the public boat from Gili Trawangan to Bangsal Port on Lombok. The ride is quick, scenic, and only takes about 30 minutes.
This is the most authentic and budget-friendly way to make the crossing. For a complete breakdown of the process, including ticket prices and how to navigate the port like a pro, check out our Gili Trawangan to Bangsal Local Boat Guide.
Step 2: The Car Ride from Bangsal Port to the Park
Once we arrived at Bangsal, our pre-booked Grab car was waiting. The drive to the Lombok Wildlife Park took around 20-30 minutes through local villages and lush green scenery.
Crucial Tip: Have cash ready for your ride! Our one-way Grab fare was 23,000 IDR after a discount, and they only accepted cash. We found Grab to be the most reliable ride-hailing app in this area, so be sure to have it downloaded and funded before you go.
Planning Your Visit: Essential Information
A little planning goes a long way. Here is everything you need to know before you visit the Lombok Wildlife Park.
Ticket Prices & Costs (2025)
Here’s a clear breakdown of what we spent for our family of four. Prices are quite reasonable, offering great value.
- Adults (2): 140,000 IDR (70,000 IDR per person)
- Children (2): 35,000 IDR (17,500 IDR per person)
- Animal Feed Baskets (2): 100,000 IDR (50,000 IDR each)
- Card Payment Fees: None! They accepted credit cards for tickets without extra charges.
We highly recommend getting at least one basket of animal feed. It completely transforms the experience from just looking at animals to interacting with them directly.
What to Bring for a Perfect Day
- Cash (IDR): Essential for transport, tips, and small purchases.
- Sunscreen & Hats: The Indonesian sun is strong, even on cloudy days.
- Mosquito Repellent: A must-have, especially in tropical, green areas.
- Camera or Smartphone: You’ll want to capture the incredible up-close moments.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your visit.
Our Unforgettable Animal Encounters at Lombok Wildlife Park
This is where the magic happens! The park truly shines with its interactive opportunities.
Feeding Elephants and Birds
Right at the entrance, we were greeted by friendly staff and the chance to feed colorful birds that landed right on our arms. Shortly after, we had the incredible opportunity to feed Sumatran elephants. Seeing the kids’ faces light up as they handed sugarcane to these gentle giants was priceless. Other visitors were also enjoying an elephant bathing experience, getting right in the water with them.
Our Unofficial Guide
We hadn’t booked a formal tour, but a friendly staff member started walking with us. He shared fascinating facts about the animals, pointed out things we would have missed, and even acted as our family photographer. This personal touch made our visit to the Lombok Wildlife Park feel extra special. We happily gave him a 50,000 IDR tip at the end.
The Secret Python Experience
The absolute highlight for our kids was a surprise encounter in the reptile section. We overheard staff discussing the pythons, and they offered us a chance to touch, hold, and even drape a large python around our necks for 50,000 IDR.
This didn’t seem like an “official” menu item, but it was handled safely and professionally. The pure joy and bravery on our kids’ faces made it the best 50k we spent all day. They still talk about “their” python!
The Amazing Animals You’ll Meet
The variety of Indonesian and other animals packed into this park is impressive.
- Orangutans: The resident orangutans were full of personality! They seemed quite lazy and full, comically holding out a hand and only moving if you threw the food directly into it.
- Bears: We loved feeding the small, curious Indonesian sun bears.
- Crocodiles: The park has a great range, from babies to massive Australian saltwater crocodiles.
- Komodo Dragons & Eagles: These powerful predators were behind glass, but still awe-inspiring to see up close.
- Proboscis Monkeys: My eldest was determined to see a proboscis monkey, and while they were shy, seeing their famously long noses in person was a treat.
- Other Mammals: We also fed deer, baby hippos, and porcupines. Watching the porcupines scurry forward for a snack was a unique sight!
It was interesting to note that some nocturnal animals were active during the day. This offered a rare chance to see them, though it differs from the approach of many Western zoos that prioritize mimicking natural cycles.
Lombok by the Numbers: Wildlife and Tourism
To put your visit in context, consider these two facts:
- Incredible Biodiversity: Indonesia is one of the world’s 17 “megadiverse” countries, home to an estimated 17% of the world’s total species. A visit to the Lombok Wildlife Park gives you a small but wonderful window into this rich natural heritage.
- Tourism on the Rise: According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, tourism in the West Nusa Tenggara province (which includes Lombok) has seen a significant rebound, with visitor numbers steadily climbing. Your visit helps support local economies and conservation efforts. For more official information on Indonesian travel, you can visit the Wonderful Indonesia official tourism page.
The Return Journey: Scams to Avoid & A Delicious Discovery
Our trip back to Bangsal Port had a few bumps, but they turned into valuable travel lessons.
- The Grab Scam: Our return driver, who had agreed to 15,000 IDR, suddenly demanded 150,000 IDR when we stopped. I calmly showed him our WhatsApp chat confirming the price. After a moment of anger, he accepted the original 15k and let us go. Lesson: Always confirm prices in writing!
- The Supermarket Short-Change: We stopped at a local supermarket where prices were much cheaper than on Gili T. However, the cashier tried to short-change us. A polite but firm mention of the mistake got us our correct change immediately. Lesson: Always count your change, especially as a tourist.
- The Best Fried Chicken in Lombok: We stumbled upon a local fast-food spot called ACK Fried Chicken, and it was a revelation! The chicken was unbelievably juicy with a perfectly crispy coating. It was one of the best meals of our trip, and feeding the whole family cost only 248,000 IDR.
The Verdict: Is Lombok Wildlife Park Worth It?
Absolutely, yes. If you’re staying on the Gili Islands and want a break from the beach, a day trip to the Lombok Wildlife Park is a perfect choice. The cost-to-satisfaction ratio is incredibly high, especially for families.
The interactive encounters, the friendly staff, and the sheer joy it brought our children made it a true highlight of our Indonesian vacation. It’s a realistic, affordable, and deeply memorable adventure that adds a whole new dimension to your island holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does a visit to Lombok Wildlife Park take?
A typical visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This gives you plenty of time to see all the animals, participate in feedings, and enjoy an encounter without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect length for a half-day trip.
2. Is Lombok Wildlife Park good for young children?
Yes, it’s fantastic for kids. The park’s smaller size means less walking for little legs, and the interactive elements like feeding elephants and birds are incredibly engaging for children of all ages.
3. How much does it cost to visit the park?
As of 2025, adult tickets are around 70,000 IDR and child tickets are 17,500 IDR. We highly recommend purchasing a 50,000 IDR basket of animal feed to make the experience interactive.
4. Can I book animal encounters in advance?
The park offers specific encounters like the Elephant Bathing experience that can be booked. However, we found that many opportunities, like feeding birds or the python encounter, happen spontaneously. Just be open and engage with the friendly staff!
5. What is the best way to get to the park from the Gili Islands?
The easiest and most affordable way is to take the public boat from Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, or Gili Air to Bangsal Port in Lombok. From Bangsal, you can hire a Grab car or a local taxi for the 10-15 minute drive to the park.
