Wild Escapade at Mara River Safari Lodge

A warm welcome by the representative from Mara River Safari Lodge upon our arrival at Denpasar airport. The ride to the lodge takes about an hour and a half and that only brings us to the main entrance of the huge Bali Safari & Marine Park. We were then transferred to a jeep to the hotel lobby.

Brandon has fully recovered from his fever and cough whereas me still down with the irritating flu that makes me slight cranky the whole day. Fortunately, the check-in procedures didn't took us long and one friendly staff brought us to our lovely Twiga Suite. I love the rustic interior design and Savannah where you can see animals walking freely right in front of you.. eating grass or lazing around...

After putting our bags, we were famished and decided to have our lunch at the Tasvo Lion Restaurant. It offers spectacular view from its wide full length glass panels that surround the restaurant where you can watch and observe the lions while having your meals inside. How exciting and we can't wait to experience the close encounter with the King of the Wild! Brandon ordered a Cheesy Pizza, I chose the Grill Chicken with sauteed Wild Mushrooms and SX, has a crave for authentic Indonesia cuisine - Nasi Goreng. He complained the portion was small for his stomach and the food wasn't that fantastic. I like the wild mushrooms... fresh and sweet...just the chicken was too much for me, end up I waste food again. Brandon, the heartiest one, finished every piece of his pizza delightfully.

Follow after, I continue feeling sick so I decided to take my medicine and rest in bed that first day. The father and son went out to Reece and see if there's interesting animals or things to see. They came back in disappointment as most of the animals can't be seen by walking, unless you take the Safari Journey. Even the push carts that sell drinks are closed for business by late afternoon. (around 4plus) Basically, once you are inside this lodge, you won't think about going out as it's hassle and there's nothing nearby this park.

 Next morning, the first group of animals that greet me when I woke up... Zebras

and awhile later.. the Rhinos...wow~

Is that an Ox???

 Buffet Breakfast at Tsavo Lion Restaurant

 Amusing pose of this lion with one leg up in the air when he's sleeping

 Another surprise...you get to see monitor lizard sometimes...

 I felt a lot better after a good night rest, we were ready to venture the whole at the park. 

 Frankly, if you never take the Safari Journey, then you never been to Mara River Safari Lodge. Only if you take the ride, you will get to see several animals that by feet won't bring you there.

Enter the park and embark on your first game drive in search of elephants, lions, deers, ostriches, buffaloes, tigers, giraffe, etc.

the cutie Wallabies~

Camel Rides... have you try before?

 See the tigers? Here, animals are not caged and they are free to roam around wherever they like

Free Elephant Ride inclusive in our package

Lol! It's the first time for both taking the Elephant Ride~

Again another first time having a parrot on Brandon's hand..

Coming the end of our Safari Journey, I saw this white-brown lonely goat. I purposely took this pic to show you all as this 'haddicapped' animal has been in this position from the day we checked-in and after we checked-out, he has never move his butt!

 The Lions seem to be snoring in their Zzzz  land every day... always taking a nap...

 Most deserted FunZone I've been to.. not a single soul at the waterpark or thempark!

Free Buffet Lunch at Uma Restaurant is inclusive in our package.. food is average.

There are souvenirs and local handicrafts shops within the park

Except for the wild animals, the rest of the things did not fascinate us at all.

We went back to our room, rest... relax... laze and laze...

While Brandon and his Daddy standing outside at the Savannah, they saw the zebra was back again. (see left) We will also see tourists taking the Elephant rides at the front.. it would be fine if its like once awhile and not every hour or two... we feel intruded when there's no privacy and they see us too...can be quite annoying.

Have you seen an Elephant 'Pee' and 'Poo'? Not ME! Its my First Time~

 

95% of our meals were consumed at Tsavo Lion Restaurant. The Uma Restaurant has limited choice and doesn't look appealing. We want to have a good dinner at the Tsavao but were knocked off when we saw the price is up by another 30-50% compare to the lunch menu...way too pricey for a decent meal here.

 Kids Menu - Frogy Burger with French Fries

 Kids Menu - Chicken Noodles (The SALTEST Noodle soup I ever taste)

 Mushroom Soup - not too bad

 My main course.. I forgotten the name but it serves the chicken thigh stuffed with vegetables...

The skin was hard and the meat tasted cold and gelish which makes me feel 'errrr' after a few mouthful...

 Duck thigh with mixed vegetables and rice...

SX commented the light at the restaurant was too dim and he can't see what exactly is he having...

Be it Day or Night, the Lions forever sleeping~ Yawnn*

We were lucky right after our dinner, there was a photo-session with the elephant and you are allowed to get close to him and touch him.. feel him... it was fun~ we posed and took many pictures... 

I like the lamp at night cos it looks beautiful in this color... I got Brandon to pose and pretend as if he's going to kick the lamp... this is the bridge on our way back to or room.

Overall, we did had a wonderful time staying here... especially with the free animals... my boy love getting close to them as he seldom has the chance to do so... the South Africa's ambiance was there.. 'wild and rustic'.. but I still hold a doubt that makes me wonder how the animals are been tamed and why they do not fight when different species stand next to each other... they look restless and listless sometimes...as if they were been 'drugged'... other than the lousy food and selective areas requires for maintenance, this African lodge is good for family retreat and children to get close encounters with animals and fun together...hopefully the management will look into the food pricing cos for the amount of money we paid, we could have a better meal at the Banyan Tree's or AliLa's. 

I nearly forgotten to bring up another issue, which I must strongly emphasis to all guests on currency exchange. The rates they used at the lodge is a vast difference if you compare with the hotels outside etc. Ubud or Kuta, Smeinyak area. The staffs do not explain how the billing are charged unless you request to verify. This is something displeasing and leave a bad impression for me. Giving you an example from below:

USD 1 = Rupiah 9100 (if you are quoted in US Dollars)
USD 1 = Rupiah 8400 (if you pay in USD and change is required)

To me, this act of manner is only to their benefits and discourage me from recommending my guests staying there. Firstly, as I am a TA, the least for a Front Manager or Sales Executive if they could be bothered, to meet me or send me a note upon my check-in at the lobby or in my room. Secondly, this is a paid trip by ourselves and not a complimentary stay, all the more we should be well taken care of if they are really keen for us to promote their package. Thirdly, the reception who promised to come back to me on the credit card waiver two weeks ago, disappointed me once again and I have settled directly with my bank a week ago. The unprofessional way of handling my booking has upset me in some way and I foresee the same incident may befall my guests too. To avoid any dispute, I suggest my guests to take either a Safari Park Day Tour or just an Overnight Package is good enough to share the wild experience.

Mara River Safari Lodge at Bali Safari and Marine Park
Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8 Gianyar 80551 - Bali - Indonesia
Tel: + 62 361 950 000 (hunting), Direct: +62 361 747 5000 Fax: + 62 361 950 555