Thrills and chills galore at Indonesia Safari Park
By Gin Kurniawan
PASURUAN, East Java (JP): The tiger stood calmly in the way. It seemed to be angry. Once in a while it opened up its mouth wide, as if to exhibit its sharp fangs. It seemed as if it had deliberately blocked the passing car. At that time, the car was stalled and the passengers panicked because of the presence of the tiger, especially when it scratched the glass window with the sharp nails of its paws.
This was not happening in a wild jungle, but in a forest frequented by tourists, or to be exact, Indonesia Safari Park II in Prigen, East Java. The passengers of the car did panic but enjoyed the scene. It was really an extraordinary experience for them.
"I was afraid at first, especially when the tiger came close. We thought it would spring on us, but it only scratched the glass window. After some time, we found it exciting. Only this time did I come face to face with a wild animal," said Handoko, 34, the driver of the car.
He never expected he would have such a thrilling experience. He could not understand why the car suddenly stalled because he knew for sure there was no engine trouble.
"Luckily, we got help from the gamekeeper. The car was pushed to a safe place and after some time I could start it again," he said.
Of course, Handoko never thought wild animals would be running loose in a park. He thought they were in cages like in a zoo.
Like Handoko, a father of two who owns a shop at Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya, visitors to the safari park can experience being chased or surrounded by tigers in the park. Then they can also have an equally thrilling experience when they enter the bear zone.
"Compared with tigers, bears are fiercer. A bear can bite the tires and bumper of the car if it should stall because of engine trouble," said Vita V. Nugroho, a public relations executive of the park.
A trip to the park is both enjoyable and thrilling. Here you can relax and see the lives of many animals, all in their genuine habitat. A variety of animals can be seen here, including tigers, snakes and alligators.
The Indonesia Safari Park II, about 60 km away from Surabaya, is easy to reach. It is about an hour drive from Surabaya. From the Mt. Bromo area, it will take about 2 hours. There is complete accommodation available. You can spend the night at Tretes, famous for its cold weather, which is only 10 km away. Here you can choose a hotel from the nonstar to the star-rated.
The safari park is now an interesting tourist area. The entrance fee is quite cheap at Rp 10,000 per adult and Rp 8,000 per child.
The entrance fee includes bus service, which takes you around the park. This service is especially for those who did not come in a car.
The park is located on the slope of Mount Arjuna, 800-1500 m above sea level, or to be exact, at Jatiarjo village, Prigen sub- district, Pasuruan district, East Java. The park is over 400 hectares in area, three times as wide as Safari Park I in Cisarua, West Java. The land was obtained on the basis of an operational cooperation with state-owned forestry company Perum Perhutani and local residents.
It was built with the idea of "going back to nature" and is a modern zoo. As such, the park does not only prioritize recreation, but also stresses conservation efforts, education and research.
"We provide education through entertainment, namely by indirectly educating the community to love animals," said Vita.
The safari park is divided into two areas: the animal park and the recreation park. The animal park is divided into three zones on the basis of the origin of the animals: the Australian-Asian zone, the European-American zone and the African zone. Visitors, either driving or riding on the Safari bus, will pass through these three zones.
If you wish to enter the animal park, then you must bear in mind several things. First, you are not allowed to drive a pickup or other similar vehicle. You can't leave your car or open your windows. You are not allowed to sound your horn or make any noise which may startle the animals. Your car must be driven at a maximum speed of 5 kilometers an hour and you are not allowed to operate any radio communication devices such as cellular phones or CBs.
After savoring the beautiful natural scenery and getting acquainted with various animals, you can proceed to the recreational park. There are many kinds of entertainment here. You can also buy souvenirs, have a meal or just drink a cup of coffee. Children will like this place because there are interesting attractions for them, such as hopping on a flying cycle, go-kart, the worm train, lolly swing, Rio Bravo antique car or the Bombom boat.
You can also take in an entertaining educational program held every day at noon. You can watch how elephants, dogs and parrots show their talents.
Of course, you can have your picture taken with certain animals, like a tiger or orangutan.
Vita said the safari park was now planning to introduce a nocturnal trip, the same as the park in Cisarua. She could not confirm when the trip would start up, but it would not be before the completion of the park's second development stage, which includes the establishment of, among other things, a swimming pool, a caravan, a birds' park and an area for baby animal shows.