6 Elephant Rides in Bali - Explore Nature At An Elephant's Pace!

Bali often called the 'Last Paradise' is a beautiful holiday destination - an island that boasts of calm blue seas, and lush green forests. And what could be a better way to explore the wild and verdant freshness of Bali than in the back of an elephant?

Places for Elephant Rides in Bali

Elephant rides in Bali are quite popular, an integral part of the county's tourism industry. It is a fun and adventurous activity, enjoyed by children and adults alike. So if you plan to visit this Bali next, make sure you saddle up into the back of these gentle giants and take a tour through the winding valleys, jungles, and villages of the city.

Here are some of the best places to enjoy an Elephant Ride in Bali:

1. Bali Safari and Marine Park

With over 80 species of animals and marine creatures, the Bali Safari and Marine Park, the largest and most frequented animal theme parks in the island of Bali. What is more interesting is the 'Elephant Back Safari' that one can enjoy here. Visitors can explore the African-themed Bushveld where wildebeests, zebras, and rhinoceros, roams around freely in an elephant’s back, and later,  take part in elephant interaction activities as well.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location:
Jl. Profesor Ida Bagus Mantra km 19,8, Serongga, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80551, Indonesia
How to reach:
Shuttle Service - Pickup points
Bali Safari and Marine Park offer shuttle service with pickup points from some of the most famous tourist points like Kuta, Nusadua, Sanur, Seminyak and Ubud
Pick-up Timings:
8:00 AM to 8:50 AM These timings and subject to change, and it is advised that you check the official website before going.
Alternative Transport:
Alternatively, you can arrange your vehicle, cabs, tuk-tuks or bikes if you decide to go later at a time convenient to you.
Duration of ride: 1 hour
Prices: (per person)
Starts from IDR 1,250,000
Free - Children (Below two years)
Contact: +62 361 950000
Website: www.balisafarimarinepark.com/safari-info/getting-there

2. Mason Elephant Lodge

Mason Elephant Lodge is a unique hotel with a nature park offering great Elephant riding experience. This 5-star property is home to Bali’s largest herd of rescued Sumatran elephants and has in store number of options to choose from - ‘Jungle Safari Ride,’ ‘Night Safari with dinner’ and ‘Jumbo Wash’ to name a few.  The place claims that it adheres to the Animal Welfare Laws and the use of training methods.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location:
Jalan Elephant Safari Park Banjar Desa Taro Tegallalang, Taro, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
How to reach:
Shuttle Service from Airport, Cab or Rented Bikes
Prices: (per person)
Adults - IDR 805,000
Children- IDR 575,000
Contact: +62 0 361 721 480
Website: www.masonelephantlodge.com

3. Bali Elephant Camp

Located near Ubud, close to the unspoiled villages in Carang Sari, this camp provides elephant rides and treks through the panoramic vistas near the Ayung River. You would also get to ride through the rural areas and get a glimpse of Balinese life and see the beautiful panorama.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location:
Jalan Sidakarya No 163 Denpasar Bali - Indonesia 80223
How to reach:
Pick-up and Drop Facilities:
The camp provides free pick up and drop off at Nusa Dua, Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Jimbaran, Sanur, and Ubud.
Pick-up Timings:
Morning: 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM
Mid-day: 9:30 AM to 9:45 AM
Duration of ride: 30  minutes
Prices: (per person)
Adults: IDR 850,000
Children (up to 12 years): IDR  650,000
Contact: +6287 862 983 711
Website: www.baliskytour.com

4. Taro Elephant Safari Park

At Taro Elephant Park Ubud,  you can interact with Sumatran elephants, an endangered species protected by the Indonesian government. Apart from elephant rides, you can also enjoy feeding, bathing and playing with the gentle giants.   Its beautiful and tranquil location in the Taro countryside is a plus. The park also has a large restaurant and an elephant museum.

Location: Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
How to reach:
The elephant ride package is inclusive of hotel transfer.
Duration of ride:
30 minutes
Prices: (per person- depending on inclusions and duration)
IDR 850,000
Contact: +62 0 361 721 480
Website: www.masonelephantlodge.com

5. Bakas Elephant Camp

Located in the picturesque Bakas Village, this camp provides a variety of short and long rides. From riding by serene rivers to sighting monkeys and enjoying delicious meals, a ride here comes with a lot of add ons.  

Location:
Bakas, Banjarangkan, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80752, Indonesia
How to reach:
Bakas Elephant Camp provides free transportation to and from your hotel in Bali.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Duration of ride:
Short Ride - 15 minutes.
Other Rides - 30 minutes, 40  minutes and 1 hour
Prices: (per person - depends on duration)
Adult: IDR 785620.00
Children: IDR 642780.00
Contact: +62811397901
Website: www.bakasadventurebali.com

6. Bali Zoo, Kampung Sumatra

The Bali Zoo, Kampung Sumatra also provides elephant rides, as well as half-day packages to interact with the Sumatran elephants, get dirty with fun activities in the mud, and feed them. Buffet lunch is also part of the package.

Location:
Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
How to reach:
Bali Zoo, Kampung Sumatra provide free transportation to and from your hotel in Bali
Duration of ride: Full package continues for 4 hours.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Prices: (Min. height requirement to be a part of the activities - 120 cm.)
Adults: IDR 1,550,000
Children: IDR 540,000
Contact: +62 361 294357
Website: www.bali-zoo.com

Why Take the Elephant Ride in Bali?

An Elephant Day-Out
Elephant rides in Bali would take to the tropical jungles, terraced paddy fields, quaint villages, and animal parks. Wouldn't it be fun to watch all these from the top of an elephant? Further, you can bathe them, play with them in the water, stroke and feed them,  and not to forget, click many photos. The elephant talent shows at some parks are also fun.

Animal Park Facilities in Bali
There are numerous ‘Animal Parks’ in Bali, and each one of them provides you with umpteen number of packages. Some for those with little time on hand, and some for those who have a whole day to spare. The mix-and-match packages may include special meals, overnight stays, wildlife safaris, and adventure activities, among others. The elephant tours also give a chance to interact with the locals and get a glimpse of the local way of life.

Cost-Effective Time With the Elephants
And all these, though not dirt cheap, will not burn a hole in your pocket. Elephants are majestic, gentle and are said to be the wisest of all in the animal kingdom - they enjoy human interactions as much as the humans want to interact with them. Hence, some hours with these magnificent beasts in Bali is definitely worth your money and time.

Best time for Elephant Rides in Bali

Best Season
Dry season - April, May, June, July, August, and September.
Peak Season
Demand and prices spike up during the High Season - July, August.
Avoid
Wet season - October to March
Avoid the wet season, especially if you want to go on treks or jungle trails. Rains will turn the soil damp and mushy, and sudden bursts of rain might play spoilsport during the activities.

What To Carry

1. Change of clothes
2. Bathing suits, sunscreen; insect repellent; walking shoes and sandals while going for the activity, especially if you are travelling with children.
3. Carry a photocopy of your passport and some hard cash as well.

Elephant Welfare in Bali

As a responsible tourist, it is essential that you do a thorough check before you embark on an elephant riding experience in Bali.

Responsibilities as a Tourist
Many zoos, resorts and safari parks operating in Bali are a commitment to animal welfare. However, the industry is not much regulated, and Bali has several elephant parks, usually owned by business persons who care less about animals' well being than profits. Many establishments use training methods that keep the animals in constant compliance. As a responsible tourist, you can avoid places that keep animals captive or places where animals are forced to work long hours without much food, water or rest.

Please note: Holidify strongly condemns animal cruelty and does not promote unethical organizations and practices. This page is for information purposes only.

Tips

1. There are numerous adventure and experience providers in Bali, who would provide Elephant rides. It would be wise to go through a short check and look for the best deals, and not agree on a tour hastily.
2. Most elephant ride packages come with free transportation to and from your place of stay in Bali.
3. Also, in most packages, lunch is inclusive. So, spare a few minutes and check thoroughly before zeroing down on a service provider, and you will have a pleasant experience for sure.