Lunch in the Lion’s Den, The Wana, Bali Zoo

How does it feel to eat a meal while surrounded by over three hundred fifty animals? We took the challenge at Bali Zoo’s newest restaurant; Wana Restaurant.Lounge.Bar at Bali Zoo enjoying South East Asian food under the watchful eye of African lions.

The restaurants at Bali Zoo are located just after the ticket booth, but don’t worry, you don’t have to purchase admission tickets if you just go for the food, and it makes a smart way to eat while feeling close to nature, since the complex resembles a green tropical jungle. Aiming to provide good South East Asian food prepared by the new Chef, I Gusti Bagus Wiriadi, as well as a range of international cocktails ‘a la Seminyak,’ the Wana, which translates as jungle in Balinese, creates an intimate feeling with its rustic design. Set in a two-story tree house adjacent to the lion’s area (revealed through thick glass windows,) you have the experience of being up close and personal with the animals.

We sit near the windows and are welcomed with a Balinese Platter with four kinds of appetisers; Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Sweet and Chili Sauce, Corn Fritters, Sate Lilit, and Martabak with hints of cumin. The Khao Soi is a Thai curry dish of red chili chicken soup poured on dried noodles and peanuts, with coconut milk giving rich texture and spice. If you like fish, try the Ikan Acar Kuning with vegetable acar pickles balancing the Tilapia fillet. Nasi Goreng Mawut is Indonesian fried rice served with the lot; rice, noodles, vegetables, boiled eggs and chicken. The first floor gives wider views of the jungle and we take a seat on a sofa to chat with Chef Gusti and await dessert. Cushions on the floor and a swinging rattan chair create a relaxed nature vibe, and jungle-themed parties here can accommodate up to 30 people, which makes a great idea for children’s birthdays and other special events, with customised menu arrangements also available. Bali Zoo has many educational activities both inside and outside the zoo, including photo encounters with cute and intelligent animals, and if you are interested in staying longer to watch the lions over sweet desserts, wait for afternoon tea, known as ‘Jungle SocieTea’. There is also a nightly program combining dinner and a zoo tour under the stars, called ‘Night at the zoo’ A range of delectable desserts soon fills our table, Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream on top, Klappertart from Manado, and Lemon Tart with a tasty crust. We also sip Mo”Jacky”To - a drink inspired by Jacky the monkey, and Passion Fruit and Lychee a non-alcohol drink made from fresh fruit. If you happen to be in Ubud, I recommend visiting the lions and enjoying tasty food at Wana Restaurant. Menur

Wana Restaurant.Lounge.Bar at Bali Zoo | Jl. Raya Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar | P +62 361 294 357 | Open 10am - 5pm