The Breakfast at Lion’s den

“They can see us from this glass,” said Ms. Yoke Darmawan, Marketing Communication Team of Bali Safari & Marine Park when we arrived at the restaurant, stood surprised by the welcoming smile from the lions at the other side of the room. How delightful breakfast we had at the lion’s den!

Arrived in a sunny Tuesday morning at Bali Safari & Marine Park, we were picked up by old school safari trucks that later on brought us to our breakfast location, Tsavo Lion restaurant. The restaurant is located just beside one of the lion’s pride. In the restaurant, we were only separated with wide wall made of glass, where we can see the lions, really close. It was such out of the ordinary view for us.

The most favourite tables are, of course, those at the edge of the restaurant which closer to the glass wall, where guest can take pictures of the lions. The breakfast was set on buffet, which had a lot to offer. There were tons of fresh fruits and veggies, meats and sausages, juices and desserts too. You can choose your meal with fried rice or make some toast. Beside that, there are more option for cereals, whole grains and cheeses.

That day we were celebrating the birthday of the newly born family members in Bali Safari & Marine Park. The adorable babies are the twin baby lions, a baby giraffe and a baby elephant that was born last month at the zoo from the breeding program. For more than 4 years, Tim Husband, the Curator/Life & Science Manager, has been trying to run high quality breeding program at the zoo. “The best breeding comes from the animal which has no blood relation, the male and female must come from un-related family,” said Tim. Therefore his significant role would be arranging the breeding lines. “So, his job is kind of animal dating service,” joke Mr. Willian Santoso, the General Manager, as we were looking at the video of the birth process.

After the introduction, the baby lions came to the room; they were cute as cats. We got to hold them close and took pictures with them. Everyone suddenly left the table and walked to the front row to see them and, again, took some pictures. The exciting moments still continued as we walked to the elephant lodge and did the safari tour to see the baby giraffe and other animals. At the end it was a thrilling yet heart warming times we had at Bali Safari & Marine Park. Definitely one of a bucket list fulfilled experience. Liselotte

Tsavo Lion Restaurant, Bali Safari & Marine Park | Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra, Km. 19,8 (Golden Line of Bali) Gianyar 80551 | Tel. +62 361 751 300