We went to Bali Bird Park yesterday expecting a quick look round. You know the type of place a couple of parrots, an ice cream, home by lunch. It turned into a proper family day that we all loved.
Full price felt steep, so I shopped around and bought through eticket site. It knocked about £10 off the ticket which softened the blow a bit.
We arrived early, walked straight into lush gardens, and were greeted by a few photogenic birds on perches. Georgia was buzzing having the opportunity to hold one as we arrived. I was instantly nominated bag carrier.
The main aviary is large bridges, streams, and birds everywhere. Inside the keeper handed Georgia some feed and suddenly we were ultra popular. Parakeets and friends landed on arms and shoulders, all very gentle George has spent about 50 minutes here, Ali took dotty off to a little play area and a coffee stand just outside, so when Georgia finished, we caught them up and we grabbed a mid-morning coffee while the kids played with toys.
Next was the falconry show. Back home you usually get one bird at a time with a lot of chat. Here it was fast, crisp and constant: multiple birds flying, tight passes over the lawn, clean swaps between handlers, then a new team of birds sweeping in before the others left! It was slick, exciting, and over before attention wandered exactly how to keep families engaged, and honestly I loved it!
Are you thinking “Why don’t the birds just fly off?”
Great question, I wondered the same at the start. Short answer, training, trust and clever design.
Positive reinforcement, birds are trained to return to a glove or perch for high value food rewards. Coming back is the easiest way to get a snack. Routine and bonds: they fly these routes daily and know the keepers. Familiar = safe. Comfortable habitat: plenty of shade, water and perches. Why leave the good life? Zoned spaces: some areas are netted where needed; free-flight birds work under close supervision. If one feels adventurous: trained birds usually circle and return. Staff keep eyes on the sky.
Seeing them choose to fly out and then back was the bit that won me over.
We refuelled in the canteen (it was simple, shaded, does the job). Georgia painted a wooden bird egg with great seriousness. We popped into the owl house and admired a beautifully carved timber building nearby, then looped past the pelicans for one last look. After that it was home for a pool dip and a collective flop.
Family verdict
We arrived with low expectations and left impressed. Gorgeous grounds, loads of hands-on moments, and shows that move at family speed.
Quick tips
Go early for cooler temps and calmer crowds. Book online to save ~£10 to a family. Hats and water, the sun does not muck about. Plan 3 or 4 hours; you’ll use it.
Worth it? Yes. Even with the price, the scale of the aviaries, the quality of the flying displays, and how well they keep you engaged made it a standout Bali day for us.
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