Ragunan Zoo is a must-see destination for anyone who loves animals and nature. Located in the south of Jakarta, the zoo covers an area of 185 hectares and houses over 3,000 animals from more than 270 species, many of which are endangered and threatened in the wild. The zoo also features a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests, such as the Schmutzer Primate Centre, the Komodo Dragon, the train tour, the horse buggy, and the running track. Whether you are a family, a solo traveller, a couple, or a group, you will find something to enjoy and learn at Ragunan Zoo.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to visiting Ragunan Zoo, including its history and mission, its attractions and activities, its transportation and tips, and its nearby attractions and places to stay. By the end of this article, you will have all the information and inspiration you need to plan your trip to this wildlife wonderland.
What to See and Do at Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is not just a place to see animals, but also a place to experience and appreciate them. The zoo offers a range of attractions and activities that will keep you entertained and educated throughout your visit. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
Schmutzer Primate Centre: This is one of the largest and most advanced primate centres in the world, dedicated to the conservation and research of primates, especially the orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The centre covers an area of 13 hectares and replicates the natural habitats of the primates, allowing them to roam freely and interact with each other. You can observe the primates from various viewpoints, such as the glass tunnels, the observation towers, and the bridges. You can also learn more about the primates and their threats from the interactive displays and exhibits.
Komodo Dragon: The Komodo dragon is the largest and heaviest lizard in the world, native to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. The zoo has a special enclosure for the Komodo dragon, where you can see this majestic creature up close and personal. You can also watch the feeding sessions, where the zookeepers feed the Komodo dragon with meat and eggs. The Komodo dragon is a rare and endangered species, so don't miss this opportunity to see it in person.
Giraffes: The giraffes are one of the most popular and beloved animals at the zoo, and for good reason. They are the tallest and most graceful animals on earth, with long necks, legs, and eyelashes. The zoo has a large and spacious enclosure for the giraffes, where you can see them walking, eating, and resting. You can also feed the giraffes with carrots and leaves, which they will gladly take from your hand with their long tongues. Feeding the giraffes is a fun and memorable experience that you will cherish forever.
Elephants: The elephants are another crowd favourite at the zoo, and they are also the largest and heaviest land animals in the world. The zoo has a herd of Asian elephants, which are smaller and more endangered than their African counterparts. The zoo provides a comfortable and stimulating environment for the elephants, where they can play, bathe, and socialize with each other. You can watch the elephants from a safe distance, or you can join the elephant ride, where you can sit on the back of an elephant and explore the zoo from a different perspective.
Camels: The camels are one of the most unique and exotic animals at the zoo, and they are also one of the most resilient and adaptable animals in the world. The zoo has a pair of Bactrian camels, which are native to the cold and dry regions of Central Asia. The camels have two humps, thick fur, and long eyelashes, which help them survive in harsh conditions. You can see the camels from the viewing platform, or you can ride the camels, where you can feel their soft and bumpy movements and enjoy the view of the zoo.
Horses: The horses are one of the most beautiful and elegant animals at the zoo, and they are also one of the most loyal and friendly animals in the world. The zoo has a stable of horses, which are well-trained and well-cared for by the zookeepers. You can see the horses from the viewing area, or you can ride the horses, where you can experience the thrill and joy of riding a horse and bonding with it.
Talking Parrot: The talking parrot is one of the most amusing and entertaining animals at the zoo, and it is also one of the most intelligent and vocal animals in the world. The zoo has a blue-and-yellow macaw, which is native to the tropical forests of South America. The macaw can mimic human speech and sounds, and it can also perform tricks and gestures. You can interact with the macaw from the cage, or you can watch the macaw show, where the macaw will demonstrate its skills and talents and make you laugh and clap.
Train Tour: The train tour is one of the best and easiest ways to explore the zoo, especially if you are tired or have limited time. The train tour will take you around the zoo, passing by various animal enclosures and attractions. You can sit back and relax, while listening to the commentary and enjoying the scenery. The train tour is suitable for all ages and abilities, and it is also wheelchair accessible.
Horse Buggy: The horse buggy is another great and fun way to explore the zoo, especially if you are looking for a more romantic or nostalgic experience. The horse buggy will take you around the zoo, driven by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. You can feel the breeze and the charm, while learning more about the zoo and its animals. The horse buggy is ideal for couples and groups, and it is also wheelchair accessible.
Running Track: The running track is one of the most unique and healthy attractions at the zoo, especially if you are looking for a more active and adventurous experience. The running track is a 5-kilometer loop that goes around the zoo, passing by various animal enclosures and attractions. You can run, jog, or walk, while breathing the fresh air and admiring the nature. The running track is open for all levels and ages, and it is also free of charge.
These are just some of the attractions and activities that you can see and do at Ragunan Zoo, but there are many more to discover and enjoy. You can spend a whole day or even more at the zoo, and you will never get bored or run out of things to do.
How to Get to Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is located in the south of Jakarta, about 15 kilometers from the city center. The zoo is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as public buses, commuter trains, taxis, and online ride-hailing services. Here are some of the details and examples for each option:
Public Buses: The public buses are the cheapest and most convenient way to get to the zoo, especially if you are coming from the city center or other parts of Jakarta. You can take the TransJakarta Corridor 6 bus, which runs from Dukuh Atas to Ragunan, and stops right in front of the zoo's main gate. The bus fare is only 3,500 rupiah (about 0.25 USD) per person, and the bus operates from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. You can also take the Kopaja S66 bus, which runs from Blok M to Ragunan, and stops near the zoo's back gate. The bus fare is only 2,000 rupiah (about 0.14 USD) per person, and the bus operates from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. You can pay the bus fare with cash or with an e-money card, such as Flazz, Brizzi, or JakCard.
Commuter Trains: The commuter trains are another cheap and convenient way to get to the zoo, especially if you are coming from the outskirts of Jakarta or other cities in Java. You can take the KRL Jabodetabek train, which connects Jakarta with Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi, and get off at Pasar Minggu station. The train fare varies depending on the distance, but it is usually between 3,000 to 10,000 rupiah (about 0.21 to 0.71 USD) per person, and the train operates from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. You can pay the train fare with cash or with an e-money card, such as Flazz, Brizzi, or JakCard. From Pasar Minggu station, you can take a short walk or a motorcycle taxi to the zoo's back gate, which will cost you about 5,000 to 10,000 rupiah (about 0.36 to 0.71 USD) per person.
Taxis: The taxis are the most comfortable and flexible way to get to the zoo, especially if you are traveling with a large group or a lot of luggage. You can hail a taxi from the street, or you can book one online or by phone. The taxi fare depends on the distance and the traffic, but it is usually between 100,000 to 200,000 rupiah (about 7.14 to 14.29 USD) per trip, and the taxi operates 24/7. You can pay the taxi fare with cash or with a credit card. You can ask the taxi driver to drop you off at the zoo's main gate or back gate, whichever is more convenient for you.
Online Ride-Hailing Services: The online ride-hailing services are the most popular and modern way to get to the zoo, especially if you are looking for a more affordable and convenient option. You can use an app, such as Grab or Gojek, to order a car or a motorcycle to pick you up and take you to the zoo. The fare is calculated based on the distance and the demand, but it is usually cheaper than the taxi fare, and the service operates 24/7. You can pay the fare with cash or with an e-money card, such as OVO or Gopay. You can choose the zoo's main gate or back gate as your destination, whichever is more convenient for you.
These are some of the transportation options to get to Ragunan Zoo, but there are also other alternatives, such as renting a car or a bicycle, or joining a tour group. You can choose the option that suits your budget, time, and preference, and enjoy your journey to the zoo.
Tips and Advice for Visiting Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is a fun and educational place to visit, but it can also be a challenging and overwhelming place to navigate, especially if you are not prepared or informed. To make your visit more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some practical and useful tips and advice that you should follow:
Admission Fee: The admission fee to the zoo is very cheap and affordable, only 4,000 rupiah (about 0.29 USD) per person, and 3,000 rupiah (about 0.21 USD) per child. However, some of the attractions and activities inside the zoo may require additional fees, such as the Schmutzer Primate Centre (10,000 rupiah or 0.71 USD per person), the train tour (5,000 rupiah or 0.36 USD per person), the horse buggy (10,000 rupiah or 0.71 USD per person), and the animal feeding (5,000 to 10,000 rupiah or 0.36 to 0.71 USD per person). You can pay the admission fee and the additional fees with cash or with an e-money card, such as Flazz, Brizzi, or JakCard.
Opening Hours: The opening hours of the zoo are from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except on Mondays, when the zoo is closed for maintenance and cleaning. However, some of the attractions and activities inside the zoo may have different opening hours, such as the Schmutzer Primate Centre (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), the train tour (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), the horse buggy (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and the animal feeding (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). You should check the opening hours of the attractions and activities that you want to see and do before you visit the zoo, and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the zoo is from July to October, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the animals are more active and visible. However, this is also the peak season, when the zoo is more crowded and busy, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing visit, you should visit the zoo on weekdays and early in the morning, when the zoo is less crowded and the animals are more alert and hungry.
Weather: The weather in Jakarta is hot and humid all year round, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and an average humidity of 75%. The zoo is mostly outdoors, so you should dress appropriately and comfortably, and bring some essentials, such as water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and umbrella. You should also be prepared for the occasional rain, especially from November to June, when the weather is wet and rainy. You should check the weather forecast before you visit the zoo, and adjust your plans accordingly.
Facilities: The zoo has various facilities and amenities for the convenience and comfort of the visitors, such as toilets, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, lockers, ATMs, first aid stations, and information centers. You can find these facilities throughout the zoo, and you can use them as needed. However, some of the facilities may be limited or unavailable, especially during the peak season, when the zoo is more crowded and busy. You should bring some essentials, such as snacks, drinks, tissues, wipes, and cash, and use the facilities wisely and responsibly.
Rules and Regulations: The zoo has some rules and regulations that you should follow and respect, for the safety and welfare of the animals, the visitors, and the staff. Some of the rules and regulations are:
- Do not feed, touch, tease, or disturb the animals, unless it is part of the authorized activities, such as the animal feeding or the elephant ride.
- Do not litter, smoke, or bring any harmful or prohibited items, such as alcohol, drugs, weapons, or pets, inside the zoo.
- Do not make any loud or excessive noise, such as shouting, screaming, or playing music, inside the zoo.
- Do not take any photos or videos of the animals or the attractions, unless it is for personal or educational purposes, and without using any flash or tripod.
- Do not enter any restricted or off-limits areas, such as the animal enclosures, the staff areas, or the maintenance areas, inside the zoo.
You should follow and respect the rules and regulations of the zoo, and listen to the instructions and guidance of the zookeepers and the staff. If you have any questions or problems, you should contact the zoo authorities or the information centers.
Safety and Security: The zoo is generally a safe and secure place to visit, but you should still be careful and vigilant, especially if you are traveling with children, elderly, or disabled people. You should keep an eye on your belongings and your companions, and avoid any suspicious or dangerous situations, such as stray animals, pickpockets, or scammers. You should also be aware of the potential hazards and risks, such as the animal bites, the insect stings, the allergic reactions, or the accidents. If you encounter any emergency or trouble, you should seek help from the zoo authorities or the first aid stations.
These are some of the tips and advice for visiting Ragunan Zoo, but there are also other things that you should consider and remember, such as your budget, your preference, and your expectation. You should do some research and planning before you visit the zoo, and enjoy your visit to the fullest.
Nearby Attractions to Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is not the only attraction that you can visit in Jakarta, but it is also a gateway to other attractions that you may also be interested in. Jakarta is a vibrant and diverse city, with a rich and colorful culture, history, and lifestyle. There are many things to see and do in Jakarta, from the modern and glamorous skyscrapers and malls, to the traditional and historic temples and museums, to the natural and scenic parks and islands. Here are some of the nearby attractions to Ragunan Zoo that you should check out:
Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park: This is a cultural and recreational park that showcases the diversity and beauty of Indonesia, in a miniature scale. The park covers an area of 100 hectares and features replicas of the traditional houses, costumes, dances, and crafts of the 34 provinces of Indonesia. You can also find museums, theaters, gardens, and monuments that display the art, history, and heritage of Indonesia. The park is located about 10 kilometers from the zoo, and you can get there by public bus, taxi, or online ride-hailing service. The admission fee to the park is 15,000 rupiah (about 1.07 USD) per person, and the park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Jakarta Aquarium: This is an aquarium and conservation center that showcases the marine and aquatic life of Indonesia, and beyond. The aquarium covers an area of 7,200 square meters and features over 600 species of fish, coral, and other creatures, such as sharks, stingrays, turtles, and penguins. You can also find exhibits, shows, and activities that educate and entertain the visitors, such as the touch pool, the 4D theater, the mermaid performance, and the feeding session. The aquarium is located about 15 kilometers from the zoo, and you can get there by public bus, taxi, or online ride-hailing service. The admission fee to the aquarium is 175,000 rupiah (about 12.50 USD) per person, and the aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Pondok Indah Water Park: This is a water park and amusement park that offers fun and excitement for the whole family. The park covers an area of 7 hectares and features various slides, pools, rides, and games, such as the wave pool, the lazy river, the speed slide, the spiral slide, the bumper car, and the mini golf. You can also find restaurants, cafes, shops, and locker rooms that cater to your needs and preferences. The park is located about 15 kilometers from the zoo, and you can get there by public bus, taxi, or online ride-hailing service. The admission fee to the park is 150,000 rupiah (about 10.71 USD) per person, and the park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
These are some of the nearby attractions to Ragunan Zoo that you should check out, but there are also other attractions that you can visit in Jakarta, such as the National Monument, the Istiqlal Mosque, the Jakarta Cathedral, the Ancol Dreamland, and the Thousand Islands. You can find more information and inspiration about these attractions and others on Tripoto, the ultimate travel guide and community for travelers.
Places to Stay Near Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is a great place to visit, but it can also be a great place to stay, especially if you want to enjoy the zoo and its attractions for more than one day. There are many places to stay near Ragunan Zoo, from hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and hostels, to apartments, villas, and homestays. You can choose the place that suits your budget, comfort, and convenience, and enjoy your stay at the zoo. Here are some of the places to stay near Ragunan Zoo that you should consider:
Midtown Residence Simatupang Jakarta: This is a four-star hotel that offers luxury and convenience for the guests. The hotel features spacious and elegant rooms and suites, equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, and safe. The hotel also features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a spa, and a business center, that provide quality services and facilities. The hotel is located about 5 kilometers from the zoo, and you can get there by taxi or online ride-hailing service. The room rate starts from 600,000 rupiah (about 42.86 USD) per night, and the hotel is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
Ascott Kuningan Jakarta: This is a five-star hotel that offers comfort and elegance for the guests. The hotel features stylish and cozy rooms and apartments, equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, kitchen, and balcony. The hotel also features a restaurant, a cafe, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a children's playground, that provide quality services and facilities. The hotel is located about 10 kilometers from the zoo, and you can get there by public bus, taxi, or online ride-hailing service. The room rate starts from 1,200,000 rupiah (about 85.71 USD) per night.
Mercure Jakarta Gatot Subroto: This is a four-star hotel that offers convenience and affordability for the guests. The hotel features modern and comfortable rooms and suites, equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, and safe. The hotel also features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a meeting room, that provide quality services and facilities. The hotel is located about 10 kilometers from the zoo, and you can get there by public bus, taxi, or online ride-hailing service. The room rate starts from 400,000 rupiah (about 28.57 USD) per night.
ZEN Rooms Ragunan: This is a two-star hotel that offers simplicity and value for the guests. The hotel features basic and clean rooms, equipped with essential amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and private bathroom. The hotel also features a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and a parking area, that provide basic services and facilities. The hotel is located about 1 kilometer from the zoo, and you can get there by walking, motorcycle taxi, or online ride-hailing service. The room rate starts from 200,000 rupiah (about 14.29 USD) per night, and the hotel is rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
Ragunan Guesthouse: This is a guesthouse that offers homely and cozy for the guests. The guesthouse features simple and spacious rooms, equipped with essential amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and shared bathroom. The guesthouse also features a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, and a garden, that provide a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. The guesthouse is located about 2 kilometers from the zoo, and you can get there by walking, motorcycle taxi, or online ride-hailing service. The room rate starts from 150,000 rupiah (about 10.71 USD) per night, and the guesthouse is rated 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
These are some of the places to stay near Ragunan Zoo that you should consider, but there are also other places that you can stay in Jakarta, such as the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, the Raffles Jakarta, the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, and the Kosenda Hotel. You can find more information and reviews about these places and others on Tripoto, the ultimate travel guide and community for travelers.
Conclusion
Ragunan Zoo is a wonderful and amazing place to visit, whether you are a animal lover, a nature lover, or a culture lover. The zoo has something for everyone, from its history and mission, to its attractions and activities, to its transportation and tips, to its nearby attractions and places to stay. You can spend a whole day or even more at the zoo, and you will never get bored or run out of things to do.
