When you visit Jogjakarta, this zoo is probably on the travel destination list. We are talking about Gembira Loka zoo, the pride of people in Jogjakarta. Gembira Loka is the only zoo in Jogjakarta and has become an icon of the city. First operated in 1955, Gembira Loka soon becomes the famous spot for locals and people outside the city. And up until now, Gembira Loka never loses its charm and still become one point of interests for people.
Gembira Loka stands in 20-hectare site with over 400 species. If you do not have any idea of what Gembira Loka means, it is a mix of Indonesian language and Sanskrit. “Gembira” means happy or joyful while “Loka” means beautiful place. It is located about 4 km east of Malioboro Street, exactly in Gedong Kuning. You would not find any difficulty to reach the place since it is still located in downtown. Gembira Loka has many attraction and entertainment besides showing off the animals. There is a large lake in the center of the zoo with the Gajah Wong River in the middle of the zoo as well as botanical garden with many big trees to give you the shades and beautiful plants to satisfy your eyes.
To enter this “Joyful Place” you just need to buy ticket for about $1. The pride of Gembira Loka is in the collection of the animals from the near extinct to common animals. Gembira Loka is one of the zoos that successfully breed the Komodo Dragons with numbers of Komodo up to 111 throughout the years. While on the other hand, you can still look at Sumatran Elephants, crocodiles, Sumatran tigers, Lions, Java rhinoceros and other species from different Ordo. Tired of walking around cage to cage, you can take a rest in the shadowy garden or park enjoying the meals or snacks, shopping for souvenirs, or take photographs. The lake also offers water bike rent with affordable price that is surely fun.
During holiday seasons and weekends, that is the peak seasons; you will see locals or people from outside Jogjakarta flooding the zoo. Music performances completed with huge stage usually brought to entertain people as well as other animal attraction. If you are tired with the situation inside the city that full of pollution and crowd, going to Gembira Loka zoo can be a perfect way to escape for a while. Enjoy the fresh air and let the birds sing beautiful songs for you. Take some photographs and let all your problems fly away.
For more information about Jogjakarta tourists area, visit : Daily News Travel.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
