Taman Safari Indonesia II Jatim (Prigen)

Exploring the Wonders of Wildlife on the Slopes of Mount Arjuno: Taman Safari Indonesia II Jatim (Prigen)

Taman Safari Indonesia II Jatim, more commonly known as Taman Safari Prigen, is one of the largest conservation and recreation destinations in Asia. Located on the slopes of Mount Arjuno, Prigen District, Pasuruan Regency, East Java, this place offers a unique recreational experience by combining the concept of a modern zoo, environmental education, and a family amusement park within a vast area.

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History and Developmental Evolution

Established after the success of Taman Safari Indonesia I in Cisarua, Bogor, this Prigen branch officially opened in 1997. From its inception, its vision was to create artificial habitats as close as possible to the wild to support breeding programs for rare animals. Over time, Taman Safari Prigen has evolved from merely a place to see animals into an international conservation research center and an integrated tourist destination with hotel facilities and a water park. Its location at an altitude of 800-1,500 meters above sea level provides the advantage of cool air and beautiful natural scenery, making it different from typical zoos.

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Safari Adventure Experience: The Heart of Prigen Recreation

The main activity that is the icon of this place is the Safari Adventure. Visitors are invited to drive through various zones representing three continents: America-Europe, Asia, and Africa. The main uniqueness here is the absence of iron bars; animals such as Bengal tigers, African lions, sun bears, and giraffes roam freely in a vast area.

One of the most exclusive experiences is direct interaction with herbivorous animals. Visitors are allowed to slightly open their car windows to feed carrots to zebras or deer in certain zones. The presence of rare animals like the Javan Banten (Bos javanicus) is proof of this place's important role in preserving Indonesia's endemic fauna.

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Educational Entertainment and World-Class Shows

Taman Safari Prigen is not just a place for animal exhibitions, but an educational stage for performances. There are various educational shows (Animal Presentation) designed to foster visitors' love for nature.

• Temple of Terror: A theatrical show with special effects of explosions and fire involving animal actors and professional performers, telling the adventure of guarding ancient artifacts.
• Dolphin Show: A dolphin show that emphasizes the intelligence of marine mammals and the importance of preserving ocean ecosystems.
• Elephant Story: An educational narrative about human-elephant conflict and how to coexist harmoniously.

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Family Recreation Facilities and Amusement Rides

After exploring the animal zones to your heart's content, visitors can enjoy the Recreation Area. This area is equipped with dozens of amusement rides such as Roller Coaster, Boom Boom Car, and Ferris Wheel. For families with children, there is a Baby Zoo where visitors can take photos with tiger cubs, orangutans, or birds of prey under the supervision of staff.

Another unique feature found only in Prigen is Safari Water World. This is a 3.5-hectare water park featuring a lazy river, high slides, and a competition pool. Swimming at the foot of the mountain with a view of pine forests provides an extraordinary sense of relaxation for domestic and international tourists.

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Unique Culinary and Accommodation Experiences

Taman Safari Prigen understands that recreation is incomplete without culinary experiences. Tiger Cave Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience where visitors dine separated only by transparent glass from majestic white tigers. For those who want to experience the atmosphere of the jungle at night, there is Baobab Safari Resort. This safari-themed hotel allows guests to wake up to the sight of giraffes and rhinos right outside their balcony.

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Cultural Significance and Role for Pasuruan Community

Culturally, Taman Safari Prigen has become an identity for Pasuruan Regency. This place serves as a pillar of the local economy by employing thousands of workers from surrounding villages such as Jatiarjo Village. Furthermore, as a conservation center, Prigen often becomes a location for releasing animals back into their natural habitat, strengthening East Java's position as a province that cares about environmental sustainability. Local communities are often involved in major events such as World Animal Day celebrations, making this place a center for environmental literacy for the younger generation in East Java.

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Visitor Information and Best Time to Visit

Taman Safari Indonesia II Jatim operates daily from 08:30 to 16:30 WIB. For the best experience, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning when the air is still misty and the animals are most active. Avoid weekends or national holidays if you desire a quieter atmosphere and shorter queues for rides.

Access to the location is very easy via the Surabaya-Gempol toll road, exit at the Pandaan toll gate, and follow the signs towards Prigen. Ticket prices are usually divided into several packages (such as Tiket Rusa or Tiket Badak) which determine the number of facilities and shows accessible.

Taman Safari Indonesia II Jatim (Prigen) is not just an ordinary tourist destination; it is a perfect blend of wild adventure, botanical education, and modern entertainment. With international standards in animal care and continuously updated facilities, this place remains the number one family recreation destination in East Java, offering unforgettable memories for every visitor.