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Mar/Apr 2015
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for popularity with the orangutans, snakes
and beautiful birds that also abound here.
That show takes place on a small stage,
but nearby is a much bigger one; the Bali
Safari and Marine Park is also home to Bali’s
biggest theatre where the Bali Agung show is
staged six days a week. This visual spectacular
involves around 200 performers and a handful
of animals telling the story of a Balinese king
who marries a Chinese princess. The tale
is told with the help of shadow puppets,
players riding elephants as the Balinese kings
did centuries ago, Balinese dance, a striking
orchestral score, amazing lighting and huge
props. At one point a group of ducks swim
placidly by along the river at the forefront
of the stage. It really must be seen to be
believed and tells a tale of how Bali became
connected with the rest of the world.
6
5. Take to the stage:
The Bali Agung show is a
spectacular production
6. Night vision: Get up
close and personal with
the tigers on Night Safari
During high season the theme park attracts
thousands of visitors every day and by this
time you could be forgiven for wanting a
bit of time out away from animal-related
theatre, however absorbing. The good news
is that Bali Safari & Marine Park has a couple
of other strings to its bow in the form of a
water park and fun zone with various rides
and slides to keep kids and adults amused
in equal measure – although by now you
www.essential-bali.com
can be forgiven for just c