Which country comes to mind when you think of a cool climate with mountains, scenic sights and even a safari stay? Indonesia might not have crossed your mind, yet we were mind-blown when my family of 5 experienced what East Java had to offer. We discovered that East Java is a family-friendly destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Travelling to East Java with Kids
We were headed for Baobab Safari Resort and Plataran Bromo, 2 resorts which were recommended by a friend who went with young kids prior to us. As my family loves hiking and mountainous places, these 2 resorts ticked all our boxes as ideal travel destinations.
Next thing we knew, we were on a budget flight to Surabaya. Keeping a travel journal helped my boys number their days on vacation and take stock of the memorable moments we had on this trip.
Baobab Safari Resort – a safari-themed holiday
Day 1: Exploring the Resort
Our first stop was Baobab Safari Resort, situated on the slopes of Mount Arjuno and about 1 hour 20 minutes south from Juanda International Airport. We arranged for an airport transfer but there are ride-hailing operators like Gojek and Grab which would be able to take you to Baobab too.
We were ushered to the concierge where meerkats stood guard in their enclosure on the side and giraffes were frolicking in front of the resort’s swimming pool. Swim beside the tallest creatures in the world? We felt like we were living in a dream! Note that the pool water was cold in December but less likely so during the warmer months of the year.
Inspired by the African savanna, Baobab impressively created safari feels from the moment we entered. We excitedly checked into our room which had a view toward the resort’s savanna where antelopes, wildebeests and giraffes roam freely. The housekeeping staff even had a surprise add-on to the room amenities which thrilled the boys – a basket of carrots for animal feeding.
Evening time was lovely as we settled in to sleep, with the resort lawn lit up with fairy lights and as the weather cooled to a temperature of 22 degree Celsius.
Day 2: Giraffe Feeding and Safari Adventure
Feeding the majestic long necks
After a hearty hotel breakfast the following morning, we signed up for giraffe feeding which cost about SGD17 for our family of 5.
As we booked a slot, we were allowed into the area exclusively for the feeding and were given a basket filled with the giraffes’ favourite foods. The boys were apprehensive at first due to the giraffes’ large stature but soon warmed up to feeding the 3 available giraffes due to their gentle demeanour.
We soon learnt that there were other safari animals on the resort grounds such as pelicans, rhinoceros, hippopotamus and buffalo, and went to see them chilling out in their pens. The resort also has other activities such as animal feedings and ATV Adventure which we did not have time for. You could even take a photo with the cockatoos and rangers on duty.
Taman Safari Prigen
Our day of adventure had just begun! The hotel arranges for free shuttle by car to Taman Safari Prigen and that was where we spent the rest of our day. Ticket entry is tiered and we purchased the ‘Adventure’ tier weekday tickets for less than SGD9 and SGD15 for child and adult respectively. Ticket entry includes a safari bus tour, baby zoo, animal shows as well as amusement park, water park and circus entries. What a steal! You can even opt for a safari drive, which this family did.
The safari bus tour surpassed our expectations – it was air-conditioned, which was perfect for young families on both sunny and overcast days, and we did not have to experience the olfactory aspect of the zoo. Though the tour was in Bahasa Indonesia, we were comfortable with just admiring the antics and majestic nature of the animals through a glass window in the moving vehicle.
We were able to see animals not featured in Singapore’s zoos such as bison, brown bears, llamas and camels amidst the other popular favourites like the lions, tigers and zebras.
My children bounded out of the tour bus in sheer excitement when we alighted right in front of the amusement park. The bumper cars, rollercoaster, flying carousel and bumper boats were the boys’ top favourites amongst other rides.
The animal shows featuring elephants and dolphins separately were as entertaining to us as it was for the boys. Despite the rain which ended our day, we could all vouch that it was a fun family time in Taman Safari Prigen.
Day 3: Carnivore Feeding and Putuk Truno Waterfall
Close up with the carnivores
Have you exchanged places with animals in your life? That was how I felt when we entered a caged vehicle. We were headed into the safari once again, this time not as ticketed guests in a tour bus but as caged guests getting ready to feed some predators, namely the lions, tigers and brown bears. To prevent any mishaps, we were locked in the cage from within and briefed on safety tips by the guides.
It was a unique experience coming so close to these powerful creatures. As we fed them chicken pieces with long metal tongs, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beautiful features of the lionesses and how the teeth of the brown bear and tiger had the power to tear meat apart. It was indeed a humbling time and a shared family memory that I’d treasure.
Waterfall hunting
After the feeding, we checked out of Baobab and went on a hunt for a waterfall to hike to. For our trip to Plataran Bromo, we hired a driver who advised us that not all waterfalls were safely paved or accessible due to high rainfall in the monsoon season. Thankfully, we found a kid-friendly waterfall hike (about 15 minutes one-way) to Putuk Truno Waterfall. The air was fresh and despite the fog, we were able to view the waterfall from a distance and up close with steps provided down to the foot of the falls.
Plataran Bromo – staying above a sea of clouds
Day 4: Awesome Views and Afternoon Tea
The drive to Plataran Bromo is winding so arm yourselves with motion sickness medicine, bands and sweets if you tend to be woozy on long bendy drives. Upon arrival, we were received by the butler team and were served buns and hot tea. My eldest exclaimed that he felt like royalty, and indeed we were treated as such as the hotel staff served as with the warmest hospitality.
The views were particularly stunning as we were surrounded by hills in the foreground and mountains in a distance. One moment you are admiring the view and the next, you are standing amidst a sea of clouds and fog. The weather was cool between 16 to 23 degree Celsius.
Afternoon tea was served daily and kids were invited to cook or bake like a chef. My older boys jumped at the sensorial opportunity to roll the dough and press out cookies with the cookie cutters provided.
A play area for kids in the main restaurant was also regularly upkept by the staff. This truly is a haven for kids and their parents!
Day 5: Horses, Sheep and Carnival
Horseback riding
How does a resort stay with minimal screentime look like? Lots of outdoor exploration and fun was offered such as horseback riding. Our family took turns on horseback and were guided by the horse trainers in a circuit fashion along the road. 15 minutes on these creatures was sufficient to give us a taste of this sport without feeling fatigue.
Plataran Carnival Playground
Did we mention that the resort has its own carnival called Plataran Carnival Playground? The boys were ectastic when they heard that they could go on unlimited rides of their choice for the whole hotel stay.
There were carousels, a mini train and even a small pirate ship. All these were manned by a resort staff and it was interesting to point out to the boys how the mechanisms worked.
Our family also got to enjoy horse, sheep and rabbit feeding on the resort grounds. Aside from that, there were other paid experiences, one of which was the ‘Vintage Campervan Picnic’. We signed up for it but the foggy weather did not permit it to happen till Day 6.
Day 6: Gardens, Nature Playground and Campfire Pinic
Tanggulangin Hills
On our last full day in Plataran Bromo, we hopped onto the resort buggy and headed to Tanggulangin Hills. The hills were alive with cooling winds, rustling trees and endless vast landscapes to gush at.
It is also home to a children’s eco playground which includes see saws, swings and an awesome treehouse, as well as a flower garden.
There was farmland growing onions and potatoes surrounding the resort grounds. It was so refreshing to let the boys roam free and for us to enjoy some couple time.
Vintage Campervan Picnic
As it was monsoon season, the chances of having an al fresco dinner were slim. The hotel staff were kind enough to postpone our picnic till the last day and even offered to shift the venue indoors should it be wet outside. Thankfully, the weather was clear and we had a lovely campfire dinner cooked by 2 chefs.
The general manager even popped by to greet us and exclaimed that this particular evening was the first time in 2 months that it was dry enough to have the picnic happen. Relaxing by the campfire with a beautiful sunset in the backdrop was a sweet ending to our trip in East Java.
How about Mount Bromo?
East Java is also home to several prominent volcanoes. We did visit the famous Mount Bromo in between both resorts – attempting both the sunrise viewing and hike across the Sea of Sand to summit Mount Bromo. You could do so too and follow this itinerary or take a jeep offered by Plataran Bromo.
Alternatively, my family stayed at Cemoro Lawang village, the village in closest proximity to access Mount Bromo. A driver is recommended for this leg should you decide to include it in your travel plans.
Stay safe and have fun travelling with your loved ones!
