Explore Indonesia: Komodo Dragons Adventure & Bromo Tour for Only 7 Yuan

Hello everyone, and welcome to @Xiao Zhang’s Travel Notes! While many travelers use Surabaya as a convenient stopover on their way to the majestic Mount Bromo, there’s a hidden gem right here that’s well worth your time: the Surabaya Zoo. After soaking in the awe-inspiring views of the volcano, why not set aside 1-2 hours to get up close and personal with some incredible wildlife? The highlight? You can see the legendary Komodo dragons without making the long trip to Komodo Island!

👍 This zoo is a local secret, frequented mostly by residents, which makes it a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. It offers fantastic value for money, with tickets priced at just 7.5 yuan. The compact layout means you can explore the entire zoo in just one hour, making it a perfect addition to any itinerary.

🎫 **Tickets**
Upon arrival, head to the small, round ticket office marked LOKET (see P12). Admission is a steal at 15,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person, which is approximately 7.5 yuan.

🚶 **Route**
The zoo is manageable in size, so navigating it is a breeze. After entering, turn right and make your way to the Komodo dragons. From there, follow a counterclockwise path around the zoo. For a detailed map, check out P13.

✅ **Komodo Dragons**
As soon as you enter, veer right to find the Komodo dragons, which are surprisingly close to the giraffes. These prehistoric creatures are both fierce and endearing, making them a fascinating sight. Some are lounging solo, while others play in pairs. You’ll see a mix of sizes, from the more active, smaller ones that roam around and flick their tongues, to the larger, more sedate individuals who barely move, even their eyes.

✅ **Other Animals**
I apologize for lumping all the other animals into this category, but there’s simply too much to list! The zoo is home to a variety of birds 🐦, black bears 🐻, tigers 🐯, lions 🦁, elephants 🐘, rhinos 🦏, and various deer 🦌, among others. Given the zoo’s compact size, you don’t need to worry about missing anything.

Just wander around, and you’re sure to see it all. I was initially a bit disoriented, but soon realized that a leisurely stroll was the best way to enjoy the experience.

🕑 **Opening Hours**
The zoo is open from 8:00 to 16:00, with an early start at 7:30 on weekends. If you’re in a hurry, you can complete your visit in an hour. For those who love taking photos and want to savor the experience, two hours will be more than enough.

🚘 **Getting There**
Set your destination as Surabaya Zoo. If you’re staying near Plaza Mall in the city center, a Grab ride will take you there in just 10 minutes, costing around 10 yuan.