A Wild Adventure in Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta is a city of nonstop energy, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant street life, yet just outside its bustling core lies an entirely different world—one filled with roaring lions, towering giraffes, and massive elephants. Our trip to Taman Safari Indonesia was a thrill ride from start to finish, complete with a police escort, a touching roadside encounter, and some of the wildest animal interactions of my life.

The Journey to Taman Safari

Our adventure kicked off with a two-hour trek deep into the jungle, and we weren’t alone—we had a police escort leading the way through the dense Jakarta traffic. This was no ordinary drive; this was the start of something unforgettable.

Along the way, we encountered a pregnant mother and her two daughters selling carrots by the roadside—food meant for feeding the safari animals. Instead of just buying a few, we bought every single carrot they had. The look on their faces was priceless—the girls beamed with joy, and their mother was moved to tears. It was one of those special travel moments that reminded us that small gestures can have a huge impact.

Taman Safari: A Real-Life Jungle Book

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a fantastic team of guides who quickly made one thing clear—this was not your average safari. This was straight-up some Jungle Book-level wilderness, with wild animals roaming in massive designated areas for safety.

I’ve had my fair share of wild encounters—filming a promo with a grizzly bear, swimming with real sharks in the Pacific, and getting up close with stingrays (sorry, Steve Irwin!). But nothing prepared me for the sheer variety of animals we met at Taman Safari.

From elephants, giraffes, and zebras to rhinos, hippos, and big cats, this park had it all. Although we were supposed to stay inside our car, I couldn’t help myself—I kept jumping out to get closer to the animals. I wanted to see the elephants up close, watch the apes in action, and even greet the pumas. The staff, of course, weren’t thrilled with my reckless enthusiasm, but instead of scolding me, they offered a crazy alternative…

A Close Encounter with Lions and Tigers (Literally!)

Since I clearly had no intention of staying inside the car, the staff suggested something even more extreme: a ride in the back of a caged pickup truck… while hungry lions and tigers surrounded us.

Yes, you read that right.

We climbed into a secure cage on the back of a truck and drove into the heart of the big cat territory. The lions and tigers circled us, their piercing eyes locked onto our every move. The best part? We were allowed to feed them through the bars—but with one very clear warning: “Keep your fingers far away!”

At one point, a huge, very pregnant lioness climbed on top of the cage while I was feeding her. She growled as she stared down at us, and I could tell she was sizing me up for a much bigger meal. The experience was intense, surreal, and absolutely exhilarating.

A Safari Like No Other

We spent the rest of the day feeding lions, tigers, hippopotamuses, and rhinos—all in one place. Every turn brought a new surprise, a new thrill, and another unforgettable moment.

This was one of the wildest adventures I’ve ever been on, and the best part? We’re doing it all over again! In mid-April, the Big Guy Big World family is heading back to Jakarta, and Taman Safari is on the itinerary.

So get ready, everyone—it’s time to feed some lions!

Would you ever take on a wild adventure like this?