Kinantan Zoo and Culture Park
A park in Bukittinggi featuring animal exhibits, a traditional Minangkabau house, and a bridge to Fort de Kock.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, potentially calmer animals
Kinantan Zoo and Culture Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, potentially calmer animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A park in Bukittinggi featuring animal exhibits, a traditional Minangkabau house, and a bridge to Fort de Kock.
"A mixed experience with cultural sights overshadowed by animal welfare concerns."
Check Animal Welfare
Be prepared for potential animal welfare concerns; many visitors report sadness. :sadbutrelieved:
Combo Ticket Value
Your ticket often includes Fort de Kock & cultural house. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sumatran Tiger Exhibit
Zoo enclosure
Spot the majestic Sumatran Tiger, a rare and impressive sight within the park.
Minangkabau Cultural House
Culture Park area
Admire the intricate carvings of this traditional Minangkabau house, a cultural gem.
Hanging Bridge to Fort de Kock
Connecting bridge
Enjoy panoramic city views from this iconic bridge linking the zoo to Fort de Kock.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Animal Welfare Concerns
Combined Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Animal Welfare
Be prepared for potential animal welfare concerns; many visitors report sadness. :sadbutrelieved:
Combo Ticket Value
Your ticket often includes Fort de Kock & cultural house. :ticket:
Bring Water & Snacks
Picnic spots available, but options inside are limited. :water_wave:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between attractions. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Animal Welfare
Be prepared for potential animal welfare concerns; many visitors report sadness. :sadbutrelieved:
Combo Ticket Value
Your ticket often includes Fort de Kock & cultural house. :ticket:
Bring Water & Snacks
Picnic spots available, but options inside are limited. :water_wave:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between attractions. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kinantan Zoo and Culture Park offers a combined experience of animal exhibits, historical sites, and cultural heritage. While many appreciate the variety, including the Minangkabau house and views from the hanging bridge, a significant number of visitors express deep concern over the welfare of the animals, citing small and poorly maintained enclosures. The park is seen as a place with potential but marred by these ethical considerations.
"Heartbreaking from the beginning to the end… Don’t go there unless you want to witness how cruel human can be
I bought the ticket for fort Kock without knowing it gave access to the zoo, the fort wasn’t even worth it. I knew the zoo would be bad but I went there to witness it : the first thing you see are two elephants chained to the ground with just 1-2m of freedom, one of them wasn’t able to trim its tusks which were too long for him and where bothering him. Then you can see birds, reptiles, monkey, bears,… in very small and dirty (there were rats eating the animals food) enclosures made of concrete or iron fences.
On top of that, most local visitors are knocking on the enclosures to wake the animals and get a good picture. I couldn’t see any signs from the zoo to raise awareness about animal wellbeing."
Erwan Alric
"A cool all-in-one place in Bukittinggi — zoo, Minang cultural house, and a hanging bridge to Fort de Kock. The animals are pretty nice, the vibes are chill, and it’s great for families. Some parts could use a little upkeep, but it’s still a fun spot to hang out!"
syakira
"Very sad zoo. No space for the animals and rotten infrastructure. The Apes and elephants have a very sad life. The snake are in a poor security glass boxes. A brocken broom stick, is not Security!"
Freddy Mey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kinantan Zoo and Culture Park is located in Bukittinggi. You can reach it by local transport like 'bendi' (horse-drawn carriage) or taxi. It's often visited in conjunction with Fort de Kock, so many visitors use the same transport for both. :bus:
Yes, there is usually parking available for visitors arriving by car or motorbike. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees can vary, but tourists typically pay around 50,000 IDR, while locals pay less. It's advisable to check the latest prices upon arrival. :moneywithwings:
Yes, often the entrance ticket to Kinantan Zoo also grants access to Fort de Kock and the traditional Minangkabau house, making it a good value. :ticket:
The zoo is generally open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to confirm the current operating times before your visit, especially on public holidays. :clock1:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo houses a variety of animals including Sumatran Tigers, Tapirs, Crocodiles, various birds in a large aviary, reptiles, monkeys, and bears. :tiger: :snake:
The park offers picnic spots and is generally considered a family-friendly destination, though the animal welfare conditions are a significant concern for many visitors. :child:
Reviews indicate that while some parts are interesting, several areas of the zoo require maintenance and upkeep. :hammerandwrench:
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of the animals and avoid disturbing them. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options within the zoo itself can be limited. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks or plan to eat before or after your visit. :apple:
Bukittinggi city offers numerous local eateries and restaurants serving Padang cuisine and other Indonesian dishes. :forkandknifewithplate:
📸 📸 Photography
The hanging bridge offers great city views, and the Minangkabau house provides unique architectural shots. Capturing the animals can be challenging due to enclosure limitations. :camerawithflash:
Generally, no specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. Bringing snacks and drinks is advisable, as food options within the park can be limited. The combination of the zoo, fort, and cultural house provides a varied experience that can keep children entertained, but it's important to set realistic expectations regarding the animal enclosures.
Budget Travelers
While the park offers a lot to see, be mindful that some areas may require maintenance, which could impact the overall experience. The value lies in the combined access to different historical and cultural sites alongside the zoo.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare Concerns at Kinantan Zoo
Despite these concerns, some visitors observed staff feeding and hosing down the elephants, suggesting some level of care is provided. However, the overall impression from multiple accounts is that the habitats are inadequate for the animals' well-being. The lack of visible signage promoting animal welfare awareness was also noted. For potential visitors, it's important to be aware of these widely reported issues before planning a trip.
It's worth noting that the entrance fee for tourists contributes to the upkeep of the park. While the intention may be conservation and education, the current conditions raise serious ethical questions for many. Visitors are advised to manage their expectations regarding animal living conditions.
Exploring the Kinantan Zoo Complex
The park is connected to Fort de Kock via a distinctive hanging bridge, which provides excellent panoramic views of Bukittinggi city. This bridge is a popular spot for photos and offers a scenic transition between the different parts of the complex. The Fort de Kock itself is a historical site, adding a layer of cultural and historical exploration to the visit.
Complementing the zoo and fort is the traditional Minangkabau cultural house. This structure is noted for its intricate wood carvings and traditional architecture, offering visitors a chance to appreciate Minangkabau heritage. The combination of these elements makes Kinantan Zoo and Culture Park a comprehensive destination for those visiting Bukittinggi, though the animal welfare aspect remains a significant consideration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit