Bali offers an abundance theme parks, from kiddy playgrounds, water slides and animal, to a variety of cultural and historical settings. In recent years, additional attractions include the underwater phenomena, as two of the -man-made- coral plantations in Bali's northeastern village of Les and its northwestern counterpart of Pemuteran have added to the list of top diving and snorkeling destinations.

Both developments have generated an abundance of new born coral, the only reason for fish to stay around. Initially envisioned as merely coral propagation, these projects have turned into underwater park, attracting visitors and especially nature lovers. To promote these international as well as national award wining achievement, we have put them in the list of top Family Park Destinations. Following are some of the finest:

Les, a popular village 40 kilometers to the east of the northern Bali capital of Singaraja used to be described as "Les Miserela", due to its continuously deteriorating underwater wonders.

Blessed with abundant coral and an endless supply of highly priced, export market fish and boosted by foreign demand for rare fish, Les villagers were quick to manipulate their 'natural blessing', by what else than by catching them with none other than potassium cyanide. Soon not only the numbers of fish were depleted but also the coral, or rather vice versa.

Not to worry. They still managed to collect the expensive aquarium fish from the neighboring island as far as East Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi. The culmination occurred at the end of the last decade when they were caught and imprisoned by the Indonesian Naval Patrol in Sulawesi waters, as they carried home their regular bounty.

Stunned, the villagers began to understand that they wouldn't any longer be able to depend on this type of fishing for a living. In the following years they begun to nurture their ruined homeland. A collaboration action with Air Diving Academy was established not only to restore the coral but also to promote the tourism. Within only a couple of years Les turned into a true underwater park where various species of young coral and fish abound.

The sister scenario to the "Les Miserable" is on the northwestern area of Pemuteran. Back from a depleted fishing village (Pemuteran used to host 80 percent of the coral species endemic to Indonesia), the villages decided to restore its fishing methods and work hand in hand with marine expert to develop advanced, yet simple methods of coral propagation.

The project, under the supervision of German marine specialist, uses low-voltage electrical current on metal artificial reef construction by means of "mineral accretion" to grow nature reef. This novel yet simple technology generates limestone rock on artificial iron dome frames quickly and has proven stronger than other methods.

The bio-rock coral reef nursery project, first set up in June 2000 has shown dramatic results in attracting thousand of fish to reside near the reef domes. It is world largest such effort, covering an area of about two hectares with 22 different iron dome structures, exceeding the combined size of all other on-going project in the Pacific, Carribiean and Indian Oceans.

The project was awarded "Kalpataru", the highest presidential accolade for environmental preservation. Earlier, the project was the recipient of a grant from UNICEF. Visitors wanting to venture to the park may drop in at the Tamansari Cottages fronting the water. The cottages have been responsible for various equipment during the project development.

Taman Burung Bali Bird Park has worldwide collection of tropical birds. Over 1,000 birds of 250 species fill the park, set in a beautiful two-hectare tropical. The park changes the way you think about viewing birds in capacity, as you see free flying birds inside two large walk-in aviaries, with man made lakes and irrigation system. Birds shown are conducted regularly but the various voices and multiple colors of the birds are already an attraction in themselves.

Among the rare collection are Cendrawasih birds of paradise, native of West Papua, Bali Starling native only to Bali; Macaws, Toucans, Flamingos and Amazon parrots.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) in Jimbaran, features a giant bronze bust of the Hindu god Wisnu perched 150 meters above sea level. When completed, Wisnu will be seen riding astride a giant Garuda bird, reaching 146 meter above the ground, taller than the Statue of Liberty, make it a 286 meter towering structure.

From the base of giant statue, one can view the whole island in a 180 degree vista, allowing for both sun set and sun rise appreciation. West of the statue is a vast open-air venue and amphitheater. World class musical concert are regular events, most recently including UK's Deep Purple, the German's rock group The Scorpions and US's Gloria Gaynor.

A Bali family wouldn't be complete without a visit to Waterbom Bali. Occupying an area of more than three hectares in the heart of Kuta, just about 10 minutes drive from Denpasar Airport, Bali. Waterbom Bali is an oasis in this busy and chaotic area.

Speed, excitement, thrill, spirals, twists, fun, relaxation and leisure - the list goes on. It is rare that such a variety of attraction is combined in a one-stop location and yet Waterbom Bali has the additional attraction of landscaped tropical gardens. Once inside, it is a true jungle in Kuta.

Pleasure Pool, Lazy River, Aquatic Kiddy Park, Jungle and Boogies rides and the challenging Race Track or the ultimate 70 meter per hour Smash Down, the choice is yours. Climax is the great and adventurous one.

Home to over a thousand amazing animals - Bali Safari Park is your destination for an adventurous, fun, educational experience. It is home to animals representing more than 100 species, including rare & endangered species - the Komodo Dragon, Orangutan and the Bali Mynah bird.

Bali Safari Park is at the frontline of wildlife conservation in Indonesia. We are actively involved in ensuring the future survival and wellbeing of many Indonesian animal species.

Located at Ida Bagus Mantra street, Gianyar Bali, it takes about 1 hour driver from Kuta, Legian, Nusa Dua or Jimbaran by car or motorbike. If you rent a car with driver in Bali, your driver will know its location. Best park in Bali to explore deep into about animal with family.