If your bucket list includes wallowing in mud with elephants, the Bali Zoo in Indonesia has a deal for you, with its Elephant Mud Fun half-day package.
The tour starts with an early-morning hotel pickup, followed by a light snack and an orientation at the zoo, including an explanation of why elephants bask in the mud: their high metabolic heat drives them to cool themselves in the muddy pool. No explanation given of why humans seem drawn to mud wrestling, mud pies and more.
After the intro, guests are escorted to the riverbank and introduced to free-roaming elephants and an opportunity for selfies-with-elephants, followed by a stroll with the animals down to the river and the mud. Once the elephants are cooled and cleaned, the visitors are herded back for a shower and lunch.
If you’re drawn to it, plan in advance: Space is limited and the tour is very popular, especially with Australians. The zoo also has other attractions, including a number of rare and endangered species.
