A part from beach-style holiday or cultural experience, Bali offers an abundance of theme parks. From kiddy playgrounds, waterslides and animals, to a variety of cultural and historical settings, Bali has them all. Following are some of the finest:

Bali Bird Park

Taman Burung Bali Bird Park has a worldly collection of tropical birds. Over 1,000 birds of 250 species fill the park, set in a beautiful two-hectare tropical garden. The park changes the way you think of caged viewing, to free flying animals inside two walk-in aviaries, with manmade lakes and irrigation systems. Bird shows are conducted regularly but the various voices and multiple color of the birds already are an attraction in themselves.

Among the collection are cendrawasih birds of paradise native of West Papua; Bali starlings native only to Bali; Macaws, Taucans, flamingos and Amazon parrots.

The bar and restaurant serve international cuisine and offer breakfast with birds. A reptile park is adjacent.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

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

Although scheduled for completion in the next two years (or more), GWK cultural park is worth a visit. From the base of the giant bust, one can view the whole island on a 180 degree vista, allowing both sunset or sunrise appreciation. West of the statue is a vast open-air venue and amphitheater. World class musical concerts are regular events.

On the complex's northernmost side is De Memedi Restaurant, noted for its wide verandah offering spectacular views of Jimbaran, Kuta, Sanur, and Benoa Harbor with, especially on clear days, a background of Mount Agung.

Waterbom Park

Waterslide attractions can be found in many tourist destinations across the globe, but a Bali holiday won\'t be complete without a visit to Waterbom. For a variety of action and all day attractions, Waterbom is second to none. Occupying an area of more than three hectares in the heart of Kuta, Waterbom truly is an oasis for busy and chaotic Kuta.

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

Pleasure Pool, Lazy River, Aquatic Kiddy Park, Jungle and Boogy rides, and the challenging Race Track or the ultimate 70 km/hour Smashdown-the choice is yours. The food court and choice of spa treatments mark the park as a popular spot on Bali.

Elephant Safari Park

If each park were to enter the Oscars, Elephant Safari Park in Taro, Gianyar, would undoubtedly score the highest points in many categories: attraction, setting and uniqueness.

Located in the historic village of Taro, the 2.5 hectare Elephant Safari Park boasts 17 friendly Sumatran elephants. Visitors can climb aboard the giant creatures and embark on a short trek through nearby rice-fields, or simply take photos and feed the pachyderms. Children may play with the animals freely and feed them.

The elephants were rescued from Sumatra, where farmers, illegal logging and forest fires threaten their natural habitat. The art bug has bitten several elephant residents who grab paint brushes with their trunks from time to time and become pachyderm Picassos, splashing colorful paint into abstract designs. Their original paintings are available from the gift shop, along with a wide range of souvenirs sporting elephant motifs.

The park has attracted a worldwide audience including action and sporting heroes as well as film stars the likes of Julian Lennon, David & Victoria Beckham, Crocodile Hunter\'s star Steve Irwin and even recently the Chilean president. "This is the best elephant park in the world," said Irwin.

Taro also is home to legendary white cows, the significant sacred bovine respected among Balinese Hindu as god Shiva\'s pet and partner. As in India, the sacred cows once were let free to wander across the village. Today the animals are "stationed" in one area, yet still they enjoy freedom from any annoyance.

Butterfly Park

When British naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace made a trip to the archipelago in 1854, he was not prepared to spend eight years of exploration. While this long adventure helped him discover the abundant fauna and flora existing in Indonesia, it was the magnificent amount and species of butterflies that excitesd him and made him want to stay longer than planned.

According to Wallace, the rich number of butterflies occupying the archipelago is the result of the mixture from the Asian and Australian main lands, long ago before parts of the two continents were flooded with melting glaciers. The Wallace Line is today\'s term to describe the narrow, deep seabed separating Australia and Asia, actually the Lombok Strait.

If you\'re as curious about Alfred Wallace, Taman Kupu-Kupu Butterfly Park is a must-see. The park is home to about 2,000 butterflies of 15 species found across Indonesia. The park is about 30 kilometers northwest of Tabanan, en route to Bali\'s most picturesque rice fields at Jatiluwih. The population of each species is limited, as butterflies follow unique life-cycles: they will die if crowded with the same species in one location, yet are not bothered to share a place with other species.

Nestled on a hectare of land, the park features various flowers, pools, reliefs and a hatchery where cocoons develop into butterflies. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon-butterflies sleep midday.

Bali Zoo Park

Bali Zoo Park is in Singapadu Village north of Batubulan bus station, with a collection of 275 animals. The vast area of 3.5 hectares with terraced rice-fields facing narrow rivers creates an ambience of a Balinese countryside village. The park combines the zoo, restaurant and long established Singapadu Gallery. The restaurant serves Indonesian and European food, seating over 200 guests, suitable for groups or functions.

The rare collection include African deer, orangutan, white monkey, crocodile, tiger, lion and various birds. The white monkey siamang is the park\'s mascot. Indeed, the white monkey is the most respected among primate species in Balinese Hindu tradition, being a true servant of the central character in the Ramayana\'s Princess Sinta legends.

Bali Bird Park, Singapadu, Gianyar, 299-352, GWK Cultural Park, Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Jimbaran, 703-603, Waterbom, Jalan Kartika Plaza, Tuban 755-676, Elephant Safari Park, Taro, Gianyar, 977-884, Taman Kupu Kupu, Jalan Batukaru, Wanasari, Tabanan, 814-282, Bali Zoo Park, Jalan Raya, Singapadu, Gianyar, 294 356.