Ragunan Zoo (Taman Margasatwa Ragunan) traces its origins to a zoological garden founded in central Batavia in 1864, on land donated by the painter Raden Saleh. It moved to its present site in South Jakarta in 1966. The grounds cover about 147 hectares of mature trees, which makes this one of the greenest and coolest public spaces in the city.
The collection concentrates on Indonesian species — Komodo dragons, orangutans, Sumatran tigers, sun bears, cassowaries and many birds — alongside animals from elsewhere. Enclosures vary from modern to dated; the standout is the privately funded Schmutzer Primate Centre.
Top things to do at Ragunan Zoo
Visit the Schmutzer Primate Centre
A large, well-designed complex within the zoo, opened in 2002, where gorillas, orangutans and other primates live in forested enclosures seen from walkways and tunnels. It has a small separate ticket and stricter rules (no food or drink).
See Indonesia’s own wildlife
Look for Komodo dragons, Sumatran tigers, sun bears, tapirs, babirusa and the bird aviaries. Mornings, when animals are fed and the air is cooler, are best.
Walk or cycle under the trees
Many Jakartans come as much for the park as for the animals. Paths are wide and shaded; bicycles can be rented, and families picnic on the lawns.
How to get to Ragunan Zoo
- By TransJakarta: Corridor 6 ends at Ragunan, right by the zoo’s gate.
- By MRT: ride to a southern station such as Fatmawati or Lebak Bulus, then take a short ride-hailing trip.
- By taxi or ride-hailing: 30–50 minutes from Thamrin; quicker from Kemang or Blok M.
Insider tips
- Entry is extremely cheap — a matter of a few thousand rupiah — and is paid by prepaid card (JakCard or e-money), not cash.
- The zoo is usually closed on Mondays.
- Avoid Sundays and public holidays if you can; on the days after Lebaran it draws enormous crowds.
- Bring water and insect repellent, and expect to walk several kilometres.
Best tours & tickets for Ragunan Zoo
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Ragunan Zoo:
Private day trip from €91 From Jakarta: Private Taman Safari Day Tour
A private day trip from Jakarta to Taman Safari, travelling through the park among its animals. Transport and entry are handled for you.
- Get close to wildlife in a drive-through safari park
- Private tour with hotel pickup
- Skip-the-line entry
City & culture tour from €51 Jakarta: Culture and Landmarks Full-Day Tour
A full day that begins among the traditional houses of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, then returns to the centre for Monas, the Istiqlal Mosque and the cathedral.
- Traditional architecture at Taman Mini
- National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque and the cathedral
- Hotel pickup available
Food tour from €34 Jakarta: Blok M Food Tour with 7+ Tastings
A guided walk through the food stalls and eateries of Blok M, the South Jakarta district that locals head to when they are hungry. Easy to reach on the MRT.
- Seven or more tastings around Blok M
- A local speciality and a dessert included
- Small group
