Another unplanned escape.
That day I didn’t plan to coming here at all. I was in the library and wanted to move to a cafe, when I suddenly thought, “why don’t I go to Flora Park?” bacause it isn’t too far. Maybe I can just stroll around admiring the trees and meet the deers. So just like that, I rode my motorcycle to get to this park. Nature is probably what I need the most when I'm feeling overwhelmed. However, this place is perhaps the closest ”nature” I could get in the city, considering it is still in my hometown area. Let’s explore!
I believe it was a weekday when I visited, so it wasn't too crowded. After buying a chicken noodle in the front area of this park, I went inside. This place is free entry, the only thing we have to pay is the parking fee. They name it Flora Park, which represents how this place is a home for many types of vegetation. From what I read online, it is open from 7am to 5pm. Flora Park is located in East Surabaya, and even though it’s not close to the city center, this place will always be the go-to destination for locals. The reason must be because Flora Park offers quite a lot of attractions with for free!
The big trees greeted me. This place is filled with various types of vegetation, as it functions as the city's lungs, helping to reduce pollution emissions and creating cool air. Some plants that can be explored there are tamarind, banyan, and mundu trees. At another corner, there is a plant collection called TOGA, such as pandan, cumin, and many more. This park has playgrounds, of course. And you can also find a small library. But I didn’t check out all of them that day, so let’s explore another corner.
The next area is a fish pond with a fountain in the middle. And because of the surrounding trees, I think this corner looks more beautiful and so calming. There is a giant bird cage right behind this fish pond as you can see below.
I think the quantity of the animals in this cage is lesser now, but there used to be many animals like cassowaries, turkeys, parrots, and peacocks. This giant bird cage always attracts visitors, especially children who want to learn about these animals. Unfortunately, I only took a photo of the chickens haha😅
And then, there we go, the deer farm!
I don’t know if all of them are actually Rusa Bawean or maybe some of them are different kinds of deers. The Bawean Deer is said to be found only on Bawean Island in the Java Sea. Its distinctive features include its small body, reddish-brown fur with light circles around its eyes, and its distinctive 20 cm long tail.
Unfortunately, I didn’t buy any food for them, so I just watched other visitors with their kids feeding the deers with carrots and other vegetables (I think it was long bean). Some deers weren't bothered by the visitors at all, as they just roamed freely in their designated areas. But some looked quite excited when visitors came, as if they knew they were going to be fed or something.
This one below, I don’t know why he (or she) seemed a bit scared? Or maybe it was because my phone camera scared him, who knows?
Maybe I was just delusional, but I’m pretty sure this one below just left me right after I whispered, “I don’t have any food” 😅
Flora Park may not be an ideal “nature” we city dwellers hope for, but the fact that a place like this still exists next to a super busy road, is should be appreciated too. Sometimes I forget that it’s just a few kilometers away to escape for a while from the hustle and bustle of the noisy city. Looking at the shady trees and watching the deers sound like a good idea to do once in a while. At least I can feel at peace for a moment and leave this park with a slightly clearer mind.
That's it for today's little adventure story, thanks for reading! :)
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