We had the best day ever today! Bright and early we rented out a moped from our guesthouse and rode for about 30 minutes to... Tiger Kingdom!

Having bought our package to see a small tiger and big tiger we were excited to get inside. We had concerns over what the Tigers would be like as many reviews say that they appear to be drugged and drowsy. Of course, Tigers do naturally sleep a great amount during the day in the heat. But as we walked around the grounds, seeing the Tigers pacing around their enclosures and play fighting, it was exhilarating to see lots of them very much awake. It actually made Steph quite terrified of going in a cage with them!

Our number was called. First up were the small Tigers. We followed the keeper inside the enclosure, which is surprisingly large - a nice space for them to roam around in. The small Tigers are 9 months old, so much larger than baby cubs but less than half the size of a mature tiger. The keeper led us over to a female tiger that was chewing playfully on a large stick (the lady in our picture). We learnt that you approach Tigers from behind so they don't think you are trying to harm them, you never touch their faces or paws and when touching them you should be quite firm so they know that you are there. We took it in turns to stroke this amazing creature who seemed to enjoy the attention.

To our surprise, we then got to meet two more small Tigers within the same enclosure. The second tiger was a male so slightly larger than the first. He was also enjoying chomping on a block of wood! The third tiger was fast asleep, and the keeper encouraged us to pose asleep with him! It was such good fun and we are pleased at how receptive the Tigers were.

Back outside the enclosure, we waited (Steph in a slightly terrified state) for our number to be called to see the big Tigers. After only a short while, we were following a keeper into an even larger enclosure for the big Tigers - nearly fully grown. The big Tigers were 24 months old and are not classed as fully mature until they're 30 months, at which point they have to be transferred to a zoo.

As we walked into the enclosure, one big tiger was pacing around the edge and headed towards us - the keeper had to skilfully use his stick to direct the tiger away. He led us to a more mellow tiger that was lazing in the sun to have a stroke and cuddle with. What unbelievably, terrifyingly amazing animals!! To be so close to them was breathtaking. Max pooped his pants at one point when the big tiger he was stroking turned around and almost pawed him. The male Tigers are so huge, when they were chasing after a fluffy toy on a stick (a bit like a kitten does) and they fully stood up on their back legs, they were definitely much taller than six foot. The males are so stocky - all muscle. They eat six whole chickens each a day!

After meeting 3 males, we walked around the spacious enclosure to meet the female. She seemed rather grouchy and kind of growled a moan at the keeper when he stroked her face. We didn't want to disturb her for long so Steph had a quick stroke and then Max did. At times, we both pooped our pants when we were stroking a tiger and they suddenly stand up and turn around and strut past you. It was the best thing ever.

We headed around the grounds and found where the 'smallest' Tigers are. Having had so much fun, we decided to go for it and go into the enclosure with them too. Unfortunately we had quite a wait, but it was entertaining watching the 3 three month old Cubs chasing each other round and play fighting. They were bottle fed just before we went in to see them, so naturally they all conked out! But it meant that we got to see them playing and then had some photos cuddling them whilst they slept.

Beyond that enclosure, we were led to see the tiny Cubs that were one and a half months old - the most adorable things ever. It was fantastic to sit with them and watch them climb into the keepers laps, being bottle fed and running around us. One tried to hide behind Steph! Again, not long after being fed they cosied up together in the corner for a sleep.

After, we enjoyed a spot of lunch overlooking the big tiger enclosure. To our astonishment, the big Tigers were running around after each other and playing together just like the baby Cubs we had just seen! We guess they still like to play as they're not fully mature yet. It was great seeing how the keepers interact with them like friends. They rear them from Cubs so they are comfortable with humans, and find that there is no need to drug them as they sleep a lot on their own anyway. There is so much love in our hearts for these beautiful Tigers!

This evening we headed on our moped to the Night Bazaar, which is a market that is half indoors and half outdoors. A few cheeky purchases later and we found our way back to the guesthouse.

Good night! Time to dream of Tigers.

Steph and Max x