West Bali National Park and Menjangan Island, Bali: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind West Bali National Park and Menjangan Island

The park spans Buleleng and Jembrana Regencies on Bali's western tip, with Gilimanuk, a seaport village, just west of it. In 2007, 5,592 visitors were recorded, the only figure in the article.

The Banyuwedang hot spring near Pejarakan is about 40 degrees Celsius.

Useful facts

West Bali National Park and Menjangan Island facts at a glance

Location

Western tip of Bali, spanning Buleleng and Jembrana Regencies

Experience type

Nature park, reef and wildlife

Known for

The Bali starling and the coral reefs of Menjangan Island

Established

1941; reduced to its current size in 1985

Time or schedule

Full day; boats run in daylight

Why it matters

Why West Bali National Park and Menjangan Island is worth your time

West Bali National Park covers about 190 square kilometres, around 82 per cent of it land. It was founded in 1941, originally at 740 square kilometres, and reduced to its present size in 1985. It is home to the last wild population of the Bali starling and surrounding waters hold more than 110 coral species.

For visitors the park shows a side of Bali far from the temples and rice fields: dry forest, mangroves, reef and wildlife. It is also an important conservation area for an endangered bird found nowhere else.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Menjangan reef

   The reefs around the island hold more than 110 coral species.

2. 02

   Bali starling

   The park is the last stronghold of this critically endangered endemic bird.

3. 03

   Javan rusa deer

   Wild deer roam the island, which gives Menjangan its name.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Start early. The park has three entrances: from the north coast road via Lovina and Pemuteran, from the southern coastal road reaching Gilimanuk, and by ferry from Ketapang in East Java. For Menjangan Island, a boat from the mainland jetty takes you to the reef, where the sea is usually calmer in the dry season. Swimmers can snorkel over the reef, while others can stay on the beach.

Birdwatchers should ask about guides for the park trails. The park is the last stronghold of the critically endangered Bali starling, also called the Bali myna, and in 2011 it received new birds from zoos to support the population.

Bring water, sun protection and snacks, as facilities are limited. Do not feed the wild Javan rusa deer on the island, and follow guide rules about coral and trash.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

West Bali, Buleleng and Jembrana Regencies, near Gilimanuk and Pemuteran

Time needed

Full day

Best time

Dry season; early morning for boats and wildlife

Walking level

Moderate

Senior comfort

Reaching the island involves a boat from the mainland jetty and wading onto the beach. Terrain on the island is flat but hot and sunny. Snorkelling suits confident swimmers; others can enjoy the beach.

Tickets and access

Park entry and boat hire are usually charged separately and arranged through a registered operator or at the park office. Fees and rules change, so check the current requirements. Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not touch coral or feed the deer.

Plan it with

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