West Bali National Park & Menjangan Island

West Bali National Park protects forest, savanna, mangrove and coral on the island’s far western tip. Menjangan Island, a short boat ride offshore, is its best-known corner, with clear water, a coral wall and some of Bali’s most dependable snorkelling.

History

West Bali National Park was established in 1941, originally in part to protect the Bali tiger, which has since disappeared from the island. The area was later reduced to its present size of about 190 square kilometres, roughly four fifths of it land and the rest sea. Lower hills, such as Mount Prapat Agung and Mount Kelatakan, rise inside the park, and the mix of terrain explains why so many habitats sit close together.

Its habitats include savanna, mangrove, monsoon forest, seagrass and coral reefs. The park is also home to the critically endangered Bali myna, also called the Bali starling, and conservation programmes have released captive-bred birds here. Menjangan Island is part of the park and supports Javan rusa deer. Visitors can arrange boat trips to Menjangan from Labuhan Lalang, and the crossing takes about twenty minutes, which keeps the island within easy reach for a single day.

Meaning and culture

The name Menjangan means deer in Balinese, a nod to the animals that live on the island. The park’s protected status reflects a broader effort to look after habitats that are central to the island’s ecology. The park also holds temples and sacred spots used by local communities, and many people treat the forest with the same care they bring to a place of worship.

The sea around Menjangan is valued for its health, and many Balinese regard natural places with respect as part of Tri Hita Karana, the idea of harmony between people, nature and the divine. Visiting with a licensed guide helps keep the reef and trails protected for the community that depends on them. Choosing a licensed guide, keeping to marked paths and carrying out your rubbish is the simplest way to show respect for both the reef and the people who live next to it.

What to see

• Menjangan Island’s coral drop-off for snorkelling
• Mangrove and coastal forest on the mainland
• Bird watching for Bali myna and other species
• Trails across the savanna with a park guide

Good to know

• Leave early; the ranger office opens around 8:00 and the sea is calmest in the morning
• Pay at the ranger office; boat and guide fees are separate and set per trip
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not touch coral
• Allow a long day, as the drive from south Bali is several hours each way