Just off the coast of Northwest Bali and overlooked by the majestic peaks of Mount Ruang and Mount Ijen in East Java lies Menjangan Island – a largely underexplored haven that is part of West Bali National Park.
MENJANGAN ISLAND – 8.0983° S, 114.5150° E
Although it is largely unpopulated, home to just 16 Hindu monks, Menjangan is proud to host a vast plethora of rare and protected wildlife species.
The island’s name comes from the Javanese for deer, so called because of the annual migration of endemic rusa deer that grace its shores each spring.
The endangered Bali starling can also be spotted on the island and is the only place where the bird still roams free. In fact, the starling has become so important to the local people that it is the national park’s official symbol, whilst the Bali Starling Breeding Centre can be accessed on the mainland before boarding a boat to the island.
Also native to Menjangan is the black monkey, or ‘Javan Lutung’, which is distinguished by its long tail and dark fur and can be spotted both in West Bali National Park and on the island itself.
One of the location’s most remarkable cultural attractions is its significant temples. The Pura Segara Gili Dharma Kencana Temple, for example, features a striking white stone statue of Ganesha who, positioned facing the sea, is believed to safeguard the island. The temple’s name translates to ‘on the line of truth’, reflecting its spiritual significance.
The mangroves lining the coast of the island are a haven for wildlife and paradise for nature enthusiasts, with local guides offering affordable private tours of the area.
More than just a coastal fringe, Menjangan’s mangroves also provide a life-giving ecosystem for fish and offshore coral reefs, whose vivid colours and sheer variety will stun even the most experienced underwater enthusiast.
Both diving and snorkelling tours are available, with Coral Garden, which faces the Bali Sea on the north side of the island, allowing divers to spot rare whale sharks during the rainy season from November to March.
Cave Point and Pos 1 and 2 offer milder conditions for snorkellers and beginners; a scenic coral wall with a staggering diversity of hard and soft coral, gorgonian fans, and sponges is home to clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, and various types of small sharks.
Free-dive a little deeper and you may be able to spot reef turtles, manta rays, and the occasional Mola mola – a rare large fish, also known as the Ocean Sunfish, which is endemic to tropical waters.
The reefs and their inhabitants are safe in the confines of Menjangan and West Bali National Park thanks to a total ban on fishing in the area, which makes it an aquatic paradise for marine life.
After a long day of exploring, local guides return travellers to their pick-up point at the national park, offering them the opportunity to bask in the sun on the boat’s deck and soak up the stunning, verdant surroundings one last time.
For the most competitive rates, it is advised to organise tours to Menjangan from West Bali National Park directly – accessible by car from nearby Pemuteran – where friendly, English-speaking guides will be happy to help.
