Bali Barat national park in Bali

Bali Barat is an untouched natural corner located in Buleleng Regency in the western part of Bali. Occupying about 10% of the island's land area, the park is a protected zone and serves as the most important refuge for numerous endangered species of flora and fauna.

On the territory of Taman Nasional Bali Barat there are about 160 species of protected animals and plants, including buffaloes, deer, langur monkeys, bats, as well as more than 120 species of birds, including the endangered Bali starling, which has become a symbol of the island.

The geography of the reserve is diverse and includes mangrove thickets, savannas, tropical forests and coral reefs. The landscape of the central part is dominated by remnants of volcanic activity, including Mount Patas with a height of 1412 meters, which is the highest point of the reserve.

Depositphotos

What to do in Bali Barat

On the territory of the National Park you can:

• Explore the forest, mangrove thickets and savannas, that is, the natural habitat of deer, watch wildlife and birds.
• Climb the mountains. Trekking includes both short walks on foot, for example, a 2-hour walk along the Tegal Blunder trail, and difficult hikes, such as an 8-hour hike along the Gunung Klatakan trail.
• Visit temples. In particular, Bakungan temple, located near the village of Cekik, where a large number of monkeys live, Pura Gili Kencana temple, Pura Segara Giri, Pura Klentingsari and Jayaprana tomb.

Depositphotos

Diving and snorkeling in Bali Barat national park

West Bali - one of the best places in Bali for diving and snorkeling, especially if you are looking for clean water, untouched reefs and a minimum of tourists. The main point of attraction - Menjangan Island, located in the north-western part of the park.

Depositphotos

Menjangan island

A convenient starting point for exploring local attractions can be Menjangan Resort - a cozy boutique hotel located on the island of the same name, which is part of the park territory.

The resort offers not only a wide range of services and amenities, but also various leisure options, including kayaking through mangrove thickets, bathing in the healing hot springs of Banyuwedang, horse riding lessons, walking and cycling with a guide, as well as visiting several world-class dive sites located near Menjangan island. During dives you will be able to explore coral gardens and the rich underwater life of the ocean - from sea fans and bright gorgonians to reef sharks.

Depositphotos

How to visit Bali Barat

The easiest way to visit the park - join an organized tourist group with your own guide. Travelers who prefer private tours should register at one of the two park offices to get information, as well as buy permits and arrange individual accompaniment. The choice of a guide should be approached thoroughly in order to avoid possible inconveniences during the excursion.

One of the offices is located in the village of Cekik in the west, and the second in Labuan Lalang on the northern coast, from where boats depart to Menjangan Island. The main ranger post is located on the road between the two offices in Sumber-Klampok.

Each visitor is charged an entrance fee, which for foreigners is 200,000 Indonesian rupiah on weekdays, and 300,000 rupiah per person on weekends and public holidays.

While in the National Park, visitors must follow certain rules of behavior. So, you should refrain from actions that can damage nature, in particular touching bird eggs and nests, as well as cutting plants.

Depositphotos