Menjangan Island in Indonesia: all about relaxation

Menjangan Island is Indonesia's hidden gem and offers a stark contrast to the bustling tourist centers of Bali. Travelers come to Menjangan to explore its underwater treasures and enjoy the tranquility of its pristine beaches and dense forests. The very name " Menjangan " means "deer" in Indonesian, and these graceful creatures roam freely around the island, giving it a special charm.

The island is part of the West National Park Bali National Park ( Bali Barat ), which covers an area of approximately 190 square kilometers, includes a range of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Depositphotos

General information

• Location : about 10 kilometers from Bali, Indonesia.
• Population : 16 Hindu monks.

Depositphotos

How to get to Menjangan Island

To reach the island, travelers usually fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali , and then travel to the northern coast to the city of Labuhan Lalang , from where you can take a boat to Menjangan Island in about 30 minutes.

But since Menjangan is part of a protected National Park, you cannot visit the island on your own. You will need special permission and a guide.

Cost of visiting West Bali National Park per person is:

• for foreigners 200,000 rupees (about $13) on weekdays and 300,000 rupees (about $20) on weekends and holidays.
• for Indonesians 10,000 rupiah (about $0.65) on weekdays and 15,000 rupiah (about 1 dollar) on weekends and holidays.

Depositphotos

Where to stay on the island

The island itself does not offer tourists accommodation options. However, there are several resorts in and around the National Park where you can stay for a closer look at its attractions. Eg:

• Yuda Menjangan Homestay is a homestay homestay for budget travelers. Clean, comfortable, bike rental available - from $18 with breakfast;
• Mimpi Resort Menjangan is a family-run boutique resort built around an ancient sacred natural hot spring. Offers 3 hot spring pools for all guests, and each of the 24 villas have their own hot spring pools for private use. There is a spa and a restaurant with a good selection of international dishes - from $100;
• Nusa Bay Menjangan is a boutique resort located on Kotal Beach within the National Park. There are spa services , as well as ample snorkeling and diving opportunities - from $125;
• The Menjangan is the largest resort in the park. Offers cozy beach villas and suites, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa , a barbecue area, and free Wi-Fi access . In addition, guests can enjoy memorable dinners on a high platform between the treetops at the Bali Bistro Tower or on the beach at the Pantai restaurant - from $150 with breakfast;
• Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa is a luxury eco-resort on the ocean. Comfortable villas, excellent food, infinity pool, observation deck, spa and a wide range of water sports options - from $280 with breakfast.

If you have your own tent, in agreement with the ranger or guide, you can stay overnight in the park.

Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa

Food on the island

Water and food can be purchased at Labuhan Lalang or in Pemuteran is a small village located about 30 minutes drive from Menjangan .

Weather

Since Menjangan is located in close proximity to Bali, it has similar weather conditions to this super popular tourist destination. There are two seasons here: dry, which lasts from April to October, and wet, from November to March. The greatest amount of precipitation is usually observed in mid-winter. The rest of the time the weather is quite favorable for both beach and active recreation.

Depositphotos

What to do on the island

Menjangan Island stands in stark contrast to the bustling tourist centers of Bali. It has retained its natural beauty due to the fact that it is a protected area.

The lush tropical forest of the island surprises with the diversity of flora and fauna and attracts nature and animal lovers. While exploring the island's trails, you can meet local birds, lizards, wild boars and the rare Balinese black monkey, various species of exotic plants and trees. The island's pristine landscapes offer a break from the crowds and an opportunity to experience Indonesia's rich biodiversity.

Menjangan Island is best known for its diving and snorkeling opportunities , there are plenty of other activities that tourists can enjoy.

Here are some of them:

Bird watching . Bird lovers will delight in the opportunity to see different species of birds in their natural habitat. The park is home to 160 bird species, including the endangered Bali starling. For a donation you can visit the Starling Breeding Center with its many enclosures. From this center the birds are subsequently released into the wild.

Trekking and walking. Explore the island's pristine forests and encounter a variety of wildlife and plant species. There are several marked trails that can be used for both short and long walks. During such walks you can meet monkeys, deer and a number of other inhabitants of the National Park.

Temples . Menjangan and its surrounding areas are also famous for its temples such as The Gili Kencana Temple , Segara Giri Temple , Klenting Sari Temple and Gajah Mada Temple , which tourists can admire during a trip to the island.

Island hopping and relaxation. Take a boat to the neighboring islands and snorkel in the warm ocean waters. The remote and tranquil beaches of Menjangan Island and its surroundings are ideal for relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying the serene atmosphere.

Depositphotos

Diving and snorkeling

One of the main attractions of Menjangan Island is its fascinating underwater world. The island is famous for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

The island's coral gardens are teeming with colorful fish, making it an attractive destination for both beginners and experienced divers.

The reef of Menjangan Island is home to a variety of marine species: butterfly fish, angel fish, parrot fish, reef sharks and turtles. The underwater landscapes here resemble a living tapestry of colors and shapes, providing an unforgettable experience for underwater photographers and sea adventure enthusiasts. Visibility is usually excellent and ranges from 15 to 50 meters.

Resorts located around Menjangan have their own dive centers that organize trips to the island.

For example, one of the closest dive centers to Menjangan Island is the dive center of the Nusa resort Bay Menjangan . There are 7 world-class dive sites off its coast. He organizes snorkeling and diving trips to the island .

The estimated cost of such trips per person is:

• snorkeling tour with a visit to two sites - $40-85 depending on the number of guests;
• diving tour with certified divers, including two dives - about $100;
• one shore dive - about $50;
• one introductory shore dive for non-certified divers - about 60 dollars.

Additionally, Pemuteran has a number of dive operators that offer snorkeling and diving experiences on this wonderful island.

Depositphotos

Whether you are an avid diver, a nature lover or just looking for tranquility, Menjangan Island has something to offer you. It's a reminder that despite the popularity of well-known tourist spots, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered across the vast and diverse Indonesian archipelago. Therefore, when planning a trip to Bali , include Menjangan Island in your itinerary to enjoy the unique natural attractions of this amazing place.