Serangan Island in Indonesia: All About Vacations

Lost in the Indonesian archipelago, Serangan Island , often called "Turtle Island", is located about 10 kilometers south of the capital Bali. Denpasar . This small, serene island offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural charm, and eco-friendly initiatives that set it apart from its noisy neighbors. In this article, we introduce you to the wonders of Serangan Island , its life, sustainable tourism, and the experiences that await travelers.

General information

• Location : Bali Province, Indonesia.
• Area : about 0.49 square kilometers.
• Population : about 4000 inhabitants.
• Language : The official language is Bahasa Indonesia .
• Religion : About 90% of the island's population are Hindus, there are also Catholics and Muslims.

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Serangan Island

To get to Serangan Island , travelers usually fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport , also known as Denpasar International Airport , which is the main airport in Bali. The island is connected to Bali by a road bridge, so it is easily accessible by taxi from Denpasar , as well as from popular tourist destinations such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Sanur . The journey takes no more than half an hour, depending on the departure point. Alternatively, you can take a speedboat from Sanur to Serangan Island.

There is also a ferry service between Serangan Island and the famous Gili Islands, as well as Lombok , Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan .

Serangan ferry services are operated by Bluewater Express , Gili Getaway , Bali Eka Jaya and Golden Queen Fast Boat , and depending on the time of year you can choose up to 15 ferry crossings per day.

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Serangan Island

The island itself does not boast an abundance of tourist accommodation. However, in its surroundings you will find a variety of accommodation options - from eco-friendly resorts to cozy guest houses - for any budget and preference. Prices start at about $10 per night for a modest double room.

Here are some examples of good hotels in different price categories:

• Asoka Hotel & Suite (Sanur) - a small cozy hotel within walking distance from the beach and 9 kilometers from Serangan Island . There are rooms with a kitchenette, a restaurant, a small pool and free Wi-Fi - from $ 40;
• Kubu Garden Suites & Villas ( Nusa Dua ) - inexpensive hotel in a quiet area. Clean rooms, there is a villa with two bedrooms and a private pool. Nearby restaurants, a minimarket and a water sports center - from 50 dollars with breakfast;
• Amnaya Resort ( Nusa Dua ) - a pleasant resort with elegant rooms decorated in light colors. Well-kept territory, there is a good restaurant, spa and swimming pool - from 85 dollars (with breakfast);
• Nikko Bali Benoa Beach ( Nusa Dua ) - a beach resort hotel. There are restaurants and bars, a spa , a swimming pool, a gym and a kids' club - from $90;
• Mahagiri Villas Sanur - a complex of 17 luxury villas near Sanur Beach. There is a restaurant, a swimming pool, massage services and free bicycle rental - from $ 290 with breakfast.

Mahagiri Villas Sanur

Food on Serangan Island

The island has a number of places to replenish your energy and calories, from local warungs (small restaurants) serving traditional Balinese cuisine to restaurants that focus on freshly caught seafood.

Be sure to try popular Indonesian dishes like nasi campur (rice with salad and meat) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck).

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Serangan Attractions and Activities

Serangan Island is relatively small, but it offers visitors the opportunity to experience the local culture, reflecting the traditional Balinese way of life. Visitors to the island can visit the Sakenan Temple , one of the most revered Hindu shrines in Bali, watch local ceremonies, and interact with friendly locals who are happy to share their customs and traditions. Tourists can also go fishing, horseback riding along the beach, snorkeling , or diving .

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Turtle conservation

Serangan Island takes its unofficial nickname "Turtle Island" very seriously, with the green turtle being its main natural attraction. One of Serangan's most striking features is its commitment to turtle conservation. The island is known for its efforts to protect and rehabilitate these gentle creatures. It is home to the Turtle Conservation and Research Center ( The Turtle Conservation and Education Center), which is a must-see for nature and animal lovers. At the Center, you can learn about the different species of sea turtles, see hatchlings being released into the sea, and even take part in conservation efforts by "adopting" a turtle. For a small donation, you can adopt a turtle and return it to nature with your own hands. It's a heartfelt experience that leaves a lasting impression.

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Surfing

Although Serangan Island is not as well known as a surfing location as, for example, Canggu or Kuta, it also has its share of popularity among surfers due to its consistent waves.

The island is less crowded than other famous surf spots in Bali. Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, the island offers the right conditions and equipment rentals. Sea urchins may be encountered during low tide, so caution is advised.

Unlike many other surf spots , this location works best during the rainy season, between December and March.

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Environmental initiatives

Serangan Island has a significant milestone in its history that has influenced its current state. Thus, as a result of the work to increase the area of the island by adding sea sand and draining the adjacent waters, which was carried out from 1996 to 2009, there was a significant reduction in mangroves, coastal seaweed and marine life, as well as green turtles.

Subsequently, active work was carried out to plant trees and improve the ecological situation, and sustainable development practices became deeply ingrained in the island's tourism industry.

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Therefore, today many resorts and hotels prioritize eco -friendly accommodations, encouraging responsible tourism by reducing waste and saving energy. Visitors to the island can take part in beach cleanup initiatives and mangrove restoration programs, which contribute to the preservation of the island’s environment.