Bali Barat National Park (West Bali) is located on the island’s western coast, covering 190 km² of land and 34 km² of marine waters. The park combines tropical forests, savannas, mountain ranges, mangroves, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. More than 200 species of animals and birds live here, including rare and endemic ones.

The park was established in 1917, when Dutch authorities declared West Bali a protected zone due to rare species such as the Bali starling and the Bali tiger. In 1941, it was officially granted national reserve status, and in 1947, after Indonesia’s independence, this status was confirmed. Today, the park covers about 13% of Bali’s total area.

Landscape and nature

The park includes tropical forests in the south, equatorial savannas in the north, and a central mountain range with volcanic peaks such as Mount Patas (1412 m). The Prapat Agung Peninsula and Menjangan Island are surrounded by coral reefs. Menjangan has no permanent residents but is home to several temples and a large population of Javan deer.

Wildlife

The most famous inhabitant of the park is the Bali starling (myna). You can also encounter wild boars, leopard cats, Javan deer, long-tailed macaques, giant squirrels, eagles, hornbills, sea turtles, reef sharks, octopuses, and many other species.

Flora

The park is rich in rare plants such as salamander trees, giant myrtles, white sandalwood, Indian rosewood, wild orchids, and mangrove forests. In total, there are 175 plant species, 14 of which are endangered.

Things to do

The entrance to the park is located in the village of Cekik, near Gilimanuk. Tourists can enjoy various activities:

  • • Hiking: trails of different difficulty levels, from short (2 hours) to long (5–8 hours), such as climbing Mount Klatakan.
  • • Boat trips: visiting Menjangan Island with its temples and wildlife, or exploring the mangrove forests of Gilimanuk Bay.
  • • Diving and snorkeling: at Menjangan’s coral reef or Gilimanuk’s volcanic sand with its rich marine life.

Temples of the park

Within the park are sacred temples such as Pura Segara Rupek, Pura Teluk Terima, and Pura Dang Kahyangan-Banyuwedang, which can be visited during excursions.

Best time to visit

It is recommended to come during the dry season from May to September. The park attracts visitors with its unique nature and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Indonesia’s wilderness.

Bali Barat National Park is here