What can you do in West Bali National Park?
In the far west, far from the beaches and beach clubs, West Bali National Park covers about 190 sq km (73 sq miles) of monsoon forest, savanna, mangroves, arid volcanic slopes and coral reefs. It is the island's last big wild reserve, and one of only a few places in Bali where you can see, in the wild, the Bali starling (jalak putih), a white bird with a blue eye mask, critically endangered.
How to visit: you need permits and a licensed guide, obtained at one of the park's two offices: Cekik, or Labuan Lalang, where the boats to Menjangan leave. It takes several hours by road from the south. The most practical base is Pemuteran.
What you'll see and do:
- Menjangan Island: a protected, uninhabited island with deer, a Hindu temple and coral walls where green turtles swim. It is one of the best snorkelling and diving spots in Bali. The boat (about IDR 330,000, or US$18) is on top of IDR 150,000 (US$9) a person in park and guide fees; a full excursion with an operator runs IDR 1,200,000-1,600,000 (US$67-89).
- A guided trek of 2 to 3 hours through the forest, with chances of seeing Javan rusa deer, macaques, monitor lizards and, with luck, banteng (wild cattle).
- The Bali starling pre-release centre, where the birds are bred for reintroduction (about IDR 50,000, or US$3, 8am to 3pm).
- The mangrove, visited by excursion.
There is no accommodation or restaurant on Menjangan: bring water and a packed lunch, or book with an operator.
Tip: book snorkelling in advance in high season, and set off early in the morning, when the sea is calm and the deer are visible.
Prices, hours and rules checked in October 2026. Confirm before you travel.
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