Bali guide › North and east Bali
What to do in Pemuteran: snorkelling, Biorock and Menjangan?
Pemuteran is a seaside village in north-west Bali, 3.5 to 4 hours' drive from the south, known for snorkelling and diving: you swim over the Biorock artificial reef straight from the beach, and head out from here to Menjangan Island, one of the island's best underwater sites. It's also a quiet base for West Bali National Park.
The sheltered bay usually has calm water and grey-black sand. The mood is peaceful and all about the sea: divers, families and couples looking for a rest.
What you'll do:
- Biorock: launched in 2000, this coral restoration project uses metal frames carrying a weak electric current, which speeds up coral growth. It's about 50 m (165 ft) from shore: access is free, you just rent a mask and fins on the beach. You can also plant a piece of coral in exchange for a donation to the project.
- Menjangan Island: a day of snorkelling or diving by boat, with coral-covered walls and very clear water. Boats leave from Labuhan Lalang, 15 minutes west. Expect about US$50 to US$55 (900,000 to 1 million rupiah) per person for a full-day snorkelling trip, park entry included.
- Pura Pulaki, a few minutes away: a sea temple backed by hills and guarded by a troop of monkeys (watch your belongings).
- A sunset boat trip in the bay, where dolphins are often spotted.
For the national park and its trails, see What can you do in West Bali National Park? The Balinese-style churches of Palasari and Blimbingsari are under an hour away: see Why are there Christian villages in Bali (Palasari)?
How it works: allow at least 2 nights, as the drive is long. You get there either via the west (Tabanan, then Gilimanuk) or over the mountains (Bedugul, then Seririt); the mountain route combines well with Munduk or Lovina, see What is there to do in Munduk? Once there, everything is walkable along the beach; for Menjangan, most dive centres include transfers. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Verdict: Pemuteran for 2 or 3 days of calm sea and reefs, especially if you love snorkelling; too far for a single night.
Tip: do Menjangan on the morning of your first full day. The sea is often calmer early on, and if the trip is cancelled because of wind, you still have a day to rebook.
Information checked in November 2026; confirm before you travel.
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- What is there to do in Munduk?
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- Amed and Tulamben: what to do, and can you snorkel the Liberty?
- Are Lempuyang's Gates of Heaven worth it, and when to go?
- Why stay in Sidemen instead of Ubud?
- How do you reach the Gili Islands from Bali?
- What is there to do in Candidasa, and should you stay?