Menjangan Island is one of the most exciting places in Bali to enjoy the diverse marine life of the ocean and some pristine beaches.
It’s something of a hidden gem because it’s in the North West of the island which few but the local population ever visit.
Yet, this part of West Bali National Park is very much worth including on your holiday itinerary and our guide to Menjangan Island will explain everything you can see and do in the area along with where to stay and more.
Where Is Menjangan Island?
Menjangan Island is a small island just off the coast of mainland Bali within the boundaries of West Bali National Park.
It’s address is Sumber Klampok, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Menjangan Island?
There are two parts to a journey to Menjangan Island. The first is to travel to West Bali National Park.
If you intend to do this under your own steam, you will need to hire a private car and driver for the day as if you opt for Grab or Gojek, you may not be able to get out of the park again, easily as there are no drivers in this area.
Then, you need to charter a boat out to the small island, from one of the diving schools in the area.
They will ensure you get to see everything from the soft corals to the sea turtles as long as you have your PADI certification (otherwise, you can go snorkelling, but you cannot dive at Menjangan Island).
Alternatively, you can explore this hidden gem by joining a tour from one of the nearby towns which go directly to Menjangan Island and skip the national park entirely.
What’s The Best Time To Go To Menjangan Island?
Menjangan Island is best visited during the dry season as while there’s no bad time of year to visit Bali if you want to enjoy crystal clear waters at the dive sites rather than just see the wild deer herds on the island itself, you will want to minimize the chances of storms which can be a problem in the wet season.
This part of Indonesia is lovely in the wet season and we do get, on average, 8 hours of sunshine a day but if the rain hits the beach and the bay, the water becomes cloudy.
That means even if you snorkel, you wont be able to see much in the way of marine life on your trip.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Menjangan Island?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Menjangan Island. You must pay for an entry permit before you spend time on the site and it’s 200,000 IDR (that’s about $15 USD or $20 AUD) per person, plus a 550,000 IDR fee (that’s roughly $40 USD or $55 AUD) per boat, 250,000 IDR for your guide (that’s roughly $15 USD or $25 AUD) and 40,000 IDR for snorkel rental and 25,000 IDR for a life jacket.
That means solo travelers might want to find some other tourists to split the costs with as an individual visit to this location can get quite expensive.
We should warn you that the charges for a boat and a guide are not optional charges, they are a legal requirement of entrance to any part of the park.
You cannot go swimming or carry out an other activity in this peaceful and relaxing place without paying these fees.
What To Expect On This Small Island?
There are plenty of things to do on Menjangan Island and if you love to spend time in nature and explore a location of great natural beauty, you’re going to love being here.
Snorkelling
The white sand beach is lovely on Menjangan Island but it’s not really why people come all this way.
Most people if they’re not diving are going to be snorkeling just off the coast and there’s plenty of room to discover amazing local fish and even swim with turtles.
If you’re not PADI certified, then snorkelling is your best option to enjoy the island.
Dive Sites
The biggest attraction of Menjangan Island for many tourists is the diving and that’s because there are some spectacular sights under the water here.
You’re surrounded by the best marine life in Bali and can see coral reefs and endless exciting species of fish and even turtles.
However, this is an intermediate diving site and it’s not suited for beginners. Diving here means going quite deep under the water.
We should also note that the area has seen some problems with fishermen from other islands using dynamite which damages the reefs.
Kayaking
If you love to kayak then Bajul Bay is the part of the island where you will be in your boat (they’re available for hire in the area).
This is a nice trip that ends at the Banyuwedang Hot Springs where you can take a nice warm relaxing soak in the mineral springs.
You are not required to use a guide when you are out kayaking though you can hire one if you want to.
Wild Deer Herds
The deer on the island are very used to being surrounded by humans and aren’t skittish or aggressive.
It’s fine to take their photographs and even get close-ish to them. However, it’s a bad idea to feed the deer and you can get into trouble for doing so if the park service catches you.
Menjangan Resort?
The Menjangan Resort is not on Menjangan Island. It’s on the coast opposite the island.
It’s a nice place and the largest resort near the national park. It has a dive centre and spa on hand and many people like to stay there because they also offer horseback riding along the white sand beach.
Sri Ganesha Temple, Pura Menjangan and Pura Giri Gilimenjangan
There are also several temples on the island that are worth seeing and they’re exceptionally ornate and well cared for given how remote this part of North West Bali is.
Things To Do Near Menjangan Island
There is really only one thing in this area to do other than spend time on Menjangan Island, and that’s:
West Bali National Park -the park is Bali’s only national park and it’s a place of intense beauty and it presents visitors with the opportunity to see nearly all examples of tropical ecologies in one place. It’s a great place for hiking and the local guides are great at ensuring you get to see all the flora and fauna that the area has to offer too. We can highly recommend spending some time here.
Where To Eat Near Menjangan Island
You should take snacks and drinks to Menjangan Island as there aren’t a lot of places to eat in the national park. In fact, there’s currently only one:
Nusa Bay Menjangan by WHM – there’s a restaurant as this hotel and it’s the only one within the grounds of the national park. Despite their monopoly, the food is quite excellent and the service is very good.
Where To Stay Near Menjangan Island
There are a few places within a short drive of the national park where you can stay and plan your trip:
Menjangan Dynasty Resort – often called Menjangan Resort locally is a top-notch hotel with a dive school and all the facilities you need to get out to the island.
Nusa Bay Menjangan by WHM – this is the only hotel in the national park and it’s a pleasant three-star with a diving school and some amazing monkeys that pop in for breakfast occasionally.
Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa – an amazing hotel with incredible features and a gorgeous swimming pool. It’s also the most expensive place to stay in the area.
Mangroove Bay Boutique Hostel – a lovely resort that’s much more than just a hostel with a great pool area and excellent breakfast.
Made Taro – Menjangan Homestay – the cheapest place to stay in town and quite lovely if a touch basic.
FAQs
Is Menjangan Island Worth Visiting?
Yes! In fact, we think North West Bali is currently hugely under-visited and that many tourists would enjoy spending time around the local population as well as seeing Menjangan Island, the national park and some of the nature, wildlife, temples, etc. in this area.
If you want to get away from the crowds of the big beach towns and experience a level of peace and tranquility, this area is ideal for a quick escape.
Divers are going to absolutely love to discover the marine life here and snorkelling is a ton of fun too.
How Do You Get From Bali To Menjangan Island?
Menjangan Island is very close to the Balinese coast, it’s not like the Nusa Islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida where you need to catch a large public boat.
You can get across the water easily in a small boat and you will find plenty of places in the area with boats keen to take you to Menjangan Island.
If you intend to dive, we’d recommend chartering a boat or joining a tour at the local dive schools as this means you will have all the equipment on hand to successfully dive at Menjangan Island.
What Is Deer Island Bali?
Deer Island is another name for Menjangan Island. That’s because there are wild deer herds living on the white sand and in the jungle on the island.
These deer are present all year round and while it’s not a good idea to get too close to wild deer herds, you can relax and enjoy them wandering around you while you’re on the island.
Final Thoughts On The Natural Beauty Of Menjangan Island, Bali
We think everyone should visit Menjangan Island if they love spending time in nature, and if you love to dive, it’s the must-see destination here in Bali.
It’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds and enjoy the traditional, quieter side of Balinese life.
