Serangan Island, or “Turtle Island” as it’s nicknamed, is a small yet fascinating destination just south of Denpasar.
Known for its rich marine life, cultural significance, and laid-back atmosphere, Serangan offers a unique escape from Bali’s regular tourists.
The island is most famous for its conservation efforts, particularly the Serangan Turtle Conservation and Education Center, making it a popular spot for eco tourism, as well as its surf spots, fresh seafood, and its temples,in particular Pura Dalem Sakenan.
Once a completely separated landmass, recent developments have connected this quiet island village to the mainland, making it easily reachable by a 110-metre bridge.
Despite this, Serangan has retained its quiet charm, making it a hidden gem for those looking to experience a different side of Bali.
Where Is Serangan Island?
Serangan Island is located just 500 meters off the coast of South Bali, connected to Denpasar by a causeway.
It is located between Tanjung Benoa and Sanur, making it about a 20-minute drive from Kuta, 15 minutes from Sanur and 30 minutes from Seminyak.
How To Get To Serangan Island
Gone are the days of crossing the strait on traditional wooden boats; nowadays, you just need to get to the bridge and cross it. Here’s how to get there:
Taxi/ Ride-Hailing App – The best way to get there would be by a taxi hailing app such as Grab or Gojek, the price won’t break the bank, especially if you share. There have been reports of difficulty booking a Grab or Gojek to leave the island, so you may need to use a local taxi.
You could also ask your hotel to book you a taxi, or even hire a driver for the whole day. This would get around the issue of booking a taxi to leave the island.
Motorbike/ Scooter rental – Although renting a scooter or motorbike to get there may be a tempting idea, as always, we recommend against this.
It’s unlikely you’ll be road legal, leaving you open to problems with the police and insurance issues, and the Balinese roads can be dangerous; don’t risk an accident.
How To Get Around Serangan Island
Most of the main attractions are in a relatively small area in the north of the island, which can be walked around fairly easily.
To access other parts of the island, there are local taxi drivers.
Things To Do And See In Serangan Island
For a small and quiet island, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Here are a few things we enjoyed:
Turtle Conservation
One of the coolest and most heartwarming spots on Serangan Island is the Serangan Turtle Conservation and Education Center.
Partnering with the Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS), a passionate group working to protect Bali’s beloved turtles, the center offers an interactive experience you won’t forget. We got to see baby turtles hatching and scurrying along the beach to the ocean for the first time, which was pretty amazing!
You can get involved in their conservation efforts and learn about the incredible journeys of the Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill and other turtles in Bali. It’s a fun, hands-on way to help protect these amazing creatures and make a real difference!
Address: Jl. Tukad Punggawa, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80229, Indonesia
Online: tcec Serangan
Pura Dalem Sakenan
For a spiritual experience on Serangan Island, Pura Dalem Sakenan is a must-see. This important Balinese temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a peaceful setting where visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s spiritual atmosphere.
The temple is particularly known for its unique location, surrounded by lush greenery and the ocean. Pura Dalem Sakenan is significant for locals, especially during the Sakenan Temple Festival, which draws visitors for its traditional ceremonies and vibrant celebrations.
In the old days, pilgrims would cross the strait on foot during low tide to reach the temple.
Address: 76FH+WQ3, Jl. Pulau Serangan, Sesetan, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80229, Indonesia
Beaches and Surfing
Wherever you go in Bali, there’s always an excuse to hit the beach!
There are a handful of beaches here, the biggest one being Serangan Beach, which is a nice place to chill out all year round. The sea here is good for swimming, and teeming with marine life. Remember when swimming not to interfere with any sea life that you encounter!
The island also has some pretty good waves and is fairly popular amongst the surfers who know. November to March is arguably the best time for surfing here, but it can get crowded at times given its easy-to-access location.
There aren’t many provisions at the beach, so bring some with you, such as water and snacks.
Address: 766R+2QF, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80229
Fishing Village And Traditional Wooden Boats
Most of the islanders here are involved in the fishing industry in one way or another. Take a walk along the seafront and watch the fishing boats coming in and offloading the day’s catch.
You might even get to chat with one of the locals about their daily life.
Where To Eat In Serangan Island
You can find a few restaurants and warungs on the island, mostly in the fishing village area near to the bridge, and they’re popular with locals and tourists alike.
Warung Pondok Bawang Serangan
A very cool local restaurant overlooking the mangroves, which serves delicious seafood prepared in a Balinese style.
Honestly, the food here was pretty 10 out of 10 when we went, and we’d definitely go back. The ikan Bakar, grilled fish, was amazing, and the crab!
Address: Jl. Tukad Punggawa No.24, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80229
Online: Instagram
Pim’a Garden Café
A very chill family-run spot overlooking the marina. The food here was great, and the staff were beyond friendly. Great, classic Indo dishes such as nasi goreng, as well as, of course, seafood. They also had things such as pancakes and cracked coconuts to drink from.
There is a home stay here also, and some of the people we met had been staying there for a few days, with nothing but good feedback.
Address: Jl. Tukad Punggawa No.96 2nd Floor, Serangan, Denpasar, Bali 80229
Online: Facebook
Warung Pak Jalan
Another very chilled, local family-run spot. The view here is pretty cool, across the strait towards the mangroves west of Sanur, a great place to eat, drink and enjoy the environment around you.
Everything here was sold at a local price, and the afternoon we spent here sailed by perfectly, throwing back a few beers and chatting with the owner.
Address: 76HQ+C6G, Jl. Tukad Punggawa, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80229
Where To Stay In Serangan
While there aren’t any big hotels or resorts in Serangan, we managed to find a few small hotels, guesthouses and homestays.
D&D Homestay
We were pleasantly surprised to arrive here and find a nice swimming pool surrounded by clean and modern rooms.
It was very easy to find, being on the first turning left after you pass the bridge, and it takes less than 15 minutes to walk to most places in the village from here.
Address: Jl. Tukad Punggawa Gg. Buntu No.II, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80229
Online: Instagram
Paras paros marina lodge
A nice clean hotel near the pier, with a rooftop overlooking the marina.
The food was great here also.
Address: Jl. Tukad Punggawa No.123, banjar ponjok, Serangan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80229
Online: Instagram
FAQs
Where Can You See Green Sea Turtles In Bali?
Although Serangan Island in Bali, or Turtle Island, is the most obvious place, green sea turtles can be found all around Bali.
Years ago, they were captured for their turtle meat, which was used for both human consumption and religious ceremonies.
In recent years, the consumption and ritualistic use of turtle meat has seen a sharp decline, and along with conservation efforts, the number of turtles has seen a dramatic increase.
What About The Shark Island Conservation Project?
The Shark Island Conservation Project is currently closed.
This is quite a shame, this project played a vital role in the preservation of Bali’s marine life. The project is focused on the protection and conservation of sharks, particularly the Blacktip Reef Shark, with which they had swimming experiences.
The project worked to raise awareness about the importance of sharks in maintaining healthy ecosystems, as well as providing education on how these creatures are affected by the fishing industry and other environmental factors.
How Many Islands Are In Bali?
In addition to the main island of Bali, the Bali Archipelago consists of over 20 islands in total. Some of the well-known ones are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Serangan/ Turtle Island.
Are There Watersports On The Island?
No, the watersports centre on Serangan Island is permanently closed in keeping with the island’s conservation efforts.
The nearest beach for watersports is probably Tanjung Benoa Beach, south of the island, where they have a selection of water sports to enjoy during the day, such as windsurfing.
Why Is It Called Turtle Island?
Serangan Island in Bali is often called Turtle Island, mostly due to the turtle conservation programs which are ongoing there, and the resulting turtle population around this particular area.
Final Thoughts On Serangan Island
Serangan Island offers a peaceful escape from Bali’s busy tourist spots, with its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and eco-tourism.
Whether you’re visiting the Conservation Center, hitting the waves or simply enjoying the calm atmosphere, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re looking to see a quieter side of Bali, Serangan is definitely worth a visit.
