A quick day trip anyone can do is go up North-West Bali and explore the little but beautiful towns on the coast like Banyuwedang, Pemuteran, and all the way to Lovina and Singaraja.
From Kuta, it takes about 3 1/2 - 4 hours to the North if you pass Jl. Gilimanuk through West Bali. From Jl. Gilimanuk, you turn right onto Jl. Seririt-Singaraja.
If you pass through the center (Ubud, Bedugul), you will get to Singaraja in 2 1/2 hours. From there, your turn left on Jl. Seririt-Singaraja.
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| photo c/o: freestylebalitours |
The North-West towns are part of the West Bali National Park. A massive complex that boasts of assertively caring for nature and animal species of water and land. In fact this is one of the spots for the Bio-Rock Coral Reef rehabilitation Program as well as Conservation centers for animals and plant life. One is not allowed to hunt or kill or even fish withing the vicinity and zone of the National Park.
The towns are also known for quiet, relaxing beaches, less crowds, and most especially the various fun activities they offer: Snorkeling, hiking and trekking, camping, and hotsprings!
Michael and I love water activities so we just had to try the snorkeling at the famous and beautiful Menjangan Island.
How to get there?
You need to go to Labuhan Lalang which is the harbor and jump off spot for Menjangan Island.
Go early, snorkeling is best in the mornings.
How much?
Basically, you need to pay for:
National Park Entrance
Insurance
Snorkling Fee
Snorkeling Gear (optional)
The Boat (with Driver and Guide)
The Regular National Park Entrance Fee is Rp 200,000 per person
Locals get a different price.
KITAS holders are eligible for discounts.
A boat (with Driver + Guide) costs ~Rp 1.3 million = ~$100 and can accommodate 10.
To save money, best to share a boat with others. Look for a group you can join.
Regarding the Guides:
You can choose the guide you prefer and make arrangements with them beforehand or just be assigned one when you get there.
Since it was our first time and didn't know anyone, the guide we got was Idris. He was very knowledgeable about snorkeling. I'm guessing he is a diver too. He is very patient with beginners. The family with me on the boat never snorkeled before and he patiently taught and swam with each of them.
The other guide we spoke to was Komang who nicely gave us information on the various activities, fees, etc.
We recommend either of them. Here are their cards and numbers:
Idris: +62-85339083790
Komang: +62-85253715022
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| click to enlarge |
How long is the boat ride?
Very fast. About 20-25 minutes only.
What can be done there?
Amazing snorkeling! I'd say Menjangan is better than Amed and can definitely compete with the wilder Flores for the quality of sea life and abundance and health of the coral reefs. There more fish and sea life variety and the coral reefs are alive and in good form
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The whole snorkeling tour is 4 hours -- from harbor to Menjangan and lunch break. Yes, buy some food and water before you go.
You will be taken to 2-3 spots to snorkel. Best to inform your guide your snorkeling skills and experience so they will know where to take you.
There is also a holy temple on the island, behind the main snorkeling spots. You can schedule this with your boat driver and guide.
Menjangan island is beautiful. White sand and lush greenery. Actually, it is also called Deer Island because well, deers live here. You are not allowed to hunt them. You may ask your guide to take you to see them.
BUT, before you jump off!
Apart from having signs about the Rules and Regulations of the Park regarding Snorkeling and Hiking, your guide will diligently explain and remind you of the rules when in the water, before you're allowed off the boat.
The Rules are pretty simple:
Respect the sea and island.
Do not Litter.
Do not touch, scare, or disturb sea life.
Do not step on the coral reefs.
And for your safety:
Stay near your group.
If you want to explore further, inform your guide.
Here are some photos of our trip.
Btw, Michael fulfilled one of his goals for the year and that is to paddle board from the harbor to Menjangan Island! He was stoked to have accomplished this and the beautiful day and light winds was a joy to work with, he says.
His next goal: To paddle board to and around the island and back to the harbor!
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| the indo family with me on the boat and that is Idris, our guide, in the back. |
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| our driver Eddie |
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| boat traffic |
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| harbor view |
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| North bali island scape |
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| white sand beaches along North Bali. Hmm... maybe I go there next?? |
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| Menjangan Isalang up ahead! |
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| Michael Paddle Boarding |
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| paddle board by Jeff Alexander Surfboards |
We enjoyed snorkeling so much that we are already planning our return in a couple of weeks! This time too, we intend to stay more than 2 days and hit the HOTSPRINGS in Banyuwedang!
Before I go, I'm sure you're also wondering about:
Where to stay?
We decided to stay in Pemuteran, the next town, about 20 minutes from Labuhan Lalang Harbor. We found a nice and newly-built homestay called Bali gecko Homestay.
For dinner, we ate at the more fancy Pondok Sari Beach and Spa Resort.
Check this LINK, for more information.
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