West Bali National Park: Complete Guide to Bali’s Hidden Wildlife Paradise

The park was established in 1941 by the Dutch colonial government as a natural reserve. Later, the Indonesian government expanded the reserve to the nearby marine and coastal areas, thereby increasing the total area to about 19,000 hectares with 3,400+ hectares of protected marine waters and coral reefs. This protected area was officially inaugurated in 1984 by the Indonesian president Suharto during the World National Parks Congress in Bali, the area was declared a National Park by the Indonesian government.

Fact: The park was originally created to save the Bali Tiger, but sadly, the last confirmed sighting of the tiger was in 1937, just a few years before the official reserve was established. Today, the park’s focus has shifted to the successful recovery of the Bali Starling.

Note: Fees must be paid in cash (IDR) at the ranger stations in Cekik or Labuhan Lalang. Diving, snorkelling, trekking permits and guided tours are charged separately.

The park has four peaks that offer spectacular views and challenging hikes.

• Gunung Klatakan (698m): The most popular trekking peak within the park. The trail starts at Sumber Klampok and takes you through ancient rainforests with views of the Java Sea.
• Gunung Prapat Agung (375m): Located on the northern peninsula, this peak offers a panoramic view of the Bali Strait and the many "Menjangan" (deer) that roam the base.
• While Mount Patas and Mount Merbuk are iconic visual landmarks, they technically sit in the protected forest reserve just outside the official National Park boundary.

The park has four islets that are part of its marine protected area. 

• Menjangan Island: The crown jewel. Known globally for its underwater "coral walls" and the white-sand beaches where wild deer frequently bathe.
• Pulau Kalong (Bat Island): A vital mangrove islet. At sunset, thousands of flying foxes emerge from the mangroves, creating a spectacular natural display.
• Pulau Burung (Bird Island): A sanctuary for rare seabirds and a key nesting site for the endangered Bali Starling.
• Pulau Gadung: A smaller, uninhabited limestone islet surrounded by some of the park’s most diverse "macro" diving sites.

The park is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It offers a mix of wildlife and ocean experiences. One can live the best of the moments through the Bali Tour Packages.

This is a guided tour specifically designed to spot the Bali Starling, one of the rarest birds in the world.

• The Experience: You’ll visit the breeding sanctuary and the savanna areas where they were successfully released into the wild.
• Best Time: Early morning (6:30 AM) is the only time to see them active.

Menjangan is Bali’s premier snorkelling destination. Because the island is uninhabited, the coral walls remain pristine.

• What to See: Look for the famous anchor wreck, sea turtles, and pygmy seahorses.
• Cost: A full-day boat trip with lunch and gear typically starts at IDR 650,000 - 950,000 (₹3,575 - ₹5,225) per person.
• Note: You must bring your passport or a copy for the marine permit check at Labuhan Lalang.

You cannot trek solo in the park; a ranger is mandatory to ensure both your safety and the protection of the forest.

• Routes: Choose between the easy Tegal Blunder trail (2 hours) or the challenging Mount Klatakan climb (5 hours).
• Ranger Fee: Expect to pay approx. IDR 350,000 (₹1,925) for a private guide.

Birdwatching tours are one of the best experiences for nature lovers with over 160 species to watch for, thus making the park an epic destination for birders.

• Species: Sacred Kingfishers, Javan Kingfishers, and the Great Crested Tern.
• Tip: Guides at the Cekik headquarters have specialized binoculars and bird hides to get you the best views.

The winding waterways and dense coastal forests create one of the most peaceful natural escapes on the island. Kayaking or taking a boat through the mangrove forests offers a peaceful escape to experience the rich ecosystem. The mangroves here are some of the best-preserved in Indonesia.

• The Experience: Paddle through quiet tunnels of trees. It is incredibly silent and a great way to see monitor lizards and mud skippers.
• Cost: Kayak rentals start at IDR 250,000 (₹1,375) per hour.

The ideal time to visit this area is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The season is characterised by good weather conditions with excellent underwater visibility. Hence, the wildlife is more active during this period and best for snorkelling visibility and trekking.

Note: If you are visiting during Nyepi (March 19, 2026), the park and all transport to it will be completely closed for 24 hours. Plan your travel dates carefully!

The area has a variety of accommodation options that will suit your budget and preferences.

The Menjangan Resort, Mimpi Resort and Menjangan Dynasty Resort.

• Mimpi Resort Menjangan
• Sumberkima Hill Retreat
• Naya Gawana Resort and Spa

• Plataran Menjangan Resort and Spa
• The Menjangan
• Taman Sari Bali Resort and Spa

• Waka Shorea Resort
• Menjangan Dynasty Resort

• Villa Manuk
• Villa Beten Bukit
• Villa Semadhi

West Bali National Park is a hidden gem of Indonesia that protects a rich diversity of ecosystems. The park presents a wide range of activities and experiences that offer a unique and unforgettable experience for nature and wildlife lovers. The area is also a home to the endangered Bali starling and countless other plant and animal species. Whether you wish to watch the sunrise from a traditional boat, spot your first wild Bali Starling or explore the forest secrets, this national park should definitely be on everyone’s Bali itinerary.