Menjangan is a small, uninhabited island off the northwest coast of Bali, within West Bali National Park. Its name means deer in Indonesian, after the rusa deer that roam its dry forest. Beneath the surface, coral walls drop away from shallow reef tops, making Menjangan one of the best and most accessible places on Bali for diving and snorkeling in calm, clear water.
Protection within the national park has helped keep the reefs healthy. The walls are covered with hard and soft corals, whip corals and gorgonian fans, sheltering reef fish, nudibranchs, frogfish and pygmy seahorses, with turtles and the occasional reef shark passing by. On land, the temple of Pura Gili Kencana, with its large white statue of Ganesha, overlooks the water near the southwestern jetty.
Boats leave from Labuan Lalang, with most dive operators based in Pemuteran. Snorkelers can float over coral gardens right at the edge of the drop-off, while divers explore sites such as Pos 2, the Eel Garden and the Anchor Wreck, where an old anchor rests in shallow water and the wreck lies much deeper. Visibility is usually good, and currents are generally mild.
Highlights
- Coral walls and gorgonian fans
- Excellent snorkeling at the drop-off
- Anchor Wreck for advanced divers
- Pura Gili Kencana and its Ganesha statue
Good to know
- Book through a Pemuteran dive center, as trips usually include transfers and park fees.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching or standing on coral.
- Bring a sarong if you plan to visit Pura Gili Kencana on the island.
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