The village of Pemuteran is considered a hidden gem of the island of Bali and captivates with its originality and its underwater world in equal measure. Here the traveler can expect a beautiful, unspoiled landscape, award-winning coral reefs as well as quiet beaches far away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist centers in the south of the island. Where exactly this dreamy sounding place called Pemuteran is located and what you can experience there, we want to clarify in this article.
Where is Pemuteran located?
Pemuteran is located on the northwest coast of the Indonesian island of Bali, about four hours north of Denpasar International Airport. Lovina is about one hour to the east. Gilimanuk and thus the ferry to the neighboring island of Java are only 30 minutes away.
Activities in Pemuteran
Diving
The sea in Pemuteran is very calm and free of currents or high waves. This makes the beach ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Especially for the latter, the place is very suitable, as the artificial coral reef here is healthy and intact thanks to the award-winning Biorock Project, providing habitat for numerous, impressive marine life. The Biorock Project was launched in 2000 by the Coral Reef Alliance and is one of the largest reef restoration projects in the world.
In this project, steel structures and sculptures were sunk into the sea and guided by a light current. This causes a crust of sea salt to form on their surface, which in turn allows corals to settle. Since June 2000, more than 115 such Biorock coral nurseries have been installed in Pemuteran village. In 2012, the inventors received a special award at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro for their outstanding work on sustainable ecological development.
Walks
But Pemuteran beach is not only worth seeing underwater. The beach with its fine, black volcanic sand is also ideal for walks. Behind the Pulaki temple there is a small hill from which you have a wonderful view of the bay of Pemuteran and the sunrise and sunset.
If you want to go a little higher, you can climb Mount Beratan. From the top of this mountain you can also excellently enjoy the daily spectacle of nature. There is also a meditation center on the mountain. From here you have a magnificent view over the ocean and the volcanoes of the neighboring island of Java.
Trip to Menjangan Island
This small Menjangan island, offshore from the nearby Bali Barat National Park, is a popular snorkeling and diving destination. It is famous for its beautiful coral reef and a terrific biodiversity of the underwater world. With a little luck you can even spot manta rays or whale sharks here. Little current, ideal water temperatures and good visibility make the reef around the island a popular diving spot. In Pemuteran some diving schools have settled, which offer excursions to the island.
Yoga
For those who like to balance their mind and body, Pemuteran offers the opportunity to practice yoga in beautiful locations. Several hotels and yoga studios offer classes in yoga shalas with breathtaking views of nature.
Wellness & Spa
Those who want to be pampered from head to toe will also find the appropriate facilities in Pemuteran or in neighboring Sumberkima.
Sights in and around Pemuteran
Bali Barat National Park
The Bali Barat National Park near Pemuteran combines various types of vegetation in one area. Here you can find dense mangroves, rainforest, dry savannahs, mountain forests, volcanoes, sandy beaches and much more. In the north of the park is the peninsula “Prapat Agung”. Around this peninsula are long, protected beaches with offshore coral reefs as well as the previously mentioned small island “Pulau Menjangan”.
Turtle hatchery
At the beach of Pemuteran there is a turtle hatchery, which takes care of sea turtles. Here, young animals as well as injured or sick animals are nursed and then released back into their natural habitat.
Trip to the volcano on Java
If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike up the volcano called Ijen in the middle of the night and marvel at the blue fire burning in its crater. The 2800 meter high volcano “Ijen” is located on the neighboring island of Java, which can be reached by ferry from Gilimanuk. However, the blue fire can only be seen in the dark, so it is best to make the climb at night with a guide.
Hot Springs of Banjar
About an hour’s drive east from Pemuteran are the hot springs of Banjar. The hot sulfur water is said to have a healing effect on the body and many locals make use of it by bathing in it.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Another hour east of the “Banjar Hot Springs” is the fascinating waterfall called Sekumpul. To reach it, you have to climb down a staircase with over 300 steps, wade through a knee-deep river and follow a trail. But the effort is worth it, because the waterfall, which is over 50 meters high, is more than worth seeing.
Pura Belatung, Kerta Kawat and Melanting Temple
In the region around Pemuteran there are some interesting temples. Some of them are located so close to each other that they can be easily combined in one sightseeing tour. For example the Pura Belatung, Kerta Kawat and the Melanting Temple. These temples are located in a beautiful green oasis and the temple tour allows for a leisurely walk through a vineyard area.
Pura Pulaki, Pabean and Segara Temples
Another trio of temples are the Pura Pulaki, Pabean and Segara temples. These are located between the mountains and the sea and the Balinese believe that there is a special energy here because of the location. Inhabited by monkeys, Pura Pulaki is one of Bali’s largest temples and the main temple of Pemuteran.
Pemuteran Temple
In a small side street next to the main road in Pemuteran is the Pemuteran Temple, also called the “Hot Water Temple”. Especially at full moon many Balinese come here to pray.
Melanting Temple
Pura Melanting is a place for traders and businessmen seeking happiness. Due to its historical architecture and special location, this is one of the most worth seeing temples in the region. It dates back to the 15th century and is located on a hillside surrounded by tropical forests and vineyards.
Puncak Manik Temple
Behind the Pura Melanting is the Puncak Manik Temple. A small temple built around a sacred spring high up in the mountains. To visit it you have to climb hundreds of steps. However, upon reaching the top, one is rewarded with a magnificent view over Pemuteran.
Culinary in Pemuteran
As befits a fishing village, there are many restaurants in Pemuteran that offer freshly caught fish and seafood. However, there are also some local warungs to be found here and the numerous hotel-owned restaurants are also open to the public.
Conclusion – For whom is a visit to Pemuteran worthwhile?
The quiet and cozy village of Pemuteran is ideal for anyone who wants to avoid the hustle and bustle of South Bali and get to know the more pristine Bali. A visit is worthwhile for nature lovers, peace seekers as well as for adventurers, as there is a lot to experience and discover in the surrounding area. Those who expect a wild nightlife or numerous shopping opportunities should rather orient themselves towards Canggu and Kuta in the south of Bali.
