Close to the coast of Bali, Pulau Menjangan or Menjangan Island is a small island just off the coast. It may look unassuming on the map, but it is actually something very special. In the following article, you will learn what makes this uninhabited island so special, what you can do there, and whether it is worth visiting.
Location of Menjangan Island
The small island of Menjangan is located in the northwest of Bali, just a few hundred meters from the north coast of Bali. Administratively, Menjangan Island belongs to the Bali Barat National Park and is located in the northeast of the nature reserve.
To get to Menjangan Island, you have to take a boat from the harbor in Jalan Labuhan Lalang, which is located about fifteen kilometers west of Pemuteran. The route from Pemuteran to the port of Labuhan Lalang can be covered by car in about 20 minutes. The crossing from the port of Labuhan Lalang to Pulau Menjangan then takes about another half hour.
Arrival on Pulau Menjangan
Because Pulau Menjangan is uninhabited, it feels like you have landed on a private island when you arrive. However, since the island is part of a national park and strictly protected, you must first report to the guard at the national park office upon arrival. Only then are you allowed to explore Menjangan freely.
Activities on Pulau Menjangan
Menjangan Island is not particularly large and is also uninhabited. So you won’t find any infrastructure or any kind of man-made tourist attractions here. Instead, the small island scores points with its largely untouched nature, which invites you to explore – on land and also by water.
Snorkeling
There are several wonderful snorkeling spots close to the coast around Pulau Menjangan. Here you can discover large coral fields teeming with numerous species of fish, such as parrotfish, angelfish or anemonefish. Sea turtles can also be regularly observed at the snorkeling spots around Menjangan.
Diving
The sea around Menjangan also offers some impressive spots for divers. Here you can discover spectacular reefs and steep walls. Experienced divers can also visit the wreck of an old wooden boat northwest of Menjangan. However, this is only possible with an Advanced Open Water diving license, as the wreck lies at a depth of up to 40 meters.
Walks
Menjangan is not particularly busy – tourist crowds are not to be expected here. This is another reason why the small island is ideal for relaxed walks. Here you can find peace and quiet and fully immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
Taking photos
The fact that the island is uninhabited and not overrun by day tourists makes Menjangan a wonderful place for taking great photos. The bright, sandy beach is perfect for a photo session with dreamlike beach scenes.
Visiting the temple
Even though Menjangan is uninhabited, one thing should not be missing: a sacred place. As in all of Bali, a temple complex can also be found on the small island of Menjangan. The Sri Ganesha Menjangan Temple impresses, among other things, with a large white statue of the Hindu deity Ganesh, who gave the island its name. Anyone visiting Menjangan should definitely see the temple. Please note that appropriate clothing must be worn here!
The deer on Menjangan Island
Menjangan Island has a rare attraction to offer: wild deer. The animals of the Javan deer species live in Bali Barat National Park, but regularly swim the narrow strait to cross over to Menjangan. This offers tourists an extraordinary picture: the wild, majestic deer romping on the fine, white sandy beach. If you want to visit the island, please keep your distance from the animals. It is important that they are not disturbed in their natural habitat.
Conclusion: Is Pulau Menjangan worth a visit?
A short trip to Menjangan Island is definitely worthwhile – especially if you are in the northwest of Bali anyway, for example in Pemuteran or Gilimanuk. But even from further afield, the island is worth the longer journey. On Menjangan itself, there is an incredibly relaxed atmosphere and the snorkeling and diving spots around the island offer views of the most beautiful reefs that Bali has to offer.
