West Bali it is a region Indonesian of the island of Bali.
To know
This is the least populated and least visited part of the island of Bali. The main point is the Bali Barat National Park, a large protected area almost completely uninhabited. Both the northern and southern coasts of this part of the island offer very different beaches. In the north they are quieter and ideal for relaxing and diving, while in the south they are perfect for surfing. The city of Gilimanuk it is the departure point for ferries to Java.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
Other destinations
- Medewi Beach - Surfing and a bit of the old Bali life in a fishing village.
- Menjangan Island - A small island off the northwest coast, great diving spot and part of the Bali Barat National Park.
- Bali Barat National Park (West Bali National Park) - Trekking, bird watching and marine life. It covers approximately 770 square kilometers and is the main attraction of the region. The entry permit (25,000 rupees) is paid at the office in the village of Cekik south of Gilimanuk. For those who want to visit only Menjangan Island (part of the park), see below. For hikes through the park's forests and hills, head to the ranger station at Sumber Klampok about 20 minutes west of Cekik. A guide is mandatory and costs between 200,000 and 500,000 rupees depending on the length of the excursion. If you are lucky you will be able to see a specimen of Bal's cancellation, the only vertebrate endemic to Bali.
- Pemuteran - Scuba diving and beaches with nearby mountains.
How to get
By car
There are two main roads: one on the north coast, the other on the south coast.
The north one unites Lovina is Singaraja in Northern Bali until Pemuteran. This road is quiet and offers spectacular scenery and therefore it is best to take it calmly.
The one to the south is much more lively due to the traffic to and from Java; unites Southern Bali to Tabanan in Central Bali and then to the western cities of Negara is Gilimanuk. A road trip from Southern Bali until Gilimanuk lasts about 3 hours.
Ferries depart from Ketapang Terminal, Banyuwangi, East Java until Gilimanuk every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. The journey itself takes 45 minutes but loading and unloading can make it longer. For security checks, expect further delays.
By bus
Shuttle bus up to Gilimanuk from the main tourist centers of Bali, widely advertised in cities such as Kuta, Lovina, Sanur is Ubud. Book one day in advance.
I bemo for Negara, Gilimanuk and other areas depart from Ubung terminal a Denpasar and from Pesiapan terminal a Tabanan.
How to get around
By car
This remote region can be explored by car or motorbike. Renting a car is not easy, it is better to take one with a driver in other regions of the island. Easier to find a motorcycle, especially a Pemuteran is Medewi Beach.
What see
- Sea life. The uninhabited island of Menjangan Island is a very popular location for scuba diving and surfing. Part of the West Bali National Park, you can take boats with a guide to Labuan Lalang just west of Pemuteran on the north coast. Who organizes the dives a Pemuteran it can get you everything and take you to other points along the coast as well. You can also walk around the island, it takes about an hour in which you will have the opportunity to take beautiful photographs.
- Remote black sand beaches. The south coast is dotted with black sand beaches and fishing villages where few tourists venture. The most famous is Medewi Beach, known for being a destination for surfers but also for being a typical Balinese village with a very relaxed atmosphere. On the north coast, a Pemuteran there are more developed places and many more accommodations for all budgets.
- Buffalo races (Mekepung) (In Delod Berawah about 9 km east of Negara).
Second and fourth Sun 7:00 am. These races were originally held for the harvest festivals in Negara. The finely decorated wagons and buffaloes run over a 4 km course. - Rambut Siwi Temple (Pure Rambut Siwi) (Halfway between Negara is Medewi Beach). On a low cliff and from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the fields and mountains of the West Bali National Park on one side and on black sand beaches on the other. The temple was built in the 16th century by the Javanese sage Dang Hyang Nirartha, also creator of that of Tanah Lot. According to legend, he donated his hair to the temple, hence the name Rambut Siwi, which literally means "hair worship".
Second and fourth Sun 7:00 am. These races were originally held for the harvest festivals in Negara. The finely decorated wagons and buffaloes run over a 4 km course.Itineraries
- To go to Southern Bali Street Tabanan it takes about 3 hours.
- the road on the north coast to Lovina is Singaraja it takes about an hour.
- Ferries from Gilimanuk for Banyuwangi ineast of Java they depart every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day.
What to do
- Trekking and bird watching. In Bali Barat National Park they are very widespread activities. You might see the Bali Starling, one of the rarest birds in the world.
- surf. On the south coast is the main activity and the center of the surfers is the village of Medewi Beach.
- Diving and snorkeling. Around Pemuteran and in the Menjangan Island they are the top of Bali. At the same time you can learn a lot about the conservation of the marine ecosystem, for which Pemuteran is the most important center in Indonesia.
How to have fun
This region does not offer any particular bars or clubs, but a beer on the beach is still an experience to do.
At the table
The local specialty is Ayam Betutu (spicy chicken). The chicken is boiled in a spice broth for 3 hours and then smoked. Apparently the recipe was invented by Ms. Tempeh and the restaurant Warung Men Tempeh in the old bus terminal of Gilimanuk is the best place to eat this dish.
