All parts of Bali offer natural beauty that hardly to resist. A range of beautiful mountains, lakes, cultural tourism, to the coast and even its underwater life. No wonder whenever you visit Bali, it is always crowded with tourists, both local and foreign tourists. In fact, Bali provides some spots for tourists to enter this island. One of them is the entrance from Banyuwangi, East Java. If you depart from here, you are close to a small beautiful island in West Bali named Menjangan Island that worth to explore.

Exploring Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is located in the north side of the West Bali National Park area, specifically in the village of Klampok, Grokgak sub-district, Buleleng regency. Menjangan in local language means deer, since there were many wild deer on this island covering an area of 19.002,89 hectares. In the mean time, deer population in this island is decreasing makes Menjangan Island appointed as a place for conservation of deer and avoid them from extinction.

Menjangan Island is located about 60 km from Lovina Beach. If you depart from Kuta, it will take around 3 hours to travel. While, from Denpasar, it will take around 4 hours driving. For visitors who depart from Gilimanuk, it is recommended to go to Lalang Port to cross to Menjangan Island. This port is located on the edge of the Singaraja-Gilimanuk highway, making it easy to find. From here, many boats can be rented to Menjangan Island with a distance of around 30-45 minutes crossing. Many rentals also offer package prices including snorkeling and lunch. However, if you depart from Banyuwangi, Menjangan Island can be reached through Tabuhan Island. Closer access than go through Gilimanuk route. In addition, tourists can cross through Watu Dodol Beach which is 6.5 km from Ketapang Harbor and 21 km from Baluran National Park in Banyuwangi.

This stunning island is well recognized as the location of the best wall diving in Bali. In fact, according to News Discovery, Menjangan Island is claimed to be one of the 10 best dive sites in the world. This diving wall becomes the main attraction here with the underwater cliffs of Menjangan Island placed at a depth of up to 60 meters where become the habitat of various incredible marine life. Ranging from Moray eels, batfish, to various kinds of coral reefs. Some of the most visited diving spots are Eel Gardens, Secret Bay, and Achor Wreck.

Secret Bay is a dive site with a depth of 10 meters, nestled nudibranchs, frogfish, shrimpfish, seashores, dragonets, pipefish, lionfish, ribbon eels, and many other species. For underwater micro photography lovers, here is your heaven. Eel Garden is the best dive spot on Menjangan Island. With a depth of about 40 meters, you will find gregonia fish and various kinds of marine life. Meanwhile Anchor Wreck is a dive spot for professional divers, with a location of 45 meters depth, you can enjoy diving in the wreck of a Dutch ship during World War II, in the 19th century. Besides, there are various kinds of chest containing ancient ceramics which have been overgrown with soft corals. Any sharks and turtles that are gently swimming around the ship can also be found there.

If you just want to snorkel, it doesn't matter. Any angles of the underwater Menjangan Island remains as charming as any other side. Even, the colorful coral reefs can be seen at a depth of 10 meters. The best time to visit Menjangan Island is around April - November every year because the visibility of seawater at these specific times is very clear and the sea waves is not quite bumpy.

Menjangan Island is also home to eight temples and one large white Lord Ganesha statue facing the beach. Local residents believe that Lord Ganesha is the keeper of Menjangan Island until today. Therefore, this statue was considered as the icon of Menjangan Island.

Menjangan Island is an uninhabited island because the entire area is protected as a deer conservation area. Therefore, there is no lodging access in all parts of the island. So, it is recommended to stay at the nearest island. In addition, bring your own diving and snorkeling equipment for in case of need.