Bali: The Online Travel Guide

Western Bali...

Western Bali is often ignored by all except those travelling to Gilimanuk for the ferry to Java, however nature lovers should consider the Bali Barat National Park for a spot of bird-watching, and surfers will be sure to find some less crowded waves than in the south.

Bali Barat National Park

Covering around 70,000 acres, this off the track park is famous for the white starling (Leucopear Rothchildii) and the wild bull (Boss Javanicus). Its savannah-like vegetation provides spectacular walking trails. Park tours may only be arranged at the park office in Cekik and require a guide to be hired. Tours may be organised for half or full day, and overnight (staying in crude huts - bring mosquito protection). Costs range from Rp.10,000 to over Rp.30,000, plus Rp.2,000 for park admission.

To allow for an early start to a park trek, arrive at least one day in advance, book a guide in the park office at Cekik, and stay overnight in nearby Gilimanuk or Cekik.

Menjangan Island, which is also a national park offers some of the best diving in Bali, while on the island itself there are herds of protected deer.

Cekik

Near to Gilimanuk on the far west coast, is Cekik, most noted as the enterance to the Bali Barat National Park. Guides must be hired to tour the park, and tours may be arranged at the park headquarters.

Delod Berawah

Located on a peaceful, rarely visited beach on the west coast of Bali.

Gilimanuk

The western seaport of Bali offers ferry services to and from Java. The ferries carry busses, which may be caught from any of the major cities of Bali. Western tourists rarely leave their busses in Gilimanuk whilst en-route to visit the fascinating sights of Java (which include the spectacular Mount Bromo). Ferry prices will normally be included in the price of any bus fare to Java, but may be purchased independent of a bus ticket for about Rp.1,000.

Medewi

Located 72 km west of Denpasar, Medewi is a seldom visited rural area that offers one of Bali's best surfing experiences. Surfers and other visitors will find that there are not a wide range of accommodations or restaurants, but good surf, the rugged natural beauty and the relative isolation are the main attractions here.

Several other beaches with good surfing possibilities can be found along the stretch of coastline to the west of Medewi, including Soka, Pasut and Klatingdukuh, which is near to Tanah Lot.

Located nearby, is Pura Taman Ayun, a very large temple with a surrounding moat and an inner courtyard with several multi-tiered shrines. The temple complex is over 350 years old.

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Above: The Rice Harvest.

Menjangan Island

Part of Bali Barat National Park, the park services allow tourists to visit the island, mainly for the spectacular diving. Many descrobe the underwater beauty of Menjangan's reefs as Bali's best. The island has some interest for walkers and lovers of nature. Small herds of protected deer can be seen roaming the grasslands.

Negara

Capital of the western part of Bali, Negara is rarely visited by western travellers, except during the annual bull racing season (July to October, with most activity in September and October). The bull races ("Mekepung") are thrilling contests between teams of two young bulls harnessed to a chariot, which is riden by a jockey who seems to hold onto the bull's tails for dear life as they career down the 2km race course!

Winning is everything, and the owner of the winning team will earn great respect, For the winning jockey it is a ticket to stardom, and perhaps the chance to become national champion.

Of course, the bulls are treated with great care, and are fed elaborate diets containing all sorts of wonderful potions and secret ingredients in an effort to place the odds in the team's favor.

Being off the beaten track, Negara may offer some interesting possibilities, perhaps during a stayover whilst travelling to Java.

The rural area around Negara is a major centre of coconut and banana growing.

Nusa Menjangan

A small island about 1.5 km by 500 m located off the north-west coast of Bali, Nusa Menjangan is popular with SCUBA divers, who will often encounter turtles, napoleon fish, bumphead parrot fish, sharks, rays, barracuda and gropers amongst the famous coral reefs and lagoon. In general there is hardly any current, making the island ideal for learners and snorkellers. The island is reached by a short boat trip, which can be arranged from Gilimanuk. The Indonesian government's national park authority limits the number of divers on the island each day, so be prepared to stay a few days in or around Gilimanuk during busy seasons.

Perancak

Oner of Bali's principal fishing villages, this is also the site of a large and important temple. Perancak is located just a few kilometers south of Negara.

Rambut Siwi

The village of Rambut Siwi hosts one of the most beautiful and important temples in south western Bali. The temple, Pura Lulur is estimated to be around 500 years old, and sits above a cliff overlooking the attractive white sandy beach. The temple is located just a short walk from the village centre.

Rambut Siwi is south of Negara, situated on the rocky southwestern coastline.