Menjangan Island Bali Snorkeling Paradise in West Bali National Park

When people talk about the "real" underwater beauty of Bali, they are not talking about Nusa Dua or Sanur. They are talking about a small, uninhabited island located in the far northwest corner of the island, part of the Buleleng Regency. This is Menjangan Island Bali.

Part of the protected West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat), this island offers an underwater experience that rivals the famous Raja Ampat or Komodo National Park. It is a long journey from the south (about 4 hours), but for ocean lovers, it is the holy grail. Here, you don't just swim with fish; you might just spot a wild deer taking a dip in the ocean next to you.

The Unique Spectacle: Snorkeling with Wild Deer

The name "Menjangan" literally translates to "Deer" in the local language. True to its name, the island is home to a population of wild Javan Rusa deer. Because the island is uninhabited and protected, these animals roam freely.

It is a surreal sight that you can only find here: herds of deer resting on the white sandy beaches or even wading into the calm turquoise water to cool off. This unique interaction makes Menjangan Island Bali a photographer's dream and a nature lover's paradise. It is rare to find a place where terrestrial wildlife and marine life meet so seamlessly at the shoreline.

The Best Preserved Coral Reefs in Bali

While the deer are the stars on land, the real magic happens underwater. Snorkeling Menjangan Island is widely considered the best in Bali. Because it is a national park with strict regulations, the coral reefs are incredibly healthy, vibrant, and untouched by mass tourism.

The island is famous for its "wall diving"—underwater cliffs that drop dozens of meters deep, covered in colorful soft corals and gorgonian fans. Visibility here is excellent, often reaching 20 to 30 meters year-round. You can see turtles, reef sharks, clownfish, and massive schools of trevally just by snorkeling on the surface.

Budget Guide: How to Share Boat Costs from Labuan Lalang

The gateway to this paradise is Labuan Lalang Harbor. However, there is a catch: you cannot just swim to the island; you must rent a boat. For solo backpackers or couples, chartering a private boat can be expensive (ranging from IDR 600,000 to IDR 1,000,000 per boat).

Here is the ultimate budget guide Menjangan trick: Share Cost.

1. Go to the Official Counter: Do not book from scalpers on the road. Go straight to the official Banyuwedang or Labuan Lalang office.

2. The "Share Cost" Strategy: Boats usually seat 8 to 10 people. If you arrive early (around 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM), you can wait at the harbor and ask other small groups or travelers if you can join their boat and split the cost.

3. Join an Open Trip: Many dive centers in the nearby Pemuteran village offer "Open Trip" packages where you pay per person, not per boat. This includes lunch, equipment, and the national park entrance fee.

By sharing the boat, you can bring the cost down significantly, making this exclusive experience accessible even for a backpacker budget.

Important Info: Entrance Fees and Rules

Since Menjangan Island Bali is a conservation area, there are additional costs to consider:

• Entrance Fee: Weekdays are cheaper (approx. IDR 200,000 for foreigners) compared to weekends/holidays (approx. IDR 300,000).

• Guide is Mandatory: You must hire a certified local guide from the harbor. This is also a cost that can be shared among the group.

If you are willing to make the journey, Menjangan Island Bali will reward you with the clearest water and the most unique wildlife encounter in Indonesia. It is a world away from the busy south, and that is exactly why you should go.