Bali is divided into a few areas. They are West, East, North, South, and Central Bali. So, I am going to share about West Bali.
West Bali – have you been there? Or do you know which regions are included in West Bali? How about things to do in West Bali?
It is located on the west side of Bali and is the least visited part of Bali. Why? Because it is far from the capital of Bali, Denpasar. The regions include Jembrana, Tabanan, and Buleleng.
However, it has plenty of charms and there are a lot of things to do in West Bali. Beach, island, temple, rice terrace, or national park. Just name it!
If you would like to explore the hidden part of Bali, I highly recommend a road trip to West Bali! Then, you should include the list below in your itinerary!
7 Things to Do in West Bali
- Bunut Bolong Tree
- Soka Beach
- Menjangan Island
- Belimbing Sari Rice Terrace
- West Bali National Park
- Bukit Batu Kursi
- Vihara Dharma Giri
1. Bunut Bolong Tree
The first thing to do in West Bali is to visit Bunut Bolong Tree. Bunut Bolong is a centuries-old giant banyan tree. It is located in Jembrana Regency, on the roadside leading to Buleleng in Medawi.
The word ‘bunut’ is a Balinese word that brings meaning to fig species trees, which are similar to banyan trees. For ‘bolong’, it means hole. So, ‘bunut bolong’ means a banyan tree with a hole.
This natural landmark has two shrines at the base and a naturally formed big hole through the trunk. The beautiful curves are the new trunk from the hanging roots of the trunk that touches the ground.
It is sacred to the locals but considered unique by visitors due to the big hole. Even vehicles can pass the hole freely!
Location: Desa Manggisari, Pekutatan, Jembrana, Bali 82262, Indonesia
Distance from Denpasar: 71.6 km
Operating Hours: 24 Hours
2. Soka Beach
Most of the beaches in West Bali have black sands. One of them is Soka Beach, which is located on the Denpasar-Gilimanuk Highway, Antap, Selemadeg Sub-district (Tabanan Regency).
Besides the black sand, this beach also offers very clear beach water. This is perfect for you to swim and spend time in the water! You can also go snorkeling, but there are not many snorkeling tours here.
For sunset lovers, you can enjoy the sunset at the beach. The best sunset spot is at the top of a rock cliff, close to Luhur Serijong Temple. So, you can visit the beach in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful sunset color!
There is a cave nearby the beach, known as Bulung Daya Cave. It is located on the cliffs of Soka Beach and acts as a nest for thousands of swallow birds. So, do not be weird if birds are flying near the beach!
If you enjoy fishing in the sea, there is a fishing spot at the beach. You can join the local fishermen going fishing every morning on traditional boats. If not, you can rent a fishing boat to go to the middle of the sea.
Besides the interesting activities, you also can see a large pot of rock and an old kitchen on the beach. They belong to Kebo Iwa, a very powerful Balinese knight in ancient times.
So, Soka Beach is perfect for you who like to enjoy your time with nature as the beach is not so crowded!
Location: Jl. Raya Denpasar – Gilimanuk, Antap, Selemadeg, Tabanan, Bali 82162, Indonesia
Distance from Denpasar: 43.7 km
Operating Hours: 24 Hours
3. Menjangan Island
Menjangan is an Indonesian word that means ‘deer’. According to Wikipedia, it is named by locals. They observed wild deer herds swimming to the island every spring. So, that is how Menjangan Island is known.
Menjangan Island is a part of West Bali National Park. It is located in Pejarakan village, Buleleng Regency. The nearest harbor is Labuang Lalang, around 5 km from the island.
Since it is a part of the national park, which is protected, then you need to contact a trusted agent to enter the island. The agent will assist you to get a permit, a professional guide, and a comfortable boat. The boat ride will take about 30 minutes to reach the island.
Once you arrive there, you will see deer wandering freely. You can bring vegetables to feed them or buy from the guide or local seller. Then, you will be able to take photos with them. If lucky, you also can see Myna Bird (Bali national bird) there!
For water activity, diving is the most popular one! For your information, the best wall diving is the Menjangan Island diving! Or you can try Menjangan Island snorkeling to enjoy the protected and amazing underwater marine biodiversity.
You may want to stay overnight or camp in nature, right? Please forget your intention as the activities are prohibited, except in emergencies.
So, there are two options for you. One is to return to the land. Another option is to stay at The Menjangan Resort. It is located within the national park and has a private jetty leading to Menjangan Island.
Location: Sumber Klampok, Gerokgak, Buleleng, Bali 81155, Indonesia
Distance from Denpasar: 100.6 km
Operating Hours: 6.00 a.m – 6.00 p.m
4. Belimbing Sari Rice Terrace
There are many beautiful and unique rice terraces in Bali. One of them is Belimbing Sari Rice Terrace or Belimbing Rice Terrace. It is located at Belimbing Village, one of the traditional Balinese villages in Tabanan Regency (West Bali). Since it is 500-600 meters above sea level, the temperature is a bit cool.
It is just like other rice terraces, with a combination of the green and yellow colors of the terraces. What makes this rice terrace more special compared to others? Its background! With Batukaru Mount as the background, I guarantee you will be amazed by the magnificent view!
When you are here, you can join the Rice Paddy Trekking activity. The activity is to explore the nature of the rice field and takes about 4 hours to complete. During the trekking, you can see local farmers working in the area. Sometimes, you can join them and experience the work (e.g., paddy planting) yourself.
Not many tourists know about this rice terrace. However, I exposed it to you since this is the best rice terrace in Bali (in my opinion). So, make sure to include the Belimbing Sari Rice Terrace in your ‘things to do in West Bali’ list! 😉
Location: Desa Belimbing, Pupuan, Tabanan, Bali 82163, Indonesia
Distance from Denpasar: 48.6 km
Operating Hours: 24 hours
5. West Bali National Park
Another thing to do in West Bali is to visit West Bali National Park. One and the only in West Bali!
It is a conversational area for various flora and fauna, especially rare species. This includes marine life. It is also specifically known as the sanctuary of the exotic white Bali Starling (iconic bird of Bali).
With a total area of 77,000 hectares, it covers about 10% of Bali’s land area. It also includes the whole area of the Prapat Agung Peninsula! Wowww!
West Bali National Park is located in Buleleng Regency. You can go there in two ways. Either by roads from Gilimanuk and Singaraja or using ferries from Ketapang Ferry Port (East Java).
This national park offers various habitats to the flora and fauna. They are mixed-monsoon forests, mangroves, savanna, and coral islands (including Menjangan Island).
Since it is a conserved area, you need a permit and a guide to enter the national park. This can be done at one of the two park offices or by contacting:
West Bali National Park Head Office:-
Balai Taman Nasional Bali Barat
Jl. Raya Cekik-Gilimanuk Jembrana, Bali 82253
Phone: +62 365 61060
Fax: +62 365 61479
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tnbalibarat.com
Location: Sumber Klampok, Gerokgak, Buleleng, Bali 81155, Indonesia
Distance from Denpasar: 131.4 km
Operating Hours: 8.00 a.m – 6.00 p.m
6. Bukit Batu Kursi
Bukit Batu Kursi is a hill located in Pemuteran, Gerokgak District, Buleleng Regency. The name is from the local language: ‘ Bukit’ is hill, ‘Batu’ is rock, and ‘kursi’ is chair. So, it is a large rock shaped like a chair.
Then, there is a temple above the hill, near the large rock. It is known as Bukit Batu Kursi Temple. Locals believe the temple is a place to ask for guidance about careers.
Previously the hill was visited mainly by the Hindu community going to the temple. Nowadays, Bukit Batu Kursi has gotten attention from tourists for its natural beauty. Furthermore, it is equipped with road access to the location. However, you still need to climb up thousands of stairs (about 700 meters) from the parking area to the top.
Believe me, it is worth it!
If you come early in the morning, do not miss to enjoy the amazing sunrise from the top! Then you can see a panoramic view of traditional boats passing from there.
You will get different panoramas when visiting the hill, depending on the season. During the rainy season (November – March), you will see a green scenic panorama. Otherwise, you will see a yellow and dry view during the dry season (April – October).
Other than the natural beauty, you also can visit the temple. However, there are rules to be obeyed before entering it. First, you must wear traditional clothes. Second, do not enter if you are grieving. Third or lastly, do not enter if you are in menstruation (women).
Location: Jalan Raya Pemuteran, Pemuteran, Gerokgak, Buleleng, Bali 81155, Indonesia
Distance from Denpasar: 122.7 km
Operating Hours: 24 hours
7. Vihara Dharma Giri
Vihara Dharma Giri is a unique Buddhist temple with a large, white sleeping Buddha statue. It is located in Pupuan, Tabanan Regency.
This temple has three different levels. The first level has an open and huge courtyard. This area offers you a green panorama, which is relaxing.
The second one is where the white sleeping Buddha statue is located. The statue becomes more beautiful with a garden and a wide blue sky as the background. So, do not miss taking as many photos as you can!
Lastly, the third level. You will find a large bell and another Buddha statue located here. The statute is in a sitting position and is gold-colored. This level is the main prayer house for the worshiper.
However, there are rules to follow when visiting the Vihara Dharma Giri. One of them is to wear proper attire. Meaning that no shorts are allowed and you should cover your waist down. If not, then do not have to worry. There are sarongs for you to wear.
Location: Jalan Raya Pupuan, Pupuan, Tabanan, Bali 82163, Indonesia
Distance from Denpasar: 65.3 km
Operating Hours: 8.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m
I hope you will be inspired by the list and start to get ideas on things to do in West Bali.
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