Menjangan Island

Menjangan is a small, uninhabited island off the north-west coast of Bali, inside West Bali National Park. It is reached by boat, and most visits last a few hours. This guide explains what a trip involves.

The island

Menjangan means deer in Javanese, and the island is named after the rusa deer that live on it. There is a temple on the north side and a large Ganesha statue visible from the water; most visitors see both from the boat.

The island is small and dry. Its main attraction is the fringing reef, which drops into a wall a short distance from the shore and has been protected since the national park was established. The water is among the clearest in Bali.

Getting there

Boats leave from two places. Labuhan Lalang, the harbour inside the national park, has the shorter crossing of about half an hour. Pemuteran, twenty minutes east along the coast, has most of the accommodation and dive centres, and its boats take slightly longer.

From the south of Bali the drive takes about four hours each way, so an overnight stay is recommended. Most visitors stay in Pemuteran.

A typical trip

Trips leave in the morning, when the water is calmest. A half-day trip visits two sites and returns by early afternoon. A full-day trip adds a third site and includes lunch, usually on the island or on the boat.

Divers make two dives on a half-day trip and three on a full-day trip. Divers and snorkellers normally share the same boat and sites, so mixed groups are easy to arrange.

Diving

Menjangan is known for wall diving. The reef edge drops from about three metres to more than forty, with sea fans, barrel sponges, soft coral, overhangs and small caves. Divers swim along the wall and can choose their own depth.

Currents on the sheltered side are mild and visibility is high, so the wall suits newly qualified divers as well as experienced ones. Named sites include the Eel Garden, the Anchor Wreck and the Pos points along the north side.

A current certification is required to dive. Operators ask for your certification card and logbook and may require a check dive if you have not dived recently. Introductory dives in shallow water, under direct supervision, are available for guests without a certification.

Snorkelling

Because the wall begins close to the surface, snorkellers see much of what divers see. The shallow coral gardens lie in three to five metres of water beside the drop-off. Snorkelling is suitable for beginners and children, and the boats carry buoyancy vests. Our snorkelling guide describes the individual sites.

Prices and inclusions

Prices depend on the operator, the group size and whether you are diving or snorkelling. Inclusions vary: the national park fee, the marine conservation fee, equipment, lunch and hotel transfers may or may not be included. Our quotes list each item so that prices can be compared.

When to go

April to October is the best period, with visibility usually best in September and October. From November to March crossings can be cancelled because of wind, so allow a spare day if the island is the main reason for your visit.

What to bring

• Swimwear and a rash vest for sun protection.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a towel.
• Cash in rupiah for park fees, if they are not included in your booking.
• Your certification card and logbook, if you are diving.
• Seasickness tablets, if needed, taken before boarding.
• A dry bag, as the boats are open.

Who runs these trips

The boats and dive centres at Labuhan Lalang and Pemuteran are independent local operators. Menjangan.com does not operate boats. We work with several operators and book the one best suited to your group, your dates and the conditions. If you prefer a particular operator, we can arrange that.