Situated on the north western side of Bali, Indonesia, West Bali National Park includes large swathes of land around the towns of Banyuwedang, Cekik and Gilimanuk. Spread across 190 square kilometres, the park comprises the whole of the Prapat Agung Peninsula.
Established in 1941, the park is the only existing natural habitat of the endangered Bali Starling. It is also home to 200 species of wildlife including rusa deer, barking deer, kancil, civets, wild boars, long-tailed macaques, monkeys, and the last of the wild banteng in the island.
The remnants of four volcanic mountains from the Pleistocene era dominate the centre of the park whilst several habitats such as mangroves, savanna, mixed-monsoon forests, montane areas and coral islands occupy the environs of the park.
Surrounded by six villages that include a diverse ethnic population, the park has a jutting peninsula called Prapat Agung in the north. Long stretches of offshore coral reef, unprotected beach and a small offshore island called Menjagan encircle the peninsula. Menjagan is a widely popular diving destination in the region and is a must-visit for any visitor interested in marine life, diving or snorkelling.
The park boasts a record of 160 bird species and a species of wild cattle whilst leopard cats are also quite common. Visitors can organize boat trips around Gilimanuk Bay and to Menjangan or they can walk along the trails with an official guide. The most popular trail among bird watchers, the Tegal Blunder Trail is an easy two hour walk. A special temple called Puri Gili Kencana is located in Menjangan, which is worth a visit whilst absorbing the natural coastal beauty of the island. The tranquil Gilimanuk Bay is home to a rich diversity of marine life as there exist several areas of mangrove forest that act as a natural habitat for varied marine life.
Visitors in search of a fine Bali luxury resort will be pleased to find Anantara Seminyak, Bali. Boasting an ideal location that has made it a trend-setting hub, the Bali hotel is located amidst a myriad of natural attractions that complement its exceptional elegance and grandeur, granting guests an exhilarating experience.
