Bali’s Incredible Mangrove Forest Tourist Attraction Just Got Bigger

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One of the biggest draws of Bali travel is the connection to nature. From volcanic peaks to incredible coastlines, Bali provides international tourists with an incredibly diverse set of ecosystems to explore. One of the most overlooked natural wonders in Bali is the mangrove forest.

This incredible landscape also happens to be one of the most important in the world. 

Mangrove forests are one of the most critical ecosystems in the world, and they are surprisingly fun to explore. Mangrove forests play a vital role in coastal stabilisation, something that the coastline in Bali’s Kuta is in serious need of, as well as being one of the most effective ecosystems for carbon sequestration.

With that ecology lesson out of the way, Bali has just confirmed that its biggest mangrove forest tourist attraction has just got bigger. In 2022, Bali hosted the G20 Summit.

As part of the ceremonial celebrations of hosting the international summit, Bali planted the G20 Mangrove Showcase area within the Ngurah Rai Forest Park. 

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The Bali Provincial Government has now formally handed over care of the G20 Mangrove Showcase to Ngurah Rai Forest Park, also known as Tahura, to integrate into the tourist attraction. 

The Head of Ngurah Rai Forest Park, Ketut Subandi, told reporters “Here will be a premium class tourism attraction.”

As part of the G20 celebration, world leaders and delegates were invited to plant some of the mangroves themselves.

Mangrove trees in the area were planted by the Indonesian President at the time, Joko Widodo, Ursula von Der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Indian President Narendra Modi. US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron also attended the tour of the landscape. 

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The Ngurah Rai Forest Park spans over 1,373 hectares and 10% of the landscape is accessible to tourists. The eco-tourism area is home to over 30 different species of mangrove trees and is accessible by a wooden board walk. 

The Ngurah Rai Forest Park is not the only mangrove forest tourists can enjoy in Bali. Perhaps the most popular mangrove forest experience is on Nusa Lembongan.

One of the most magical ways to explore the Nusa Lembongan Mangrove Forest is by kayak at sunset. Tourists have the option of a gondola-style experience or paddling themselves through the mangrove forest. 

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Several tour providers offer experiences of the Nusa Lembongan Mangrove Forest from Mangrove Point on the island’s north coast.

Stand-up paddle experiences in the forest are also proving to be increasingly popular, with several providers offering both guided tours and equipment rental.

Nusa Lembongan is considered to be one of Bali’s last remaining island paradises, and Mangrove Point epitomizes the island’s natural beauty. Close to the mangrove forest, tourists can also catch a glimpse of the traditional seaweed farms that have sustained the island for generations.

While it is possible to visit Nusa Lembongan on a day trip from the main island of Bali, it is highly recommended that you book an overnight stay to experience the best of what the island has to offer. 

Nusa Lembongan offers plenty of accommodation options, including many locally owned guesthouses located in idyllic spots all along the island’s coast.

At the Mangrove Point side of the island, Mangrove Beach Hut is a quaint collection of wooden beach huts. It offers guests welcoming Balinese hospitality, beachfront views, air conditioning, and a private balcony. 

Fast boats to Nusa Lembongan depart from the main island of Bali multiple times a day from both Sanur and Padangbai.