Non-Stop Adventure Itineraries Popular With Tourists In West Bali National Park

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West Bali National Park, also known as the “Wild West” of Bali, is one of the most untouched and under-visited areas on the island.

Located approximately 4-5 hours’ drive from central Denpasar, for those tourists who wish to get off the beaten path and into unspoiled natural landscapes on vacation in Bali, this is surely the place to go. 

West Bali National Park remains something of a hidden gem. With demand for travel in the central south of the island continuing to soar, and more off-path destinations like Munduk and Sidemen gathering momentum with adventurous tourists, West Bali still sees a comparatively tiny number of tourists.

For those looking to escape the crowds, enjoy a little rustic luxury, and reconnect with nature, then West Bali and especially West Bali National Park is the place to go. With so much to see and do, there are enough adventures to fill a travel itinerary from dusk til dawn. 

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Tourists who love a good long walk on vacation are genuinely spoilt for choice in West Bali. While the most popular treks in Bali can be found on the slopes of Mount Agung and Mount Batur, with an honorable mention for the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud, there are fewer opportunities to go on extended hikes and treks in the central south of Bali.

Heading over to West Bali National Park, tourists have the opportunity to book guided hikes through the protected landscape, learning about the region’s native trees and plants, engaging in birdwatching, and tracking wildlife. Many of the routes offer spectacular views of the ocean as well as the stunning forested hills of Buleleng Regency. 

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Wildlife lovers simply must travel to West Bali National Park, especially birders. This landscape is the final wild stronghold for the critically endangered Bali Starling. Also known as the Bali Myna and locally referred to as the Jalak Bali, this stunning, pure white bird has seen its population figures plummet over the last 20 years.

There are now intensive local and international efforts to bring the species back from the brink of extinction through captive breeding, and several breeding pairs are regularly sighted by guides, naturalists, and conservationists in West Bali National Park. Remember to pack binoculars…and patience. 

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It is not only the chance to see critically endangered wildlife that presents the opportunity for adventure in West Bali Natural Park, but also the chance to see a whole range of wild species.

The park spans over 77,000 hectares, 82% of which is on land, along with protected waters around Menjangan Island, and is home to dozens of different species.

The park actually covers an impressive 3% of all of Bali’s land mass.  Safari sightings highlights include Javan deer, wild boar, silvery luntung monkeys, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and more.

Less than 100 years ago, Bali tigers still roamed this landscape; though to be in with a shot of seeing a wild tiger in Indonesian adventures, one must travel to Sumatra and find themselves very lucky indeed. 

At West Bali National Park, the adventures are not only found on land, but above and below the water too.

The gentle waters around Menjangan Island are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding, all of which can be arranged by tour providers and most accommodation providers in the area.

Though Amed and Nusa Penida are considered the top diving and snorkelling sites in Bali, Menjangan Island and West Bali National Park are all too often overlooked. The underwater realms off the coast of West Bali are home to some of the most abundant coral reefs the province has to offer.

Unlike diving and snorkelling in Nusa Penida, which often attracts huge crowds of people, over in West Bali National Park, snorkelling groups are often few and far between, giving adventurers a more intimate and exclusive experience of the underwater worlds.