This Little-Known Destination In Bali Is Getting A Lot Of Attention Right Now

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Out in the far west of Bali is the little-known destination of Gilimanuk Bay. Well, in fact, it is probably unfair to call Gilimanuk little known…it is not so famous with international travelers, but for local people, Gilimanuk provides a vital connection between Bali and East Java. The area is the gateway to the stunning West Bali National Park and is an incredible place to explore. 

Gilimanuk Bay is receiving a lot of attention right now. As Bali celebrates Galungan and Kuningan festivals, many domestic tourists are taking their vacation time across the island.

Once upon a time, Gilimanuk Bay was considered just a stop off on the journey between Bali and East Java, but the area is emerging as a destination in its own right, and it’s not hard to see why.

Quiet, beautiful, and just a 3.5-hour drive from the heart of Bali, the Gilimanuk area is a great place for tourists who want to experience a whole new side of Bali.

The West Bali National Park is one of the only places in the world where nature lovers can get a sighting of the critically endangered Bali Myna, as well as other incredible native wildlife.

@jeaanfr secret bayy gilimanuk💫✨ #bali #gilimanuk #beach #secretbay #telukgilimanuk #indonesia #wonderfulindonesia #beachvibes #27bulanmei 😎🤘🏻 #traveljourney #beachtiktokvideos #indonesia ♬ original sound – dilfswhcre

Beach lovers adore West Bali and the stretch of coastline that runs from Gilimanuk Harbour, around West Bali National Park, and through to Menjangan and Sumberkima.

The Chairman of the Gilimanuk Bay Tourism Attraction Association, Sony Budikusuma, has told reporters how visits to the area have increased sixfold over the last few weeks, a clear sign that interest in tourism in Gilimanuk is on a sustainable positive trajectory. 

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@evayuni29 A fine day in gilimanuk #fyp #wisatabali #vlog #fypgakni ♬ Love Theory – TAEYONG & Wonstein

One of the most popular activities in Gilimanuk Bay is to rent boats. Tourists can hire a boat and local skipper for IDR 150,000 for 30 minutes.

The boat operators take visitors on tours around the bay to take in the breathtaking scenery, spot marine life, and, if the conditions permit, snorkeling and swimming. 

Gilimanuk Bay is definitely an emerging tourism destination and is perfect for tourists who want to experience an authentic Indonesian coastal town.

For tourists looking for a higher-end experience in the West Bali area, then staying in Sumberkima, just a 30-minute drive from Gilimanuk Bay, is the best option. 

@aminobutyric see thru the sea 🌊 #cinematic #menjangan #capcut #fypシ #westbalinationalpark #bali ♬ original sound – bojji

Staying in the Sumberkima area gives tourists access to the rustic charm of Gilimanuk Bay and West Bali National Park.

It is also a great stopover on the journey to East Java, a destination that is also proving to be increasingly popular with tourists who want to explore more of Indonesia during their vacation.

Mount Ijen has recently been awarded UNESCO World Geopark status and can be reached within a 7-hour drive of central Bali. 

Tourists can expect to see West Bali and East Java promoted as must-visit destinations over the next few years. As leaders are committed to creating a new era of tourism in Bali, international tourists will be introduced to emerging destinations that have a wealth of culture, natural beauty, and heritage to explore. 

Indonesia’s Minster for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, told the media earlier this year about plans to establish a joint tourism development strategy for West Bali and Bayuwangi in East Java. 

As part of his plan, Minster Uno and other tourism leaders will work with local communities to establish more sustainable and community-based tourism initiatives in the area.

This will all be designed in the image of Minster Uno’s long-term vision for Bali as a destination synonymous with ‘serenity, spirituality, and sustainability’.

One of the most popular vacation spots in West Bali is Sumberkima Hill Retreat. Located just a 3-minute drive from Gilimanuk Bay, Sumberkima Hill Retreat is an incredible nature resort home to some of the most luxurious private villas in Bali.

Sumberkima Hill Retreat has been featured by some of the world’s most highly regarded travel influencers and content creators and is the perfect place to stay when exploring the wonders of West Bali.