Bali Barat National Park is one of the main attractions in Bali, Indonesia.
Location and How to Get There
To get to Bali Barat National Park, you need to take a ferry to Gilimanuk. After reaching Gilimanuk, it is a few minutes ride to the park, about three kilometers of distance. To get around the islands within the park, you basically need to hire a motor boat.
What to See There
The Bali Barat National Park is composed of mountains and forests and savannas and sea grass and sandy beaches and coral reefs. It covers a total of 19,000 hectares of land area and is surrounded by no less than six villages that features different ethnic groups.
History
It was in 1941 when the government decided to develop Bali Barat National Park. The aim then was to provide enough protection for the wild banteng as well as the Bali Starling.
Cost
Bali Barat National Park is not as expensive as other tourist spots in Indonesia. If you wish to travel to this place, better make the visit from August to December as the wet season begins.
Other Info
Different activities can be enjoyed at the Bali Barat National Park. You have to be fully guided, however, because the park is bound to a zoning system, which defines the level or degree of activities allowed in certain areas.
There are numerous swimming areas all around the park. You can choose the brand of your swimming enjoyment according to the area you are holding the activity. There are different islands within the park, lots of choices to choose from.
Other than swimming, snorkeling is best enjoyed in the area where the Menjangan Island is located. It is where hectares of coral reefs in vibrant colors can be found.
Sightseeing is also a top activity at Bali Barat National Park. Its flora and fauna is rich as well as its wildlife species. There are many different species of birds, plants, fishes, corals and many other animals that you can find there.
Bird watchers will especially love the sight of the endangered Bali Starling or Rotschild’s Myna, which is also the official mascot of the park. The Bali Starling is a delicate specie of bird. It needs a clean and pleasant habitat. It also has a very short flying range, making it vulnerable to catchers. The Bali Barat National Park, therefore, serves as a safe haven for the Bali Starlings. It provides enough protection to the endearing species to safeguard their numbers.
Aside from birds, there are also a variety of animals that can be found in the park. There are Wild Boars, Rusa Deers, Ebony Leaf Monkeys, Hawksbill Turtles, and Black Giant Squirrels among others. True enough, the park is a haven for everyone who loves the eco-life.
