West Bali Attractions

Bali Barat National Park Bali Barat National Park

The Bali Barat (West Bali) National Park, established in 1983, has an area of 76,000 hectares (188,000 acres), taking in almost the whole of western Bali. Previously there had been a considerably smaller nature park established by the Dutch authorities.

Access The National Park can be reached from the village of Terima or from Gilimanuk or Singaraja. The headquarters of the National Park administration are in Cecek (4 km (21/2 mi.) south of Gilimanuk), where visitors must pay the small admission charge for entry to the park.

Accommodation There are "homestays" and "losmens" in Gilimanuk, and there are also modest lodgings near the National Park offices.

Fauna Until about half a century ago the last tigers on Bali lived in the area now occupied by the National Park, and the park is still a refuge for species such as the banteng cattle of Bali, red deer and monkeys. Among the many species of birds is the now very rare and strictly protected Bali starling, which nests mainly in the northern part of the National Park. There are said to be only about 200 left, but since in spite of all appeals it is still being caught and offered for sale in local markets it is in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future. Bird-watchers will be delighted, however, by the great numbers of other tropical birds.

Lovers of unspoiled nature will enjoy walking in this great natural wilderness, though there are few paths and tracks, and those almost all in the north-western part of the National Park.