Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is a small uninhabited island off the northwest coast of Bali, within West Bali National Park in Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency. Known as Deer Island, it is renowned for its pristine coral reefs, wall diving and snorkeling sites with high visibility. The island features white sand beaches, no permanent residents, and a hilltop Ganesha temple. Access is by licensed boat from Labuan Lalang or Banyuwedang with a park permit.

Visitors can expect an uninhabited island with white sand beaches, clear turquoise water and well-preserved coral walls surrounding the island. The interior is forested with deer roaming freely. There are no hotels or villages, only a jetty, simple shelters and Pura Ganesha temple on a hill. Activities are centered on snorkeling and diving at designated sites, boat tours around the island, photography and short walks. All visits require a boat from Labuan Lalang or Banyuwedang and a West Bali National Park guide.

Menjangan Island lies within West Bali National Park, established in 1941 and formally designated in 1982 to protect the Bali Starling and lowland forest and marine ecosystems. The island's name Menjangan means deer in Javanese, referring to Javan rusa deer that swim to the island seasonally. It has long been used as a sacred site and later developed as a protected diving and conservation area.

The island hosts Pura Ganesha and other small shrines considered sacred by Balinese Hindus. Pilgrims visit for prayers and ceremonies, and temple structures with Ganesha statues reflect the island's religious importance. Visitors are expected to respect temple customs and dress modestly when near sacred areas.