The Magnificent National Parks of Bali

The tropical beauty of the Indonesian island of Bali extends far beyond the miles of exquisite beaches. Explore national parks in the country that offer wonderful, lush jungle environments and wildlife unique to the region.

West Bali National Park

Local rulers almost one century ago laid aside 10 percent of the island’s land mass on the northwestern edge, which officially became the national park in 1941. The park features a variety of environments ranging from lowland mangrove forests, grasslands and dry savannas to mountains covered with tropical rainforests. The preserved reefs that lie in the waters off the park beaches serve as home to 110 species of coral along with a myriad of fish species unique to the area. Snorkeling and scuba diving affords the chance to observe the amazing world that lies beneath the waves.

Visitors have the option of enjoying a coastal path that spans approximately 25 kilometers in length. The Tegal Blunder Trail provides the opportunity for viewing an array of bird species that include the Bali Starling. Venturing along the Gunung Klatakan Trail takes guests into the lush rainforest for the chance to enjoy the natural flora and fauna. The residents of the Cekik and the Labuan Lalang villages offer guided tours of the park. Enjoy live dance and music performances offered by the villagers and visit the local artisans.

Alas Purwo National Park

A short boat ride to the Bali Strait brings guests to nearby Java and the site of this tropical paradise. The land mass of forests and beaches features 236 bird species, 31 mammal species and a variety of fish and reptiles. The Sadengan region houses numerous wildlife that includes birds, bison, boar and deer along with elk. The soft, white beaches of Pasaranyar attract sea turtles that create nests on the shore.

Many flock to the lake of Segoro and enjoy a host of water sports that include boating, swimming and water skiing along with bird watching. Plengkung Beach looks out over the G shaped area of the Grajagan Guilf that brings surfers from April to September who thrill at riding the often 15 foot tall waves.

Baluran National Park

This scenic area lies on the northern coast of Java and covers approximately 25,000 hectares. The many diverse eco-habitats found here include the tranquil Bama Beach where guests find expansive white sandy beaches, mangrove forests and coral reefs beneath the sea. Regular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling. Boating, canoeing and kayaking are also favorite pastimes. Embark on a safari through the forest while encountering the many plant and animal species found there.

In the center of the park lies a massive extinct volcano that stands 1,200 meters above sea level. Surrounding the summit lie sprawling plains, a thick rainforest and coastal mangroves. The location began as a plantation. The owner dreamed of transforming the site into parkland and by 1930, the plantation became the Wildlife Preservation Area. Stroll through the jungle and witness the Southeast Asian wildcat catching fish in a river. Bird watchers have the chance to see over 100 species that make the island home.

Meru Betiri National Park

Covering over 58,000 acres, the park environments vary from alcove beaches to mountains standing more than 1,200 meters above sea level. Once the home of the Javanese Tiger, the location provides a home and shelter for over 180 bird species and 29 mammal species that include barking deer, leopard cats and wild boar. Park rangers protect the Sukamade Beach where four species of sea turtles build nests and lay eggs on the shore. The park provides numerous natural resources for the locals that include bamboo and rattan along with food, honey and 300 medicinal plants.

This was a Guest Post by Brenda Panin, a passionate traveler and an adventurer. In her free time she loves to write about her travel experiences. Brenda enjoys traveling with Virgin Australia.