Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lage, on the main road 10km west of Negara, has one of the main circuits. For details try
the Jembrana Government Education, Cultural and Tourism Office in Negara (Jl Surapati 1,
Negara; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; 0365 41210 ext 224) but be aware that sourcing information
can be as much of an adventure as seeing a race. And prepare for an early start; races begin
between 7am and 9am.
Bali Barat National Park
While the rest of Bali seems to be caught up in a frenzy of development, 190 square kilo-
metres at the westernmost tip is protected as the
Bali Barat National Park
(
Taman Nasion-
al Bali Barat
). It's an area that encompasses savannah, rainforest, monsoon forest, mangrove
swamp and coral reef, with a corresponding diversity of life: it's home to a range of small
animals, prolific marine life and around 160 species of birds, including a small population of
endangered
Bali starling
, Bali's one true endemic creature - although
Nusa Penida
is a far
better place to see it. This was also the province of the Bali tiger until the last one was shot in
1937.
By far the biggest attraction is
Pulau Menjangan
(
Deer Island
), whose spectacular
coral
reefs
draw snorkellers and divers from all over Bali. On dry land, encroachment and illegal
tree-felling has degraded some of the forest and the rarely trekked
trails
are only worth it for
the reasonably rewarding birdwatching and a sense of isolation. If it's scenery you're after,
the central volcanoes are more rewarding. Bear in mind, too, that all trekkers must hire a
Pulau Menjangan (Deer Island)
If you only see one part of the Bali Barat National Park make it
Pulau Menjangan (Deer Is-
land)
, a tiny uninhabited island 8km off the north coast. The reason is simple: the best
coral
reefs
in Bali, offering superb snorkelling and wall dives. The easiest way to visit is an or-
