The drop-offs at menjangan Island Marine Park can be a real treat,offering some of the most vibrant reefs to be found any where off Bali. The are several great sites but one of the easiest to reach is on the north coast,due north of the old ranger's hut. Here a broad channel leads from the beach-look to be greeted by batfish. Reaching the drop-off,there are spectaculer corals,and deep crevices and fissures pockmarking the reef. Sleeping groupers and wary bigeyes are found in many of the recesses,and fans decorate the drop-off down to 38m and more.
Located in the northwest bali, 3 hours drive from Nusa Dua or Kuta. Menjangan Island is part of West Bali National Park, declared in the 1982. entry and diving on the island is controlled by the Park Service. In 1978 Menjangan become Bali's first Internationally recognized diving location due to its beautiful flat reef. In 1997 the extensive flat reef at the island suffered damage from crown of thorns starfish, and in again 1998 from coral bleaching as result of EL Nino. However the walls for which Menjangan is most famous are still in excellent condition.
Location
A small island in the West Bali National Park , right in the North West corner of Bali . A loooong way - three hours by road, then 30 minutes boat journey. Possible to do as a one Dive Trip, but better dived as part of a dive & accommodation safari letting you spend the night up there.
High lights
The best wall diving in Bali , with a very bright & colorful underwater world. Lots of different sites to choose from, including a wooden shipwreck starting at 35 meters. This dive sites is rich of marine life and sandy beaches to relax over lunch. Nearby is ' Secret Bay ', muck diving at its best and not to be missed by macro photographers; Frogfish, Seahorse & Nudibranches heaven.
Conditions
A sheltered corner of Bali , which means clear & calm conditions.
The water is warm and probably the best visibility in Bali .
Garden ell
The best walls in Bali , and some of the brightest, most colorful sites too. There are dive sites right around the island, with the ones on the South side generally the healthiest. Big Gorgonian Sea Fans (and the macro critters they host), Titan & Blue-toothed Triggerfish, huge swarms of Long fin Banner fish, and a large colony of Garden Eels are just some of the highlights here. There are many bright colored Angel fish & Butterfly fish, with Turtles sometimes making an appearance too.
Anchor Wreck
Peek over the side of the boat and see the anchor in the clear blue water. Follow it down to 35m and find the broken remains of an old wooden slave ship. With more often than not sharks eying you, carefully explore a little deeper in these warm, clear & calm conditions. To off-gas just drift gently back up, past the Batfish and different Snappers, along a rich & healthy stretch of wall.
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