With plenty of beautiful beaches and historic towns to explore, the western region of Bali offers visitors the chance to combine a tropical beach holiday with a dose of culture.
Although this is the least visited region of Bali, west Bali is an interesting area to explore. Those with a strong sense of adventure will find plenty to do here and it is easy to book trekking, tours through the surrounding jungle.
There are a number of picturesque beaches on Bali’s west coast, and this area is popular with surfers. Rafting and sailing are also popular water sports, while many visitors are satisfied with simply soaking up the sun on the beach.
Home stay accommodation is popular in west Bali and this is a good way to really get to know the way of life of the people who live there. Popular places to visit in west Bali include Gilimanuk and the city of Negara.
West Bali is a great place to start exploring Indonesia as it is also the cheapest way to reach the neighboring island of Java. Ferries regularly run from the west Bali town of Gilimanuk to Banyuwangi on Java. The journey takes around 30 minutes and offers pretty views of both islands.
Where to Go
- Gilimanuk: A quiet port town serving as the main gateway to Bali from Java.
- Jembrana Coast: A scenic stretch of coastline known for its black sand beaches and fishing villages.
- Kapal: A small village with traditional crafts and a peaceful rural charm.
- Labuhan Lalang: The main access point for boat trips to Menjangan Island’s renowned dive sites.
- Lalang-Linggah: A laid-back hamlet surrounded by lush rice fields and unspoiled nature.
- Negara: A bustling town famous for its traditional buffalo races, or “Mekepung.”
- Pura Taman Ayun: A beautifully landscaped royal water temple with tiered shrines and tranquil gardens.
- Pura Tanah Lot: One of Bali’s most iconic temples, perched dramatically on a sea rock.
- Tabanan: A fertile region known for its rice terraces and quiet Balinese villages.
- West Bali National Park - Taman Nasional Bali Barat: A sprawling protected area with forests, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife.
Getting There
The main gateway to West Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is located just outside the city of Depasar. Visitors can travel to West Bali’s towns and cities in less than 2 hours from Denpasar’s large bus station. Buses also connect most towns and cities in West Bali.