West Bali is an interesting part of the island, in fact it is the least visited part of Bali as far as foreign tourists are concerned. Three districts cover west Bali, which are Jembrana, Tabanan and Buleleng.
The overall geography of west Bali is dominated by the tapering range of hills extending west from Gunung Batukaru (2276m) the second highest peak in Bali. The area around Gunung Batukaru being the last true section of jungle in Bali. The southern slopes of the range receive massive rainfall and are extremely fertile with wet rice cultivation and some of finest rice fields in Bali. The northern slopes are drier and low vegetation is common throughout the Bali Barat National Park. Vineyards are found in the Pemuteran area of NW Bali.
Visitors to Bali will be offered day trips to places such as Ubud, Bedugal, Kintamani, with some choosing to take overnight stops in Amed, Lovina, Candi Dasa and Nusa Lembongan. West Bali rarely comes into the picture because of the lack of tourist infrastructure.
• Getting there:
The road that leads west to Balian, Medewi, Negara and Gilimanuk is one of the busiest in Bali, being the main access route to Java. From Kuta to Negara will take about 4 hours depending on the traffic, via Tabanan. Not being a major tourist area Perama bus does not go to Negara, the largest town in West Bali. Your best bet is to hire your own car / car with driver or motorbike.
• Getting around:
The main coastal road follows the coast pretty tightly except in the Negara area where it
branches off to Perancak. The road quality is okay and there are a number of smaller lanes running perpendicular from it inland, for example in Negara. These small roads can be a decent quality also suitable for a car or motorbike, heading up into the hills, before terminating in some small village. If you are in West Bali and suddenly decide you want to go to the north coast, you have 2 options, #1 carry on west and circle round past Gilimanuk, #2 head to Pekutatan which is about 5km east of Medewi and head for Pupuan / Seririt. The turn off is easy to miss so be aware.
• Places of interest:
There are beach locations in West Bali one might visit, include Soka, Balian, Medewi, Pantai Rening. On the north coast there is Pemuteran.
• Places to stay:
All the above mentioned places have some accommodation, as well as Negara, Perancak and Gilimanuk. The best quality accommodation in West Bali is in the Pemuteran area due to the scuba diving industry.
•Activities:
• Surfing
Soka, Balian and Medewi all have surfing opportunities. This stretch of coastline is sparsely populated, with black sand beaches.
• Diving
Pemuteran serves as an access point for diving on Menjangan island which is close by. There is also diving in ‘Secret Bay‘ which is part of Gilimanuk Bay (muddy conditions).
• Temples:
Pura Rambut Siwi on the south coast between Negara and Medewi is a famous Balinese temple with some interesting elements. Pura Agung Pulaki on the north coast just east of Pemuteran is another important temple.
• Hiking
Bali Barat National Park is the least populated part of Bali and hiking is possible.
• Exploring villages
Take a road off of the main road and head inland, you will amazed how beautiful the south west coast is. Two villages in particular are interesting for their history and scenery. Blimbingsari and Palasari are 2 Christian villages set in a lovely part of the island, close to a reservoir. Church services include gamelan accompaniment.
Buffalo Races in Negara
A truly unique event that does not draw much tourism but is well worth seeing. The mekepung races originate from Sulawesi.
