Flora and Fauna

BALI BARAT NATIONAL PARK

Almost the whole of the western tip of Bali, covering an area of over 750 square km, has been set aside as a coservation area. Included within the park's boundaries are open savanahs, rainforests, mangrove swamps, coral reefs and Pulau Menjangan (Deer Island), a small island off the north coast of Bali. The park is a haven for a wide range of animals and birds, especially the endangered Bali Starling. Pulau Menjangan, home to the rare Java Deer, can also be visited and has very good diving and snorkelling. To enter the park you must be accompanied by an official guide and in possession of a park permit.

BALI BUTTERFLY PARK
Taman Kupu Kupu, Jl. Batukaru, Sandan Wanasari, Tabanan Regency. Recently opened, Indonesia's only butterfly park is helping to study, breed and preserve many kinds of butterflies from Bali and all over Indonesia.

BALI BOTANICAL GARDENS
Kebun Raya Eka Karya, Bedugul Bali. Established in 1959 these gardens cover over 120 hectares on the sllopes of Gunung Pohon (Tree Mountain). The gardens contain a huge collection of trees, nearly 500 varieties of orchid and are rich in birdlife. As a centre for the study of local plants, the gardens also boast a herbarium and library.

BALI SANGEH MONKEY FOREST
Near the village of Sangeh Bali. This forest, of approximately 6 hectares, is filled with giant nutmeg trees that can grow up to 40m high. The main attractions here are the hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit both the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, located in the heart of the forest. Visitors should be aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jewellery should be left behind or well hidden under clothes or in a bag before setting off to explore Sangeh Bali.

BALI TAMAN BUAYA & REPTILE
Bali Reptile & Crocodile Park, located in Werdhi Bhuana, near Mengwi; this park houses not only four of the famous Komodo Dragons but also a large collection of crocodiles, lizards and snakes within large tropical gardens. "Feeding Time", a snake and magic show and even crocodile wrestling go to make this an unforgettable experience in Bali.


UBUD MONKEY FOREST BALI
Ubud Bali. This forest is smaller than the one at Sangeh but the monkeys are just as wild.

BLAHMANTUNG WATERFALL BALI
Near Pupuan, west Bali. Dropping over 100m, this waterfall is spectacular, especially during the rainy season. Be prepared for a bit of a trek up a steep, and at times rough, track to get there.

GITGIT WATERFALL BALI
10km south of Singaraja Bali. Not far from the main road, Gitgit is an impressive 40m waterfall that gushes into a deep pool. A swim here can be very refreshing, although local legend has it that couples bathing here together will eventually separate.