Scuba Diving in Menjangan(Deer Island)
The Ultimate Guide
Menjangan Island sits just off the north‑west tip of Bali and forms part of the West Bali National Park. Protected from heavy seas by Bali’s mainland, it offers calm, crystal‑clear waters, dramatic drop‑offs and lush coral walls covered with sea fans, sponges and soft corals. Healthy reef fish populations mix with turtles, reef sharks and occasional pelagics, while macro enthusiasts hunt for pygmy seahorses, frogfish and nudibranchs. With easy access from Pemuteran and relatively few dive boats, Menjangan is ideal for relaxing wall dives, snorkelling and photography.
Difficulty
Easy
Temperature
27-30°C
Visibility
20-40m
Diving Highlights
Best Months to Dive
Getting to Menjangan(Deer Island) for Diving
✈️Transportation
Menjangan is reached from the mainland port of Labuhan Lalang near the village of Pemuteran on Bali’s north coast.
From Pemuteran it is a 30‑minute drive to the jetty and a 15‑ to 20‑minute boat ride across flat water to the island. The journey from southern Bali or Ubud takes 3–4 hours by car or shuttle bus. Day trips are easily arranged through dive centres in Pemuteran or Lovina and include park permits, transfers and lunch.
Country
Indonesia
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah
Electricity
220V, 50Hz, Euro Plug
Cost of a Dive Trip in Menjangan(Deer Island)
Day Trip
Meal
Accommodation
Best Dive Sites in Menjangan(Deer Island)
🐠Eel Garden
A sandy slope descends to a dramatic wall where thousands of garden eels sway in the current. The top of the wall is covered in soft sponges and sea fans sheltering giant frogfish and pygmy seahorses. Out on the sand look for pufferfish, trumpetfish and the occasional trevally cruising by.
🐢Anchor Wreck & Wall
The remains of a 19th‑century boat rest against the wall at 35 m, its huge anchor still embedded in the reef. Swim along the wall and peer into cracks filled with nudibranchs, whip coral shrimp and moray eels. Keep an eye on the blue for passing reef sharks and tuna.
🦈POS II
This popular wall dive features colourful soft corals and large sea fans. Thanks to occasional cool upwellings from the deep, pelagics such as turtles, napoleon wrasse and even eagle rays cruise by. Macro photographers will enjoy the resident leaf scorpionfish and nudibranchs.
🐙Coral Garden
A shallow plateau perfect for beginners and snorkellers. Hard coral bommies are surrounded by clouds of damselfish and surgeonfish, while the sandy patches hide gobies and shrimp. This is also a favourite site for relaxed night dives when Spanish dancers emerge.
🐚Temple Wall
Along the eastern side of the island, Temple Wall begins at 5 m and plunges beyond recreational limits. Large overhangs create swim‑throughs and caves, while the wall itself is covered in colourful sponges, crinoids and gorgonians. Blacktip reef sharks and bumphead parrotfish are occasional visitors.
What Divers Say About Diving in Menjangan(Deer Island)
Earl Philip
Technical DiverDiving at Menjangan feels like floating through an aquarium. The visibility is often 30 m or more, allowing you to take in the full grandeur of the island’s sheer walls, with giant gorgonians, sea fans and colourful sponges cascading into the blue. During a single dive you might spot a pygmy seahorse clinging to a fan, a crocodilefish lurking on a ledge and a cloud of glassfish swirling around a crack in the wall. Because boat traffic is limited, it’s common to have an entire site to yourself, and the calm surface conditions mean even snorkellers can enjoy the spectacular reefs. After diving you can relax in Pemuteran’s laid‑back village, savour fresh grilled fish and watch the sun set over Java.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diving in Menjangan(Deer Island)
When is the best time to dive Menjangan?
The dry season from May to October offers calm seas, excellent visibility and warm water. The wet season still has good conditions but occasional rain showers and slightly reduced visibility. Because there are few boats, diving is enjoyable year‑round.
What marine life will I see at Menjangan?
Expect colourful reef fish such as butterflyfish and angelfish, numerous nudibranchs and crustaceans, reef sharks and turtles. Macro hunters can find pygmy seahorses, frogfish and leaf scorpionfish among the sea fans and sponges. Larger pelagics like trevally and tuna sometimes cruise along the walls.
Is Menjangan suitable for beginners?
Yes. The gentle currents, clear visibility and easy wall dives make Menjangan ideal for beginners and snorkellers. However, some sites drop to great depths, so always dive within your limits and with a guide.
How many dive sites are there around Menjangan?
There are about ten named sites around the island, including Eel Garden, POS II, Coral Garden, Temple Wall and Anchor Wreck. Each features different topography and marine life, from steep walls to sloping reefs and wreck debris.
Do I need a park permit?
Yes. Menjangan sits within the West Bali National Park and all visitors must purchase a permit, usually arranged by your dive operator and included in the trip price. The fee helps fund conservation and reef protection.
What is the water temperature and visibility like?
Water temperatures range between 27 and 30 °C year‑round. Visibility is typically 20–40 m, occasionally exceeding 40 m during the dry season. Currents are generally mild.
Are there accommodations on Menjangan Island?
There are a couple of eco‑resorts on the island, but most divers stay in Pemuteran or Lovina on the mainland, where accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to upscale resorts.