Snorkeling in Menjangan Island: A 2025 Tour Review & Guide

You know, you hear stories about places. Whispers, really, about spots that are still sort of untouched by the big crowds. So Menjangan Island, which is way up in the northwest corner of Bali, was definitely on my radar for a long time. People say its waters are some of the clearest and its coral walls are just incredible. I decided to book one of those all-inclusive day trips for a 2025 visit, the kind with the hotel pickup and lunch included, just to see if the reality lived up to the hype. To be honest, I went in with a mix of excitement and a little bit of skepticism, like you do. This is pretty much how the entire day went, from the super early start to the final, sun-soaked boat ride back.

The Early Morning Pickup: What to Actually Expect

Okay, so the day starts very early. Like, still-dark-outside early. The tour company gives you a pickup window, and frankly, I was a bit surprised when the car pulled up right at the beginning of that time. The vehicle itself was, you know, a modern minivan with decent air conditioning, which is a big deal for the long ride ahead. Our driver was really polite, greeting us with a quiet smile. I mean, it’s a long haul, especially if you’re staying in the south of Bali—places like Kuta, Seminyak, or Uluwatu. We’re talking about a drive that can seriously take up to four hours one way. So, you just have to be prepared for that.

Anyway, the drive itself becomes part of the experience. Once you get away from the traffic of Denpasar, the scenery, in a way, completely changes. You see these small villages waking up, rice paddies glowing in the early morning light, and mountains that are often covered in mist. As a matter of fact, it’s a view of Bali that a lot of visitors just don’t get to see. My advice is to sort of treat it like a bonus tour. I actually had a good nap for the first hour, and then just watched the island roll by. They do tend to make a quick stop at a local convenience store, which is your chance to grab some extra snacks or a coffee if you need it. By the time we arrived at the Labuhan Lalang harbor, the sun was up and the day, you know, felt like it was properly beginning.

Setting Sail: The Boat Trip and Gear Prep

At the harbor, everything is pretty much organized. A guide from the tour operator met us and, basically, got us sorted out. First, we had to sign in and pay the West Bali National Park entrance fee, which you should confirm is included in your tour price. We were then led to our boat, which, for our group, was a traditional wooden boat called a jukung. I mean, it’s not a speedboat, so the ride over to Menjangan Island is a gentle, 30-minute trip across some really beautiful, calm, turquoise water. You get this amazing view of the Bali mainland on one side and the distant volcanoes of Java on the other. It’s actually a pretty incredible moment.

On the boat, the guide started prepping the snorkeling gear. So, this is honestly a moment you should pay attention to. They hand out masks, snorkels, and fins. My mask seemed a little old, so I asked to swap it for another one, and they were happy to do it. You definitely want to test your mask’s seal against your face before you even get in the water. A leaky mask is just super annoying. The guide then gave a safety briefing that was, frankly, very clear and helpful. He explained where we would be snorkeling, what to look for, and most importantly, what not to do—like, not to touch the coral under any circumstances. His whole attitude was very relaxed but also, you know, professional, which sort of put everyone at ease.

First Dip: Exploring the Coral Gardens

The moment we finally slipped into the water was, basically, breathtaking. The first thing you notice is the visibility; it’s just stunning. You can literally see straight down for what feels like an eternity. Our first spot was a place known for its coral wall. On one side of you, there is this shallow, sunlit coral garden full of life. On the other side, the seafloor just drops away into this deep blue abyss. I mean, it is a very unique feeling to float right along that edge. The coral itself was surprisingly colorful, with huge fans and branching structures everywhere.

So, the fish life was incredible. We saw swarms of bright yellow damselfish, you know, sort of like confetti in the water. There were parrotfish crunching on the coral, and I followed a graceful sea turtle for a little while as it glided along the wall. Our guide was actually amazing, pointing out things we would have completely missed. At one point, he motioned for us to look under a ledge, and tucked away was a giant moray eel, its head poking out. To be honest, seeing stuff like that is what makes these guided trips so good. It feels less like you are just swimming around and more like you are exploring a hidden world.

The Midday Break: Lunch and a Look at the Island

After a good hour or so in the water at the first spot, everyone was sort of getting hungry. The crew motored the boat over to a quiet beach on Menjangan Island for our lunch break. Honestly, you should manage your expectations for the food. It was a simple, pre-packed lunch box containing Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice), some chicken satay, and a bottle of water. It wasn’t a gourmet meal by any stretch, but it was really tasty and, you know, exactly what you need after swimming. We just sat on the white sand under the trees and ate, which was a perfectly nice break from the sun.

The best part of the break, as a matter of fact, was seeing the island’s most famous residents. “Menjangan” actually means “deer” in Indonesian, and it’s called that for a reason. There were several wild deer just walking around the beach area, completely unfazed by the people. They just walk up, hoping for a handout, though you’re not supposed to feed them. Seeing them was a really cool and unexpected part of the day. After lunch and a bit of a rest, we got back on the boat and headed to a second snorkeling spot, which was a bit shallower and had a different kind of feel, with more sea stars and smaller reef fish. It was a good way to, you know, finish the underwater part of the day.

Final Thoughts and Practical Tips

“Honestly, the trip to Menjangan is a long day, but the world you see beneath the waves is so incredible that you almost immediately forget the four-hour drive to get there. It just feels very different from the rest of Bali.”

So, is the full-day tour worth it? Definitely. The combination of stunning coral walls, abundant marine life, and the unique experience of seeing the deer makes for a pretty memorable day out. You just have to be ready for the long travel time. At the end of the day, it’s about the quality of the underwater experience, and Menjangan absolutely delivers on that front. I mean, it is still one of Bali’s crown jewels for snorkeling.

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen. You spend a lot of time in the sun, and the reflection off the water is pretty intense. It’s your responsibility to protect the coral.
• An underwater camera is a must. I mean, you’ll want to capture the views. Even a simple waterproof phone case will do the trick.
• Stay hydrated. They give you water at lunch, but it’s a long, hot day. So, bringing an extra bottle is a really smart move.
• Communicate about the gear. If your mask doesn’t feel right, just ask for another one. It seriously makes a huge difference to your comfort.
• Relax on the drive. Just think of the long car ride as part of the adventure and a chance to see more of the island.

Read our full review: [snorkeling-menjangan-island-2025-review Full Review and Details]

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