Bali offers a remarkable chance for you to encounter diverse sea creatures, some of which are exceptionally rare in other global dive destinations. From vibrant coral reefs to enchanting underwater landscapes, each region of the island presents its own unique set of aquatic inhabitants.
The most popular dive and snorkeling destination in West Bali is undoubtedly Menjangan Island. The Island is part of West Bali National Park’s protected marine reserve, and so no wonder that it boasts some of the most untouched & pristine dive sites and snorkeling spots that you can explore in Bali.
When going on your next diving or snorkeling adventure to Menjangan Island, be sure to include these fascinating sea creatures on your checklist!
Mandarinfish
For this adorable tiny fish, you don’t even have to go all the way to Menjangan Island but you can spot it halfway through at Mimpi Bay just by our resort (and yes, the site is named after us!). We highly recommend diving at dusk to witness the spectacular Mandarinfish mating dance, a unique mating ritual only performed once the sun sets. Imagine the vivid colors and intricate patterns of a Mandarinfish couple dancing closely to each other while rising slowly through the water. It is indeed an elaborate & beautiful courtship ritual!
Pygmy Seahorses
These cute and delightful seahorses are not your normal seahorses, in fact, they are the tiniest seahorse species in the world! Their maximum size goes up to only 1.4 cm, and so it takes a keen eye to spot one. Not to mention that they are also masters of disguise, blending in perfectly with their surroundings, such as Gorgonian corals or sea fans. Our dive masters, however, are trained to spot them. Spotting a Pygmy seahorse during your dive is like uncovering a hidden treasure!
Nudibranchs
Another tiny yet formidable creature on our list, nudibranchs are colorful sea slugs. They come in a wide variety of vibrant hues and patterns, like living works of art. Despite their small size, they have fascinating defense mechanisms, from toxic secretions to mimicry, making them masters of survival. Bali is known to have an incredibly diverse population of nudibranchs. During your dives, you’ll be able to spot a variety of them in different shapes, colors and patterns – it’s like hunting for Easter eggs!
Moray eels
The mysterious Moray eels can be spotted in several sites around Menjangan Island. They may look scary and fearsome with their razor-sharp teeth and elongated body that can grow up to 3 meters or 10 feet, but they’re actually quite shy. They prefer hiding themselves amidst coral formations and are generally non-aggressive towards humans. Don’t be scared if you see them opening up their impressive jaws as if they are ready to strike you, it is actually just the way this species breathes. Embrace the chance to witness this fascinating behavior and appreciate the beauty of this mysterious eel!
Eagle rays, manta rays and stingrays
If you’re lucky, you might spot the magnificent eagle rays, manta rays or stingrays gracefully gliding during your dive or snorkel. These rays usually appear where the waters flow along the northeastern side of Menjangan, and cold water from the deep ocean, known as thermoclines, wells up and creates an upwelling effect. Witnessing one during your dive is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Batfish
The batfish is one of the most bizarre and peculiarly-shaped fish in the world. True to its name, this remarkable creature resembles a captivating blend of a bat and a fish. Their distinct appearance is characterized by elongated pectoral fins that resemble wings, giving it an uncanny resemblance to the graceful flight of a bat. In spite of their bizarre appearance, batfish are completely harmless to humans. So no need to worry, just take a moment to appreciate its extraordinary and peculiar appearance. It is nature’s way of showing off its creative side!
White tip & black tip reef sharks
Exploring Menjangan Island may leave you with thrilling encounters with two fascinating shark species: the white tip reef shark and the black tip reef shark. During the day, the white tip shark likes to rest on the ocean floor while the black tip is like the coral reef’s own policemen as it is often spotted patrolling around the reefs. Both are generally small, reaching around 1.5 – 1.8 meters or 5 – 6 feet in length. The word shark might conjure scary images in your mind, but don’t worry, they are not a threat to humans. In fact, they are quite timid and skittish, making it somewhat difficult to get up close and personal with them during a dive.
Frogfish
On your next dive in Menjangan Island, keep your eyes peeled for the Frogfish. Despite its bizarre appearance, the Frogfish is most popular for their incredible camouflage abilities. Truly a master of disguise, they can blend in perfectly with their surroundings, mimicking sponges, corals, or even algae. They also have a weird way of moving in the water, instead of ‘swimming’, they seemingly ‘walk’ or even ‘gallop’ across the seafloor using their modified pectoral fins. Most divers can attest that it’s a real treat to spot a Frogfish.
Powder blue tang
If this fish looks familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen it in Disney’s animated movie “Finding Nemo” where it serves as the inspiration for the character Dory. For fans of the movie, Menjangan Island offers plenty of opportunities to see the real-life Dory, known for its vivid blue color and yellow tail. Just like how the movie leaves viewers with warm & fuzzy feelings, the Blue Tang is truly a joy to spot underwater!
Diving the underwater wonders of Menjangan Island in West Bali guarantees an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking encounters with these fascinating sea creatures. From the elusive Pygmy seahorses, mesmerizing schools of tuna to many more creatures not mentioned on this list, there is no shortage of incredible marine life for you to get up close and personal with in the crystalline waters of Menjangan Island. What are you waiting for? Check out our dive and snorkeling packages and immerse yourself in the magic of this marine wonderland. Let the wonders of the deep captivate your senses.
