The Natural Wonders of West Bali National Park

Visitors to Lovina Beach in Bali's serene north will findbeach, a natural reef and several islets. The park is
no shortage of things to do and places to visit duringalso home to the tiny village of Goris in the east and a
their stay in their island province. While North Bali andseaport at Gilimanuk in the west. Perhaps the most
Lovina Beach in particular are famous for dolphinimpressive sight is the centre of the reserve, in which
sighting tours as well as excellent snorkelling and divinglies the remnants of four massive extinct volcanoes
sites, nature lovers will want to make the trek out todating back to the Pleistocene era. The largest of the
the north-west to visit the West Bali National Park.four, Gunung Patas is a towering 1,412 metres at its
Located around 60 kilometres west of Lovina Beach,highest elevation.
the West Bali National Park is straight drive west alongThe diverse habitats and ecosystems within the park's
the Singaraja-Gilimanuk highway. The whole trip shouldprotected area also make it home to some 160
take no more than a couple of leisurely hours andspecies of rare tropical birds and animals. The climate
makes for an excellent day-trip from your home-basehere can be hotter and drier than that of south Bali
in Lovina Beach. Known locally as Taman Nasional Baliand there are no places to buy water in the park, so
Barat, the West Bali National Park is a sight to behold.make sure you bring plenty of water if you plan on
Covering some 770 square kilometres, the park takesgoing hiking. There are several excellent hiking trails in
up approximately 10% of Bali's total land area.the park, as well as some excellent diving spots and
The park is home to several ecological habitats sucheven a temple. Hiring a guide from the national park
as a dry savannah, acacia scrubs, mangroves,office is mandatory when hiking in the West Bali
montane and mixed-monsoon forests, and coralNational Park.
islands. To the north of the park are a 1 kilometre long