Situated on the west tip of Bali, Gilimanuk is the gateway to Java, with regular ferries running between the two islands.
Most visitors to Bali will be entirely unaware of Gilimanuk’s beautiful beaches and pass right through the port town on their way to Kuta. However, those who do take the time to explore the area will find that this is the perfect place to relax for a while.
The water around Gilimanuk is blessed with colorful coral and fish, making this a good area for scuba diving and snorkeling. The beaches are also surrounded by mangrove forests, and those with a strong sense of adventure can spend a few hours trekking through the jungle and gazing at the flora and fauna that live there.
Popular excursions from Gilimanuk include trips to Pulau Kalong; also known as Bat Island, this is a good place for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is also possible to take a boat trip to the neighboring sandbar known as Bird Island (Pulau Burung) to see the area’s natural beauty.
If you need a cultural kick, a visit to Gilimanuk Museum will help you to discover the area’s pre-Hindu archeological remains.
Getting There & Away
Those visiting Gilimanuk from another country will probably fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport on Bali. This international airport has regional connections and regular links with Jakarta. There are regular buses from near the airport to Gilimanuk (1 hour). It is also possible to take a ferry from Java to Gilimanuk (30 minutes).