The Menjangan
Bali Barat National Park, Pemuteran & North Bali, Indonesia
Opposite the idyllic white-sand island to which wild deer (‘menjangan’) swim is this beautiful hotel on Bali’s north-west coast. Standing within the Bali Barat National Park, existing in harmony with nature, The Menjangan by LifestyleRetreats is a protected park-resort – pure paradise for snorkellers, birdwatchers and horse riders. Imagine two restaurants (one towering, the other by the sea), a riding stables, beach spa and Balinese pool, scattered across acres of mangrove forest linked by bumpy tracks, bicycles and delightful safari shuttles. The Menjangan ‘family’, courteous and kind, do all they can to please.
If you are worried by insects, snakes, spiders and wild chickens, this is not for you. If you want to connect with nature, it’s heaven, and the guides know their stuff. Butterflies, rare birds, sparkling fish, sea turtles, wild deer, monkeys on the beach - they’re a big part of the magic. What’s more, the romantic rooms and villas, by the pool or by the sea, are comfortable, charming, spotless and serene, while the food, part Western, part Indonesian, is tasty and fresh. As for sunset Happy Hour in the soaring Bali Tower, with views that reach all the way to Java, it’s an experience you’ll remember all your life.
If you are worried by insects, snakes, spiders and wild chickens, this is not for you. If you want to connect with nature, it’s heaven, and the guides know their stuff. Butterflies, rare birds, sparkling fish, sea turtles, wild deer, monkeys on the beach - they’re a big part of the magic. What’s more, the romantic rooms and villas, by the pool or by the sea, are comfortable, charming, spotless and serene, while the food, part Western, part Indonesian, is tasty and fresh. As for sunset Happy Hour in the soaring Bali Tower, with views that reach all the way to Java, it’s an experience you’ll remember all your life.
Highs
- A nature resort within a national park, committed to restoring bio-diversity
- A profoundly therapeutic place to stay
- Menjangan Island is right opposite: crystal waters, coral reefs, stunning snorkelling
- The Beach Villas, set right on pristine sands; heaven to relax on
- Staff are exceptionally kind and responsive to needs
Lows
- Travelling between the Lodge and beach is time-consuming (up to 20 mins' walk), but there are 'safari shuttles' on request
- Outdoors activities, though first class, are pricey by Bali standards
- The shallow waters off the beach are for waders not swimmers
- Be prepared for insects and small beasties; Beach Villa bathrooms are open to the elements and mosquitoes
Best time to go
Although the northwest has a drier terrain than elsewhere in Bali, you may wish to avoid the wet season, November to March. However, you’ll be treated like kings in low season and might find yourselves upgraded to a super-duper Beach Villa. Bali is busiest in June and July, Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. October is perfect.
Our top tips
Tip: whether you’re dining on the beach or up in the trees, ask for your own mosquito coil.