Gilimanuk port plays an important role as the west entrance of Bali. This port is under the management of the Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyebrangan (ASDP) Indonesia Ferry, situated in Gilimanuk, District of Melaya, Jembrana Regency, Bali. Gilimanuk is a port town that is not too wide, so that walking can be your choice. This region is a cultural mix of Balinese, Javanese, Maduranese, and Buginese, which is unique to Bali.
Gilimanuk Ferry Port
Gilimanuk port becomes a liaison between the islands of Bali and Java, more precisely the port of Ketapang, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. The view at the harbor and the surrounding area is natural and very beautiful.
The ferries will depart every 30 minutes for 24 hours a day, and take about 45 minutes to the make the crossing. But, the loading and unloading can take much longer.
Currently, stringent security checks are carried out more than usual, and visitors should be prepared with long queues. Aside from being the main entrance of tourists, Gilimanuk also serve traffic of food commodities and goods such as foods, fruits, vegetables, and crafts.
The port of Gilimanuk and Ketapang is a pair port, if one had an interruption in operation will have an impact on the others. Ferries will depart from the port of Gilimanuk to Ketapang (vice versa), across the Strait of Bali with a width of about 3 kilometers and depth of about 60 meters.
Gilimanuk began experiencing growth since 1983 until 1996. This ferry port has an area of approximately 4 hectares, is equipped with dock facilities such as Movable Bridge (MB), Ponton, and Loading Craft Machine (LCM). There are also other facilities such as offices, parking, terminal, waiting room & VIP, and CCTV to monitor the condition of the port.
Gilimanuk and West Bali Tourist Attractions
To reach Gilimanuk region, visitors can choose the route of North Coast or South Coast. The northern coast links the Lovina to Pemuteran, are relatively quiet road, slow drive, and offers great scenery. While the southern coast links the Southern Bali to Tabanan, and then to the Negara and Gilimanuk, carries the bulk of the commercial traffic to and from Java.
To get around here, scooter is a great option. For lodging, Negara City (in the south) offers a variety of better choice, price and quality. In the north, you can drive a little farther to Lovina, and get opportunity to try the dolphin watching at Lovina Beach.
The western part of Bali, covering the Gilimanuk, Negara, and the surrounding area has been ogled by tourists and become a holiday option when traveling to Bali. Gilimanuk region has many unique tourist attractions and interesting activities. The west Bali tourist attractions and activities offered include:
1. Beach and Reservoir
The beach at Gilimanuk region has a lot of beauty and uniqueness, such as Gilimanuk Beach and Penginuman Beach which are natural with a clump of mangroves, Savanna, beautiful black sand with incredible views. Other beaches such Medewi Beach with strong waves, while Pemuteran Bay and Menjangan Island are rich with coral reefs and marine life.
Besides the beach there are also reservoirs, The Palasari Reservoir and The Benel Reservoir, which offer beautiful views of the dam with the reflection of the water, range of mountains, green forests and the cool temperature. It does very rarely can be enjoyed in Bali!
2. Museum and The Site of Gilimanuk
Museum and The Sites of Gilimanuk keep the ancient human skeletons and collections of artifacts, found near Cekik and estimated age of 3000-4000 years. The site was first discovered in the 1960s. It also found a variety of beads, pottery, bronze items that are the remnants of prehistoric civilization. This discovery reveals the earliest evidence of human habitation in Bali, well worth a visit before you leave by ferry.
3. Buffalo Racing
Buffalo racing is known as the local words "Makepung", the buffalo itself known as "Kerbau Pepadu". Makepung activity was attended by the entire population with enthusiasm as a form of cultural preservation. Buffalo racing is an exciting activity, people come in and compete not for money, but honor and trophy. This tradition was originally organized as part of the celebrations of the rice harvest in Negara.
4. Spirituality
The area is also very strong with spiritual. It is associated with the presence of several temples like Pura Tirtha Segara Rupek that keeps the history of MPU Sidimantra and Manik Angkeran, also Rambut Siwi and Pura Perancak that keeps the history of Maharsi Markandeya and Dang Hyang Nirartha. There is also the Palasari Church and Goa Maria that attract much attention of spiritual lovers.
5. Culinary of Ayam Betutu Gilimanuk
Visitors can try the unique local dish, hot and spicy chicken, called "Ayam Betutu". Chicken smeared with herbs and local spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and tied up. It’s steamed some time for the flavors to infuse. Furthermore, the roasting processes will enhancer its flavor. It’s served with steamed rice and plecing kangkung (spicy and hot of water spinach). The delicious taste will always make you to try it.
6. Surfing at Medewi Beach
Medewi beach has become destination for surfers and is one of the best surfing spots in Bali. This place has two surf spots, fat waves, long swells and left handed. Medewi Beach is recommended for beginners to professional surfers. In addition, this beach has tranquil environment, enveloped by a cool breeze, and blessed with a romantic view of the sunset.
7. Snorkeling and Diving
Snorkeling and diving can be done around the north coast at Menjangan Island or Pemuteran Bay. Menjangan Island can be accessed from Labuhan Lalang, a destination for snorkeling and diving in Bali. To get around this uninhabited island, you can just walk and has a chance to get beautiful photo spot.
While Pemuteran Bay is home to artificial Biorock reef project, and place to learn about marine conservation initiatives. Biorock and coral reefs are located near the beach, that is very rare and you just need to hire your goggles and gears, then snorkel even diving to enjoy the underwater scenery and amazing marine life.
8. Jungle Trekking and Bird Watching at TNBB
Bali Barat National Park (TNBB) is a dominant feature of Gilimanuk region, covering an area of 77,000 hectares or 10% of the land area of the island of Bali. There are several habitats in the National Park included: Savanna, Mangroves, Montane & Mixed-Monsoon Forest, and Coral Island.
The park was first officially recognized as a nature park in 1917, and was fully established as an Indonesian National Park in 1941. The center part is dominated by remnants of four volcanic mountains from the Pleistocene, with Mount Patas as the highest point 1,412 meters or 4.633 ft.
Only a small fraction of the total area of the National Park that is open to visitors and to exploring the area should be done with official guidelines recommended by national park offices. Tegal Bunder is the most popular spot for Bird Watchers. While the Brumbun Bay is famous for its savanna and landscape, view directly to Menjangan Island, place to discover some fauna such as deer, wild boar, macaques, and also the location for hikers and bird watchers.
Reference
- google.co.id
- wikivoyage.org _ Gilimanuk _ on October 6, 2016
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Gilimanuk - wikivoyage.org _ West Bali _ on October 6, 2016
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/West_Bali - Image : Original Collection
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