In the far north-west of Bali we spend a lovely time at Menjangan Dynasty Resort, on the edge of the West Bali National Park. It’s a peaceful and somewhat remote location, but also very accessible, especially if you're looking for something different from the southern beach areas. The resort is set in a sheltered bay with views towards the coast of Java, and the design blends beautifully into the natural surroundings.
The stunning lobby (photo: MDR)
The accommodation consists of large safari-style tents, fully equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and comfortable beds — ideal for a family of four, with the right mix of space and privacy.
The beach camp tent
We spend most of our time by the water. The resort’s own reef is perfect for snorkelling, with clear, calm water and plenty of colourful fish just a few metres offshore. Angela, Wende and Tess are in the water as soon as they can, spotting parrotfish, butterflyfish and whole schools of shimmering, tiny blue fish. Wende’s snorkel doesn’t work properly at first, which takes away some of the fun, but ofcourse you can head to the team at the watersports centre to help and replace it with a better one. The centre itself is beautifully designed, with a rounded wooden entrance that we love. They also offer other equipment from paddleboards to kayaks neatly arranged and ready to use. We’re happy we packed water shoes — the beach is more pebbly than sandy, and not ideal for walking barefoot.
The resort makes a good base for exploring the north-west of Bali that way. The roads are quiet, so you might opt for a scooter, and there’s plenty to see nearby. The Pengumbahan Waterfall is a short walk from the road and well worth the trip — calm, uncrowded, and set in a lush green valley. The West Bali National Park is just minutes away and ideal for shorter walks with teens: you might spot deer, monkeys, and several types of tropical birds without having to go far. There’s also a small market in Banjuwedang, the nearby village. Gerokgak White Sand Beach is a little further and only worth the drive if you’re in the mood for a longer ride, but the scenery on the way makes it a nice half-day trip.
The spa is set slightly above the main resort area, with open views over the bay. The treatments are excellent, especially after a day of snorkelling or walking — relaxing without being overly soft, and very professionally done. There’s a quiet, open-air atmosphere to the whole spa area that makes it feel like a retreat within the resort.
Food is available throughout the day, and you might end up eating most meals on site. The restaurant overlooks the water and offers a simple but well-prepared mix of Indonesian and international dishes, with plenty of options for both adults and children. Breakfast is recommended, with tropical fruit, pancakes, eggs, and excellent coffee. In the evening, the beachfront bar is the place to be. The sky turns orange and pink over the water while we sit with drinks in hand, feeling completely relaxed.
It’s worth knowing that day visitors are also welcome here — there’s a fee to use the sun loungers, but it’s usually offset by what you order at the bar or restaurant. Even for a few hours, it’s an easy and beautiful place to stop if you’re travelling through the region.
WOW
# Snorkelling is some of the best we experience on this trip, made even better by the peaceful, private setting.
# The design of the resort — simple, elegant and comfortable — makes it easy to feel at home straight away, and we love the glamping style.
# The resort definitely has the right mix of activity, nature and rest.
