Pemuteran is one of Bali’s top dive destinations, as the artificial Biorock reef and Menjangan Island are both within easy reach. While there are hikes in the hills behind West Bali National Park and the town, the most popular things to do in Pemuteran are water-based—free diving, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all on offer. Macro photographers love the weird and wonderful critters that frequent Biorock Pemuteran, while most travelers fall hard for the undulating sea fans and vivid colors off Menjangan.
With calm waters and little current, Pemuteran is a year-round diving and snorkeling destination. Many travelers prefer to visit during the dry season (roughly May–October), though diving and snorkeling sites are busiest during the July-August peak. The rainy season is most intense from mid-December through February, meaning visibility can be on the murky side and trash in the water can be a problem.
There’s no public transport in Pemuteran and you’re unlikely to find a rideshare. Diving and snorkeling packages often include transfers from Pemuteran accommodation, or you can hire a driver or negotiate with local 2-wheel or 4-wheel taxis. Most accommodations can help you rent a scooter, and traffic conditions are less intimidating than in south Bali, although you should ensure you have both a locally valid license and insurance that covers you for riding.
For a sunset cocktail with a difference, head into West Bali National Park to the Bali Tower Bistro, set in a soaring thatched tower anchored by five 108-foot (33-meter) tree trunks. The views from the top floor observation deck stretch across the rolling forest and the Bali Strait to Java’s volcanoes—watch out for the park’s resident deer en route.
