This island is a wild wonder, a paradise for fauna lovers. The number of animals in Bali is numerous, found in the jungle, villages, and on the shore. Some people even go here just to meet them. This place not only boasts beautiful nature and culture, but it also has a diverse fauna kingdom.
The native ones are distinctive and beautiful, such as Bali Starling, Long-tailed Macaques, and Cattle. They are probably hard to find anywhere else. The common ones are adorable; they can bewitch you to stop just to coo at them. Don’t forget to check out the seas too, because the creatures will astonish you.
Interested to learn more about Bali animal experiences? Discover the guide about them here!
Native Animals in Bali
Did you know that Indonesia has three fauna divisions? The western side is influenced by Asian fauna, while Australia’s fauna influences the eastern side. At its center lies the Wallace Line, which separates distinct faunas.[1] Bali is situated on the western side, so the native animals in Bali are similar to Asian fauna.
Native and Unique Animals in Bali
However, there is a lot of endemic fauna that looks stunning and exotic. Some of them can only be found in Bali, such as:
1. Bali Starling
The first thing that you have to experience when doing Bali wildlife tours is birdwatching. This island is home to 428 species, none of which have been found in the smaller islands surrounding it.[2] All of them are magnificent, especially Bali Starling.
This bird is the national animal of Bali. The endemic bird is very rare and is considered endangered. The latest data shows that around 50 of them were left in the wild in 2008. There are also around 1,000 of them surviving in captivity.[3]
The birds look charming with their white feathers and black tips. You can see blue features near the eyes, which make them more gorgeous and bewitching. So, make sure to meet them when you’re vacationing on this island.
2. Long-tailed Macaques
You haven’t experienced Bali as a whole yet without meeting the monkeys. They’re the most popular Bali mammals, so these animals are almost everywhere, especially near the jungle.
Of all the species, the most iconic ones are Long-tailed Macaques. They’re usually seen at Monkey Forest Ubud. Approximately 1,260 of them reside here.
3. Bali Cattle
In contrast to the two previous fauna, which are wild animals, Bali Cattle are domestic ones. They’re domesticated versions of bulls, and the locals keep them at farms. The cattle usually help people to plow the fields before planting rice or other agricultural products. You can meet them when visiting some villages.
Common Animals You’ll See Around Bali
You can also meet common animals while strolling around on the island. Most of them coexist with humans. Some of them are even kept as pets. For example:
1. Dogs
They are usually found on the street or in a pura (temple). Bali has native dogs called Kintamani. They have a well-proportioned body, usually small to medium size, have a strong neck, a broad chest, and a thick tail. Aside from them, there are also some other dog breeds here, especially Mongrel or Indonus.
2. Cats
Are there tigers in Bali? Sadly, there are no tigers here, but you can meet the smaller version of them: cats. The Balinese people usually kept them as pets, so you can meet them at the locals’ houses.
3. Chickens & Roosters
Are you planning to visit rural areas? If so, you can meet a lot of chickens and roosters here.
The community keeps them as livestock, so there are many Balinese food specialities made from chicken, such as ayam betutu, sate lilit, lawar, and nasi campur. While roaming around traditional markets, there are many of them.
Marine Biodiversity & Underwater Creatures in Bali
For people who love to snorkel or dive, you can also meet interesting underwater creatures in Bali. The marine life biodiversity here is amazing. That’s why this place is popular as a diving site.
Here are some of them!
1. Clownfish
Finding Nemo? You definitely can do that in Bali. Clownfish is a fish that lives in the Indian Ocean, and Bali directly borders it. To meet them, you can snorkel at almost all southern beaches or smaller islands that surround the mainland.
2. Manta Rays
The island is also home to the largest stingrays in the world: Manta Rays. You rarely meet them on the mainland, but there are a lot of them in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. The best sites to meet them are at Manta Point and Manta Bay.
3. Sea Turtles
Some sea turtle species are endangered, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to encounter them in the wild. But you can find them on this island while diving. The best diving sites to spot them are Nusa Penida, Padang Bai, and Menjangan Island.
4. Coral Reefs
There are approximately 27 coral reefs across the island, most of which are generally in good condition.[4] That’s why seeing them is a must. To get the best view, you can dive or snorkel at Tulamben Coral Gardens, Menjangan Island, Angel Canyon Coral Reef, and many more.
Where to See Bali’s Animals Responsibly?
For those who want to see them responsibly, there are several Bali animal sanctuaries on the island. Here are some of them:
- Bali Bird Park is home to hundreds of bird species, including the endangered Bali Starling, Salmon-crested Cockatoo, Lesser Adjutant, Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, and Komodo Dragon.
- Bali Zoo, to meet sea turtles, kukang, hedgehog, orangutan, meerkat, hyena, elephant, crocodile, chicken, bear, etc.
- Monkey Forest Ubud, to see Long-tailed Macaques.
- Bali Butterfly Park, to meet hundreds of butterfly species, including the endangered, such as Birdwings, Swallows, and the Great Mormon.
- Bali Safari & Marine Park, conservations that protect animals.
Discover More at Bali Bird Park
As mentioned above, you can meet animals in Bali at Bali Bird Park, especially the birds. That’s why you have to widen your experience here. Meet the iconic Bali Starling, the stunning Salmon-crested Cockatoo, and hundreds of other birds by booking a ticket to Bali Bird Park immediately!
