We know that readers of The Bali Sun are always on the lookout for some seriously impressive adventures and travel experiences.
There is one region of the province that is delivering surprise after surprise for both locals and visitors, and that is North Bali.
North Bali is a less-visited region of Bali compared to the busy resorts of the central south. This part of the island is home to some of the most majestic forests in the region and the most impressive marine ecosystems, too.
Over the weekend, the waters off the coast of North Bali caught the attention of everyone on the island after a sperm whale was spotted breaching close to Pemuteran.
The video was recorded by a local fisherman and has left local social media users in awe. While it is very common to spot dolphins off the north coast of Bali, it is incredibly rare to spot larger marine life such as whales. Speaking to reporters after the footage went viral, lecturer in the Marine Science Department at Bali’s Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha), Gede Iwan Setiabudi, explained that the presence of sperm whales in the waters north of Bali is rare and does not indicate a fixed migration route.
He told reporters, “The waters north of Bali are a dead end and only open from the east. So it’s highly likely the whales are simply passing through, not on a permanent migration route.” Setiabudi noted that sperm whales are often sighted in Indonesian waters, but more commonly in the Sawu Sea, Sulawesi waters, Maluku, and Papua.
He added, “In northern Bali, their appearance is unpredictable and irregular in time or location. So, this isn’t a migration route; they likely follow certain hydro-oceanographic patterns or ocean currents that lead them to this area.”
When asked what could have prompted the sperm whales to travel so close to Pemuteran, Setiabudi shared, “They could have been affected by underwater sonar interference, extreme temperature changes, or bad weather. It’s storm season now, so it’s possible the whales became separated from their pod.”
Setiabudi noted that he was nevertheless not concerned by the behaviour of the whale based on the footage. He explained, “The tail raised high before diving is a fluke-up dive, a typical movement of sperm whales when preparing to make a deep dive.”
He concluded, “Before diving, the whale also appeared to be logging, or floating quietly, for about two seconds to catch its breath. This is a typical sign whales display before descending to the depths to hunt.”
Tourists looking for real adventure during a trip to Bali should seriously consider North Bali as their destination of choice. Pemuteran Village specifically is rightly catching the attention of tourism leaders and tourists who seek authentic and wild travel experiences.
Pemuteran Village, a traditional Balinese fishing community, has been working to create an environmentally friendly community-based tourism program that will help welcome more visitors to the area. Alongside cultural tourism activities, the community really wants to promote Pemuteran as a leading destination for diving and snorkelling, especially since the waters are home to one of Bali’s biggest and most diverse coral reefs.
Their efforts have been recognised by top travel leaders and won a place on the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Best Tourism Village Awards list for 2025.
Speaking to reporters in October after the announcement of the win, the Head of the Bueleng Tourism Office, Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, praised Pemuteran Village, saying, “Underwater conservation, coral reef maintenance, and collaboration between the community, businesses, and the government are the hallmarks of Pemuteran Village compared to other tourist villages.”
He added, “This award is also expected to increase tourist visits, while also positively impacting the economy, culture, and environmental preservation.”
While still an emerging tourism destination, Pemuteran and the surrounding villages are home to some gorgeous accommodation options, including Mango Moon Guesthouse as a budget-friendly option. Top picks also include Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa and Alyaya Ecolodge.
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