Green Junglefowl & West Bali Bits

West Bali is one of the best places to see Green Junglefowl, a close relative of the better-known Red Junglefowl. As you can see, the cock bird is quite a picture, especially the nice blue of the comb. We heard lots in the savannah woodlands of Bali Barat National Park but they were shy and difficult to approach. In the drive into the Menjangan Resort, however, we saw about 10 birds close to the road.

The hen is a tad more drab, rather more like a barnyard chicken.

Timor Deer showed well in several spots in and around Bali Barat National Park, as did Barking Deer. The two species were the predominant prey of the Bali Tiger before it become extinct early last Century. Debate continues about whether a handful of Leopard survive on the island.

A sign greets us upon arrival on Menjangan Island, a short distance from the mainland town of Labahan Lalang. There are few western tourists in this part of Bali, adding to the attraction of the area.

Nice coastal scenery on Menjangan Island, and we had an excellent morning snorkelling from this boat at several sites along the coast. Great fish and great coral, with little of the bleaching apparent in parts of the Great Barrier Reef and elsewhere in the south-west Pacific.