This 77,000-hectare park was established in 1941 to protect the endemic white starling of Bali (Loucospar rothschildi), and the last of the island's wild banteng, living ancestors from which the deer-like Balinese cattle are descended. The Balinese subspecies of the Asian tiger may also have occurred in the area, but by 1941 their existence was -doubtful-in spite of rumors to the contrary. The last specimen was reported shot in the 1930s.

Since Bali is such a densely populated, intensively cultivated island, very little wild forest is left. Such primary monsoon forests as remain (about 50,000 hectares) are found along the watershed at the western end of island, on the slopes of the mountains Sangiang, Merbuk, Musi, and Patas, an area not nearly as rugged as the higher mountains of eastern Bali.

The region is watered by clear streams and traversed by footpaths, which offer often steep but relatively easy walking. Explore the forested hills, scrub acacia near the coast, and the unspoiled reefs and dense mangrove swamps along Teluk Terima and the bays to the East.

The park's 6,600-hectare marine reserve includes the shores of the outcrop of land (Cape Prapat Agung) between Teluk Terima and Gilimanuk, and several sanctuary islands (for sea birds) in the bay near Gilimanuk, but centers mainly on Pulau Menjangan and the excellent coral reefs which surround it. Extensive coral reefs also surround the mainland. Because this area has been protected since 1980, no tree-felling, firewood collecting, fishing, or coral collecting is allowed.

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the bali starling