Anchorage – Gawana, Teluk Mimpi
Anchorage Review: Gawana Resort, Teluk Mimpi, Bali, Indonesia
08°08.298S, 114°34.046E
Mooring buoys
Picking up moorings at an anchorage like Teluk Mimpi, instead of dropping anchor, is increasingly necessary as authorities scramble to preserve coral. Be prepared to move if asked to do so by the mooring’s owner or a local authority. Remember, it’s your responsibility to check moorings in terms of their availability, condition and suitability for your yacht. Be aware that some moorings are suitable for small, light boats only.
Overview
Teluk Mimpi, on Bali’s quieter northwest coast, offers a very different face of the island from the busy south. Set near West Bali National Park and close to Pulau Menjangan, this is a practical and scenic stop for yachts heading north or east, with good protection, useful shore access and some of Bali’s best nearby snorkelling and diving.
Anchoring
Anchoring
The entrance is narrow, around 200m wide, but straightforward in suitable conditions and good light. The approach runs between fringing reefs, so it is best treated with care rather than haste. Once inside, continue into the bay and anchor off the Gawana Resort jetty in the northern corner.
Anchor in approximately 8–16m. Holding is generally good, and the bay offers excellent protection in most conditions. Isolated reefs inside the bay are usually easy to spot in decent light, particularly to the south, but this is still an anchorage where a careful visual watch and sensible daylight arrival are strongly recommended.
The anchorage is especially useful for yachts moving between Bali, Java, Lombok and points farther north. It also works well as a quieter alternative to the more developed southern Bali anchorages, particularly for crews who want access to nature rather than nightlife.
Facilities
Facilities are limited but useful. Gawana Resort is ashore, and Banjuwedang town is around five kilometres away by road. Basic supplies and local services may be available, but yachts should not treat this as a major provisioning stop.
For fuel, water, engineering support and serious provisioning, plan ahead in Benoa, Serangan or another larger port. Teluk Mimpi is best viewed as a sheltered cruising stop with some local access, not a full-service yacht base
Eating & drinking ashore
Depending on current resort operations, eating ashore may be possible at or near Gawana Resort. Banjuwedang also offers access to local food options by road. Choices are likely to be simple rather than extensive, but that suits the mood of the place.
This is not the Bali of beach clubs and nightlife. It is a quieter, more natural corner of the island, where dinner onboard after a swim or shore walk may be the best option of all.
Highlights
The major draw is the proximity to Pulau Menjangan, one of Bali’s standout snorkelling and diving areas. The clear water, reef walls and marine life make it a favourite for divers visiting from elsewhere on the island.
The surrounding area also gives access to West Bali National Park, with a more rural and less commercial atmosphere than the south. For cruising yachts, this combination of shelter, nature and onward-route convenience makes Teluk Mimpi a very worthwhile stop.
Why we like it
Teluk Mimpi is practical, protected and pleasantly removed from Bali’s busier yacht routes. It offers a useful pause before longer passages, plus access to superb diving and a quieter side of the island. For skippers who want a Bali anchorage with shelter, scenery and a sense of being away from the crowds, Teluk Mimpi is a strong choice.
Southeast Asia Pilot
Detailed anchorage chart and pilotage notes for 600+ anchorages are included in Southeast Asia Pilot. Order your print or eBook copy here.
Southeast Asia Pilot and Phuket Publicity Services do their best to ensure that the information on this website is accurate. However, good seamanship demands that seafarers check critical information carefully with relevant sources to ensure it is up to date.
