If youโre sailing through Indonesia, Serangan Island, just off the coast of South Bali, is one of the most convenient and yacht-friendly anchoring spots youโll find. Known as the โTurtle Island,โ Serangan is not only a safe haven for yachts but also a gateway to the culture, beauty, and adventure that Bali has to offer.
๐ Where is Serangan?
Serangan is a small island connected to Baliโs mainland by a causeway. Itโs situated between Sanur and Benoa Harbour, making it a perfect mid-point for boats heading east or west through the Indonesian archipelago.
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โ Why Anchor at Serangan?
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Safe Anchorage
โข Good holding in mud/sand bottom
โข Protected from most swell and wind directions
โข Plenty of space to anchor, even for larger yachts
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Close to Essentials
โข Easy access to Denpasar, Sanur, and Kuta
โข Nearby provisioning, fuel, and repair services
โข Dinghy landing available (usually near the jetty area)
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Immigration & Check-in Point
โข Close to Benoa Harbourโs customs, immigration (CIQ), and quarantine offices
โข Kokoba Marine offer full yacht clearance services
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Affordable
โข No formal marina fees if you anchor out
โข Mooring buoys sometimes available (ask our operators)
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๐บ๏ธ Coordinates & Approach
โข Anchorage coordinates: 8ยฐ44.77โS 115ยฐ14.43โE
โข Approach from the south-east, avoiding shallow reef patches
โข Keep a lookout for local fishing boats and seaweed farms
Tip: Avoid entering at low tide if your draft is above 2 meters.
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๐ค Services Around Serangan
โข Yacht Agencies โ Can assist with visa extensions, cruising permits (CAIT), and spare parts
โข Fuel & Water โ Delivery available to boat or via jerry cans
โข Marine Repair โ Basic mechanical, electrical, and hull repairs available locally
โข Laundry & Laundry Pickup โ Yes, they even bring it to your dinghy!
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๐งญ Things to Do While Anchored
โข Explore Bali: Hire a scooter or driver to explore Ubud, temples, waterfalls, or surf beaches
โข Dive & Snorkel: Nusa Penida and Lembongan are close by
โข Eat Local: Warungs (local restaurants) in Serangan village are friendly and cheap
โข Visit Turtle Conservation Center
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๐ค Local Tips
โข Respect local customs โ Bali is culturally rich; dress modestly when going ashore
โข Tide matters โ Plan dinghy trips with tides in mind, especially in shallow channels
โข Cash is king โ Most small vendors donโt take cards
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๐งพ Final Note
Serangan is more than just a stopoverโitโs a great base for both provisioning and exploring Bali. The welcoming vibe from locals and yachties alike makes it one of Indonesiaโs top anchorages.
If youโre cruising through the archipelago, drop your hook here. You wonโt regret it.
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Fair winds and calm seas, fellow sailors! โต
