COOL sea breezes blowing amidst the white sandy beach and coastal shrubs of Serangan Island bring in a beautiful impression. It is the sister island of Bali located in South Denpasar. Around two decades ago, people should ride a boat to reach the island and vice versa. However, a bridge has been built to connect Bali mainland to Serangan Island. So, the villagers of Serangan have easier access to Bali mainland and vice versa.
At least, Serangan Island has six potentials of allure worth visiting. They are ranging from ancient relics, beautiful nature to marine activities. More and more travelers make a visit to the island as it is strategically located between Kuta and Sanur.
Serangan Island hosts an ancient temple known as the Sakenan Temple. It is one of the dang kahyangan temples or the one used to venerate and show off a tribute to ancient sages. One of them is Danghyang Nirartha who has a great merit for the progress of Hinduism on the island and Bali in general. The temple was established approximately in the eleventh century. Thousands of pilgrims throughout Bali throng the temple to worship on the anniversary or piodalan falling on Saniscara (Saturday) Kliwon Kuningan (the nearest is on Feb 20, 2016). It comes every 210 days based on Balinese calendar.
North and west area of the temple is overgrown by mangrove forest. It is just like green belt surrounding the temple to provide fresh air when the pilgrims must line to wait for the opportunity to worship. Far away from the Serangan Island, right on the entrance from bypass road, a wider mangrove forest spread on the left and right side denoting the belt and ‘lung’ of Denpasar City. It becomes a native home to various birds and crabs.
Formerly, the island has been well known as the Turtle Island as it was frequented by turtles. After their habitat has changed, they rarely drop in on the island. However, local people have initiative to establish the center for turtle conservation so that visitors can remain to see this unique animal.
Near the turtle conservation center sits the base of traditional fishermen. When the weather is fine, local fishermen are very busy catching fish and many residents from the villages nearby purchase fish here. Besides, in front of the village entrance they sell their fish catch in the form of grilled fish. So, it will be a good chance for visitors when exploring the island in the afternoon is ended with savoring grilled fish as local delicacy.
Southern beach has now become a new playground for surfers to conquer the waves of Serangan. Everyday several visitors come to explore the beauty of local beach and riding the high waves. Meanwhile, on the beach a row of food stalls offer light meals and drink. So the adventure activities will not be disrupted by hunger.
As the last potential, there are wide choices of location to fish. As option, people can do it next to fisherman base, in the east, in the south, in the west or right in front of Benoa Harbor and around the Bridge of Serangan Island. Hawkers will know best the most favorite fishing location. Therefore, do not worry to get hungry because they are ready to move with wrapped rice served with shredded chicken and fried noodle, chicken noodle, ice cream, meat balls or cold drink.
