Serangan Island Bali — Turtle Island, KEK Kura Kura & Hidden Gem of South Bali
Serangan Island (Pulau Serangan), known locally as Turtle Island Bali, is a 481-hectare island located just off the southern coast of Denpasar. Connected to mainland Bali by a bridge, Serangan Island sits only 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport and 20 minutes from the tourist hubs of Kuta, Seminyak, and Sanur. Once a quiet fishing village famous for its sea turtle conservation efforts, Serangan Island is now the site of KEK Kura Kura — Indonesia’s newest Special Economic Zone and Bali’s most ambitious development project.
Where Is Serangan Island?
Serangan Island is located in the Denpasar Selatan district, approximately 3 kilometres south of Sanur Beach. The island is accessible via a causeway bridge from the Serangan area of mainland Bali. GPS coordinates place it at approximately -8.74°S, 115.23°E. To get to Serangan Island from popular tourist areas, drive south through Sanur toward Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, then follow signs to Pulau Serangan. The bridge crossing takes less than a minute.
History and Cultural Significance of Pulau Serangan
Pulau Serangan holds deep cultural and historical significance in Balinese heritage. The island is home to Pura Sakenan, one of Bali’s most sacred temples, which hosts major religious ceremonies during Kuningan festival when thousands of Balinese Hindus make pilgrimage across the water. Historically, Serangan was a small, natural island of around 112 hectares inhabited by a fishing community that lived in harmony with the surrounding marine ecosystem.
In the 1990s, a controversial land reclamation project expanded the island to its current 481 hectares. While the reclamation was initially met with environmental concerns, the subsequent development of KEK Kura Kura under Government Regulation No. 23/2023 has brought a sustainability-focused vision to the island’s future. The KEK Kura Kura development is guided by Tri Hita Karana — the Balinese philosophy of harmony between people, nature, and the divine — ensuring that cultural preservation remains central to the island’s transformation.
Turtle Conservation on Serangan Island
Serangan Island earned its nickname “Turtle Island Bali” through decades of sea turtle conservation work. The Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC) on the island is managed by the Bali Provincial Government and serves as a rescue, rehabilitation, and breeding facility for endangered sea turtles including the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Visitors to the turtle conservation centre can observe turtles at various life stages — from hatchlings in nursery pools to fully grown adults awaiting release. Educational programs explain the threats facing Indonesia’s sea turtle populations, including habitat loss, plastic pollution, and illegal trade. The centre also organises periodic turtle release events where visitors can participate in releasing rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean — a meaningful and memorable experience, particularly for families.
Mangrove Forest and Marine Ecosystem
The waters surrounding Serangan Island support a rich mangrove ecosystem that serves as a critical nursery habitat for marine species. The Serangan mangrove area stretches along the island’s eastern and northern shores, providing shelter for juvenile fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds. Kayaking and paddle boarding through the mangrove channels offers visitors a peaceful way to explore this unique ecosystem.
The coral reefs off Serangan’s coast also attract divers and snorkelers, with several dive operators running trips to nearby reef sites. While the reefs are still recovering from historical damage, active coral restoration programmes are helping rebuild the underwater ecosystem, contributing to the broader marine biodiversity of Bali’s southern coast.
KEK Kura Kura — The Future of Serangan Island
The designation of Serangan Island as KEK Kura Kura under Government Regulation No. 23/2023 marks the most significant chapter in the island’s modern history. This 498-hectare Special Economic Zone is transforming Serangan into an integrated luxury destination featuring Kura Kura International Marina, Grand Outlet Bali (a Mitsubishi Estate joint venture), ACS Bali International School, luxury hospitality properties, and world-class waterfront infrastructure.
The KEK development brings a total investment vision of Rp 89.9 trillion and is projected to create 35,036 direct and indirect jobs. For investors interested in being part of this transformation, detailed information is available on our KEK investment page.
Things to Do on Serangan Island
Beyond the development zone, Serangan Island offers authentic Balinese experiences that remain largely undiscovered by mass tourism:
- Visit Turtle Conservation Centre: Learn about sea turtle rehabilitation and participate in turtle release events
- Explore Mangrove Forests: Kayak or paddleboard through mangrove channels teeming with marine life
- Pura Sakenan Temple: Visit one of Bali’s most sacred temples, especially during Kuningan festival
- Surfing: Serangan has a consistent reef break popular with intermediate to advanced surfers
- Seafood Dining: Sample fresh seafood at local warungs along the island’s waterfront
- Fishing Village Walk: Explore the traditional fishing village and witness daily life on the island
- Kite Surfing: The island’s wind conditions make it one of Bali’s best kitesurfing spots
- Sunrise Views: Serangan’s eastern shoreline offers spectacular sunrise views over Nusa Penida
How to Get to Serangan Island
Getting to Serangan Island is straightforward from anywhere in southern Bali:
- From Ngurah Rai Airport: 15 minutes via Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai
- From Kuta/Seminyak: 25–30 minutes via Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai
- From Sanur: 10–15 minutes driving south via Jalan Bypass
- From Ubud: 60–75 minutes via Jalan Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra
The island is connected to mainland Bali by a permanent bridge, so no ferry or boat is required. Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) and private drivers can easily access the island. For a premium experience, Kura Kura Marina Bali offers VIP transfer services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Serangan Island worth visiting?
Yes, Serangan Island is worth visiting for travellers seeking authentic Balinese experiences away from the tourist crowds. The turtle conservation centre, Pura Sakenan temple, mangrove forests, and local fishing village offer a genuine cultural experience. With KEK Kura Kura development underway, the island is also becoming a luxury destination with marina and waterfront facilities.
Why is Serangan Island called Turtle Island?
Serangan Island is called Turtle Island because of its long history of sea turtle conservation. The island hosts the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC), which rescues, rehabilitates, and breeds endangered sea turtles. Green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and olive ridley turtles are all cared for at the facility before being released back into the ocean.
How far is Serangan Island from Bali airport?
Serangan Island is approximately 10 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport, which takes about 15 minutes by car via Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai. The island is connected to mainland Bali by a bridge, so no ferry or boat transfer is needed.
What is being built on Serangan Island?
Serangan Island is being developed as KEK Kura Kura — a 498-hectare Special Economic Zone designated by Government Regulation No. 23/2023. The development includes Kura Kura International Marina, Grand Outlet Bali (Mitsubishi Estate partnership), ACS Bali International School, luxury hotels and villas, and waterfront commercial areas. The total investment vision is Rp 89.9 trillion.
Can you swim at Serangan Island?
Swimming at Serangan Island is possible but depends on the location and tide conditions. The island has reef breaks that create strong currents in some areas, making them better suited for surfing than swimming. Calmer waters can be found on the island’s sheltered western side near the bridge. The mangrove areas are ideal for kayaking rather than swimming.
Is there an entrance fee for Serangan Island?
There is no entrance fee to visit Serangan Island itself — the bridge is open to all vehicles and pedestrians. The Turtle Conservation and Education Centre charges a small donation-based entry fee (typically Rp 10,000–25,000). Pura Sakenan temple may require a modest donation and appropriate temple attire for visitors.