deer swimming bali menjangan

Video Shows Tourists Spotting Deer Swimming in the Bali Strait – Here’s Why

Share:

When tourists travel to the sea, they typically expect to encounter a variety of fish and other marine creatures.

However, a group of tourists in the Bali Strait were in for a surprising and entirely unexpected experience.

From a distance, the tourists initially mistook the sight of a flickering tail for that of a dolphin, only to be astounded when they realised they were actually witnessing two deer swimming in the open water.

While this moment was certainly shocking, it is not entirely unprecedented, as similar occurrences have been reported in the past.

The video of this rare sight quickly went viral, sparking numerous comments and discussions from viewers around the world, fascinated by the unusual sight of deer swimming in the sea.

@keyikeyda1♬ original sound – Key Ikeyda

The deer is an excellent swimmer..so don’t worry,” wrote a netizen.

(The deer) not carried away by the current, deer are good at swimming in the sea, it is said that the story of deer crossing the ocean from Sulawesi to Kalimantan,” wrote another netizen.

As reported by Live Science, deer can swim and certain species such as the Great Deer can even hold their breath in the water for several minutes.

Deer crossing the sea is a normal behaviour. Deer from West Bali National Park (TNBB) frequently crossed to Menjangan Island in the past.

Deer in West Bali National Park Cross the Ocean

deer in Bali Menjangan
Source: BeritaBuleleng

Deer in West Bali National Park are used to swimming across the ocean.

As reported by Detik, Head of the TNBB Centre Agus Ngurah Krisna Kepakisan revealed that some deer on Menjangan Island even crossed the ocean to get water in the Berumbun Bay area.

“Menjangan (deer) on Menjangan Island have crossed the sea because there is no water there. Bali starlings also often come to the habitual enclosure.

“Some Menjangan (deer) on Menjangan Island cross the sea because there is no water there. Bali starlings also often come to the habituation cage to eat and look for water,” Krishna said.

On the other hand, the well-known news outlet Kompas has also reported on this unusual phenomenon.

According to Gebyar Andiono, the Head of Administration at TNBB, deer typically seek mates or follow the scent of other deer on nearby islands when venturing into the water.

However, Andiono emphasised that, while such behaviour is not entirely uncommon, it is extremely rare for deer to swim across the Bali Strait from Bali to the island of Java, making this particular occurrence even more remarkable.

Find this article helpful? Check out our other News Article from Social Expat!

SEO Writer

Imelda is a content writer specializing in viral news and Indonesian culture. Her work revolves around researching and analyzing current events, social media trends, and popular culture.

Related News

South Korea plans to grant visa-free entry to Indonesian tourists travelling in organised groups, as part of efforts to increase international visitor numbers. The measure was announced during the 11th National Tourism Strategy Meeting held on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. The meeting was chaired by President Lee Jae Myung and attended by Prime Minister Kim […]

Indonesia will host the opening round of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2026 for the first time, with Bali selected as the official venue. The competition will take place from 20 to 23 May 2026 and mark the start of the new season, where athletes begin their campaign for the prestigious King Kahekili […]

Just minutes before sunset, the dining room at Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre settles into a gentle hush. Glasses are filled. Dates are arranged neatly on small jars. The anticipation is collective and almost ceremonial. When the Adzan finally echoes through the space, the first sip of water feels less like routine and more like […]

A woman from Simeulue Regency, Indonesia, died after a crocodile attack while collecting shellfish in a river, local authorities said. The victim, identified as Jusmitawati, 36, was a resident of Bulu Hadek Village in the Teluk Dalam District of Aceh. She was attacked while searching for shellfish in the Luan Boya River with two friends. […]

Expat Events

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Business Networking
150,000
Casa Cuomo Ristorante & Lounge
Unofficial Networking Event
FREE
Shooter Bali

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery