A rare oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) was recently caught on camera in the waters off Menjangan Island, part of the West Bali National Park.
The short clip, shared by the park’s official Instagram account @btn.balibarat, quickly went viral, drawing tens of thousands of views and enthusiastic reactions from ocean lovers.
The caption read, “Rare and Stunning! An oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) was caught on camera in the waters off Menjangan Island. This rare moment demonstrates the richness and mystery of underwater life. Not only is its coral reef beautiful, but Menjangan Island also holds amazing marine secrets!”
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The video shows the manta ray gliding gracefully through crystal-clear waters, revealing once again why Menjangan Island is often considered one of Bali’s most underrated dive destinations.
Located off the north-west coast of Bali, the island is part of a protected marine area known for its pristine coral reefs and calm diving conditions.
The sighting sparked excitement online. One Instagram user commented, “The presence of manta rays indicates that the seawater in the national park is truly free of pollution. Please protect our nature. South Bali may win with its accommodation and entertainment, but North Bali is building tourism based on culture and nature.”
Another simply wrote, “Amazing. Thanks for sharing.”
A Glimpse into Indonesia’s Rich Marine Life
According to Mongabay, there are three known species of manta rays, but only two still exist today.
The hynei manta ray (Mobula hynei) has been declared extinct, leaving the oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) and the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) as the remaining species found in Indonesia’s waters.
These gentle giants are found in several regions across the archipelago, including Bali, West and East Nusa Tenggara, East Kalimantan, Maluku, Sulawesi, and Papua.
Among these, Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua hosts the largest manta population in Indonesia, with more than 500 individuals recorded in 2016, about 400 reef manta rays and 100 oceanic manta rays.
In Bali, manta rays can be seen throughout the year, though the best time to dive with them is during the dry season from March to October. During these months, the weather is calm, the water is clear, and visibility is ideal for underwater encounters.
For divers and nature enthusiasts, this recent sighting at Menjangan Island is a reminder of the rich biodiversity still thriving in Indonesia’s lesser-known northern waters and the importance of keeping them that way.
