1. Why to go: Quiet paradise for a day trip from Bali
2. What you need: Equipment and packing list
3. How to go
4. When to go: The best travel time
5. Where to stay
6. What to do

 

 

islands_lembongan_mount_agung_bali

©LoweStock

 

1. Why to go: Quiet paradise for a day trip from Bali

Nusa Lembongan is a beautiful small in the South East of Bali. It’s next to Nusa Ceningan and the bigger island Nusa Ceningan. Those islands are famous for its sunsets, snorkeling, and surfing is gaining popularity among those looking for a less crowded pure taste of Bali. The islands are a quiet place, certainly one of the best to have a break and relax! It’s a great place for vacation and to forget the rush of everyday life, just enjoying the present moment of time. The natural beauty of the islands is impressive. There are fewer tourists around and you still experience the untouched local natural environment. You would be able to take advantage of this great place: Green jungle and small beaches spread all over the islands.

Bali is stereotyped as too much travel, but definitely you think, a party place is not exactly an ideal paradise. This is especially true in places like Kuta! However, Bali has many faces and many things to offer. On Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan or Penida you will see something very different from what you can see in Bali. You will find peace, nature, and beauty in one place – a beautiful scenery.

lembongan_beach

©Rebecca Schmitt

If you’ve never tried to do scooter in your life, maybe it’s time to start! It is the best and most convenient way to travel around the island and discover the hidden place to place. You’ll discover your adventurous side by exploring the wild islands. So, you would be able to stop as soon as you find something nice and interesting (keep in mind that if you ride a bike you put yourself at risk . Scooter accidents will not be covered by your travel insurance.

 

2. What you need: Equipment and packing list

Camera with extra battery and memory card, insect repellent (especially for your visit of the mangrove forest), medications and copies of prescriptions, swimsuit, a pair of flip-flops, substantial pair of shoe, cover up clothing, a couple of T-shirts, shorts and/or skirts, tank tops, dresses; light long-sleeved top that goes with anything and everything, your bank and credit card (Notify your bank before going and alert them to your approximate itinerary). Please don’t forget your travel documents.

 

3. How to go

The best and only way to go to those three islands is by ferry and speed boat. It’s around one hour to go by boat to Nusa Lembongan. There is no real harbour on Nusa Lembongan. This is why we recommend you to take not too much luggage with you. Local people will offer you to carry your bags for some rupiahs but be aware there is still a risk that your luggage gets wet.

 

4. When to go: The best travel time

Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida are pristine tropical islands. Nusa Lembongans highest point is 50 meters above sea level. Lembongan has an average rainfall of about 1000 mm per year. Some variations of 30 degrees Celsius temperature occurs between only two seasons, this island will experience wet and dry. The rainy season is from December to February, the dry season is from March to November. With only three months of rain, this island is dry for the rest of the year. Few cultivations happen, almost two third of the island is barren. Seeding normally happens during the rainy season, and as corn, cassava and peanuts are grown. Mango, coconut and cashew nut can be found on the island. Fresh water is limited and most of the supply is obtained from wells up to 60 meters deep.

 

5. Where to stay

There are two excellent hotels to stay on Nusa Lembongan.

 

 

6. What to do

Go diving: The islands are known for its many great diving spots. Take a tour in the early morning hours beginning at Nusa Penida, where you can swim with the manta rays, and then continue through the turbulent waters of Nusa Ceningan and swim in the lagoon. Later, return to Lembongan and discover the beautiful underwater life twenty meters from the coast. With its crystal-blue calm waters, the reef is alive and well worth the money (300-800 000 IDR based on your negotiation skills).

lembongan_water

©Rebecca Schmitt

Visit the mangrove forest: Hire a local boat, paddle boats, gondolas, paddler or kayak for less than 100 000 IDR (you may have to pay a little more) and discover this quiet, peaceful and magical place. The forest is unique and you can see some nice birds if you are fairly calm. There is a small fee to get access to the mangroves road, but only 30 to 50,000 depending on the person at the entrance.

lembongan_mangroves

©Rebecca Schmitt

Go to the bridge Nusa Ceningan: Travel southeast and discover the bridge that will take you through to the nearby island. Turn right and check out the beaches or to the left to get to the summit of the mountain. The road is not the best, and it takes some ability to not crash the moped.

lembongan_bridge

©Rebecca Schmitt

See seaweed farm: Nusa Lembongan algae farm is located in the channel between the two islands and is one of the places to visit. Suspension bridge along with small boats and seaweed plantation are just picture perfect. You can spend there hours and watch farmers at work until sunset.

lembongan_boats

©Markus Böttcher

Visit devil’s tear: It’s an outstanding spectacle to see the cliffs of devil’s tear. The Sea foams thunderously through the rough dark stone formations. Really, there’s nothing more impressive to see.

lembongan_devils_tears

©Markus Böttcher