BALI TRAVEL GUIDE: NUSA LEMBONGAN

Okay… So maybe this is actually my MOST favourite place in Bali. It’s a tough call, but this beautiful little island has a whole lot to offer. Tom and I have a made a pact that we will live here one day.

It’s a relatively untouched part of Bali compared to some of the other places we’ve been. Definitely more about going off the beaten track (like literally, the roads are pretty rough so scootering around is a serious adventure).

Although we’ve mostly stayed on Lembongan there are actually a group of 3 islands that are very close in proximity aka more to explore! Nusa Penida is the biggest, but the least developed and you’ll need to organise a boat to take you across for the day. Nusa Ceningan and Lembongan however are joined by a yellow brick road… Just kidding… It’s actually a yellow bridge, so you can easily go between the two and enjoy all that this beautiful place has to offer.

THINGS TO DO

Snorkel with Manta Rays
We did this the first time we ever visited, but alas this last time, there was some unseasonably large swell which meant 1. dangerous to be out in a small boat (lame) and 2. poor visibility (lamer)… But if you are lucky enough to be there in the right time of year and the conditions are right, I CANNOT recommend this experience highly enough. They are such giant, beautiful, graceful creatures. I won’t lie, it will be the most vigorous snorkelling of your life to keep up with them, as they make swimming look darn easy… But hey… anything worth doing is rarely easy.

Surf at Playgrounds

Depending on the swell, this is actually a super fun little learner wave (maybe with some prior experience). It is a reef break, so star fishing is necessary when you fall off your board (i.e. not kicking, keeping your body as flat as possible and above water as possible)… BUT, being a reef break, its very predictable (NB good for learning) and it only breaks in one section, which means it’s super easy just to paddle to one side and magically no longer be in the break zone.

If surfing does not take your fancy however, it is flat enough outside the break zone for a good ol’ SUP. So you can leisurely paddle out and watch the surfers fail from the sidelines..

Scooter around the island
No matter if which island you are staying on, make sure you don’t stay hotel bound and actually get out and explore. For Bali, it’s a relatively safe place to scooter as the only real cars are the ones linked to the resorts so traffic is very minimal. The roads are bit rough, so just take it at your own pace and stay safe (but not too safe… because… #adventure).

Sunset at Devils Tear
Oh boy had they made some serious upgrades to the luxury one can experience watching the sunset here… And by that I mean someone has literally set up a little shack stall and a bench so you can enjoy a beer whilst watching the sun go down. Beer or not.. it’s pretty magical.

Day trip to Nusa Penida
Oh so many beautiful things to see. You can either do a tour in a car, or scooter your way around. Scootering IS possible, but be warned, the roads are pretty rough to get to the best spots so your body is pretty wrecked after a few hours of adventuring around. Top places to see: KelingKing beach & Angel’s Billabong

WHERE TO EAT

Sandy Bay Beach Club

This place is probably our favourite. Just as it’s actual location is pretty hard to beat. It’s right on the bear (perfect for sunset drinks). Oh and their frozen coconut margarita’s are TO DIE FOR! They have a good menu, with vegan options available. If you want a table outside, I would suggest making a reservation.

Bali Eco Deli

This cute little cafe is perfect for a light breakfast or lunch. A good range of smoothies and juices, or vegan-friendly ice-creams to cool off with on a steamy, hot Bali day.

Hai Bar & Grill
Again location is pretty amazing. The building itself is all bamboo and is so beautiful. It’s also right on the beach (and definitely worth making a reservation as it can be quite busy). Vegan options can be done – the pizza sans cheese is pretty good.

Warung Putu
If you’re craving some Indonesian food then head here, because it has an incredible view overlooking the bay between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The food is amazing (and such a great price).

The Deck

Cannot vouch for food here, but the iced coffee was delightful as was the smoothie we had. The menu looked decent, but you probably won’t really care when you’re sitting there overlooking the crystal, clear sparkling turquoise ocean. Nuf said…

WHERE TO STAY

Le Pirate
Beach huts… Pastel pinks and blues every where the eye looks… palm trees… Oh be still my beating heart. This place is pretty humble and not where one would go if luxury is your thing. There is not hot water and if you have an overly large bag (like me) it will be a game of Tetris to fit it inside the beach hut… But somehow, actually none of that matters. There is beauty in the simplicity of this place and the common areas are perfect of lazing around.

Opera Villa
Never stayed here, but have spent much time admiring it from the surf. Thelocation is PRIME! It would be especially good if you’re travelling as a good.

Lembongan Cliff Villas
Great location, particularly if you’re a surfer, or have a surfer partner, as the top pool overlooks the main surf breaks. The huts are simple and comfortable… Nothing too fancy. You can walk down onto the beach (and paddle straight out to playgrounds).

Hai Beach Resort
This is the resort attached to the beautiful bamboo restaurant I mentioned above. It has some equally beautiful bamboo-type huts to stay in right on the beach

Would love to know if you have any other recommendations!`

 

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