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On the map, Nusa Lembongan is located southeast of Bali, Indonesia. Together with 2 other islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan, these three islands make a group of island known as The Nusa, outside of Bali mainland with Nusa Penida is being the biggest of three. Just like Bali, The Nusa makes revenue from tourism. Some or their natural destinations are worth to visit, great cafes and restaurants to eat out, Happy Hours, and the list of things to do on the islands.
We are going to specifically share our travel experience on Nusa Lembongan including to share our fast boat ride from Kusamba Port, recommendation of places to stay, best food and restaurants, where to go for yoga class, and some other island’ activities such as: snorkeling and surfing. For us, the best part of traveling on Nusa Lembongan is that we got to see closely the peak of Mount Agung, the highest mountain on eastern part of Bali, at anytime when we are on the island which makes us still feel close to home, Bali.
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From Sidemen regency, we took a car ride about 30 minutes towards Kusamba Port. There is also departure to Nusa Lembongan from Sanur Port, it is less hectic and better in Kusamba. The Sekar Jaya fast boat has three departures every day at 07.00 AM, 10.30 AM and 15.30PM and it only takes another 30 minutes fast boat ride to be arrived at Jungut Batu Port in Nusa Lembongan. The one-way ticket costs about IDR 200k per person and if you are sure about returning to Bali via Kusamba port, buying an open ticket is recommended at their counter. The time schedule for departure to Bali from Jungut Batu is at 07.30AM, 11.00AM and 16.00PM.
Although the island itself is not that large enough and getting around by a scooter can be done less in a day, however to stay for a day or two is a great idea to give ourselves a good amount of time to breath in fresh oceanic air as well as to get to know the surrounding.
Here is what we could share during our 3 nights/4 days visit on Nusa Lembongan :
PLACES TO STAY
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Amongst homestays, bungalows and villas, here is our recommendations:
Exquisite design, comfortable bed, spacious area, and stunning view from the deck terrace. The 1-unit villas are 2 bedrooms and there are also units for 3 bedrooms with plunge pool. The layout of the property is on hill, with maybe more than 100 stairs from the reception to the villa on top.
Each villa has a fully equipped kitchen, living room space, bathroom in each room, tea & coffee, internet access and cozy setting.
Breakfast mainly served by the infinity pool near the pool bar, which is a perfect spot to enjoy the view of Mount Agung in Bali. Kitchen will only be open until 3PM every day, bar and reception until 7PM.
All that information will be given to you by receptionist upon check-in along with some recommendations of activity and where to eat as the staff are being super helpful and friendly. In case you could not remember all the information, there are 2 books in each villa that tells you about the property and things to do in Nusa Lembongan where you could check.
Helpful Tips:
- Depending on your comfort, you might want to book the villa that is closer to the reception, rather than climbing many stairs to the top.
- The property is great to accommodate a family, please let them know if you are traveling with a child so that they could suggest for the room.
Staying in a hut gives you feeling of simplicity and connection with the nature. The hut is good enough to accommodate 2 people, bed is comfortable, still have access to internet from the room and the view you will enjoy as you are sitting on your balcony is amazing. The location is exactly right at the beach that almost look like a private area where not too many people come to swim or sunbathing. There is also a swimming pool at the property for you to jump into at any time during the hot day.
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BEST RESTAURANT’S VIBE, FOOD AND HAPPY HOURS
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The foods that are widely served for lunch and dinner at the restaurants mostly fish and mostly western food. Although you could still find Indonesian food listed on the menu such as: Fried Rice, Fried Noodle, Chicken Satay or Curry, but still items on the menu are dominated by western-style food.
In terms of the price, foods in Nusa Lembongan are a bit pricey compared to what you could find in Bali. The reason is understandable, almost all the logistic comes from Bali. It takes time and extra cost to deliver food ingredients to the island.
We had tried some places, and here is what we pick for you:
Seafront seating under Ketapang tress and its 180-degree view! If you are craving for eating at outdoor setting experience, facing the clean-turquoise water, good music, nice and calm ambient, then La Bianca is the right place for you to go. The food tasted incredibly fresh, well presentation and delicious.
Near mangrove point, take a small break for a drink at Agung Beach Club during your day trip to the eastern part of the island. The place offers you a closer look to Mount Agung, calm beach, and colorful design of the restaurant.
From Lembongan Island Beach Villas to Song Lambung beach, available many bars and restaurants that serve happy hours. Most of the happy hours end before 7PM, but not at Ware Ware Rooftop Bar. The happy hours start at 5PM – 9PM and sitting on the rooftop allows you to gaze at the stars and the moon, makes your evening romantic!
Classy setting and pristine views. Choose the seafront seat for ultimate dining experience. The Deck also offers happy hours of 25% OFF selected cocktails from 5PM - 6.30PM. To be honest, the quality and the quantity of the food left us satisfied.
First, we came for Pad Thai and come back the next day for more. Besides the fact that Thai cuisine is very well welcome by most people around the world through its richness and balance within the flavor, at Thai Pantry they make it even better. The setting of the restaurants with the glass fence itself is very inviting, no wonder this place is always packed with people at any time through the day. Make a reservation in advance if you come with a group or for a special occasion.
THINGS TO DO
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4 HOT POINTS TO GO FOR SNORKELING
This is likely one of the most bookable activities for people traveling to Nusa Lembongan. The tour usually starts at 8AM and could last for up to 4 hours. The boat ride will take you to the first three points that are actually located on the neighboring island of Nusa Penida to see Manta Rays. At Manta Bay and Manta Point, Manta Rays can be seen almost all year long as they are creature that lives in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical waters. However, that does not guarantee us to easily see them one during snorkeling at these 2 points.
Move forward to Crystal Bay, the water is calmer and lighter gradient at this area. Most of the thing that we can see under the water is beautiful fish in many colors and coral. At last, Mangrove Forest on Nusa Lembongan.
TRIP AROUND THE ISLAND: SWIM and SUNSET
Rent a scooter and take yourself around the island, it is easy and efficient. Take right on Jungut Batu main road to continue explore to Panorama Point, Mushroom Beach, Dream Beach, Sanghyang Bay, Devil’s Tears, Crossing The Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan Island and stop at Mahana Point, then going back to Nusa Lembongan from the other side passing through Mangrove Forest.
SURFING, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS
To mention amongst many surf schools in Nusa Lembongan, EDDY’S provides lesson for beginner and surfboard rental. Normally, to get to Playgrounds surf spot, surfers will only need to paddle shortly. While going to more advanced spot for more experienced surfers, let’s say to Shipwrecks and Mahana Point in Nusa Ceningan, a boat ride will be needed which is already included in the price.
ALL LEVELS YOGA and WORKSHOPS
Yoga Bliss Lembongan has a program designed for group and private class at your accommodation. Their spacious-wooden yoga Shala is perfectly built within a peaceful surrounding.
If you are in the mood of joining a workshop like making homemade skin care product, aerial yoga, and Mandala art painting, you might want to contact Yoga Dunia.
Considering Nusa Lembongan is a small island with approximately 8km square, getting around the island can be done less than a day, makes this island perfect destination to escape the routine and to freshen up. The island vibe that is more laid back, may contribute to improve our health from the inside. Despite from its size, Nusa Lembongan is quite prepared for tourism. Accommodations and restaurants mostly accept card, there are ATMs available around the island and even a hospital in case of emergency.
Apply sunscreen during the day as the weather is warmer than in Bali with highest temperature during the day could reach up to 33 degrees Celsius.