Nusa Lembongan is an island located southeast of Bali and takes about 30 minutes on a fast boast from Sanur. There are many different companies with varying boast sizes and for those who get sea sick luckily the ride is only 30 minutes but it can be very rough at times. You are able to take day trips quite easily but I would really recommend taking some time and going for at least a few days. This is my top location for rest and relaxation.
Nusa Lembongan is a relatively small island and you can ride around the island on a bike or in a buggy in a few hours. This is a places where you can choose how busy you want to be because while there is plenty of activities and things to explore it is also amazing if you just want to RELAX!
- The view of Mt Agung – Bali
Let’s start with a must do when you are going to Lembongan and that is diving with the Manta Rays, this will not be such a relaxing time. Be ready and well rested because while it may sound peaceful and they are pretty serene creatures…THEY ARE FAST! I mean obviously they will be better swimmers then me any day but there will be a lot of jumping out of a boat, swimming as fast as you can and then enjoying the moment you are able to spend with these magnificent creatures. We were very lucky to make friends with a local who booked tours for people and he organised for us to go out as family. I think this was the key to it being so amazing, we were not in a large group and our guide was really dedicated to finding us the Manta Rays. It also mean that we were not competing with 10-20 other people to get into the water, while we did sometimes run into them in the water it wasn’t a big imposition on the day. They guide picked us up and we travelled for about an hour or so until we got to the Manta Rays and then it is go time! They guide will spot a ray and tell you to jump, you have to be ready to go in your flippers and mask then just swim for your life in the direction they point.
We dove probably 10 times and were very lucky and got to see them a lot, there is always a risk with these kinds of things that you won’t get to see them. After a few hours of diving, jumping out and climbing back into the boat we were all feeling it. We then decided to go to another more traditional diving stop to see coral and fish. That was also beautiful. At the end of the day we just went back to the island and had a restful night, it is a very big and tiring day but so worth it!
There are plenty of other water related activities like paddle boarding, surfing the break, snorkelling etc. Also go for a tip through the mangroves, while we have mangroves in Australia they are nothing like the ones I came across in Lembongan. Endlessly intertwined roots and shaded canals makes for wonderful and peaceful experience. They are easy to get to, we rented a buggy while we were there and just followed the signs. I would recommend a buggy over a bike as the roads are very rough and especially if you are a family as you can have everyone in the same vehicle. Head up to the mangroves and find someone to take you on a boat , this is not something you need to book in advance but also don’t pay too much for it. There is no harm in bargaining.
Last but very not the least is my favourite restaurant/bar. The Deck is situated right on the edge of the island and the bar practically drops off into the ocean. This is one of the best spots to sit and watch the world go by. Great food and good drinks make for the perfect spot, plus get a coconut because once you drink all the water then will break it up for you and yummm!
All in all Lembongan is a great place to lay by a pool or on the beach for some relaxation, have afternoon cocktails and watch the sun set. I would say no more than a week in Lembongan as there is only so much to see, but it is a must see!
Fashionable Flavours 