Blue and pristine ocean, laid-back seaside village feel, and an island adventure experience describe the allures of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida. These three of Bali’s neighbouring islands have now become a-must-trip to take while having a holiday in Bali. Whether it’s a day trip to Nusa Lembongan plus Nusa Ceningan or two days exploration in Nusa Penida, this 2019, your vacation to Bali is not complete anymore without visiting them.
A visit to the Nusa Islands gives a more relaxing atmosphere aside from the busy Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu Beach. At a quick glance, getting there might make you nagging or losing interest due to large group of people queuing in Sanur dock for onboarding on certain days, as you might have seen that on social media, BUT being there is actually enjoyable. With not so many options available, you either to choose to be actively exploring the island and trying some activities or be relax doing nothing at your accommodation’s pool or restaurant. Yet, it is a good way to take a short break and recharge energies before backing to the routines.
Nusa Lembongan, a tiny island of around 6,15 km2, is only around 30 minutes cruising on a speedboat. It is an easy option to take, especially for those are short in time, because it is can be explored in one day instead of the bigger Nusa Penida which will take at least 2 days to explore all main attractions. Also, Nusa Lembongan is so far the most developed among the other neighbours. Fair enough options for resorts, restaurants, and beach clubs – make it perfect for a beach day relaxation.
Arriving on the island, visitors are usually dropped off at Jungut Batu Beach or Mushroom Bay, the main areas of Nusa Lembongan, where accommodations and restaurants are lined up, facing the ocean. If you are planning to spend a night here, booking accommodation in advance is a must. By doing it, you can start exploring as soon as putting your bag at your room. Exploring by bike or scooter is the most convenient way to explore around.
BEACH EXPLORATION
Riding to the south from the main areas of the island, you will find some interesting beaches to stop off that are located next to each other: Sandy Bay or Sunset Beach, Devil’s Tear and Dream Beach. Save the Sandy Bay for later as it is one of the island’s best spots to enjoy the sunset.
Devil’s Tear is an area of rock formation of the cliff that meets the ocean. Standing here, you can see the panoramic views over the ocean from a higher perspective, and when the time is right, a big wave will crash to the rock, rushing up, and spattering into the air. Snap! A great Instagram shot. Be aware not to stand close to the edge, as the waves some time is big and the spark of water can be dangerous.
Next to Devil’s Tear, Dream Beach is the popular beach after the main areas of the Island. It is also a bit crowded, unfortunately. A morning visit would be more pleasurable. Take a stroll to the rock area to find interesting photo spots, like on a rock formation or under the small cave. There is also a cliff jump point, but it is better to ask your local guide to make sure that it is safe enough for free jumping to the ocean.
MANGROVE TOUR
In the opposite direction, riding to the north side of Nusa Lembongan leads you to the huge yet peaceful area of Mangrove forest. In general, this area is not as busy as the southern part, visitors who prefer to see fewer people will enjoy being here.
Spending the afternoon in a slow way by renting a kayak and paddling by your own will give more time to connect with nature. Alternatively, you can join on the guided boat tour with a small group of people on a small boat.
ENJOYING LAZY DAY
A lazy afternoon for total relaxation is best spent at Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay area. There are many options of beachfront restaurants at affordable prices. As is it also the arrival and departure point, during the day you will see the activities of people coming and going.
During the sunset, Jungut Batu is also a nice place for sunset viewing. If you are staying for the whole afternoon, the transition from busy activities to a complete serenity as the horizon line disappears can be a real simple pleasure to be experienced.
For a different angle, take a short hike to the hill of Panorama Point allowing you to more enjoy that moment from eagle’s view.
SURFING & SNORKELLING
If you find it hard to just relax for a day and cannot resist hitting the waves, three popular surfing points are located near and around Jungut Batu Beach Area: Playgrounds, Lacerations, and Shipwrecks. Surfing centres are easy to find in Jungut Batu Beach for guidance and rentals.
In Meantime, if exploring the underwater interests you more, Mangrove Point is the nearest snorkelling spot from the land. Another snorkelling and diving spots are located around Nusa Ceningan or Nusa Penida, which requires you to sail further.
RIDING THROUGH YELLOW BRIDGE TO NUSA CENINGAN
Connected by the famous Yellow Bridge, Nusa Ceningan is a tiny island, which has some amazing spots to visit. Pamper your eyes with the bright, crystal blue ocean water at Blue Lagoon and Secret Beach, and Mahana Point. At some of these places, there are cliff jumping spots just in case you are up to the challenge. The Mahana Cliff jump is about 15 meters high from the water level. Always check the tide before trying this adrenaline test activity, as you may injure yourself if insisting to jump during the low tide.
Our note: The facilities at Nusa Lembongan is not as complete as in mainland Bali. So, before embarking you need to bring your personal needs, such as medicines, sunscreen and additional cash money (in Rupiah).
