Nusa Lembongan Bali

Thinking of going to Nusa Lembongan this weekend. Seems reasonable seeing as I haven’t been there before. Nusa Lembongan is one of the places in Bali I can’t ride my bike to.

Nusa Lembongan in the smallest of the 3 islands situated across the Badung Strait to the SE. It is a center for surfing with 3 breaks (Shipwrecks, Playgrounds and Lacerations) and is also a diving spot.

Items needed when staying in local guest houses in Bali. Having stayed in local guest houses in East and West Bali in the last couple of weeks, my memories of backpack travel have been restored. Cold water showers, bamboo walls, flimsy doors and mosquitoes are all part of the experience. Added to the usual stuff in my bag (spare clothes, map, penknife, moneybelt etc.) I take a packet of mosquiotes coils, a lighter and a couple of candles. Many of the cheaper bamboo style losmans (guest houses) give you a small lock for the door to your room. There is a Master lock under my motorbike seat, which is chunkier than those locks.

Dealing with the shortcomings of local guest houses isn’t a big deal, but remembering to take a few extra bits and pieces can make life easier. A flashlight is always handy, as is a sink stopper. Towels are sometimes provided, sometime not. Mosquito net are usually aprt of the deal, but in my opinion its also good to smoke out your room with a coil and use a fan, as just one mozzie can make life unpleasant. Bring your own soap too, as some of the older guest houses still have shared bathrooms.

Nusa Lembongan has 20 or so places to stay, ranging from budget guest houses to the Waka Nusa Resort in Mushroom Bay, probably the best place on the island. According to Rough Guides, Linda Bungalows (0812/360 0867) and Nusa Indah (0366)24480, both budget guest houses, are good value.

Getting to Nusa Lembongan is easy with a range of boat options. Local boats sail from Sanur, Kusamba and the port of Benoa (Bounty Cruise). Luxury boat operators will get you out to Nusa Lembongan on one of package deals that includes lunch, snorkeling and maybe an overnight stay. Prices vary wildy, with the local boats from Sanur charging 40,000-50,000rp and the luxury outfits charging $50-$90. Charter boats are aslo available but they tend to be small and not super safety oriented.

Perama also does a boat to Nusa Lembongan, which must be booke the day before. The boat leaves from Sanur (end of Jl. Hang Tuah) at 10.30am each day and arrives at Jungutbatu at 12-12.30pm.

(Photo by Mick Turnbull)