NUSA LEMBONGAN - BALI

Nusa Lembongan, a small island between Bali and Nusa Penida in the Badung Strait, is the perfect location for a holiday hideaway, with few visitors and pristine unspoilt beaches. Overlooking Sanghiang Bay with its clear sapphire-blue waters, the Nusa Lembongan Resort offers a panoramic view of eastern Bali and the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung.

Nusa Lembongan is a pristine tropical island, its highest point is 50 meters above sea level. Lembongan has an average rainfall of approximately 1000 mm per year. Little temperature variation from 30 degrees Celsius occurs between the only two seasons this island experiences being the wet and the dry. The wet season is from December to February and the dry is from March to November. As it has only three months of rainfall, this island is dry for the remainder of the year. Little cultivation occurs, as almost 2/3 of the island is infertile. Seeding is normally done on the wet season and only corn, cassava and peanuts are farmed. Also found on the island are cashew nuts, mangoes and coconut. Fresh water is limited and most of the supply is derived from wells up to 60 meters deep.



HOW TO REACH NUSA LEMBONGAN

Take a taxi from Kuta to Sanur beach near the Grand Bali Beach Hotel and proceed with one of the following:

• Public boats, depart daily from Sanur beach public wharf (near the Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel). They can be a bit sketchy at times and usually very crowded. No same day return. IDR 70,000 one-way. The ride across is approximately 90 minutes. The sea can be rough.

• Perama, www.peramatour.com a local transfers-only operator for the budget traveler, without same day return, IDR 100,000 one way, and has a network of connecting bus-links from around Bali. Boat departures daily at 10.30am. The ride across is approximately 90 minutes. The office of Perama Sanur can be found at friendly Warung Pojok in Jalan Hang Tua. Daily Perama buses depart from here to Ubud, Kuta, the airport, Padangbai (for Lombok) and now also Amed.

• The Tanis Lembongan Express, +62 361 7432344, mobile:+62 081338737344, Fax: +62 361 240070, mailto:sales@tanisvillas.com, www.tanisvillas.com. A faster journey to Mushroom Bay of Lembongan Island crossing the Badung strait by speed boat. It takes 25-35 minutes from Sanur Beach near Grand Bali Beach hotel, return transfer USD 39.00/person and One way USD 27.00/person include: Hotel pick you up and return transfers speed boat. The boat schedule departure Sanur beach near grand Bali Beach at 09.00, 2.30 and 16.00, Departure Lembongan Island at 08.30, 13.00 and 15.30. Enter the heaven of Paradise at Lembongan Island, the complete experience of exploring Bali. Services are fishing trips, transfer only, surfing safari trip and day cruise include:lunch, return hotels transfers and activities.Special charters min 2 person and max 18 persons can be arranged.

• Scoot Fast Boat, www.scootcruise.com leaves from Sanur too. It operates fast comfortable boats which take you to either Mushroom Bay or Jungutbatu for US$37.00 return. The tickets can be bought from the Scoot offices next to Dunkin' Donuts, by the Paradise Beach Hotel, or on the beach near the departure point. It takes 30-40 minutes and is probably the most modern scheduled passenger ferry on the route.

• Island Explorer Cruises, +62 361728088 (email: sales@bali-activities.com), www.bali-activities.com. Transfer only or day cruise incl lunch & activities, super fast boats or leisurely sailing yacht to island. Departs Benoa at 9am yacht or 10.30AM fast boat. Does pick up from hotels.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

This is a nice place to walk. A rocky coastal paths links nearly all the guest houses and hotels. Most trips will take you less than two hours. Bicycles can be rented at most places, and the mainly flat roads are quite well surfaced. Motorbikes are also available but may be unnecessary given the short distances involved. You can cross to the small island of Ceningan via a scenic suspension bridge.

Other Activities:

• World Diving www.world-diving.com. The island's first full PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, located at Pondok Baruna guesthouse in Jungutbatu. All courses are offered from Discover Scuba Diver through to Assistant Instructor. This is the only dive school in Lembongan with a purpose built training pool.
• Bali Lembongan Scuba www.balilembonganscuba.com. The island's first full PADI dive school, located at in Jungutbatu.
• Bali Diving Academy Lembongan, www.scubali.com. Also situated on-site at Bungalo No7.
• Beachcombing
• Surfing www.baliwavehunter.com
• Snorkeling
• Tour the "Underground House".
• Rent a bike or scooter and cruise around the small island.
• Hiking
• Take a tour through the mangroves in a sampan-style boat.
• Big Fish Diving www.bigfishdiving.com Big Fish on Jungutbatu Beach offers daily diving, PADI courses, tour group scheduling & Manta / Mola specials. Professional, knowledgeable, fun - take a look at our website for more details today!
• Sunset Beach - the sunsets are fantastic from Mainski Lembongan resort. sit by the pool or in the bar an enjoy an icy cold beer or one of thier fabulous cocktails.
  

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

Budget

• Bungalo No7, www.bungalo-no7.com has clean fan cooled rooms (70,000 - 150,000) around a lovely garden right on the beach.

• Mainski Lembongan Resort, email="sales@mainski-lembongan-resort.com" Jungut Batu Beach (In Front of Shipwrecks surf break), ☎ +6236624481, mobile Bruce (Wayan)on 08123619493 go to http://www.mainski-lembongan-resort.com

Mid Range

• Dream Beach Huts, south coast of Lembongan Island,+62 81 338 737344" http://www.dreambeachlembongan.com.

• Coconuts Beach Resort, +62 361728088 (www.bali-activities.com) well established traditional ocean front resort aircon or fan villas, ensuite bathrooms, hot water, 2 pools, restaurant, bar, internet, Cable.

Splurge

• Batu Karang Lembongan Resort and Day Spa, info@batukaranglembongan.com +6236624880, www.batukaranglembongan.com 5 Star Boutique Resort, complete with facilities including Restaurant, Bar, Day Spa, 25m 2 lane lap pool, 9m by 9m swim up pool bar, 9m by 9m infinity edge pool, Steam room, Gymnasium, Day Lounge, Wedding pavilion, Conference facility and probably Lembongans best views.

Source: http://iguide.travel, www.nusalembonganresort.com
Image Source: www.nusalembonganresort.com, www. kayuaya.com