LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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The island of Nusa Lembongan is a short 30-minute boat ride from Sanur in Bali, but it couldn’t feel like more of a remote island paradise if it tried. Lembongan is bursting with fresh fruit, wildlife and idyllic beaches. There’s also plenty to keep you occupied, despite Lembongan being a tiny island. Here are the top ten things do on Nusa Lembongan island.

1/ Take a yoga class

Bali is synonymous with yoga and Nusa Lembongan also provides an opportunity to take a yoga class in an island paradise. If you want to take a yoga class in Lembongan, head to Yoga Bliss. This wonderful outdoor yoga shala is only 5 minutes from Jungubatu Beach. There are daily drop-in classes twice a day but check Instagram or Facebook for the latest schedule.

2/ Take a snorkelling trip around Nusa Lembongan

Many people travel to Lembongan just for the diving and snorkelling. If you’re visiting, make sure you find time to take at least one trip out to the deep blue ocean to get up close and personal with the sea life.

There are lots of dive schools and day trip providers, walk along the main beach and you’ll find many options. I took a tour with Mola Mola Dive and found that they were brilliant guides and absolute professionals. But there are plenty of different options along the beach.

Snorkelling in Lembongan provides opportunities to swim with Manta Rays, if you’re very lucky, as well as turtles. Even if you don’t see either of those, you’re sure to see some stunning coral and beautiful multi-coloured fish.

3/ Watch sunset at the beach

Jungubatu beach provides the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Whether you’re taking a sunset dip in the sea, watching from the shore or enjoying the sunset with a beer in one of the beach bars, you will not be disappointed. The colours are spectacular, but what makes sunsets super special in Lembongan is that they are not taken for granted.

Locals and travellers alike all come out to the beach to sit in quiet contemplation bidding farewell to another day. Kids play in the sea at sunset, couples enjoy a romantic moment, everything is going on. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience.

4/ Lounge at a beach bar

Whether for breakfast, lunch or sunset drinks, there’s a multitude of options available along the sea front. Many have inexpensive happy hours and most have comfortable sofas or bean bags on the sand that you can relax on. There’s something really wonderful about sitting so close to the sand to enjoy a drink. Every bar takes their service and decor pretty seriously too, so you will be spoilt for choice.

My personal favourite spots to while away the hours, were Ginger and Jamu, Ombak zero waste cafe and Tiger Lillies Beach Shack. If you’re after a sun lounger and somewhere with a pool, Ohanas is a great spot to spend a full day especially if you’re looking for something a little upmarket. As an alternative, Pemedal Beach resort further along the bay is low key with good service and one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Lembongan.

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5/ Enjoy all the food on Nusa Lembongan

Indonesian food is incredible and despite Lembongan’s small size, there’s a great selection of restaurants.

Many of the beach facing restaurants sell a mix of Indonesian and more western style food. These places tend to me slightly more expensive as they cater to tourists. But many offer a great variety of food, including lots of gluten free and vegan options. Try Gado Gado bowls with tempeh (a bit like tofu but with a more interesting texture) or tempeh satay. Ginger and Jamu and Ombak cafe are both great spots if you want a wide ranging menu with a sea view.

If you want something totally different, La Bianca is a great option. This Italian eatery occupies a premium spot on the water. Its popular with expats living on Lembongan and has good pizza. Although I’m not sure it would pass by Italian standards.

When in Lembongan, you must try a warung for a more local experience. Try Mola Mola for basic beach vibes, with lovely service and food. Or, for something slightly more upmarket, Pondok Baruna has excellent fish curries and tuna steak. No sea view but its worth visiting for the amazing food.

6/ Hire a scooter / moped or bicycle to explore Nusa Lembongan

As Nusa Lembongan is a mere 8km squared, it is easy to get around and see the island. If you hire a bicycle or scooter, you could easily see the island in a day, stopping off at Mushroom Bay Beach and Dream Beach as you go.

Nusa Lembongan island is also connected to neighbouring island Nusa Cenigan by a famous yellow bridge. You can get across the bridge on foot or by moped or bicycle.

Bicycles can be hired from Ohanas beach club, or many homestays may have some that you can borrow too. Scooters can be hired from many places in the Jungutbatu beach area for around $5 per day. The roads are pretty well maintained and easy to navigate too.

7/ Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Surfing

If you’re into surfing Lembongan island has a few spots where you catch a wave or two. There are a few popular surf spots in Nusa Lembongan including Playgrounds and Shipwrecks. The Shipwrecks surf area is easily found as there’s a large crane sticking out of the sea. Why is there a crane in Nusa Lembongan? Well, it belongs to a barge which ran aground. Hence, the shipwrecks name.

If you want to hire a surf board in Nusa Lembongan, you can get them at the 3 monkeys bar or at various shops along the Jungubatu beach.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a great alternative to surfing if you want to get out of the water but don’t fancy the waves. You can hire a board for stand up paddle boarding from Ginger and Jamu restaurant.

8/ Take a cooking class

If you want to learn to cook some local dishes, why not head to the family run restaurant Maria’s Boemboe Bali Warung. This delightful little eatery not only does an outstanding curry, but they will also organise bespoke cooking classes for you and a group of friends. Stop by and ask one of the family and they will arrange this for you.

If you want to know more about the tradition of Warungs in Bali, read here.

9/ Play crazy golf at coconut hut

If you want something active to do in the evening, why not head to the coconut hut for some fun. The coconut hut bar and restaurant has a crazy golf course, which is fun for all ages. Hit a few balls, have a few beers and maybe try one of their massive burgers too!

10/ Do Nothing

There is lots more to do in Nusa Lembongan, but to really enjoy this island paradise, I recommend just doing nothing! Spend time on the beach, maybe dip in the ocean, read a book on a sun lounger. Or simply, just be!

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Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find yours on Amazon here and get the travelling started!

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