Nusa LembonganBALI
I had big plans for Nusa L. Lots of Yoga, some snorkelling, maybe try some diving as Nusa Lembongan is THE place for diving but unfortunately the universe and my little toe had other plans. On the second night I stubbed my toe and my toenail came off - GROSS. Sounds like a first world problem? Well yes, but it meant I couldn't do yoga or go swimming, which when you are on an underdeveloped, muddy island known for its snorkelling and diving it's not ideal.
However I was still able to eat, drink, sunbathe and sit on a scooter and explore the island. Life ain't all bad.
Getting to Nusa L usually involves catching a boat from Sannur, our driver arranged it all for us and cost us around IDR400,000 (US$30/AUD$40) return. We were on a fast boat but the weather was bad, so it was pretty friggin scary. Everyone else seemed quite calm, where as I was composing the newspaper headlines in my head. We survived though!
One of the best places for doing nothing was The Sandy Bay Beach Club located on Sunset Beach. You can get there via scooter or there is a bus that comes to your hotel twice a day if you arrange it with your host. Sit by the infinity pool, stare at ocean, drink rosé, swim and top up your already tanned tan, wait for sunset and then try not to think about the bill at the end.
We were recommended by a friend to stay at Big Fish Diving for budget accommodation. My friend had a bit of trouble with her room, it wasn't ready when we arrived and there was no water or electricity to begin with. She was not a happy bunny. The bungalows are pretty basic but quite cute (I liked my round bed!), with outdoor showers and those toilets you need to pour water down to flush (The glamour of island life). Prices were IDR250,000 per night (US$19/AUD$25).
There was a pool, that was occasionally occupied by diving classes but the main attraction for me was that there was a Yoga Shala on the grounds and I really just wanted to do yoga everyday... oh how plans change.
If you're not sure if diving is your thing you can do an introductory dive which includes theory, pool and an ocean dive from IDR900,000 (US$70/AUD$90). Or If you want to do your PADI here it will set you back about IDR5,000,000 (US$400/AUD$500) and takes about 4 days.
When you come out of Big Fish Diving you will see a little shack that doesn't look like much but actually the food is AMAZING at Maria's Boembe Bali Wareong, Balinese food and Bintang, great value and run by a lovely local Balinese family. I'm pretty sure we were their best customers. I can recommend the tofu balls in the Boembe sauce 👌.
A more pricey option for delicious smoothies, breakfast, pizzas, Balinese fare and cocktails with the use of a nice pool try the nearby Tigerlillys. The rooms look nice too!
Also a nice healthy cafe is the Bali Eco Deli, try the ice pops! And if you buy a bottle you can keep filling it up with filtered water here and use the wifi : )
HOT TIP: If you want a massage ask a local to send you to SuB Reflexology & Body Massage, its not a fancy place but they are a local husband and wife duo and their massages are the best on the island.
Nusa L was sweet but I would recommend maybe not going during the rainy season as there is a lot of mud, a lot of electricity black outs and Island life is slow so don't expect quick solutions.
When its raining and there is no wifi you can still have a nap in your room or hammock and listen to the rain. Which is still bliss.
But between you and me, I would of rather stayed in a hut right on the beach for my little island experience.
When the sun is shining, Nusa L is all 🌈s.
Nx