Nusa Lembongan -- How to get there

Dream Beach

I decided to go out of town for the weekend and what better place to do it than
Nusa Lembongan.



Ashamedly, in my almost 4 years here, it was my first time to see this beautiful little island especially since it's so close to Bali.


Having only a couple of days, it was the perfect easy getaway. Because of its proximity to Bali, Lembo is the preferred 'go to' escape for those with limited holiday time or those needing a quick one-day leisure off Bali.

Loads of travel and boat companies offer trips from 1-day cruise tours to 3 Night holiday packages.

photo: www.gilibookings.com

A quick info:




Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the southeast coast of Bali. It is approximately 8km2 in size and is one of the three neighbouring island, the larger being Nusa Penida and the smaller Nusa Ceningan. The three islands are separated from Bali by the Badung Strait.

Lembongan is popular for diving and snorkelling activities due to its abundant marine life and healthy coral. There's surfing too on the western coast.

(source: http://wikitravel.org/en/Nusa_Lembongan)





There are 2 main areas/port to get into the island: Jungut Batu in the NW and Mushroom Bay in the SW. The former is used often by backpackers as its nearer to the surf and the more affordable accommodations and eateries on the island. The latter is the quieter, more sheltered bay that will get you to the popular Devil's tear cliff and Dream Beach. The SW area is also where the pricier villas and hotels are located.

DREAM BEACH
I and my friends decided to head down South and relax at Dream Beach Huts on Dream Beach. My friend who was just there the previous weekend saw this place and recommended it to me. Upon arriving however, we had to wait 3 hours to be allowed in our rooms. Granted we came early and they allowed us to use the facilities while waiting, the staff were quite rude and inattentive. From check-out time, it took them 2 hours to get our room ready. We had a sneaking suspicion that they made a mistake and gave our reserved room away to someone else. But it worked to our advantage anyway because we got a better room in the end!  

our home for the weekend

The beachfront property was attractive and the room was cozy. I can see why this is highly preferred by honeymooners and older travellers. The food was good and affordable. They also have a cocktail happy hour to cap off lazy afternoons.

Due to a swell, the water was unfavorable for swimming. The wind was on and the waves were big and erratic. So we expected to do some swimming in the pool all weekend. Unfortunately, the split-level pool had too much chlorine that it hurt the eyes and smelt terrible. It looked like it could use some cleaning too! 

So instead, we just did some walking around Dream beach and Sandy Bay as well as on the cliff to enjoy the beautiful afternoon.

CRASH!
It was literally such a lazy trip until the crazy accident we witnessed. A guy on a powered parachute came from around the cliff then his engine stalled mid-air! Lucky for him the winds were on his side and pushed him onto the cliff instead of the massive waves and rip in the water below. If that had been the case, he would surely have drowned! Running to the cliff to see how he was, he said he was all right and it wasn't his first time to crash. He didn't look injured except maybe his ego!

the smashed chute and engine

Anyway, to cap this article off, here's the hows and whats to help you get to Nusa Lembongan:


HOW??

Take a taxi to the Sanur Ferry Port. 
We came from Canggu and it cost us IDR 180,000 = ~$18

beautiful morning

some shopping on the beach port strip

You can purchase a ferry ticket at any of the numerous boat companies on that strip. No need to book ahead, they are hardly full.
                 
We went with Mushroom Ferry Boat Agency

The fares don't differ much but KITAS holders are eligible for a discount, we paid IDR 250,000 = ~$25 for a return fare.

Check the trip schedule though. To maximize your stay, get on the first boat out. 

Most companies have pick-up and drop-off transport services on the island. Check with the agency. 


AT MUSHROOM BAY

                         You land here.

Mushroom Bay

                         

transport service drivers start organizing passengers 

Then the transport service collects all the passengers and drops them off at their respective hotels. They pick you up at your hotel too and bring you back to the bay for your departure.