Nusa Lembongan - diving and relax

Nusa Lembongan is a paradise on earth. The island is just south east of Bali and it takes 45 mins on a speed boat from Bali to Lembongan.

The island is small and familiar. People on it are friendly and open to tourist, but they maintain their own distance and live the way they are used to, developing and growing seaweed.

The tourism over there is still not intrusive, is not massive but I've heard that years ago was less developed and frequented by tourist. Some resorts are growing on the hills of the island, with stunning views and pools that face the ocean, as well as expensive café and restaurant, built up just to satisfy the client's habits.

I discovered the island at first on the LovelyPlanet book, it was the closest place to Bali airport Denpasar where to dive and enjoy ocean activities. From LovelyPlanet I had the contact details of WorldDiving Lembongan, so I sent some emails and booked two days of diving experiences with them. The diving centre is really nice, as well as the managers that run it. The staff on board is mostly local and quite prepared, they have a good briefing but unfortunately their english is not always easy to understand (as my own pronunciation…dooohhh!!). They have around 20 different sites for diving and they provide food and drinks on board between the two dives of the day. How lucky I was that I could see a manta ray close to the surface and see from 10 mt of distance a pola pola. I do consider myself lucky because I'm still a beginner on my open water from PADI ;)

It was my first time in Indonesia and in an asiatic country and I preferred to arrange some of my travel in advance, but I didn't book any accommodations and it was quite hilarious for the indonesians who worked for the speedboat company when I saw them I didn't have a place where to be dropped off, but I would have been drop off anyway near some cheap bungalows on the beach that I'd read about on the web. They tried to help me and rang some friends of friends and people that have business there, but they couldn't be able to find anyone so they just sent me to the place I asked, even if they acknowledged it was shut down for leasing or renovation, so awkward I thought in my mind when I realised everything. I was glad that after just a bit of walk, not too far, I found a nice complex of bungalows on the beach, with a small swimming pool and internet connection, for a nice and affordable price.... and I felt so good that I stayed there for the rest of my holidays.

I spent 4 nights on the island and 4 days as well totally, 2 of them diving in the morning until 2 ish in the afternoon and then relaxing, the other two just relaxing and having a look around. The island is small and easy to see with a motorbike. One day is enough to see all the main spots, but a bit more of time is necessary if you want to immerse yourself in its atmosphere, that is chilled out and laid-back.

A lot of young people were on the island and I think it is a quite popular spot. When I was there a full moon party took place, I could hear the music from my bungalow and I could listen to people talking about the event the day later. I had the occasion to meet some nice people and spent with them some fun times. The island is enjoyable, either if you want relax or fun, either if you are single or a couple. I found it absolutely lovely and romantic, with some incredible sunsets and long nice walks on the beach. There's a restaurant on the hill that I missed, but that some guys in Bali suggested me to go to and the view from there is fascinating, other little spots all around the island are just to discover. I wish I could be there right now!!!

Sunset at Nusa Lembongan