Nusa Lembongan Is The Island Escape Balinese Locals Are Booking Up

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Have you ever wondered where people who live in the holiday destinations you yearn to visit go on holiday? Well, in Bali, this is a good question.

With Indonesia home to 17,000 islands, Indonesians have plenty of their own country to explore, but there is one small island off Bali that locals have recently loved to visit on vacation more than any other.

It should be noted that, due to major inequalities across Indonesia, especially in Bali, going on vacation is not a luxury accessible to many Balinese families.

For many, visiting the country’s major cultural and spiritual landmarks is a dream, and traveling abroad is not easily feasible. While many families are unable to take vacations due to their financial situation, domestic travel accounts for a large share of Indonesia’s tourism market. Indonesian people are explorers.

Over the last decade, improvements in connectivity and the gradual increase in travel affordability and accessibility have made it easier than ever for domestic tourists to explore Indonesia.

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There is one very special island that sits within Bali Province, capturing the wanderlust of Balinese travellers and Indonesian tourists more broadly: Nusa Lembongan. This charming island is home to some of Bali’s most impressive natural wonders, including Devil’s Tear and the Mangrove Forest. 

Snorkeling and diving off Nusa Lembongan are next-level, and the views are among the most picturesque in the country. With crystal clear waters, year-round blue skies, and stunning pink bougainvillea growing in the gardens of beachfront cottages, Nusa Lembongan is as dreamy in real life as it appears in photos. 

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This is why this tiny island is the vacation destination of choice for Balinese tourists seeking a stay-cation. Often less crowded than neighbouring Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan can be reached by a fast boat from Sanur in under 45 minutes.

Most tourists hop on a fast boat service from Sanur and are in Mushroom Bay, or Jungutbatu Bay, in the blink of an eye. 

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Fast boat providers like GoBoat operate services to and from Nusa Lembongan multiple times daily. GoBoat has services departing from Sanur, Nusa Penida, and direct between the Gili Islands and Nusa Lembongan.

The Gili Islands are another spot sought out by Balinese locals seeking an accessible getaway to a neighbouring province. Direct services are also operated between Lombok and Nusa Lembongan, ideal for those who want to plan a whole island-hopping vacation. Crosings between Sanur and Nusa Lembongan with GoBoat start from IDR 295,000 per person. 

Once on the island, it is super easy to explore. Since the island is so small, it’s very easy to navigate on foot, though many hire a moped.

While there is always the option to keep busy and thoroughly explore every last inch of Nusa Lembongan, the call to rest and relax on this island is strong. It is true that island life moves at a slower and more sustainable pace.

Local seaweed farmers, for example, work incredibly hard, but always at the pace of nature, and this is a lesson that many visitors can learn while on the island.

There are many different accommodation options on Nusa Lembongan, and staying at a locally owned and operated homestay, guesthouse, or B&B is one of them.

Water Blow Huts is a top choice for tourists offering wooden cottages overlooking the Nusa Lembongan coast, close to Dream Beach. The boutique resort offers guests access to a pool and private beach area, from as little as USD 70 per night. 

For a luxurious escape, The Tamarind Resort Nusa Lembongan is the island’s only 5-star hotel. Offering a relaxed luxury escape, in-house spa, eateries, and outdoor pool, this is a favourite with returning tourists to the island.

One recent visitor shared a great hack, noting “Hot tip: order a lovely cocktail to have at the top pool, the view is unmatched!”