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Local Festivals
Many colourful festivals and holy days are celebrated throughout the year on the island and tourists are often accepted. Some of the most popular ones for 2008 are:
#Galungan, 17-19th March
#Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday, 20th March
#Hari Nyepi, 26th March
#Kuningan, 28th March
#Independence Day, 17th Aug
#Galungan, 13-15th Oct
#Kuningan, 28th Oct
Island Activities - Nusa Lembongan Bali
Sunsets
For those who prefer a little R&R to more strenuous activities on offer, you can’t beat kicking back and watching a good Indonesian sunset. Nusa Lembongan certainly doesn’t disappoint, providing breathtaking views of the sun setting across the water and over Bali. The best place to watch the sunset is from Jungutbatu beach, preferably with beer in hand. The best sunsets can be seen from April to July, when the sky is at its clearest, but you will not be disappointed at any time of year. Bring a camera!
Surfing
Nusa Lembongan is extremely popular with surfers, with three main breaks only 200m from the shore of Jungutbatu. Playgrounds is a relativ
ely easy right-hander at the south end of the beach. Further north is Lacerations, a fast hollow right that breaks over shallow coral and Shipwrecks, another right-hand reef break named after the remains of a wreck located there. There is surfing on Nusa Lembongan year round, although April to September provides the best conditions, with winds coming from the southeast.
Snorkeling
You can swim out from Jungutbatu beach or Coconuts beach to the snorkeling area close to Lacerations reef but beware of the boat traffic and strong mid tide currents. Alternatively take a small boat out to the small pontoons there and arrange a pick up an hour or two later. There are plenty of local boats that offer this service and many will also take you around to the Mangrove area on the north east tip of Lembongan, or over to Penida’s sites, which offer fantastic snorkeling and make for a great half day trip.
Hiking & Biking
There is a good loop around the northern end of Nusa Lembongan, through the village of Jungutbatu and along the road parallel to the beach, taking in the seaweed farmers hard at work and local fishing boats returning. Eventually you arrive at the Mangroves and can then loop back towards the village. This will take around 2hours on foot, less than an hour by mountain bike and no time at all if you hire a moped. Bikes are available from many places; just ask around for a good price.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, a full loop of the island which will also take you through Lembongan Village will take 4-5hours on a mountain bike, or less than an hour by moped. Be sure to detour to Mushroom Beach, or to Dream Beach and the blow holes and cliffs at Devil’s Tear, which are particularly dramatic when there is big swell.
Sun Bathing
Mushroom Beach and Dream Beach are the best beaches for golden sand and water for swimming. Mushroom Beach is a half hour walk from Jungutbatu but Dream Beach requires transport. Either hire a moped or mountain bike (if you are feeling energetic and able to cope with the steep hill), or arrange transport to take you there. There are restaurants at both beaches for refreshments. Be aware of the strong currents that can exist at Dream Beach – the sign by the restaurant explains the areas to avoid.
Mangroves
The shores of the north-eastern tip of Nusa Lembongan are covered with mangroves, which are worth an hour or two of your time. You can have a wander along the beach there and enjoy a cool drink in one of the simple cafes nearby. It is also a fantastic place for snorkeling. Local boats take tourists on interesting “gondola style” rides through the shady mangroves; though bargain hard for a good price beforehand.