Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any ATMs or banks on Nusa Lembongan?
Unfortunately there are no ATMs or banks on the island, although it is possible to pay with Visa or MasterCard (+approx 3%) at a few hotels and restaurants. The best bet is to bring cash rupiah with you or, if you get really stuck, you can exchange foreign currency with one of the local money changers.
There is a handy ATM at Dunkin Donuts in Sanur, on the road down to the harbour. From the Permata bank ATM, you can withdraw up to Rp 3,000,000 at one time.
How can we pay for our diving & accommodation with Big Fish?
We accept payment in Indonesian Rupiah, US and Australian Dollars, Euros and Pounds Sterling. We also accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards but we do have to add 3%.
When is the best time to dive around Nusa Lembongan?
The diving around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida is fantastic year round and generally visibility is 20-30m. Water temperatures are usually 25-29’C except during mola season.
For manta ray sightings – all year round For mola mola sightings – July to October when water temperatures drop to low 20’s.
Don’t discount the rainy season for a trip over to Bali and Nusa Lembongan. Daytime temperatures are very comfortable at this time of year and many tourists enjoy escaping the crowds of high season and the benefits of lower accommodation prices and wider choices.
If I am staying on Bali, should I just dive Penida from there?
There are many operators in South Bali that organise day trips. However, if you really want to experience the adventure of Nusa Lembongan and Penida diving, it really is worth coming over to the island and basing yourself here. The cost savings are quite substantial, you will be able to dive a wider range of sites and the island itself is definitely worth a visit! We can also time our diving perfectly to meet slack high or low tide, which means the water will be at its calmest. If you are coming over on one of the Bali boats, you will be on a set schedule and the currents could be quite strong!
Do I need malaria tablets on the Island?
As with Bali, the 3 islands of Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida are all free from malaria. However anti malarials may be necessary if you are travelling to other parts of Indonesia, so please consult with your doctor beforehand.
Is Nusa Lembongan safe for children?
Nusa Lembongan is an excellent place to bring children of all ages. The beaches are safe and the locals super friendly. The mangroves is a great place to take small children, as the water is perfect for paddling and the small but pretty beach is clean and safe. Older children may enjoy snorkelling with one of the many boats that go out on day trips.
Is there a Doctor on Nusa Lembongan?
Yes. There are several doctors on the island and a good clinic in Jungutbatu which has an onsite dispensary. Minor ailments are treated easily here, but more serious conditions will be referred to Bali, where there are hospitals of international standard.
If I have an existing medical condition, will I still be able to dive?
Certainly there are some medical conditions which are not compatible with diving. All students must complete a medical questionnaire prior to commencing their course. Feel free to download the medical questionnaire on the left of this page and take a look at the questions. If you think you may need to answer “yes” to any question, check with your doctor first and get them to sign the form. For fun divers, it is your own responsibility to assess your ability to dive.
What is the electricity supply like on the island?
We enjoy 24 hours of electricity here, though there can be the odd power cut. Electricity sockets take the European two pin plug.
If you have any more questions that we have not covered, please ask us through the contact us page.
