We all dream of island holidays in the sun, and many movies will tease us by assuring a relaxing experience away from our everyday stresses. Well, dreams do come true.
Promised and delivered! Our stay at Bamboo Bungalows on Nusa Lembongan, about a half-hour boat ride from Bali, lulled us into island time and an indulgence well away from the stresses of everyday life, the moment we walked in.
A break away from the high demands of work, family and business is something you need to plan well, but more so, ensure you pick the right location and accommodation in order to have the desired effect. For us, we really wanted a drastic change of wallpaper as well as a dose of sunshine. Both things you can find in Indonesia, most all year around.
But, with Bali being even busier than the last time we visited, and hordes of tourist flooding the once-tranquil Ubud where we stopped for a few days to stay with a local family in their village (that’s another story), it was clear that we needed to step a wee bit further off the trodden path to get our tranquil island getaway.
The journey really starts when you first begin to investigate and then book your accommodation. So, it was important to get the right vibe, right from the start. Not only did we accomplish that, but great service and personal recommendations to make ours an easy booking and planning process. We were literally guided through the whole journey by the team at Bali Bucket List Tours and Novie, their over-and-above host at Bamboo Bungalows on Nusa Lembongan to achieve an unforgettable stay!
From pre-booking us on the D’star fast-ferry to having us met by our driver, right on the beach of Nusa Lembongan as we arrived on a bright sunny, blue-skied day in June, to the taxi truck that whisked us directly to the front door of the tucked away white-washed villa complex. Everything was waiting for us like on a red carpet.
Novi, a true local to Nusa Lembongan greeted us as soon as we walked in under the open archway with a smile as bright as the sunshine. She led us through bright-blue wooden doors into our private garden and onto the porch of our intimate all-bamboo villa that was to be our home for the next three days.
The thatched-roofed villa has this cute, simple, yet tasteful tropical vibe, yet boasts all the mod-cons with a strong pinch of Balinese hospitality and of course, towels draped in a heart shape adorned with Marigold & Frangipani flowers. Add two chilled coconuts with straws waiting to quench our thirst and air conditioning offering reprieve from the heat of the day. The transition of our smooth arrival was the perfect start to what was to become a most memorable stay.
As consistent travellers who have been to almost 30 countries, and lived in four continents, we have spent our fair share of time in the tropics, but this short but yummy stay had an impact on us the moment we stepped into Villa 5 at Bamboo Bungalows.
Weary from the drive from Ubud, the ferry ride and the lingering level of stress we had brought with us from home, we soaked our completely-made-from-Bamboo holiday home in, while sipping on ice-cold coconuts. It was a doorway to complete relaxation & timelessness, initiating an amazing vacation one we did not want to end.
We love taking a moment to just soak up the atmosphere when we first arrive somewhere new, rather than rush around to unpack, get onto the wifi or hurry off. This time was no different.
The swing on the porch and the hammock in the garden beckoned us, as did the cushioned chill-out spot on the veranda, where we leisurely finished our straight-from-the-tree bevvies.
We had truly arrived by now and instantly felt we were on holiday. The scooter we had requested waited outside our garden gate for us and yes, we took it out to explore. Food was on the wishlist and there had been ample recommendations made, both in person by Novi and in the welcome booklet.
Most of all, we were keen to soak up the sun, sand, sea, unique places and things to do that had drawn us to Nusa Lembongan, namely the snorkelling with manta rays, the amazing sunsets over the bright clear turquoise waters and the ample fresh seafood on offer at almost every eatery the island had to offer.
But first, the cute all-open bathroom with the coolest open rain shower set against eclectic tiles under its thatched roof called us for a quick freshen-up. Before we knew it, the afternoon veined toward the day’s end and we swung ourselves onto the ‘Scoopy’ to find the perfect place for our first meal on the island. We came upon it more by accident (if those exist) – a towering eatery set high on a rocky rise overlooking the main beach called JResto View.
We could have not planned it better, with super friendly staff serving us, ample choices and views to forget the time over. We opted for a serving of rich and tasty grilled seafood served in a pegged banana leaf boat with steamed veggies & rice, plus a generous size plate of Tuna Teriyaki with sweet potato fries, salad & salsa accompanied by a Virgin Colada and a G&T without the G.
The food was super tasty and fresh, the service prompt and smiley, and we could have hung out all night, but we had an early date with some manta rays, so we weren’t going to have a late one. But we stayed back for a bowl of sticky black rice pudding, which was worthy of the wait.
Our first night awaited us in the massive bamboo-framed king bed under a large mosquito net we hardly needed but loved because it added this tropical princess bed kinda feel to it. Needless to say, we slept perfectly well and were not bothered by bugs, critters or mozzies despite us not closing the net around us.
At 8 am as promised, we were collected at our accommodation and taken down to the main beach where the crew of the vessel Coconut II was busy getting our twenty-odd fellow participants ready for their snorkelling adventure.
Before we knew it we were headed out of the coastal calm of the sheltered bay and into open water to reach some 20 minutes later the sought-after spot where families of manta rays use the rising coral reef to feed and cleanse off. Naturally, all the boat operators take their guests here for what was to become a breathtaking experience of swimming with these gentle giant underwater birds without stingers.
Other than the perfect relaxation, accommodation and location, a true holiday ought to be about experiences. You know instances when a moment, nature or activity reaches you so deeply inside that it leaves an imprint. And, no, it does not have to be an adrenaline-pumping skydive (although, I have done that too), but rather something special or unique, heartfelt or simply perfect to share with your someone special.
Well, breaking under the surface of the open swell that hit the northside of Nusa Ceningan, the small neighbour island of Nusa Lembongan, took us into a realm somewhere between Jacques Cousteau and The Big Blue with colourful fish dancing around the coral-covered rocks as we acclimatised to floating hands held with only our snorkels in otherwise open water.
Next, our breaths stopped as large manta rays came up from the deep to slide gently up and over the corralled rocks, reminiscent of the school teacher in Finding Nemo, they came with little ones in tow, rising toward our rubber fins making use of the underwater current. We were in awe. Time simply stood still.
When the Coconut Tours crew sent out the cue to leave these beautiful water birds sailing gracefully below us, we and all the other guests on our boat came away with an elated buzz of having had the experience of sharing space and witnessing Manta Rays up close.
Next, we headed to three other gorgeous snorkelling spots and explored different sides of our island of choice for our break-away holiday. One more enticing then the next. We spent the first half of the day floating in balmy warm crystal-clear waters watching fish of every colour dancing among coral and rocks, completely forgetting the time. Our last stop near Mangrove Point is home to a gentle current that takes you around and down toward the main beach.
So, the Coconut II team let us swim with it to be collected again hundreds of metres further along the coast. It made for a great way to bring our snorkelling adventure to a close. Simply floating effortlessly amidst the underwater world noticing a plethora of coloured fish drifting with the current, just like us. We could have stayed all day…
Eventually, we returned to the home beach still in awe of our morning’s adventure and ready for some food and relaxation. We opted for some fresh seafood and more coconuts at Mahagiri Resort right at the most northern tip of Nusa Lembongan where we lulled the afternoon away. We took ample dips in the terraced pools, laid under shady umbrellas, chilled out to groovy tunes and indulged in culinary delights that did not cost the earth. Fresh fish, salads, scrumptious desserts and of course more coconuts.
We snapped pics on the big swing before settling in to watch the sunset that set the sky on fire and forced us to photograph in our minds as none of the photos did it justice. We sat in absolute timelessness, embracing this amazing place, were in awe of towering Mt Agung peeking above the clouds over Bali across the glistening waters and welcomed the gently cooling air on our sun-kissed skin.
As the light faded we meandered under coloured lanterns on golden sand and found our Scoopy, to head home to Bamboo Bungalows for a pre-ordered couple massage by two local women. They were not only great massage therapists (and we have had a few) but were especially recommended to us. It saved the trip out to a spa and we were treated to knowing we were directly supporting local families rather than a business owner.
Needless to say, we slept like babies on clouds, deeply relaxed after the massages and an exciting day with our hearts filled up with the things we love!
Waking up inside our tropical island bamboo home was simply awesome. We felt unrushed, totally relaxed and felt like we wanted to live like this forever…
Our thirst for more adventures under the sun called us out in the morning for another day of exploring the island and its neighbour Ceningan Island on the back of our Scoopy. First, we found the quirky beachfront eatery and hang-out spot Agung Beach Club with its own pool where we were just two of under a dozen guests – which made it almost just ours for the 2-3 hours we hung out, ate & drank, bathing in the seductive island vibe.
By the afternoon, we scooted over to Ceningan across the bright-orange scooters-only bridge connecting the two islands over a wide inlet used almost entirely for seaweed farming. We were looking to find some amazing spots to explore, capture great views and eventually, the sun setting over the water.
And, we did. We watched surfers tackle the incoming swell across massive coral shelves at Mahana Point, and explored little winding roads that led us ultimately to the perfect sunset spot aptly called Twilight Ceningan. We ate more fresh fish, floated in the infinity pool and drank virgin cocktails until the sun disappeared, the skyline of the distant Bali faded into the night and the relaxing tunes lulled us ready for bedtime.
A short winding ride later we were back in our favourite home away from home – our Bamboo Bungalow #5. We felt safe, comfortable, sun-drenched and with all our senses nurtured. We washed the day off in our rainshower, dosed our bodies in natural coconut oil and settled in for the night – our last for us on the island and at Bamboo Bungalows (for this time, we promised ourselves).
We could have stayed a month, if our otherworldly demands had allowed it… But not yet, not now…
We had until 2pm the next day before pick-up time for our ferry from main beach back to Sanur. So, we jumped back onto the scooter to make the most of the last few hours we had. Our last stop was KOV, a cool hang out spot with zipline and infinity pool set atop the Blue Lagoon cliff that faces straight out into the open sea.
We felt teased to stay longer and as tempting as it was, we had to make the two o’clock ferry, to make our evening flight and to be back – but it would have been easy to miss that flight for sure…
We were granted some more breathtaking spots, photo opportunities and time to soak up this amazing island that was so beautiful and chill, reminiscent of Bali 20 years ago.
As we rode back over the single lane bridge, up over sloping hills and winding roads, the warm summer breeze combing through our hair we felt compelled to plan a return with our kids and family in tow – soon.
As we returned to Bamboo Bungalows, Novi had already arranged our pick-up for the ferry ride, looked after our luggage and then gave us a heartfelt goodbye. We left feeling filled to the brim with a solid dose of island vibes, sunshine, sea and sand – our souls tingling.
We did not want to leave. Not Nusa Lembongan, not Bamboo Bungalows and not this place so far (and yet so close) away from home. But we had to.
Our dear friends in Bali, Ketut and Nyoman’s son Made and partner Nanda awaited us at Sanur harbour, drove us to Kuta for a last meal of more fresh seafood and a lucky last spot of shopping for that one special tote bag (which we found) before dropping us at Ngurah Rai Airport for check-in.
As we lined up, got scanned and presented our passports half a dozen times we were still feeling the sun on our skin and the wind in our hair from scooting around the island just hours earlier.
By 6am the next morning we were landed in Brisbane, Australia on a brisk winter morning – quite the contrast to our hot sunny island home on Lembongan. Until we return, thank you Novi, thank you Bali Bucket List Tours and thank you, thank you, thank you Bamboo Bungalows.
Our Ratings:
Bamboo Bungalows – 5 out of 5 Pillows (yes, we LOVED it that much!)
Captain Coconut Manta Ray Snorkeling – 5 out of 5 Snorkels
Nusa Lembongan/Nusa Ceningan – We love you! And – promise to be back!
