Nusa Lembongan Island

15 September 2007, 05:23:33 - (14891 hits)

Nusa Lembongan is one of three neighbouring islands of Bali, approximately 12 miles from south eastern coast of Bali and 20 miles from Lombok. The other two (2) islands are Nusa Penida being the bigger and Nusa Ceningan being the smaller.

This tropical island is 4.5 kilometers long, 2.5 kilometers wide and 50 meters above sea level. The majority of the population, circa 7000 practices the religion of Hinduism; a combination of Hindu, Buddhism and Indigenous religious customs. Bahasa Indonesian is the national language, however most inhabitants on the island speak a local dialect.

The locals on the island make their living from farming seaweed between the beach at the villages of Jungut Batu and the offshore reef. The seaweed is exported around the world and used as an emulsifying agent in the manufacture of products such as ice cream, cheese and cosmetics.

The island is well known for its superb surfing breaks like Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks; snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal clear water; fishing and a very relaxed lifestyle.

Nusa Lembongan is a pristine tropical island, its highest point is 50 meters above sea level. Lembongan has an average rainfall of approximately 1000 mm per year. Little temperature variation from 30 degrees Celsius occurs between the only two seasons this island experiences being the wet and the dry. The wet season is from December to February and the dry is from March to November. As it has only three months of rainfall, this island is dry for the remainder of the year. Little cultivation occurs, as almost 2/3 of the island is infertile. Seeding is normally done on the wet season and only corn, cassava and peanuts are farmed. Also found on the island are cashew nuts, mangoes and coconut. Fresh water is limited and most of the supply is derived from wells up to 60 meters deep.

How to get there?
There are several ways to get the Lembongan island. In order of style, comfort and price, the numerous ways you can travel to the island are listed below.

Bali Hai Cruises
Cost: 25 USD one way or 45 USD return
Offers two options:
Bali Hai II departs Benoa Harbour at 9:15am - returns 4:15pm and takes 45 minutes to reach Lembongan Island.
Aristocat, the luxury sailing catamaran departs Benoa Harbour at 9:00am - returns 6:00pm and takes 2 hours sailing time.

Please note there will be a cost of 50,000 Rupiah for a small boat to pick you up from the Bali Hai pontoon at Lembongan Island which will take you to the beach at Jungut Batu village. For more information www.balihaicruises.com

Bounty Cruises
Cost: 15 USD each way transfer only
Daily schedule
Departs Benoa Harbour 9:30 Arrives Lembongan 10:15
Departs Lembongan 3:30 pm Arrives Benoa Harbour 4:15

Please note there will be a cost of 50,000 Rupiah for a small boat to pick you up from Bounty pontoon at Lembongan Island which will take you to the beach at Jungut Batu village. For more information www.balibountycruises.com

Scoot Lembongan Island Fast Cruises
Cost: 15 USD each way or 25 USD return
Daily schedule
Departs Lembongan 8:30 am Arrives Sanur 9:00 am
Departs Sanur 9:30am Arrives Lembongan 10.00am
Departs Lembongan 3:00 pm Arrives Sanur 3.30 pm
Departs Sanur 4:00 pm Arrives Lembongan 4:30pm

Leaves from the parking area at Sanur beach just north of The Grand Bali Beach Hotel. For more information www.scootcruise.com