In Reply to: Nusa Pineda - Day Trips? posted by Kirsten on Wednesday, 21. April 1999 at 08:39 Bali Time:
I have spent lots of time in Indonesia and on Bali, so I'm not whining because it didn't have all the comforts of Ubud or something, but I personally didn't enjoy it much. We got to Nusa Penida from Padangbai. Nusa Penida basically has nothing on it in terms of things to see. There are supposed to be boats from Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan but of course, you've just missed it and you'll have to charter one. We felt like we were being ripped off the whole time. Nusa Lembongan is surrounded by seaweed farming, the beach was covered in rubbish and seaweed and concrete rubble (I think from the little restaurants being built directly onto the sand and having the sand washed out from underneath so that they collapse). The accomodation and food weren't too expensive though. I should also add that it rained heavily and persistently whilst we were there which made it hard to enjoy. The surf didn't look like much. Snorkelling could be good, although there are seaweed nets hammered into the water all along the beach. Some people did seem to be enjoying it though. There was also the largest population of rosters (or so it seemed from the noise) who started at 4am and kept going well into the morning (and I usually don't mind them). Basically, I would say that if you are only going to Bali for 10 days, I wouldn't bother. There are plenty of good things on the 'mainland' or if you want to go a bit further afield, try Lombok. Some people did seem to be enjoying themselves though, so it might depend. BTW this is a recent visit, I went in February and I think it has changed as it doesn't sound at all the same as when my aunt and uncle went a few years ago.