Pinch me! I'm in lovely Lembongan!


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Posted by Smedles on Sunday, 23. October 2011 at 13:40 Bali Time:

We could have stayed at Coral View in Amed for a lot longer but it was time to move on to Lembongan. Our driver from Amed to Sanur was a very friendly and humble man who lived in Amed and spoke surprisingly good english. He managed to get us to Sanur with a little bit of time to pop into Dunkin Donuts who offer the most delicious chocolate filled fresh donuts which oooozed yummy lava like chocolate.

We hopped on the scoot boat which is known to be one of the fastest ways to reach Lembongan. Getting there FAST was a priority since I suffer from motion sickness.

I was fully dosed with Trava calm, accupressure wrist bands and ginger tea. To be honest I wasn't feeling the best as we had just spent the last 2 and a half hours driving from Amed. The 30min boat trip to Nusa Lembongan almost finished me off. But I made it and we were soon on our way to check out lovely Lembongan.

Last time we came to Lembongan we happily chilled out in Mushroom Bay this time I was determined to check out the rest of the island. Regardless of feeling whoosie we pushed on. Unfortunately the back of the truck ride was also quite bumpy and at times windy. To top it all off I had planned lunch on the novel 'floating' lounge bar near the mangroves. What was I thinking??

Thank goodness the tide was out so the pontoon was firmly resting on the sand otherwise I really would have been very ill after all of my bumpy adventures. We really enjoyed this restaurant as it had its own cool beachy party vibe and a lovely view of the mangroves even if the tide was out. It would have been even more amazing at night time.

We were also unable to do the mangrove boat ride as the tide was out which may have been a blessing in disguise since I was not feeling that well. However, we did manage to visit the fascinating suspension bridge with its gaping holes, wobbly suspension and the amazingly busy traffic.

We also paid a visit to the mind boggling underground house. Making our way through it's squeezy tunnels were quite an adventure. We made our way back on the back of our truck to our oasis at the Point Resort to cool off and kiss the firm and stable ground.

The weather during our trip was sensational. Please note that the clouds that you see in the photos only occurred in the morning for our dawn excursions. During the day everything sparkled and was an amazing gorgeous blue as if by magic.

The Point is a new resort high on a cliff with a direct impressive view of the ocean and the main land in the misty distance. As I arrived could hardly believe by eyes when I spotted two dolphins passing by.

Everything here is cool, modern, clean and serene. Once again I loved the super high bamboo ceilings with the suspended romantic mosquito net and the fabulous ocean view. I just wish that it had a little more Balinese flavour to it though. A few frangipani flowers and some sandstone statues would finish it off beautifully. Komang is a fantastic addition to this hotel. He is a bright, jolly and helpful young man helped us explore the island and make our wishes a reality with a wave of his magic wand.

Nitty Gritty - The Point Resort Nusa Lembongan
Atmosphere - Modern and clean cut yet relaxed with a magnificent view of the ocean
Service - Excellent
Room - Great
Bed - Large yet cosy and very comfortable
Shower - has hot water :D!!

At sunset we ventured down to Mushroom Bay which is a 7 minute walk. It was surprisingly easy to get there once you follow the inner main road (which in fact looks like a walking track) I was pleasantly surprised as I expected it to be quite steep but it was not :D! Mushroom Bay put on a breathtaking display of an awesome view with the most stunningly beautiful aqua blue water along with a fun festive buzz.

It was like coming back to visit a fond old friend. Wonderful restaurants all with the chilled out and relaxed feel to them embraced this wonderful part of the world and seemed to celebrate this special place. As the sun set the bay became even more alive with candles and bright colourful lanterns. There was a wedding going on which was quite special. However, Mushroom Bay was not busy at all which we actually loved. There was no hectic pace or people to bother you or get in your way, just a chilled out festive buzz of livin' the good life on one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

After checking out all of the restaurants we decided upon Jo Jo's, it is the place on the hill with the beautiful mosquito net like curtains. It looks quite fancy and a bit hoity toity so I was a bit worried that it would be quite stuffy. It was actually quite the opposite Jo Jo's is a perfect place to sit and have dinner overlooking the beautiful bay as well as their wonderful hotel. The staff were at ease yet attentive and made us feel welcome and relaxed. The food was absolutely fabulous as we had finally craved some western food. They even serve garlic bread as their standard bread starter. Genius!

As we arrived back 'home' the pool was all lit up in a most sensational luminous aqua blue so a quick dip was in order. The infinity pool was magnificent. It was perfectly warm without being too deep. It got even better when Komang offered us drinks while we were in the pool. What a perfect way to end a tough day on holiday :P
Ah pinch me I'm livin' the good life in lovely Lembongan!

After one of the best nights sleep that we have had on the island a new day dawned and it was time to explore the island on our own. We set off for Sunset beach, Devil's tears and Dream Beach which was a 15min walk away from The Point. The roads (which actually look like tracks) were very easy to find from the Point. It did not take long before we saw some spectacular gorgeous aqua waves crash upon the cliffs creating the most jaw dropping water sprays.

As we progressed we saw the most stunning view point one after the other. Each time the waves were stronger and the sprays became even more sensational. I was totally blown away by nature's force and beauty. Each wave was obviously unique and put on its own wonderful display time after time. I could have stayed there all day watching the waves come in and disintegrate onto the island. However, I felt as though I was becoming a 'crispy duck' myself as the sun rays were quite intense so we escaped to the oasis of the Dream Beach Huts. We had a refreshing cocktail and once again nature put on a wonderful display from this view point.

We returned back to the Point Resort totally exhausted by the thrilling display we had seen. The beautiful infinity pool welcomed us home again with a couple of cool bubbly Bintangs.

The Point has a direct view of the sea. It even has a lower deck where you can watch its very own impressive waves meet the cliff. It reminded me of a private, simpler and chilled out version of the Rock Bar.

As if I had not been amazed enough one day some dolphins had arrived to put on a very special show for me for at least an hour. It was utterly wonderful to see them in their natural environment flipping and enjoying Bali just as much as I was. I could not take my eyes off of them. As soon as one pair swam off yet another pair appeared much closer to the shore. Whoa pinch me!!

For dinner we made a reservation with Sandy Bay Cafe. This place has very good reviews but it did not prepare me for one of the most outstanding evenings of my life. If you have followed my blog you would know that I have been very fortunate to have had quite a few lately which included some 4/5 star experiences. This place blows them out of the water.

We arrived at 5pm by an open air truck (phew not a motor bike) to see Sunset Beach yet again with it's impressive waves in the most magnificent setting. We were lead to a front seat table and treated to a mesmorising view of the powerful waves. Soon the view turned golden then red as the sun set. It was a spectacular way to spend an evening. The restaurant itself had that elusive perfect beachy yet trendy 'make yourself at home' vibe with lounge chairs, lanterns, the sandy floor and an infinity pool. Every detail was perfect from the service to the view to the décor. Even the menu was brilliant and offered a wide variety of wonderful 'good for the soul' food. Bali has shown me some out of this world experiences this week yet it keeps on delivering the most delightful of surprises with maximum wow factor.
Whoa pinch me I'm at the sensational Sandy Bay Cafe!!

** Check out some of our Lembongan photos at

http://smedley.id.au/bali2011/lembongan/

After raving all day about the stunning and powerful waves that captivated me they were about to become a massive thorn in my side and seek vengance upon me. The following morning we were due to go back to the main land via the Scoot boat. As I lay in bed that night I heard the enormous waves crashing into the cliff and I remembered what I had seen. I wondered how we would ever survive the boat ride back to the main island. I also thought about the poor soul who lost his life after drowning in that angry ocean that very day. We were reminded that the tides are particularly strong near the time of a full moon. I made myself sick with worry, I said my prayers and was grateful for the privileged life I that have been blessed with. I decided to let go and tell myself what be would be.

Obviously I needn't have been so concerned as I'm still here to tell the tale. Although I did hear the ocean that night the boat ride was not terribly windy or even choppy. Nevertheless I was really pleased to be back on the mainland in one piece.

HINTS for newbies:

I saw dolphins at the Point Resort on both days at 1pm.
The Sandy Beach Cafe offer a complimentary pick up and drop off service. Please say a big hello to Benny and Rosie for me! It was really wonderful to meet them.
The Dream Beach Huts have a poster advertising their pool and bar which is available for day use.
If you are looking for a good, friendly and honest driver from Amed please contact Ketut Siur 081353027193. You could also reach him through Coral View Villas via email but this will cost a lot more.
I was disappointed to learn that Nusa Lembongan does not have any great snorkelling spots straight off the beach so a trip to Amed really is a must do. The people who we spoke to who did go snorkelling praised Lembongan very highly.
Nusa Lembongan is also a must do for beautiful Mushroom Bay with its beachy festive vibe and aqua ocean.
You will need to step into the water to step onto the boat so wear shorts and thongs.
If you suffer from motion sickness. Put one ear plug in your ear to help balance your inner ear but make sure that you put them in an easy place to access them in your suit case, or buy many and put them in multiple places so you can find one when you really need it.
Apparently morning is the best time for the boat ride.
Also drink ginger tea, take a Kwells tablet and wear accupressure bands.
Sit at the back of the boat and keep your eyes locked firmly on the horizon.
Dunkin Donuts is on the corner next to the Scoot office. Do yourself a favour and buy a chocolate filled donut on your way back:D
Don't forget your reef shoes.
The Point can organise private tours of the island without having to adjust to others schedule which is the problem we had last time with a different hotel.
The Point do have torches that you can borrow for the walk home after dinner although we managed without them.
Bring your mozzie spray and take strong vitamin B tablets 2 weeks before and while you are in Bali.
Delay your holiday until the full moon period passes so that you can experience the Point Resort, Mushroom Beach and The Beach Cafe at Sandy Bay without the potential nerves.
Remember that just because there are massive waves on this surfing island it does not mean that your boat ride from the sheltered side of the island will be treacherous.
Treat yourself to a SLR camera. Most of our photos were taken with a Nikon D80.
Buy a underwater pouch or case for your camera.
Bring some throat lozengers. I now have a sore throat from constantly screaming out 'Look over there! Whoa did you see that!?' or maybe that is just me. LOL!

Saya harap kamu ada hari yang bagus!
Have a good day!


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