Bali is, as they say, utterly ubiquitous; it’s the travel equivalent of that one song everyone knows but secretly pretends they don’t hum along to. But let’s be honest, an island escape shouldn’t include jostling for beach space with a thousand other tourists, should it?
That’s precisely why combining Bali with Nusa Lembongan is less a travel suggestion and more a necessary intervention for your weary soul.
Bali provides the obligatory cultural heft—all the temples and the tantalising scents of incense and traffic fumes—while Lembongan, a mere high-speed boat hop away, is the scruffy, self-assured younger sister who still knows how to relax.
We were after variety without the faff of another airport queue, and this dual-island itinerary promised just that: a blend of well-trodden ground and genuinely unspoiled quiet.
Who doesn’t appreciate a two-for-one on tropical escapism, especially when one of them involves swapping boutique noise for the satisfying crunch of sand between your toes?
Just don’t expect luxury resorts on Lembongan—the island prefers its barefoot charm over five-star fuss. 🚤🌴🏝️
Bali & Lembongan 🏝️ Itinerary & Budget
If you’re yearning for genuine azure waters and unpopulated shores, you must look beyond the main island. This is where Nusa Lembongan strolls in, the slightly less heralded, but infinitely more charming, younger sibling to the south.
Combining Bali’s cultural heft with Lembongan’s serenity? Now, that felt like a proper holiday plan, a two-part harmony of hustle and hammock-time.
Ubud Bali Hotels & Airport Transfers 🌄
Following an overnight stay in London and a short break in Hong Kong, we were keen to reach the relative peace and tranquillity of a 4-night stay in Bali. We had chosen two very different styles of accommodation for our hotels in Ubud: A family-run guesthouse and an upmarket Spa and Gallery resort.
But first of all we needed to arrange our transfer from the airport at Denpasar to the centre of Ubud.
Ubud Bali Eating Out 🍛 Our Favourite Warungs
Our Bali and Nusa Lembongan 2-island itinerary would last 18 days, but with just 4 of these days in Ubud, we were keen to discover the best food that Bali has to offer.
To this end, we did a little research in advance to ensure that our Ubud Bali eating out experiences did not disappoint.
Ubud Bali Royal Palace 🎼 Music & Dance
Ubud, located in the uplands of Bali, offers a captivating blend of culture, art, and natural beauty. As the island’s cultural capital, Ubud boasts colorful art galleries, engaging museums, and serene temples set against jade-hued rice fields.
Whether you’re dining at upscale restaurants or witnessing elegant Balinese dance performances, Ubud promises an unforgettable journey. 🌿🎨🍽️
Lembongan Island Transfers 🌴🚤🏝️
Lembongan island, a tropical paradise just 30 minutes by boat from Bali’s Sanur Harbour, offers seamless and convenient transfer options for travelers.
With multiple daily departures provided by reputable companies like Marlin Lembongan Cruiser company, Rocky Fast Cruise and D’Stars Fast Ferry, you can enjoy a swift and scenic journey to this idyllic destination.
Our Lembongan Island 🏝️🏠 Guesthouse Saga
After our 4-day stay in Ubud, our grand plan for Lembongan was, in hindsight, remarkably naïve. We’d picked two guesthouses, strategically (or so we thought) located at opposite ends of the island, each for four nights. You know, to “keep things interesting.”
What it actually kept interesting was our level of mounting exasperation.
Lembongan Island 🦐 Eating Out
Your eating out options in Lembongan are plentiful enough. Every guesthouse offers a menu, and there’s a good variety of standalone restaurants and warungs.
During our 8-day stay on the island we had the opportunity to sample much of what was on offer, but which of our dining experiences would stand out from the rest?
Lembongan Island Beaches 🧜♀️ Popular is not always Best
Lembongan is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, attracting countless tourists every year. While some beaches on the island have gained immense popularity and are often overcrowded, it’s important to remember that popular doesn’t always equate to the best.
In this article, we explore some lesser-known beaches on Lembongan island that are just as beautiful and offer a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Lembongan Snorkeling Tours 🥽 Hunt for the Elusive Manta Ray
We’ve all seen the glossy, sun-drenched Instagram shots of people gliding effortlessly through sapphire water, a gigantic, majestic manta ray a mere arm’s length away. We tell ourselves that this could be us, that for a few $$s, we too can achieve this level of serene, aquatic Zen.
And so it was with our expedition in Lembongan, an Indonesian speck of land that, on paper, promises an underwater Eden.
Death in Lembongan ⚱️
It’s a peculiar thing. You spend your tropical Indonesian tour chasing sunsets and trying not to fall off a scooter, only to find yourself invited to a funeral.
We’d already witnessed the vibrant, slightly manic pulse of island life; now, it seemed, we were to observe the ceremonial comma at the end of it.
Lembongan 🏄♂️ Best Chill-Out Spots in Indonesia
A week on Lembongan island is just about the right amount of time you’ll need to visit the main attractions and enjoy most of the popular activities that are on offer.
We spent 8 days there, and were able to do all the things we wanted at a leisurely pace. From snorkeling to surfing, hiking and river tours, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Denpasar Souvenir Shopping 🛍
Discover the ultimate guide to souvenir shopping on your next trip to Bali! Uncover the best-value markets that offer a treasure trove of unique and culturally rich mementos at highly affordable prices.
From traditional handicrafts to vibrant textiles and aromatic spices, this article reveals the top spots to find the perfect keepsakes while ensuring an unforgettable shopping experience in this charming Indonesian city.
Spice up your inbox…
… with discounted hotel deals, cost-saving travel itineraries and SandSpice escapades! 😉
Looking for more Travel Plans? Take a look at our other extended, low-cost itineraries.
More Travel Plans
