Nusa Lembongan
The local area
Away from the energetic atmosphere of South Bali, the small island paradise of Nusa Lembongan is the perfect way to experience Indonesia at its most laidback and authentic.
Nusa Lembongan may have found popularity over the recent years, but it's still retained a quiet island charm; there are no hawkers, no nightclubs and no traffic jams, just powdery white beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, mature mangrove forests and low limestone cliffs.
A visit to our Nusa Lembongan luxury villa is to find a place to escape the world, in the heart of a tropical utopia.
The History of Indonesia and Nusa Lembongan
Indonesia is an archipelagic country of 17,508 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited. People have lived and migrated to the islands since prehistoric times, creating a blend of culture, ethnicity and language which forms a rich and fascinating history - and one that's extraordinarily long.
Fossilised remains of the "Java Man" (an example of Homo erectus) and his tools suggest 1.5 million years of habitation, whilst the majority of the modern population is thought to have arrived from Taiwan in 2000 BC. The Hindu Majapahit kingdom flourished from the 13th century, whilst Islam arrived to the islands around the same time in northern Sumatra.
Moving away from history and into legend, our luxury villa in Nusa Lembongan is set on an island that credits its creation to an old man called Dukuh Jumpungan, who had a magical boat that transformed whatever it touched into an ocean. The old man challenged himself to turn a sacred mountain into water, but he recoiled against it and the boat sank, turning it into the island Lembongan.
What to See and Do in Nusa Lembongan
The Balinese islands attract surfers from all over the world, and Nusa Lembongan is a particular gem for those who chase tropical waves. There are a number of beaches suited to for beginners, with the warm, crystal clear water tempting even the most tentative surfer to take to the ocean. The snorkelling and diving is also exceptional, and you can gain diving qualifications at the Lembongan Dive Centre.
Crossing the small suspension bridge to neighbouring Nusa Ceningan offers even quieter surroundings, and for the adventurous you can explore the unique Mangrove forests and local wildlife by canoe. But it might be that all you want to do in relax in your luxury villa, dipping your feet in the pool and marvelling at the beautiful Balinese sunsets.
Food and Drink in Nusa Lembongan
Despite being a small island, Nusa Lembongan has a great selection of surprisingly varied restaurants. You can find Mexican, Chinese and even French-Asian fusion food here, representing everything from the sophisticated high-end to relaxed beach-front cafes. One of the most complex cuisines in the world, Balinese cooking uses a huge array of spices and it's heavily influenced by the island's Hindu traditions, making it noticeably distinct from other Indonesian cuisines.
