Bali Part I: Nusa Lembongan

Andrew and I with our terrific travel companions Mark and Jess arrived in Bali after an overnight flight from Seoul to Bali with a layover in Kuala Lumpur, and we immediately changed into flip flops and sunglasses and headed for the boat that would take us from the island of Bali to a much smaller island off the SE coast, Nusa Lembongan for four nights.

We're here! The Indian Ocean!

Andrew with his head out the window like a dog on the boat ride to Nusa Lembongan.

Our first views of our island home for four nights. We couldn't get over how clear the water was.

We arrived after the 30 minute boat ride and checked in at our hotel, the Indiana Kenanga.  This place was amazing!  After scoping out the digs we immediately left for a celebratory drink and some food.  First stop: the Scooby Doo Inn for some Bintang beer and jaffles, panini-type sandwiches filled with meat and cheese, cheese and veggies, or bananas and chocolate.

The private courtyard at our bungalow.

Great feel and beautiful thatched roof.

No towel hooks, but use the tall bamboo poles to hang used towels. So many cute and clever aspects of this hotel.

The Buddha in Jess' courtyard watches her purse and sandals.

The hotel restaurant and sunset in the background.

Check out the awesome lounge area at the front of our hotel. We enjoyed many hours here.

Despite the shade from the umbrellas and palm trees, we got nasty reflection burns off the ocean!  Of all the problems, being too close to the waves lapping on shore isn't a bad one though.

 Most mornings Andrew and Mark were taking scuba classes for certifications, so Jess and I relaxed at the hotel.  Then in the afternoons we all explored the island by foot and by scooter.  Check out these scenes:

Seaweed farming is a big industry on the island. They extract carageenan, which is an emulsifying agent used in ice creams.

Mushroom Bay.

Dream Beach.

The wooden plank bridge connecting to Nusa Ceningan.

A cliff jumping spot on Nusa Ceningan.  Mark jumped!

The crew at Secret Beach.  Luckily it was well-marked so we could find it.

Andrew got his open water scuba certification and Mark got his advanced certification at a great shop, World Diving.  Jess and I joined one day to snorkel.  We saw huge manta rays and some magnificently bright colored coral and fish.

What does Andrew think of Nusa Lembongan?  A-okay!

Nusa Lembongan was just the beach spot we needed: quiet, gorgeous, great water activities, tasty food and an overall laid back atmosphere.  It started off our vacation on the right foot, and we were tempted to abandon our itinerary and stay here for the whole trip.