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TOP 11 REASONS WHY NUSA LEMBONGAN MIGHT NOT BE THE RIGHT DESTINATION FOR YOU!
We’ve all seen the countless reasons why you should go to Nusa Lembongan, but surely there are some downsides to Bali’s little sister island - Nusa Lembongan. After having thousands of guests visit our resort, beach club and private villas on Nusa Lembongan, we’re pretty well placed to be an authority on both the good and the bad to Nusa Lembongan. This month, we have a frank conversation about the Top 11 reasons (plus 1 bonus reason) why Nusa Lembongan might not be the right destination for your next holiday.
REASON 1. You need to go on a boat to get there (or helicopter)
The only way you're getting to Nusa Lembongan is via boat, or if you're feeling ritzy then helicopter for the rockstars amongst us. The boat ride from Bali is approximately 15km across the Badung Strait and takes about 30 minutes.
The boats are all safe with qualified captains and safety gear (not that you should need to use it), so you don’t need to be concerned about that. All of the large fast-boats have 4-6 x 250hp-350hp engines making them powerful and fast to get you to the island quickly and safely. While the fast-boats are safe and carry literally hundreds of thousands of passengers to and from the Nusa Islands each year, they do have a few downsides that can’t be ignored:
Cost - The fee for the fast boats is an added cost that you might not incur if you chose to spend your time only on Bali. The cost of the boat is approximately Rp 500.000 (AUD $50) for a return ticket for adults - a little cheaper for kids - with the most reputable operators.
Time - The fast-boat trip to Nusa Lembongan is approximately 30 minutes each way, plus a bit of time checking in and boarding and disembarking the boat. If you don't have that time up your sleeve to spend on a fast boat, then this might be a deal breaker.
Sea sick - If you are susceptible to getting sea sick, then this might be a turn off for you, though we do have a couple of tips to help.
Just remember, the trip is only 30 minutes each way, and you can see land the entire time. Plus there's the big carrot that once you arrive in Nusa Lembongan you are literally in paradise!
INSIDER TIP If you’re susceptible to getting sea sick, the best time to travel is in the mornings as the seas are generally calmer and there is less wind chop. If it is a bumpy crossing, sitting towards the back of the boat reduces the up-and-down bouncing effect, giving you a smoother ride.
You need to get your feet wet to board the boat - The fast-boats will usually back up to the beach, meaning to board the boat you will need to walk a few feet through the water to board the boat. The staff working for the boat companies are generally helpful with assisting you to board the boat, though remember to wear shorts and footwear that is easy to take off so you can board the boat easily.
If you do decide Nusa Lembongan is the right destination for you after reading this, then let our team organise your fast-boat transfers when booking your accomodation so you end up with the most reputable operators and on the right boat!
REASON 2. Nusa Lembongan is more rustic than Bali
Nusa Lembongan is a more rustic experience than Bali. What we mean by this is the roads are full of potholes, and generally unmarked. There are less cars on the island. The electricity can go out from time-to-time, and there is no main fresh-water infrastructure. Everything on Nusa Lembongan happens a little slower.
This of course brings a unique charm to the island, and is part of the reason why so many come to Nusa Lembongan, though it is not for everyone.
If you are looking for a big city experience with all the bells and whistles, or if your cup of tea is walking into a huge foyer of a stiff 5-star hotel, pretending you're Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City with the new knock off Louis Vuitton handbag bought in the backstreets of Legian, then Nusa Lembongan might not be the place for you.
COMMON QUESTION - Is Nusa Lembongan suitable for families and children? Yes, Nusa Lembongan is an excellent destination for families and children of all ages!
Whether it be relaxing by our pool with a cocktail in hand, whilst the children play on the beach or in the pool, exploring on a golf buggy, having a round of mini golf, snorkelling or learning to surf, you'll never be short on wonderful activities on Nusa Lembongan that are fun for the whole family. Even the boat ride over to Nusa Lembongan is a novelty and adventure for youngsters! What's even better, is the most you'll need to travel to get anywhere once on the island is about 15 minutes, so no long or boring car rides! At Ohana's our 3-bedroom villa, Suites and Junior Suites are all great options for families, and with our two pools (both with shallow ends) and beachfront location in the heart of the main town parents can enjoy working through our cocktail menu whilst the kids are having a ball.
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