Tag 307: Nusa Lembongan

9:30 am. The sun is already shining, the wind whispers a gentle song. We are on a boat again. But this time on a much smaller and slower one. Sabrina, me, an Indonesian and our backpacks. We cut through the crystal clear water, along the green coasts of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan until we reach the beach of Nusa Penida. We place our small boat between the others, say goodbye to our driver and walk towards the main road.

The last few days we have been on Nusa Lembongan, a small island belonging to Bali. Besides its sister islands, it is probably the most touristy. Our homestay was very simple but sufficient. We mainly spent our days exploring the island and its neighboring island Nusa Ceningan connected by a yellow bridge, with the scooter. The scooter is the number one means of transport here. What provides the locals with a thousand different transport options usually means abrasions, serious injuries, and more travel work for tourists. The roads are in almost impassable conditions. We have explored both islands completely. To every beach, every viewpoint, and every swing. All in one day. The beaches are beautiful, the water is blue, and the weather is good. Otherwise, there is not much to do here. Besides, it is incredibly dirty. The garbage piles up from the interior of the island through the main roads to the beach. Unfortunately, there is no real waste disposal system for this small island overwhelmed by growing tourism. The garbage is usually burned locally and on the spot. However, once you get used to the smell of burning plastic and the sight of stray dogs digging in the garbage, which you probably have to do here, it is a beautiful island.

We are excited about what awaits us on the much larger sister island Nusa Penida. We were told that it is less touristy, much more natural, and simply beautiful. We will see.