"I'm in Bali only for two weeks. What should I see?"
I get this question a lot, and the answer is never the same, because how can I know what YOU want to see?
I can introduce and share my view on some of the places, and then it's your choice. The harsh truth is, that you won't be able to see everything in two weeks (you already knew that), but experiencing a variety of sceneries and checking off some of the bucket list items is definitely possible (If you're after Instagram photos that will look impressive on your feed, then check out Instagram Bali Day Tours on airbnb).
If you are someone who wants to take things slow rather than rush though it, then in stead of the famous Gili Islands, I would recommend Nusa Lembongan.
Nusa Lembongan is only 30 min fast ferry away from the busy Sanur port in Bali.
Note: don’t be alarmed, there is actually no such thing as port, the boats depart from the beach. They will announce your departure once the bags are loaded. Quite a dreadful sight to watch local guys that are probably half your weight, load up 3-4 bags on their shoulders and wobble their way to the boat. If you have any valuable electronical devices that are not water proof (that would be every single thing except GoPro) – take them with yourself, for your peace of mind. Now roll up the trousers and make your way to the boat..
Observing locals, the way they live and approach certain matters- there is so much space for errors and mistakes, yet it’s surprising how they never fail and somehow the boat system between Bali and the neighboring islands is a well-oiled machine/boat that leaves promptly and gets you from point A to B.
Visit for a day trip or ideally for two to three days, to soak up the atmosphere, have some beach time, drive around the island once or twice, and sip coconuts while watching the sun set, creating yet another special and one of a kind artwork in the sky..
With this trip you actually get ‘two for the price of one' as Nusa Lembongan is connected to Nusa Ceningan with the famous Yellow Bridge (so when booking accommodation you can stay either to one or the other island). Cross the narrow bridge, snap a photo and have your camera ready for the beautiful coastal drive.
Nusa Ceningan is dotted with cafes, one after the other boasting beautiful views over the turquoise blue water, serving, yes you guessed, fresh coconuts, and extended happy hour drinks for those who are really in the mood of celebrating!
Paris is famous with Eiffel tower, this island is all about swings and hammocks – know your angles, have your patient friend or Instagram husband (permanent or temporary) - this is where you get your Instagram shots!
Next stop, The Blue Lagoon, will leave you nothing but speechless (there is no official path that takes you there, except a small sign, so you might even find yourself there all alone). The most spectacular blue water that is so inviting, except there are no stairs down and unless you are not up for an extreme jump, then sit back and take in the incredible color..
Jump back on your scooter and just a minute away, at the end of the road, you will find Mahana point. Popular destination for chilled-holiday-seekers and advanced-surfers alike. There is a cafe serving cold beverages, perched a top of the cliff, presenting you with the best possible view for 'surf-patrol'. From there, you are really up-close to the action, seeing how the waves ripple and how the surfers master the water.
From my observations, I can say, that this is no place for beginners. This is a place where surfers calculate the gap between the waves, just to have enough time to throw themselves, their boards in the water from 10 meter high and get situated before the next
wave crushes over.
If you are feeling adventurous, but not into surfing, there is a very daring cliff jump, on the other side of the cafe..
The list of beaches is extensive, the challenge is to pick a location for sunset and have enough time in the day to venture on your scooter- you can’t get lost on both of these small islands. Perhaps you get lucky and come across a place that is still not discovered.
If you are into surfing- you’ll find good waves, if you like calm sea - there are paddle boards available. And it's absolutely ok not to be interested in either of those. Working on the perfect tan can be equally as exciting and exhausting.
As new hotels pop up and ATms are now present on the island (they were not 5 years ago..) locals seem to be utterly undisturbed by the change. Some are making money to serve the influx of tourists, some are sitting back in their shop, selling more Bintangs than they did years ago, but mostly – they continue with their lives
and are not too worried about adapting.
There are healthy food options and all the instagrammable spots, but it is still far from what Bali island delivers.
Quick and beautiful escape from the busy Bali island.. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan still, surprisingly, is very quite and something out of a ‘paradise island’ definition..
Interested in more information on where to stay, what to eat and see?
Contact me!
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