Dispatch From Nusa Lembongan, Bali

Bali has always held a special place in my heart—I’ve been traveling here several times a year since I was eight years old. I grew up in Perth, Western Australia (less than a four-hour flight away), so geographically it’s a relatively easy getaway. I’ve loved watching the island develop and change over time, and every couple of years I find new places to explore—oftentimes casting my curiosity further afield from the busier, more chaotic areas. Nusa Lembongan—a small island off the southeast coast of Bali—has remained true to form for me and my family. It’s a little oasis for us, and we’ve created many memories among our family and friend network here.

Lembongan is everything I look for in a holiday. As a creative who is constantly on the move, a real vacation for me is about stripping everything back. Lembongan has something of a uniformed ritual for me: bathers/swimsuits all day with a loose dress, hours of reading by the pool, long exhales amid the sea breeze, balmy evenings, brilliant sunsets, and best of all: a complete disregard for time. It’s a sentimental place in so many ways, and whenever I’m there I’m able to tap into those memories of growing up in the place, taking heed of that slower, much simpler tempo with fewer cars and narrow dirt tracks connecting the island paths. Over the years it’s definitely become a popular getaway, but that low-key island vibe has remained, and it always keeps me coming back for more with its restorative serenity.

Importantly, it’s where I go to connect and restore balance with my family, as we’re all busy in our own lives and playing respective roles in the business with Flannel. We’re scattered across different parts of Australia, and so some of our favorite memories revolve around just being there together and connecting. It’s the simple things like our chatty breakfasts, afternoons by the pool, sunset drinks and soaking up the sun that not only ensure appreciation for one another, but best of all, caring authentic connections.

STAY

Batu Karang Resort – This is one of my favorite places to stay on the island, not only because of its central location but also I’m also a huge fan of their cozy assortment of hut-style rooms situated alongside a hillside that overlooks the ocean. There are buggies to transport you, but some of the best holiday conversations I’ve had with family members have been on the trek back and forth (and yes, it’s always good exercise). 

Private Villas – Lembongan is really about slowing down, and having a private place to stay is a big part of that. We usually opt for a villa when we stay on the island—we use Lembongan Traveller—and there are some incredible places overlooking the water. (If I’m going for a few days to recharge with a couple of girlfriends, I always stay here.) The best part of having everyone under the same roof for our late-night chats, morning coffees and endless pool days is having meals prepared by the most superb Indonesian chefs, so we know we’re always going to be well fed! 

With a fantastic chef (there’s an abundance of them with verified reviews on The Lembongan Traveller) you really can’t go wrong, as they curate menus based on local ingredients and authentic Indonesian recipes that are passed down through generations of their own families. We like to start our day with a Balinese drink called jamu, a traditional herbal tonic known for its anti-inflammatory and immune boosting/digestive benefits, made of fresh turmeric and ginger root, tamarind paste, lime juice, coconut sugar or honey, and black pepper. We’ve been drinking this for years on our commute to Bali from Australia, and we’re rarely sick from the travel. We also ask for an Indonesian ginger tea that’s a slow-brewed concoction of freshly-crushed ginger, lemongrass, pandan leaves, cinnamon, and several other aromatic spices that we’re trying to figure out (our last chef swore secrecy to his family recipe). For main meals, the Rendang curries are insanely great, as are the mie and nasi goreng, gado gado (a freshly blanched salad) and chicken/beef satays. We always bring spirits in from duty free for frozen mango daiquiris, perfect for pitchers by the pool, blended with fresh mango and ice.

EAT + DRINK

Sandy Bay Beach Club – A family favorite for dinner (the nasi goreng and grilled tuna with sambal, a chili-based paste, are especially good). Here the environment is rustic and relaxed and it’s situated on the waterfront with a zen vibe of driftwood textures, sandy floorboards and unforgettable sunsets (with one of their classic margaritas in hand). We usually book this place with a big group of family and friends, so that means we always hire a “bemo” (an open-backed van) for traveling to and fro, as it’s located on the other side of the island.

The Deck – Situated in the front property of Batu Karang Resort, here you’ll find one of the best sunset spots on the island, overlooking the volcano. It’s perfect any time of day—we also love heading there in the early morning for the berry and yogurt smoothie. Closer to apero time, don’t miss their papaya salad rolls wrapped in rice paper with peanut sauce and a fresh coconut, Bintang beer, or better yet, a Negroni!

THINGS TO DO

Coconut Beach –  A tiny secluded beach with crystal-clear water that always ranks highly with friends and family. Head there first thing in the morning (before the crowds arrive) to ponder your incredibly good fortune whilst overlooking the water! It’s not only one of the best places to swim on the island, it’s often cited as the only place to be at sunset with a Bintang or a fresh coconut in hand.

Spring Spa – On Bali’s mainland, Spring Spa recently opened a location in Lembongan and their signature head and neck massage overlooking the bay are pretty hard to beat. They’ve also become a go-to for me and my girls as we head there for a customary pedi/mani as an afternoon reset. Highly recommended.

Surf – We’re all longtime surfing fans and after traveling to the island for so many years, we’ve become familiar with the various surf breaks, witnessing conditions from the cliff throughout the day, so we always have a good idea of where to head and when. We’re also a family of keen stand-up paddle boarders, and this activity has given us so many fun memories over the years, especially as the ocean waters calm close to sunset. Surfboards/stand-up paddle boards are available for rent just about everywhere on the island.

Snorkeling – We’re avid snorkelers,  so we’re often taking tours around the island and swimming with the manta rays (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it). Local experts will always guide us on the best spots for visibility and all gear, including masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets etc., are provided. The water is relatively warm, but for anyone sensitive to temperatures wetsuits are always on-hand.