Once we settled into our homestay in Sanur, on Bali’s south east side, we did our normal routine and checked out the local area. We visited markets, beaches and had countless offers of new friends who were only too happy to take us on a tour…for a price.

We could not have been more pleased with our accommodation. A three-unit complex, with a swimming pool and one of the kindest people I have ever met as our manager. She gave us numerous recommendations, all of which were top-notch. 

Nusa Lembongan – a quaint island off Bali’s coast

We had planned to visit Penida island during our stay, just off the east coast of Bali. Seeking suggestion for which ferry to take there, she mentioned Nusa Lembongan may be a better alternative. Less touristy, not as much of a party crowd, calmer and a bit closer. We cannot say what Penida Island is like, as we did not visit it, however we can say we absolutely loved Nusa Lembongan. 

We booked a tour which included hotel pick-up, ferry, snorkeling on the reef, water activities, and touring of the island. The sights and experiences are what we expected all of Bali to be, all of the time. In reality, we know, it can’t always be like that, but when it is, it is amazing.

Bali ferries…interesting

From our hotel, we were taken to the “fast ferry” terminal. If you want to know how the terminal was organized, imagine chaos. Everyone running everywhere, trying to get you on their boat. I don’t even know how many ferry companies there were, but the touts assured us “theirs” was the best! 

Once our passage to Nusa Lembongan was sorted out and we waited for our departure. No, there was no departure lounge, remember this is chaos. We sat on a bench, watching our ferry boats “shack” where they sold tickets. They do keep records and had full manifest of passengers. At least that’s why they told us when we were told to write our names on a list, where others had done so. It included our home country and phone number. 

At the appointed time someone yelled out from the “shack” for our time and around 65 of us got up. We were herded through two ticket checking gates, but no screening security. From there, we were shuffled out on a jetty and then onto the boat.

There were five 300 HP outboard motors on the vessel and all the seats were in an enclosed cabin. We found seats, even though there was no assigned seating, remember this is chaos. As we settled in for the scheduled 30-minute transit we were offered bar service, beer of soft drinks. As it was 9:30 in the morning, we declined. The trip over took 45 minutes and, despite some large waves, it was a pleasant ride.

Storming the beaches of Nusa Lembongan

As we approached the shore, the boat did a 180° turn and backed up towards the shore. The engines were then turned off and they told us we were at Lemgongan. If this is your stop, please get off. I looked out of the rear of the boat and saw we were about 50’ from shore. Ummmmm, where’s the dock? Similar to the way the soldiers had to get off the landing craft on D-Day, we had to jump off the rear of the boat, into about 2 ½’ of water. Yes, that really happened. You can’t make this up.

Once we waded ashore, our guide met us and took us to our van, more like an open back pick-up truck with two benches on either side. Well, the open sides meant good air movement. 

Snorkeling – the highlight of the day

We headed up island to our first stop, snorkeling. There are no photos of the snorkeling as neither of us have a water proof camera. As we only have one iPhone, since mine was stolen, we’re not willing to take chances on having a “splash” with our remaining one. It was left safely on shore. The colour of the fishes, the coral, the reef and beautiful blue water were amazing and they are “the still frames in our minds”. 

The boat took us out about 1km from shore and we jumped in the warm tropical water. There was no real need to swim as the current was strong enough to carry us along, seeing an ever-changing display of Angel fish, Zebra fish and who knows what other type of fish. At times we were swimming a large school of small fish, about 6 – 8 cm in length. 100’s if not 1,000’s of fish all around us. It was truly inspiring. I’ve decided if I’m ever likely to do something like that again, I’ll be looking for a waterproof camera. We’re tossing around the Great Barrier Reef in 2026, nothing is firm right now, just a thought.

After we got back in the boat, we went on a banana boat ride. Not really our thing, however it came with the package, so why not? I know it would have been more fun with our own family/group, but we still laughed.

Mangroves – always enchanting

We then went through the Mangroves and saw the channels. It could have been New Orleans, or Disney for that matter. The birds were amazing, we were not quick enough to get pictures, however the calls were unbelievable.  

When all that was over, we had time for lunch and then a tour of some more of the island, although not all of it. Despite Nusa Lembongan being a smallish island, it was too big to see in one day. The guide and our homestay host, both suggested spending a few nights there to fully explore the island and all there is to do there.

Island Scenery

As we explored, we saw rocky crags where tidal waves pounded in. There were towering views and magical beaches as well as numerous viewpoints for photos. 

Getting back on the ferry

As the day wound down, we returned to the beach where we “landed” in the morning and waited for our ferry. If we had thought getting ashore was a challenge, we were in a for another surprise. This time we were boarding from the front of the vessel. There was a small folding ladder, and I do not think a “large” person would have been able to fit on it. 

Once you “humped” up on the first rung of the ladder, you could climb up and onboard to the bow (pointy end). However, as the only entrance to the cabin was at the rear, we had to shimmy down the side of the boat on a 3” lip. The ship was a smooth fiberglass hull. As our feet were wet and most of us were barefoot, it created another level of excitement for this tour. For balance, we held on to guard rails, some of which were missing, likely pulled off by previous passengers who fell into the ocean, never to be seen again. While we are not what anyone would call “young”, there were a number of people who were older and a lot less mobile than us. It was certainly challenging for them. BC Ferries is indeed looking a lot better.

Once onboard, the normal offer of beers and soft drinks was made, as the boat returned to the main island of Bali. It was a full and tiring day, however it was an amazing experience that I recommend anyone who is here take. 

Thanks for reading. Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions.

Cam and Meg