NUSA LEMBONGAN
The limited presence of motor-vehicles and a laid-back atmosphere make Nusa Lembongan an island great to explore at your own pace. Go beach hunting to discover the crowded yet charming Mushroom Bay, famous for its intact corals, or discover the surrounding quiet area below the cliffs to enjoy a more high-end experience. The isolated Dreambeach and impressive Devil’s Tear will allow you to appreciate some of the island’s most beautiful and impressive creeks, while on the main bay you can indulge in excellent seafood and local culinary delicacies. Diving is one of the main activities, and no less than 18 sites are distributed between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Head to Pura Ped for freediving and Jurassic Point for advanced scuba diving. You also won’t want to miss Manta Point, where manta rays of all sizes swim by your side. Feeling explorative? Batu Bolong’s limestone cliffs and beautiful hidden creeks are what you’re looking for. You can also venture inland, crossing through picturesque villages and historic temples while getting a glimpsing into rural life. In the south, wander across the suspension bridge to Nusa Ceningan, where you can appreciate the view from the hill, and also explore the depths of the ocean, where in Secret Point, lay remarkable diving spots.
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NUSA PENIDA
Less touristy and more authentic than its sister Lembongan, Nusa Penida is a diverse island that caters for those eager to spend time under the water discovering colourful and lively marine biodiversity, as well as for those interested in the local rural culture and religious architecture. Wild roads and nature trails will bring you through traditional villages and up hills, offering spectacular views over Mount Agung, Lombok and Penida’s famous cliffs. Visit Pura Ped temple and Sampalan market, or reach to Sewana and other traditional fishermen’s villages to appreciate the local seaweed culture. You may be overwhelmed by bats at the Goa Karangsari caves, one of the locals’ most popular meditations sites. Visit the Pura Puseh Yehulaten and Pura Batu Medau temples for their interesting architecture, and Pura Batu Mas Kuning for the views. In Tanglad, the island’s textile centre, you can learn about the kain cepuk traditional weaving techniques. If you’re looking for adventurous activities, pay a visit to the vertical cliffs of the Guyangan water sources and the Sebuluj waterfalls, or climb up to Puncak Mundi, Nusa Penida’s highest point at 515m.
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