Don’t get me wrong Seminyak is my favourite place on Earth. But sometimes the traffic, crowds and even the pace of living in ‘Yak’ feels too hectic. Luckily, there are so many paradise-like islands off Bali coasts – with my personal favourite Nusa Lembongan – that you won’t feel the shortage of awe-inspiring beaches, breath-taking sunsets and elegant villas facing the roaring Indian Ocean directly. This time, we enjoyed a fantastic Villa Escape in Nusa Lembongan’s sophisticated western part.
The Fast Boat Transfer from Bali
Nusa Lembongan is a tiny islet located 12 km off the East coast of Bali. Dozens of fast boat companies offer a quick transfer from your accommodation in Bali to the villa (homestay, hotel or resort) in Nusa Lembongan. The sea voyage takes from 30 to 45-minute boat ride depending on your departure port. After my last trip to Lembongan, the fast boat services multiplied and now you could even catch a vessel from the nearby Serangan island. We booked the transfer with Rocky company, with its jetty located on the southern part of the islet. Moreover, Rocky also owns a cool beach bar with swimming pool, range of water activities and a great menu with mocktails, cold drinks and delicious Asian cuisine.
Arriving at the Villa Escape
At 11 a.m. we’ve moored to Rocky’s private jetty, and waited for around 10 minutes to get our bags and the private buggy car arrive. In 10 minutes we were at the Villa Escape’s front gate, however since we were too early to check-in, the villa manager advised us visiting the neighbouring Sandy Beach Club, where we were treated to fabulous food and stunning ocean views.
Serenity and Tranquillity All-Around
After a delicious brunch, my husband and I were ready to go back to the villa for a still-early check-in. White-themed, spacious and light, the estate wowed us with its vast spaces, open-plan design and romantic bedrooms with canopied beds and semi-opened bathrooms. In the centre of the property nestles the enticing swimming pool highlighted with swaying frangipani presiding over the water surface. Unlike many Balinese pools with tea-hot water, Villa Escape’s pool is filled with cool, crystal clear aqua, providing the heavenly relief from the tropical heat.
Due to its unbeaten location, Villa Escape is an excellent option for those seeking a quiet and serene environment, but still wanting to enjoy the iconic beach clubs and sophisticated island life. If you are keen to ride a bike, there are a few motorbike rent shops steps away from the villa. Furthermore, you could rent a golf buggy for your private use to explore the island in style and comfort.
Image Credit: Lembongan Go | Nusa Lembongan, Bali
For beach bums good news too – one of the most spectacular Lembongan beaches is steps away from villa’s front door, as well as one of the fanciest beach bars.
What to Do on Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan boasts fantastic natural attractions, and it really worth to stay a couple of days to discover all hidden gems the islet offers. Splendid beaches, verdant green mangroves, fantastic diving, snorkelling and surfing not to mention rich cultural and historical heritage and delightful beachfront diners are all available on the island.
The Neighbouring Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida
Head south where the infamous Golden Gate connects the magnificent Nusa Lembongan with miniature Nusa Ceningan. Here you will find even more scenic white-sand beaches (one of them is a Secret Beach, which really worth an extra effort on finding it), rare seaweed farms and picturesque roads and paths to walk through.
Sports enthusiasts are blessed with numerous water activities, while families travelling with children will be surprised to find dozen of floating water parks and banana boats. Thus, you could snorkel, dive or surf off the northern coast of the islet, watch legendary sunsets on the West and discover hidden beaches on Lembongan’s southern coast. Attracting stout-hearted visitors is the renowned Devil’s Tear rocky outcrop, where bravest of explorers might have memorable shots of crashing waves.
If you want to explore even further, head to fabulous Nusa Penida where you could spot rare species of marine life and witness an authentic lifestyle of fishers, seaweed farmers and weavers. The daily boat services to Nusa Penida are available from both Nusa Lembongan and Bali islands.
Our short escape has finished as fast as it started and we are back to Seminyak now, reviving the exciting trip to magnificent islands. Filled with laughs, cheers and happy moments, this voyage will always remain in our hearts and hard disks. And remember life is better when holidaying in the private villa.
