Indonesia
Beyond Bali: Exploring Lombok, Nusa Penida, and Thrilling Watersports Adventures
Author: Alka
Bali often dominates the conversation when it comes to travel in Indonesia. But suppose you venture beyond its beautiful shores. In that case, you will discover even more of Indonesia’s gems- stunning islands like Lombok and Nusa Penida, each offering unique landscapes, rich cultures, and exciting adventures. From the tranquil beaches of Lombok to the breathtaking cliffs of Nusa Penida, there’s something for every type of traveler. Have a look at the amazing spots to explore here:
1. Uluwatu: After reaching Ngurah Rai International Airport, and completing all the immigration and customs, take a taxi to Uluwatu which is about 30-45 minutes away. Check-in at your accommodation in Uluwatu, where you can choose a luxurious cliffside resort, a private villa, or a beachside guesthouse. Relax and unwind at Suluban Beach (Blue Point Beach)- a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and great surf. The sand is so soft here that when the tide is low, you can walk further out to where the jagged rocks create an opening in the water. Once you reach the parking area, follow the downhill path that leads to a constructed staircase that takes you all the way down to Suluban Beach in only a few minutes
- .Uluwatu Temple- This 1,000-year-old temple sits on the Bukit peninsula’s westernmost point. It’s an iconic tourist sight, boasting impressive cliff sides and it’s famous for being an incredible sunset point. You can witness the traditional Balinese “Kechak” fire dance in the late afternoon to evening from its grand amphitheater facing out to the ocean. The entry ticket for the temple is Rs. 250-300 and make sure not to wear shorts for the temple visit. evening is the best time to enjoy the views as the temple remains open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- The next day, enjoy your breakfast at the beach and soak up the noon at Bingin Beach for more relaxation, or try surfing here as it is known for its laid-back vibe and consistent waves. Explore Single Fin Bar for sunset views and live music.
- Nusa Penida Adventure: Take a taxi from Uluwatu to Sanurport which takes approximately 30 minutes and from there board a fast boat that takes you to Nusa Penida in about 45 minutes. When it comes to Nusa Penida Island, it’s a Land of Fun with a lot of exciting activities to indulge in, catering to different tastes. It’s a popular day trip to add to your plan, you can hire a scooter from here for Rs. 500 to explore the island.
- Going Beach Hopping: Start exploring the islands by visiting Kelingking Beach, famous for its dramatic T-Rex-shaped cliffs and crystal clear waters. While the view from the top is amazing, the adventurous ones can go down the cliff to the intimate bay where you can quietly sunbathe.
- Relax on Brokern Beach, a beautiful secluded spot known for its circular rock formation and clear water which includes a trek of 15 minutes to reach there.
- Crystal Beach: Crystal Bay is a fabulous place for snorkeling and diving alongside offering a spectacular sunset relaxation
- Hike up to the viewpoint for a panoramic view of Diamond Beach.
2. Ubud: From the same Sanur port, take a private car to Ubud which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach. Before Ubud, there’s a beautiful waterfall called Tegenungan Waterfall which is a popular tourist stop with an entry ticket of Rs.100 . Make sure to carry an extra pair of clothes as you will not be able to resist drenching yourself in the water.
- Ubud Market- A popular tourist market located in the town center that sells everything from bamboo bags to sarongs. You can buy daily items at cheap prices from Indomart, Alphamart, or CircleK.
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces- There are loads of rice fields all over Bali, but the most famous ones are the terraced hills of Tegalalang. The dazzling UNESCO World Heritage Site has all the feels of a Balinese postcard- layers of vibrant green curve through a spectacular valley dotted with swaying palms and forest trees. Morning is the best time to arrive here and then enjoy your coffee with a view at one of the little cafes overlooking the terraces.
- Sacred Monkey Temple: There are a handful of monkey temples and monkey forests in Bali, but the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud’s town center is the most iconic with more than 1,200 long-tailed macaques inhabiting a swath of jungle on the edge of town where lush moss and gnarly vines wrap around this 14th-century temple remains.
3. Lombok: Take a morning flight from Ngurah International Airport to Lombok International Airport which takes 40-45 minutes. Upon arrival in Lombok, you can choose your destination: Kuta Lombok, Gili Island, or Senaru.
- Mount Rinjani: Lombok’s most iconic landmark, Mount Rinjani is an active volcano and Indonesia’s second-highest peak which makes it a major attraction for trekkers. The Rinjani Trek offers a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit of the crater lake, Segara Anak.
- Kuta Lombok: Don’t get confused with Bali’s Kuta, Kuta Lombok is a quieter and more laid-back coastal town offering stunning beaches, ideal for surfing and a more relaxed vibe.
- The Gili Islands( Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno): Most visitors take a fast boat from Bangsal Port on Lombok to Gili which takes 30-40 minutes where each of these three islands has its vibe and essence as follows:
- Gili Trawangan- This Island is also called the Party Island as it has a vibrant nightlife to it. You can spot beach clubs, bars, and nightclubs here.
- Gili Air: This one is more relaxed than the others as it is home to several yoga centers to relax and unwind.
- Gili Meno: You can visit the Gili Meno Bird Park here houses several species of birds.
CONCLUSION
This super-packed fun trip will cost you around Rs.70,000 – Rs.80,000 at a minimum budget and can go up to Rs.1,80,000 if you don’t cut down your expenses. For water sports, prefer Bintang Beach Club which offers a wide range of water activities wherein scuba diving will cost you around Rs.5,000. This trip offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, relaxation, and nature, making it an unforgettable journey through Bali and its neighboring islands!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Make sure you plan your visit for a good 10-15 days, as it has a lot more to offer than what meets the eye.
- Visa-Requirements & Currency Exchange
- Visa-On-Arrival- You don’t need to take a Visa before coming to Bali as there’s an on-arrival facility granted at Ngurah Rai International Airport which takes around Rs.2800 and can be paid in dollars or by International debit/credit card. The VoA is available for tourism purposes and allows a stay of up to 30 days which can be extended.
- Documents Requirement- You are required to have a valid Passport, a return or onward flight ticket, and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay around USD 500.
- Customer Declaration Form- To fill this form is mandatory before leaving the Airport for which you will get free Wi-fi at the Airport and this can be filled in PC or phone.
- Currency Exchange- It is advised to exchange your currency in India only, as sometimes they only accept USD/Euro at Airports and also the exchange rates are slightly higher in Bali.
2. Sim-Card- There are various sim-card shops at the airport which cost around Rs.1,300- 1,500.
1. How to Reach?
The only way to reach Bali, Indonesia from India is by air. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar Airport) is the main gateway to the island and is well-connected to several cities in India. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from India to Bali at this moment. However, there are connecting flights available to Denpasar(Bali’s Airport) from nearby major international hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. From these cities, you can take a connecting flight from Bali. Here’s how you can plan your flight:
- Connecting Flights: There are some connecting airlines from India to Bali such as Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Lines, Thai Airlines, and Qatar Airlines. For cheaper flights prefer taking it from Kolkata which has a 12-hour layover for Rs.25,000-30,000. You can prefer connecting cities to Bali such as a flight from Kuala Lumpur just takes approximately 3 hours to reach Bali. There are other popular citiesoptions as well such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Doha.
2. Accommodation
Accommodation charges over here are cheaper in comparison to other things. Kuta is the best location for accommodation which is around 4-5 km from Bali’s Airport and it costs Rs.1000. – 2000 by taxi to cover this distance.
- Standard options- Pondok Sari Kuta (1,500 – 4,500 INR per night)
- Deluxe options- Maya Ubud Resort & Spa (9,000 -15,000 per night)
- Luxury options- The Bulgari Resort Bali (40,000 – 60,000 per night)
3. Places to eat
Vegetarian food is not the most available here, but the islands have something for everyone.
- Vegetarian option- Alchemy and Clear Cafe in Ubud
- Non-vegetarian option- Mamasan and Bali Asli
- Vegan- The Shady Shack
