Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan

Some friends wrote and said they were going to the very nearby island Nusa Lembongan and thought they'd visit the larger Nusa Penida next to it. Since it's only a half hour fast boat ride away, we've been there often. So they asked what we suggested. (Nusa means island in Balinese)

Katrinka wrote first: On Lembingan we like to stay right on the beach at Jungku Batu. Nusa Penida I am not as familiar with. Its a big island with lots of territory to cover. Crystal Bay is the big snorkeling spot there. You can get on a snorkelling boat & they will take you to 3or 4 spots both on Lembongan & Penida. 

Then I wrote:

In Nusa Penida, Goa Giri Putri, the cave temple, is impressive. The entrance is frighteningly small but it opens up right away so don't let that stop you and if it does, you can go around back to a large opening. We never got to the temples further in. It's a big place. They keep improving the roads. They keep building everywhere they can as fast as they can. Penida has trucks and some cars. Lembongan has no cars, just taxi pickups.

I like to approach Crystal Bay from the beach. Get a ride there. It can get a little rough at times.

You can go swimming with the mana rays which can work out or not. It and Crystal can be done from Lembongan just as easily.

We have stayed at Tarci on the beach in Lembongan a number of times. It's not five star for sure but it has served us well. There are better places. Next door is a good French restaurant and a snazzy place to stay. Indiana Kenaga Boutique Hotel and Restaurant. Mainly we've stayed on the beach there and walked to the right as for as the mangroves and to the left as far as Coconuts. Can't go further on either end.

We like Ginger and Java a few places down on the beach. But it may be too health foody for you guys. I don't know. Bali Eco Deli is out on the street and pretty good.

We like to go to the Mangroves and visit a couple we've always seen there - except for this last time - Adi and Iluh - who have a little place with local food. Seafood of course. There are only a few places there to eat. It was still funky the last time we were there three years ago. They or anyone around there can take you riding around in the mangroves or you can do it without them. Just rent a little canoe. It's fun. You can go out from there to the sea - it's not deep for a long ways. Straight out from there is the best snorkling. That's where the boats go - or Adi or someone can take you.

I love to go to Coconut Beach - it's at the end of the beach walk and a nice walk. Swim on the right side. Don't go too far out. I almost couldn't get back from the left side last time. Maybe that depends on the day and particular conditions. Good to ask. Anyway it's a nice place to stop.

I suggest not going into the water at Dream Beach. It's dangerous.

Devil's Tear is a must see. Frightening how close to the edge some Chinese taking selfies have gotten. You can walk there from Mushroom Bay. There's a good place to eat in Mushroom Bay, a little pricey. Katrinka - what's it called?