NYE on Nusa Lembongan

[Babybutterfly]

Hi y'all!

I'm german and it's my first time in Bali and we want to celebrate new year's eve where it is romantic but still some party. What do you think about Nusa Lembongan? Is that a special place to be? Thanks in advance, Stella

 

[Markit]

Stella it's so special no one ever goes there.

 

[davita]

I'd suggest go to the Gili's. Trawangan will be rowdy but its a short hop to one of the other Gili's depending on your requirements...I'd also suggest you make reservations on the ferries and accommodation. Any of the roadside agents in Bali can handle that.

 

[JohnnyCool]

Hi Stella
I've been to Nusa Lembongan once, about seven years ago. I enjoyed it, for what it was (a very small island, 8 square kilometres in size, some spectacular views across to mainland Bali, lots of scuba diving/snorkelling/surfing, , no cars, etc). There are three main villages on the island (total local population about 5,000).

Even then there were several up-market places being built, but no shortage of cheaper alternatives.
You have to remember that most things are more expensive there because everything has to be brought over by boats from Bali.
"Night life" was very limited but I imagine there would be more these days, especially around New Year.

One could think of Lembongan as a kind of "miniature Bali", but without traffic jams, supermarkets and the like.
There were no ATMs when I was there. I gather that there might be some now plus a few money-changers, who will probably give poor rates.
I would be inclined to take enough Rupiah with me to cover my intended stay and only use an ATM/money-changer if I really had to.

Getting there is pretty straightforward from Sanur. The daily public ferry takes about 90 minutes, fast-boats take about 30 minutes.
They all leave from the bottom beach end of Jalan Hang Tua (the same street as the Grand Bali Beach Hotel).

Personally, I would rather go there than the Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan has been over-commercialised, IMHO.
Gili Meno is working on it, and I haven't been to Gili Air, so can't comment.

Getting off mainland Bali for New Year might not be as "silly" an idea as Markit purports.
Fewer people, can watch the fireworks from a distance, but I'm sure there will be some on Lembongan as well.

I suggest that you look into the current available options on Lembongan. The following site might be helpful (I'm not sure how up-to-date it is).

https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Nusa_Lembongan

Hope this helps.
:icon_lol:

 

[Markit]

Getting off mainland Bali for New Year might not be as "silly" an idea as Markit purports.
:icon_lol:

Whoooaaah there Hoss!

Markit "purports" only not going to Lembongan for New Years Eve. That pretty much leaves the rest of the world apart from mainland Bali...

If it's a quiet and sensual year change you are looking for I would suggest Gili Air. There are some lovely nearly new chalets on the ... opposite side of the island from the port - not sure if that's east or south... and the fresh seafood is to die for. Do not rent the bicycles they run out of road about 100 meters after the rental place and don't work in sand.

 

[JohnnyCool]

Getting to the Gili islands takes longer and costs more.

The public ferry from Padangbai is a long slog (4+ hours) just to get to Lembar, then local transport north to find boats going to Trawangan, etc.
Getting to Padangbai alone can take an hour or two, depending upon where you're coming from. The quickest way is by helicopter (but not cheap).

Fast boats from Bali take around two hours. If somebody doesn't like the island they wind up on, it's either spend time in Senggigi or back to Bali.
Mt Rinjani might not be a sensible side-trip at the moment.

At least on Lembongan, it's only 30 minutes back to Bali if you don't like it.
Either ways, hope that the boats don't sink or catch fire on the way.

:icon_eek:

 

[Markit]

From Amed the fast boat takes 1 hour to the Gilis.

Inter island hoppers can be rented at any time.

Swimming is not recommended as you will probably die.

 

[Steve Rossell]

I was at Padang Bai yesterday and it was jam packed with people heading out to points unknown. It was hectic to say the least. I'd be guessing the majority were heading to the Gilli's, judging by the amount of backpackers and the age group.
I'd say that if you haven't gone there yet, you better get there soon, even after the full moon mob get outta there.
Nusa Lembongan? Not sure but I'd go with J'Cools suggestion. It's closer with the Sanur departure/return and even though I haven't been there for 30 years it will still give you as good a last sunset for 2015 as anywhere in the world, imho.
They used to have cricket fights, way back when? Do the village guys still do that?

 

[Babybutterfly]

Hi guys!! Thanks so much!! Especially Johnny Cool for your long reply!! I guess Nusa Lembongan is gonna be it! By chance just met somebody whose parents have a house there and gave us all the tips! Hope everybody had a great christmas and wish you a happy new year!! We are going to the Gili's afterwards... ;-)

All the best, take care

 

[Markit]

Does anyone else kinda feel like we wasted our time?

 

[mugwump]

Does anyone else kinda feel like we wasted our time?

Not really. I for one thought you were quite informative if rather impractical about launching from Amed. Nice to see the forum capable of being helpful. Having a bias is only human.

 

[Markit]

Why is launching from, or for that matter, returning to, Amed "impractical" - the trip in good weather with a low swell only takes 45 minutes from Gili T. The whole place isn't covered in touts spouting exorbitant prices and promises to the unwary and for me Amed is a much superior place to Padang Bai for a number of reasons, only a few to do with the ferry.