TAKE A DIVE IN BALI

Paradise is not lost in Bali – you just have to know where to look.

Paradise is not lost in Bali – you just have to know where to look.

In Bali they say that paradise is just a block away. While Bali continues to captivate Australians with its magic and diversity, it can sometimes seem as though the crowds have overtaken the island. Strangely, the island paradise you dreamed of is often closer than you realise. It may be a boat, it might be a car, or even a small plane that delivers you, but once you get there you will find what you are looking for.

NUSA LEMBONGAN

A mere 45 minutes by public boat from Sanur Harbour, Nusa Lembongan is a great getaway for both budget travellers and luxury holidaymakers. With some famous surf breaks, white sand beaches and famously clear water perfect for snorkelling and diving, the little island has a lot to offer. For a day trip or a weekend adventure, the island has very few cars, so holidaymakers take to bikes, boards and boats to make the most of the island. The fishing village is home to many budget hotels and homestays and plenty to choose from for the luxury traveller. Nusa Lembongan and its neighbouring islands Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida are famous for their clear water – perfect for diving. You can even learn to dive if that has been on your list of things to do for a while.

There are a number of companies that can get you there and if you only want a taste, consider a day trip.

VILLA LIFE

For those with a little more cash to spend, Lembongan is now home to some beautiful villas across all budgets, from affordable to “let’s blow the savings”. Bali Hai’s resort, Hai

Tide is made up of island-style beach huts with air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms that are great value. They also have two villas, which can be rented as part of the cruise package. It’s easy, fun and families love it over here.

For the more discerning guest, villas are springing up all over Lembongan, many of them with stunning ocean views. Tenang Villas offer one, two and three bedroom villas or the entire complex can be booked for one group. Designed to capture amazing views, the villas offer private pools, open plan living and entertaining spaces and generous sized bedrooms with ensuites.

Villa Bahagia is spectacularly located, offering sweeping ocean views. With four luxurious guest rooms, a 17-metre infinity pool surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and a full time staff of four, this is an example of the ultimate in island living.

Nusa Lembongan and the little Nusa Ceningan have a number of budget options as well as for the more adventurous, and it’s not difficult to find something clean, air-conditioned and relaxed. Nusa Penida is only just showing signs of life as a destination but for a day trip, beaches like the stunning Crystal Bay are already firmly on the map.

MENJANGAN

Located in the North West corner of Bali, Menjangan

Island, also known as Deer Island, is part of the protected

Bali Barat National Park that boasts some of Bali’s best diving. Lush with coral gardens, plentiful sea life and clear, warm water, the island itself is a safe haven for the local deer and the endangered Bali Starlings, which are an attraction in themselves. There are plenty of guides who will take you to the more interesting spots and point out the many local fauna in the area.

Neighbouring the shores of Menjangan Island, a select few operators have created eco-resorts and numerous dive operators are located in nearby Pemuteran. The latest to open with a soft carbon footprint is the Menjangan Dynasty Resort which offers beachfront and easy access to Menjangan Island within the national park. Taking the concept of glamping to new levels, the spacious designer tents are air-conditioned, or open as required, and they are equipped with five-star features including indoor/outdoor bathrooms. Great dining, activities, a stunning horizon pool and chic beach club are part of the attractions alongside a host of adventure sports. The drive from Southern Bali is beautiful but can take three to four hours, so this is at least a two-night stay to enjoy the full complement of facilities and activities.

GILI AIR

The closest and most accessible of the three popular Gili Islands is now a lot busier than it once was, but Gili Air retains a still beauty that is captivating. Gili Trawangan is now one of the most popular destinations after Bali, known as the party island, while Gili Meno is still relatively undeveloped. Gili Air has beautiful beaches, plentiful diving and snorkelling destinations as well as beach clubs, a full range of accommodation and a smattering of bars to entertain the night owls.

Scallywags is one of the most established operators here and their Gili Air property offers a beach club and restaurant on the prettiest stretch of white sand beach lapped by stunning turquoise water. Accommodation is scattered throughout the island and offers something for every budget, from the cheeky all-white Mango Motel to the private four-bed joglos with private pools and everything in between. Established and professionally managed, Scallywags can organise everything from boat transfers to diving trips with Scallywag Dive, and has become famous for its warm hospitality and stylish accommodation.

SOUTHERN GILIS

The Southern Gilis are just starting to open up although sailors and those in the know have been visiting for years. With the opening last year of Ko-ko-mo on Gili Gede (which translates as the big island), a fast boat service means you can be here in just an hour from Bali’s main harbour. The ride is smooth and once there, the sense of peace and natural beauty is unforgettable.

Ko-ko-mo is the first luxury operator to open here and the resort sits on a quiet stretch of beach lapped by clear emerald green water. Wooden joglos hug the beach, with high ceilings and wide verandas to take in the views, spacious interiors and wonderful king-sized beds. Behind are a series of

contemporary pool villas with kitchens, one or two bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms. The resort also offers a tennis court and swimming pool. Ko-ko-mo ticks the luxury boxes and whether you stay here or not, you will be delighted by the quality of the restaurant, run by a former Sydney chef. The open retro-style building will feed the soul and the wine list is the perfect antidote to island fever.

Literally a few minutes away by boat, sits the jewel-like island of Gili Asahan and the Eco Lodge. Rustic and beautiful, Gili Asahan Eco Lodge is very much an eco-friendly resort with a series of charming wooden bungalows or open-air bales. Although rustic, the Italian owners have not skimped on stylish features and nature comes to play in all sorts of ways. The beach here is magical and hardly a ripple disturbs it. A yoga space on the hill offers spectacular views across nearby Lombok and the food here is also delightful, although never fast. Order a lobster spaghetti and the staff will go and catch one for you. It’s irresistibly pretty and as many a yachtie will tell you, it’s a popular stop for boats.