Bali: Paradise at the End of the World - Part 2

We had a wonderful time in the cultural hub of Ubud, but we wanted to get back to the beach after a few days in a bustling city. There are a chain of islands off the main land, that in recent years have become more accessible to tourists. We arranged a taxi & ferry ticket to the beautiful island of Nusa Lembongan. The closest island off the shores of Bali (only 1/2 hour by speed boat), Nusa Lembongan has many hotels and bungalows, restaurants and small beach coves to explore by motorbikes. It is a wonderful place to have some adventures or relax and have some fun on the crystal blue waters. 

Waiting for the ferry to Nusa Lembongan

Boats dot one of the many beaches on the Island

View from our hotel, Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Day Spa

We stayed at the beautiful Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Day Spa, built on a hill overlooking the bay. You get stunning views from anywhere in the hotel, including our bathroom! 

We had a private villa with an outdoor shower, bathtub and balcony overlooking the calm aqua sea.

Our private outdoor bathroom

Batik Saris and Textiles 

The Deck Cafe & Bar  has a delicious menu and stunning views

We loved eating lunch at The Deck Cafe & Bar with beautiful views of the shore. They have a delicious menu of salads and sandwiches, with great music and free wifi. We also ate a delicious dinner at Indiana Kenanga, a luxurious boutique hotel started by two French designers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the island, Nusa Ceningan by crossing a wood bridge by foot or motorbike. This tiny island has only been accessible for the last few years by bridge and is still mostly undeveloped. You get a real sense of authentic Bali life before the arrival of tourists, on this small island. There are some beautiful parts of this island like the Blue Lagoon with the most turquoise waters in Coves with immense waves, a surfer's dream. You can stay at the Le Pirate beach club, a hip boutique hotel with a good restaurant. If you are looking for an authentic experience, the island is inhabited by mostly fisherman and Sea Weed farmers that dry their goods along the dirt roads.

Crystal clear turquoise waters

Relaxing on a hammock 

 

Walking across the two islands

Blue Lagoon

Fishermen and sea weed farmers inhabit the island

Water activities are a large part of island life. Scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling and kayaking are popular along the many reefs, coves and mangroves. 

Sunset view from the hotel

Our final destination was the bustling city of Seminyak, back on the main island. We left rural beach life and arrived at quite the opposite- the modern and hip W Retreat & Spa Bali. This Internationally renowned hotel boasts luxurious edgy accommodations, hip menu and live DJs all day long. When we checked in, we even received Candy Martini welcome drinks to our room!

Sunsets and music at the W hotel

Catching some rays at the pool

Graffiti art in the lobby

Seminyak has some of the best shopping in Bali. There are many great restaurants and boutiques from both international designers and local crafts. One of my favorite boutiques was My Cup of Love, filled with handmade jewelry and houseware. I love their bright Dream catchers and jewelry!

Fun Street Art

Awesome French designed sunglasses

A wall of flowers for a shrine 

We also had a wonderful experience taking a sunset beach photo shoot with photographer, Fabio Lorenzo. I had brought my wedding dress all the way to Bali for this moment and it was worth it! 

We had a fun time posing and running around the beach and it was a perfect end to our wonderful trip through Bali.