THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok - page 165

DIVING AND SNORKELLING AROUND NUSA LEMBONGAN
Protected as a marine conservation area, the reefs around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Pen-
ida attract divers from all over the world, not least for the chance to swim with the one-
tonne legendary local giant, the mola mola (oceanic sunfish), from July to October. Many
of the reefs are rewarding for snorkelling , too.
Prime snorkelling spots off Nusa Lembongan that are accessible from the shore if the tide
is right are Mangrove Corner and Mushroom Bay . Off Nusa Penida they include Crystal
Bay , the Penida Wall and Malibu Point . Boats can be rented from the beach at Mushroom
Bay or via your accommodation: expect to pay about Rp150,000 per hour for four people
including equipment around Nusa Lembongan, or Rp400,000 for a three-hour excursion
to Crystal Bay. World Diving, among others, runs half-day snorkel trips for $25 (around
Rp290,000).
Of the fourteen main dive sites, the most famous are off Nusa Penida and can get very
crowded in peak season: Manta Point is renowned for manta rays while Crystal Bay is
known for its clear waters - visibility can be 40m - and is one of the sites which attracts
pelagic mola mola or sunfish from late July to October. Mola mola and manta rays also fre-
quent the huge coral boulders and pillars of Toyapakeh reef. Other local highlights include
drift dives, turtles, octopus and white-tipped reef sharks.
DIVE CENTRES
The sea around Penida and Lembongan can be cold (by local standards) and is known
for treacherous currents , so dive with experts; some sites are for experienced divers only.
There are a number of reputable dive centres on Nusa Lembongan, including those listed
here. Prices average around $35-40 per dive, with cheaper deals for longer dive packages.
All centres offer tuition.
World Diving Lembongan Pondok Baruna bungalows in Jungutbatu 0812 390 0686,
world-diving.com .
Big Fish Diving Secret Garden bungalows, also in Jungutbatu 0813 5313 6861, big-
fishdiving.com .
ACCOMMODATION
Jungutbatu has the widest choice of accommodation, much of it fronting the beach. Rooms
elsewhere tend to be overpriced, especially on Mushroom Bay. A word of warning: the island
is packed from April to October so reserve ahead during this time.
JUNGUTBATU
Batu Karang 0366 559 6376, batukaranglembongan.com . This outpost of chic spa style
is the most luxurious stay on the island by far; all day beds, cool limestone floors and out-