Lembongan Island, Indonesia

Island Life, Part I

My second week in Bali, I switched from the Canggu surf camp to a homestay surf camp experience on Lembongan Island (http://www.kimasurf.com/lembongan-island-week.html).  Atop a stunning clifftop, I had a big bungalow to myself (and the bugs and brutal heat) and awoke at dawn every morning to accompany Wayan (and sometimes some Germans) on his boat out to one of three breaks: Playgrounds, Shipwreck and Lacerations (Lacerations was my favorite! Despite the name and the shallow reef, the only issue we had there was the occasional jellyfish sting. But the swell was not huge the week I was there.) Wayan and his adorable wife and kids took amazing care of me, cooked some great local dishes and taught me quite a bit about the culture and island life... and surfing, of course :)

After the morning surf session I typically explored the island on a rented mountain bike. The dirt island paths only supported motorbikes, golf carts and bicycles which was a nice change from the chaotic mainland traffic! I either had a super hilly 45 minute bike ride to town, or a 15 minute hike on a narrow overgrown trail dangerously close to the ocean cliffs - either way, it was always exciting! I usually did my run at dusk in an attempt to avoid the heat, and inevitably ended up somewhere near town for sunset and drinks on the water. I found great company in the friendly locals, and random Kiwis, Aussies and Canadians that I met along the way. The biggest dilemmas? Where to eat, when to take my siesta, when to reapply sunscreen, whether or not to get a 6 dollar massage or go snorkeling, and which beach to check out.... ah, Island life! This island is an incredible breath of fresh Balinese air - an hour boat ride from the mainland, but light years away in character and scenery. Though it definitely boasts some touristy resort spots, as a whole I thought that it was Bali's best kept secret!

my bungalow

view from where I slept

Morin guest house

seaweed farms near town