Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Nusa Ceningan – Blue Lagoon: The Bluest Sea Water I Have Ever Seen

BLUE LAGOON...

The name itself drawn me to this place, simply because it reminds me of the popular hot spring in Iceland, which photos have always captivate me whenever they pop up on social media. So when I read that there is a Blue Lagoon in Nusa Ceningan, I couldn't resist the temptation of seeing it.

It does look very, very blue in the photos I've seen while studying for my trip, but is it really as blue as it is in person, or is it just some incredible photo editing skill?

Obviously, the only way to find out is to see it for myself, so off we went to see this blue beauty after we were done with Nusa Lembongan.

Blue Lagoon, Nusa Ceningan
After crossing the Yellow Bridge from Nusa Lembongan and riding along the shore for approximately 8 minutes, we reached this beautiful rocky cove of the bluest sea water I’ve ever seen.

Behold... the Blue Lagoon of Nusa Ceningan!


Look at the colour of the sea!

Still looking blue no matter which angle it is

Just like Devil’s Tear, the rocky formation is an awesome spot to sit down and watch the waves crashing on the beach. However, be careful not to stand too near the edge and risk falling into the water below.

A little scared to stand too near the cliff

Really tempted to jump in

But I can't swim, so it's best not to jump

Unlike the Devil’s Tear and Dream Beach, the place is surprisingly not too over crowded with people. When we were there, we only saw two other couples dropping by, but it could due to the fact that it was only a little passed 9 in the morning. Lucky us?

Just sit here and enjoy watching the waves comes and goes
  
No one here but us

Can't stop snapping photos


Even managed to get Terry to pose for a photo
... or two

As we sit on the cliff, we get a wide angle, panoramic view of the beach below and the ocean ahead of us. However, this could possibly change within the next several months. A big resort is currently being constructed nearby and by the time it is done, you’ll no longer be getting that raw, rustic view of the lagoon anymore.

Can you spot the construction behind?

Resorts under construction along the cliff

What do you think about building resort here? Yay or nay?

Expect to get a backdrop of huts and bungalow next to you as you pose on the cliff. On a positive note, tourists now gets another choice of accommodation with a stunning view?

Don't you think I'm a good photographer?

You know he approves of this place, judging by the number of photos he took here


Cliff Jumping

Thrill seeker would be happy to know that the Blue Lagoon is a cliff jumping heaven, as I’ve read many bloggers flying into the water. However, as with all other cliffs around the island, always check the tide and the waves condition before making your leap of faith.

When the tide is low, don't jump or you'll land on the beach instead!

The other side of the Blue Lagoon, where you could possible jump when the tide is high

You wouldn’t want to get caught up in sticky situation only after being in the water and struggled trying to climb back up. You may even get swept away by the waves. After all, this is the Indian Ocean we are talking about.

Not sure if this is where you could climb back up
If you are looking for a cliff jump that has better access, with jumping platform and a ladder to climb back up, head over to Mahana Point which is just around the corner. 


Cost

Like other attractions on Nusa Lembongan, there are no entrance fee charged on Blue Lagoon. Besides that, parking is also free. 


How to get there

Blue Lagoon is only 9 minutes away from the Yellow Bridge.


If you’re travelling over from Bali, you’ll most likely arrive at Mushroom Beach ferry port in Nusa Lembongan. From here you can grab a scooter for around RP 70,000 per day. Nusa Ceningan is just across the Yellow Bridge which connects both islands. If you’re coming from Nusa Penida, you will also alight at the Yellow Bridge. There are scooters available for rent at the Yellow Bridge as well. 

If riding a scooter isn’t your thing, you can barter with local motor taxi (or ojek as the Balinese called it) to take you around the two islands. Coming in a big group? You can also hire a driver to drive you around for about RP 500,000 to RP 600,000. Staying in Bali but still want to do a day trip to Nusa Lembongan? Fret not, as there are also tour package available which includes return speedboat to Lembongan, driver and guide as well as hotel pick up and drop off. This can be easily arranged through your hotel in Bali. 

As everywhere on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan is reachable within a 30-minute drive, exploring the island with a scooter would be the most recommended option.



Best Time to Visit

As with other attractions on the west coast of any island, the best time to visit Blue Lagoon is probably in the late afternoon until sunset. But with so many places to cover in a day, how can you possibly cover everything in the afternoon, right? If cliff jumping is what you were looking for, you should check out the tide beforehand to avoid disappointment. If the tide is too low, you may not be able to jump. Remember to also watch out for strong currents in case you get stuck there and unable to climb back up.

Since we were here before noon, the cliff kind of blocked some of the light as you can see the shadow beneath the cliff

Nevertheless, you can still get good shots if by positioning yourself to face the sun

We covered Devil’s Tears and Dream Beach first thing in the morning before riding over to Blue Lagoon. As it was still early (around 9 in the morning), it wasn’t too hot, and the ride was pleasant. Unfortunately, I can’t help but noticed that the sun position caste shadows on the beach below as it was blocked by the cove. That being said, a visit in the afternoon would give your better lighting. But hey, we got the place to ourselves by arriving early, so that’s a huge plus!



Epilogue

I hesitated between having full two days in Nusa Penida or exploring all three Nusa islands in 2 days, and the Blue Lagoon was what convinced me to do the latter. After coming here and seeing it for myself, I’m glad I didn’t skip this place, as the it is indeed the bluest water I’ve ever seen so far.

I wish I get this view every morning

Well, is it the bluest in the world? I have not been many islands and beach side to be able to conclude, but I believe the Blue Lagoon deserves to be put on the list of bluest water (at least) in South East Asia

Have you seen anything as blue as this? If you have not, then the Blue Lagoon of Nusa Ceningan has got to be on your next bucket list!


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