2018: An Attempt To Strike That Perfect Balance In Life

December 30, 2018. 9pm.

As I finished publishing the latest blog post, I glanced at the clock. It’s the second last day of 2018, and with just one day away from 2019, I figured it’s the time for my routine, annual Year-In-Review post!

Sungai Bantang Waterfall : The Hunt For An Ancient Tree & A Natural Water Slide

Sungai Bantang Waterfall is a waterfall within Sungai Bantang Recreational Forest, in the town of Bekok, near Labis. Well known for being one of the gateway to Endau-Rompin National Park, this sleepy town is also home to the refreshing Sungai Bantang Waterfall. Unlike the other waterfalls in the National Park, which requires permit application, entrance via 4wd and a 2-3 hours long hike on jungle trail, this waterfall is very accessible. Within minutes of walking distance from the car park, anyone can easily pay a visit and have a quick rendezvous with Mother Nature.

2D1N Endau-Rompin National Park via Selai : Waterfalls Paradise

I used to think that there is only one national park in Malaysia – Taman Negara National Park in Pahang, Malaysia. Truth is, there is another national park closer to Singapore – the Endau-Rompin National Park. Taught in secondary school as I now recalled, this beautiful national park in the southeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, is unfortunately easily forgotten by tourists and hikers alike, perhaps due to its not-so-easy access (4wd is required).

5D4N Bali In Less Than RM1000 / SGD340 – Summary Itinerary & Cost Breakdown

Bali is no stranger to travellers. It will surely come across everyone’s mind when talking about Indonesia. In fact, it was named world’s top destination in TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award in March 2017.

Handara Gate : That Iconic Balinese Gate That Took Instagram By Storm

Besides beaches, temples and the recently crazed Bali swings, Balinese gates is yet another thing that Bali is famous for. Thanks to social media (yes, again!), taking a photo in front of a Balinese gate has becoming an it-thing. The most famous gate could potentially be Pura Lempuyang with the beautiful Mount Agung in the background, but making your way there from Ubud or Seminyak, where most travellers based themselves is a long painful journey that could take up to 4-5 hours. 

Wanagiri Hidden Hills : Instagrammable Bird’s Nest and Love Swing With The View of Lake Buyan

So, you have seen the famous Bali Swing photos and videos on Facebook and Instagram and you have got this place pinned for your next visit. Just as you got very excited about the idea of hanging midair with your pretty maxi dress and boasting about on your Facebook and Instagram, you found out that it actually costs you US$35. Instant dejection? Fret not, as there are plenty of cheaper imitations popping up all over Bali, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills is one of them.

Banyu Wana Amertha : Easy Hike To Four Secret Waterfalls of North Bali

There are countless waterfalls in Bali but unless you have one month in Bali, it’s impossible to see them all. If you are in Bali for only around a week or less, it could be hard trying to decide which one to explore. Though there are several waterfalls in and near Ubud worth exploring (think Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall and Tegunangan Waterfall, the best Bali waterfalls is said to be in North Bali. So, if you are heading to North Bali, such as the Bedugul area, I’d suggest slotting in one or two waterfalls into your itinerary.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan : The Jewel of North Bali

Did you know that Bali has nine key direction temples? These nine directional temples (called Kayangan Jagat) are the largest and most prominent. They are located at strategic points across Bali and are designed to protect the island and its inhabitants from dark forces. They are located on either rugged high ground or at water edge, where the Balinese believe to be the source of evil dark forces.

Pura Taman Saraswati : A Beautiful Temple Only If The Lotus Is In Full Bloom

Pura Taman Saraswati

Of all the places along the main street of Ubud, there was only one place which I was keen to visit – Pura Taman Saraswati, also known by many as The Ubud Water Palace.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace : Most Photographed Rice Fields In Bali

What’s Ubud without Tegallalang Rice Terrace? The most famous rice paddyfiled in the whole of Bali, or some may say in South East Asia. If you’ve ever cyber-stalked photos of Ubud on Instagram, chances are you’ve seen photos of the Tegalalang rice terrace. So, when we based ourselves in Ubud during our Bali trip in August, we decided to include Tegallalang Rice Terrace into our itinerary despite our limited time in Ubud.

Tirta Empul : Possibly The Holiest Temple In Bali

Tirta Empul Temple, or Pura Tirta Empul as the locals called it (Pura means Temple), is an important temple complex and holy mountain spring, located in the village of Manukaya near the town Tampaksiring, which is not too far away from central Ubud. Founded in 926 A.D. and is dedicated to Vishnu, the name Tirta Empul means ‘holy water spring’ due to a holy spring within the temple which feeds various purification baths, pools and fish ponds surrounding the outer perimeter. The water flows to the Tukad Pakerisan River, the river that rushes Gunung Kawi which is about 1km away.

Mount Batur : Bali’s Most Popular Sunrise Hike

The Mountain

Mount Batur Bali is one of the sacred mountain according to Hindu believe. Located in Batur village of Kintamani District, this mountain which is only 171m above sea level (although my Suunto watch recorded 1766m), the mountain is relatively easy to hike, making it the most popular mountain in Bali, beating the higher and more challenging Mount Agung.

Nirwa Ubud Karma : Away From The Hustle Bustle City Surrounded By Serene Ricefields

Bali is a huge island, and it’s not possible to cover the whole island in a short holiday. After spending 3 days in Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, we decided to base ourselves in Ubud for the remaining two days two nights since it was our first time in Bali, and we are keener to immerse in the cultural side of Bali. As we had our heart set on Ubud, the next was to book our accommodation. And the best place to stay in Ubud is none other than a homestay right in the middle of picturesque ricefields. 

Nusa Penida – Crystal Bay : Snorkelling Paradise For Underwater World Lover

Crystal Bay is the most accessible beach in Nusa Penida, being only less than 20 minutes from the harbour. This makes it one of the most visited place in the island. If you were to sign up for any snorkelling or diving tour on Nusa Penida (or even on Nusa Lembongan), this is one of the spots in the package apart from Mangrove Point, Manta Point, Shipwreck Point and possibly neighbouring Gamat Bay. 

Nusa Penida – Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong : The Duo Wonders Of Nusa Penida

If you are going to visit Nusa Penida, you are probably going to visit Kelingking Beach which is single-handedly the most popular spot in the entire island, but do you know that 40 minutes ride away, there are another two stunning creations of Mother Nature, waiting for you to discover? Since they are in the same western coast of Nusa Penida, I strongly recommend combining them in a single day to make the best out of your trip. 

Nusa Penida – Kelingking Beach : Let’s Get On The Back of A T-Rex

It’s a no brainer that Kelingking Beach is the most popular place of interest in Nusa Penida. It’s on the bucket list of everyone who is travelling to Nusa Penida, and if you have been stalking instagram, chances are you have seen the photos of this beautiful place everywhere. If Devil’s Tears is the icon of Nusa Lembongan, Kelingking Beach is the icon of Nusa Penida. This stunning T-rex shape cliff has taken the Instagram by storm for the past couple of years, resulting in its immense popularity among Bali visitors.

Nusa Penida – Nusa Garden Bungalow: Balinese Style Bungalow At A Cheap Price

Booking accommodation in a hurry is a bad idea.  

Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan – Yellow Bridge: The Bridge of Love

Painted in bright yellow, the Yellow Bridge, is an iconic landmark for both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, as it connects the two neighbouring islands. With the bridge being the only route connecting the two islands, you certainly wou'dn’t be able to miss this iconic bridge. But do you know that the Yellow Bridge you see today isn’t the same bridge it was there two years ago?

Nusa Ceningan – Song Tepo Beach: Picturesque Swing on Shallow Beach

Nusa Ceningan is a rather small island, and it is pretty easy to explore around on a scooter. The main road goes along the shore passing through several restaurant and bar which guarantee great view of the shallow beach of Nusa Ceningan. 

Nusa Ceningan – Le Pirate Beach Club : Stylish Beach Box With A Taste of Santorini

Having sacrificed our complimentary hotel breakfast in order to fully utilised our time in exploring Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, we were feeling hungry as we left Blue Lagoon and Mahana Point. Remembering that we passed by a whole stretch of warungs, cafés and restaurants along the main beach near the Yellow Beach, we decided to stop by whichever was opened on our way back. And the first one we saw turned out to be this really chic place - Le Pirate Beach Club.

Nusa Ceningan – Mahana Point: Cliff Jumping 10m Into The Sea If You Dare

Cliff jumping seems to be a thing in the Nusa Islands. Every cliff we went seems to be a good spot for cliff jumping and is free of charge. However, there is this one place in Nusa Ceningan which you’ve got to pay for cliff jumping – Mahana Point. 

Mahana Point

The restaurant within

The restaurant is built on a cliff , making it a perfect spot for cliff jumping

Not many people there when we visited

Located just a minute away from Blue Lagoon, this restaurant and bar offers cliff jump with proper platforms, a ladder to climb back up and of course food and drinks. There are two jumping platform – the higher 10m for RP 50,000 and the lower 5m for RP 25,000. Prices are charged per person per jump.

5m platform

this is where you jump in if you do the 5m. Can you see the nice secluded beach on the right?

10m platform

this is how high it is

the water is deeper than the area where 5m platform is

That’s not cheap for one jump but is worth it for the safe exit out of the water, since there is a steel ladder installed on the side of the cliff for climbing out of the water. If the current happens to be strong, there is a rubber ring attached to a to assist those trying to climb out.

Very daunting height, at least for me

They also rent out surfboards at RP 70,000 for 2 hours, which you can use at the break just off the bar. However, do watch out for the strong currents.

Some guys were surfing in the morning

This is the furthest I can zoom in with my camera

Luckily I could still get a clear shot

The cliff jumping is obviously the main selling point, but on our visit, we saw several guys surfing as well. Unfortunately, no one were jumping off the cliff during our short visit. Even though we didn’t do any cliff jumping nor did we go for surfing (not that we know how to), it was a great location to see other people in action.

More action shot on my camera

The best shot I have for the day

If you have the whole day in Nusa Ceningan, planning a visit before sunset is a probably a good idea. It’s a cool place to hang out with a bunch of friends - watching people launching themselves into the water, with the sun setting in the backdrop, while enjoying a bottle of cold beer and listening to music (possible raggae?).

We had a can of coke to quench our thirst for riding under the hot sun

Frowning over a can of coke? Would beer be more delightful?

Cost

Entrance = none

Parking = free

10m jump = RP 50,000

5m jump = RP 25,000 

Surfboards rental = RP 70,000

How to get there

Mahana Point is only 9 minutes away from the Yellow Bridge and 1 minute from Blue Lagoon.

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 island. 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.

Click HERE for A Complete Guide To Planning Your Trip To Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.

Best Time to Visit

As with other attractions on the west coast of any island, the best time to visit Mahana Point 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.

The restaurant is quiet in the morning

Do come in the afternoon if you want to see some cliff jumping

We covered Devil’s Tear and Dream Beach first thing in the morning before riding over to Blue Lagoon and then to Mahana Point. As it was still early (around 9 in the morning), it wasn’t too hot, and the ride was pleasant. Unlike Blue Lagoon where the lack of crowd is a huge bonus, it’s a different case for Mahana Point where I was looking forward to seeing some actions. Unfortunately, there was only a group of European hunks surfing that day, and no one was doing cliff jumping.

Maybe next time I'll jump for real

Epilogue

Mahana Point is a good place to stop over for a break from riding scooter around in the hot weather, while taking the chance to do some people watching. If you are lucky, you may be able to see some action over the bar. Or… you can get into action yourself and launch yourself into the cool water of Indian Ocean. Isn’t that the best way to cool yourself down from the hot weather?

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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.

Nusa Lembongan – Water Blow Huts : Romantic Beachfront Hotel on Dream Beach

Ranging from budget bunk beds to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts, Nusa Lembongan has plenty of accommodation for every type of travellers, and the cutest stay are normally located on the strip of the beach itself. Think infinity pool, beautiful thatch-roofed huts and on-site restaurant and bar overlooking the beach! 

Nusa Lembongan – Dream Beach : The Bay of Dazzling Beauty

Five minutes away from Devil’s Tear, walk along the cliff towards the left, where you would be awarded with the view of a small stretch of beach, enclosed by cliffs on its left and right. And there, right in front of you, is the most famous beach on Nusa Lembongan - Dream Beach.

Nusa Lembongan – Devil’s Tear: The Menacing Wave of The Indian Ocean

On the western coast of Nusa Lembongan, lies an epic attraction which brought Nusa Lembongan to its fame, drawing tourists all the way from Bali, and this place is none other than Devil’s Tear, a unique rocky cliffs Devil’s Tear along the coastline. 

Nusa Lembongan – Panorama Point : A Bird’s Eye View of Jungut Batu Beach

Riding up on the hilly road from Mushroom Beach to Jungut Batu Beach (where our hotel is) on the day of our arrival in Nusa Lembongan, we saw a beautiful panoramic view of Jungut Batu Beach with berthing boats along the shore, turquoise water on the left and villages on the right. As we were traveling on the shuttle truck, we didn’t have to chance to pull over for photos, we made it a point to visit this place the very next day, before we headed out for Devil's Tear and Dream Beach.

Nusa Lembongan – Jungut Batu: First Night On Nusa Lembongan

Jungut Batu Beach is Nusa Lembongan’s longest and one of the busiest beach. The southern end of the beach is the main dock for speed boats coming from Sanur. Depending on the boat you take, you may arrive on Jungut Batu Beach or Mushroom Bay Beach. Either way, it is about 10 minutes ride away, and most operator provides free drop off to your hotel or guesthouse. We arrived on Mushroom Beach and got dropped off at Bungalow No. 7 on Jungut Batu Beach where we were staying for a night.

Nusa Lembongan - Bungalow No. 7 : Budget Bungalow in Jungut Batu With A Lovely Pool

I had a hard time booking an accommodation in Nusa Lembongan as I was literally spoilt for choices. Ranging from budget bunk beds to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts, Nusa Lembongan has plenty of accommodation. Those stylish chic resorts by the beach no doubt caught my attention but being a thrifty traveller, budget hotels are gentler on my wallet.