We just got back from two weeks in Bali, which included some time in Pulau Lemon.
There are always places in Bali that we really like and places that we don't like. Then we found Le Mon (or more specifically, a friend who is more of a Bali expert said we had to try Le Mon).
Guys, that's it. Our new happy place. It has everything we love about Bali, but also the quieter, less built-up atmosphere we've been looking for.
And it seems we're not the only ones who feel this way. Several people we met had been here before, went to the mainland, and then came back because they loved it so much. Many others are making a second or subsequent trip. We get it - Blue Dream Island has the atmosphere we've been looking for.
Here's everything we wanted to know before we left and everything we experienced while we were there. We hope this makes planning your Blue Dream Island vacation easier!
Where is Blue Dream Island and how do I get there?
Lemon Island is a small island in the eastern part of the Bali mainland.
To get to Le Mans, you need to take a ferry (or speedboat). The speedboat departs from Sanur 3 times a day. (Buy ferry tickets here) The ferry trip takes about 45 minutes and in our experience, it goes quite smoothly. (However, if you have difficulty on the boat, please take seasickness medication in advance.)
The total cost of our round trip to Le Mon Island is $190 USD. This includes transfers from the airport, to Sanur, the ferry to Le Mans, to our villa, and the opposite trip back to Bali. It also included an additional transfer to Jimbaran, which was further away than the other transfers. For the four of us, we thought this was very reasonable.
Boarding the ferry you will get wet - there is no pier on the ferry so you are effectively walking out from the beach. My advice is to make sure you wear a bathing suit and a short dress/skirt/jumpsuit or shorts. I wore sneakers and a long skirt and it was a pain. Speaking of which...
Can I fly to Bali and then go directly to Leben Island?
Yes, that's what we do. But be warned: first of all, it depends on what time your flight arrives in Denpasar. We were on a 6.20am flight from Adelaide that left on time. However, we had a 15 minute wait on arrival. We arrived in Bali around 10.30am local time. Disembarkation, health screening and immigration, baggage claim and customs clearance went smoothly. The only long wait was the passport line.
Our villa in Le Mans arranged the ferry and transfers for us and a driver from the ferry company (we used D'Camel but this depends on the time of day you use the ferry) picked us up from the airport. We arrived in Sanur at midday and were able to have lunch before the 1.30pm ferry to Le Mans.
The second warning is whether you reallymiss (feel wistful about the absence of sb. or sth)Do this. Personally, the next time we go (and we will definitely go again), we won't head straight to Blue Dream Island. The reason is that we were too tired. Just after 3am, we left our house with our two kids to get ready for our flight. It took 15 hours to get from our doorstep to our villa in Le Mans.
Next time we'll book a night or two on the mainland so we can recharge, shower, change and make the whole process more leisurely. Similarly, if you're flying home from Le Mans, I recommend staying one night on the way back.
How long should I stay?
I could complain about this for a long time because I try to find answers when I plan trips and end up disappointed.
My honest answer is: As long as you can do it.
We've heard you can do it all in three days. Yes, that's technically true ...... but honestly, if we knew how much we'd enjoy it, we really would have stayed for the entire two-week trip.
Transportation and Cost of Living in Le Monte
We also understand that prices in Le Mans are usually more expensive than in Bali. For us, this does not necessarily hold true, but it depends on what you do on a daily basis.
Meals and Drinks
Meal costs vary widely. For example, a plain but tasty breakfast (two pancakes, two scrambled noodles, and four smoothies) at one of our local restaurants cost about $20.
Similarly, a dinner at a local snack bar on the beach where we ordered appetizers, entrees and desserts, three large Bintangs and four juices cost us $50. However, dinner and cocktails/beers at a very trendy rib joint cost us about $130.
Best of all, a carton of Bintang costs about $55. However, you will need to pay about $6 for the first carton, which you can recoup in the next carton when you return all your bottles for recycling.
Transportation
There are three ways to visit Blue Dream Island. First, you can rent a scooter. Second, you can ride in the back of a small converted truck (trucks have benches on the pallets and a roof on top). Third, you can rent a golf cart.
We chose the truck option because we didn't feel comfortable on the scooter, especially since helmets didn't seem to be readily available. However, we did have a friend take us to Nusa Ceningan on their scooter and it was very peaceful. We liked the idea of the golf bikes, but parts of Blue Dream Island can be very steep and hilly, so they didn't seem very practical in that regard.
Many places on Blue Dream Island offer a free pick-up and drop-off service. All you need to do is send them a message via WhatsApp in advance telling them you want to come and when. We've found that it's best to give some notice (i.e. the evening before breakfast, or earlier the day before dinner) to ensure the service is available. Others may not offer this service for free, but can arrange for a driver to take you home for a few dollars.
Travel & Snorkeling/Diving Tours
There are some good options for excursions around Blue Dream Island and other islands such as Penida. Booking some of the larger trips before you go can help with organization. For example.Island Snorkeling TripWill cost you a little over $60. A full day including lunch is not bad! Again, $60 will get you aroundAll the famous sights on Nusa Penida Instagram.
If you want to organize something on the fly, you can have a local driver show you around. We paid 50,000 rupees per adult and 25,000 rupees per child (about $15 total) for a delightful half-hour tour of the mangroves (more details below). In addition, our driver took us around the island for a full day for about $35.
SIM card
Although WiFi is available in many parts of Le Mans, it's a good idea to get yourself a SIM Cards are the easiest option. The island relies heavily on WhatsApp for arranging tours, transfers and accommodation requests, so consistent service can get you out of trouble.
We bought a ticket for about $15. SIM The card had more data traffic than we could possibly use (we continued to use it throughout Bali). We spent about $30 for the store staff to set it up so I could still use my Taiwanese WhatsApp number since I've been using it for a lot of bookings.
No regrets - it also makes it easier to order Grab/Gojek rides in Bali.
Where do you live?
You won't find the big luxury resorts here like you will in Bali, but frankly, Le Mans is better. You'll find quaint, friendly 3.5-4 star hotels with beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere. Like Bali, villas are a popular choice.
There are many options on Blue Dream Island, from guesthouses/homestays to luxury villas and boutique resorts. Of course, we don't have time to check them all out. Here are the ones we can relate to and would recommend.
Villa Agung
I really like the family villa option and I don't know of any place on earth like Bali/Blue Dream Island.
We live inVilla AgungThe villa is located at the northern end of Jungut Batu. The name of Agung Villa is aptly named, and the view of the Agung Mountain on the land across the sea from here is spectacular.
This villa has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms as well as a large lounge and kitchen. A good sized pool and sun loungers are the highlights, and the deck overlooks the pool. This meant we could lounge by the pool and supervise the children.
Agung Villa is operated by Nomad Holiday Rentals who also operate several other villas. There is a great choice of stunning family villas.
We paid about $200 per night, which included impeccable service from the Nomad team.
Mahagiri Resort
Another option at the northern end of Jungut Batu is theMahagiri ResortThis resort is situated on the beach and gives a truly rustic coastal chic atmosphere. This resort is situated on the beach and gives a real rustic coastal chic atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and the staff is very friendly.
Rates start at about $70 per night, including breakfast, which is honestly a bargain.
Akela Sherry Sedana
Acala Shri SedanaAn absolutely gorgeous boutique resort in the southern part of Le Mans with breathtaking views of nearby Nusa Ceningan.
There are only 13 rooms here, which means you'll be perfectly looked after and free to enjoy the luxury of peace and quiet.
Rooms start at approximately US$110 per night, depending on the season.
Ojana Beach Resort and Beach Club
OhanaFamous for its beach clubs, but now has beautiful accommodations as well.
If you're looking to relax and socialize at the same time, then Ohana's is the perfect beachfront venue for that bohemian beach vibe and extra luxury.
Rooms at Ohana's start at about $200 per night.
Adiwana Nusa Resort
Adiwana d'Nusa A stylish 4-star hotel at the northern end of Jungut Batu, next to Mahagiri.Again, this great location makes it easy to walk to some of the best bars, restaurants and dive stores on the island.
The Adiwana d'Nusa has standard resort rooms, pool rooms and private pool villas. It's also great for kids as it's right on the beach, offers children's meals and babysitting is available on request.
Adiwana d'Nusa Hotel is a popular choice amongst travelers in Adiwana, whether exploring or just passing through.
Where to eat and drink
Bali Eco Deli
We really enjoyed our breakfast at Bali Eco Deli and their philosophy of sustainability.
You enter the courtyard through a classic Bali wooden door with bamboo lining the entrance. It just feels so special.
Ginger and Jamu
For the ancient/keto heads among us, ginger and jamu are a good choice.
We tried a few things here that the kids didn't like, but they were happy with the banana oatmeal pancakes and dragon juice. Mr. Winter ordered a hearty breakfast that was delicious - just order it and everyone will be super happy.
Ginger and Jamu were also on the beach - we sat under a huge fig tree with sand between our toes for breakfast. Paradise!
Rabianca (name)
We were walking around Jungut Batu when we stopped at La Bianca for a morning smoothie. When we arrived, La Bianca caught my attention (it's on the beach where the fast boat arrives) and it looked divine.
While I can't talk about the food because we only ordered drinks, La Bianca is a delightful place to sit and watch the world go by. And the smoothies and milkshakes were delicious, so I would 100% try them. The tapas, seafood and curry looked delicious.
Coconut Hut
Coconut Hut is a delightful cafe and miniature golf course located north of Jungut Batu.
The menu has some great Asian fusion and Mexican-inspired options - like fish tacos and sticky sesame chicken.
We also enjoyed laughing with the staff here. The atmosphere at Coconut Hut was very cool and the staff really made it happen.
Coconut Cottage is just a few doors down from where we stayed at Agung Villa, making it the perfect place to meet up with friends in the afternoon.
Nickelodeon house
God, this place is so cool!
Have you ever had ribs at a restaurant with a poolside bar? Then come try Nick's Place!
It was the most expensive meal we had all vacation, but we didn't hold back (beer and cocktails, ribs, seafood, the whole nine yards).
Nick's Place is another option that offers complimentary pick-up and drop-off - just send them a message via WhatsApp to make dinner reservations in advance.
Lamma Island Attractions
Explore the Mangroves
We really enjoyed spending time exploring the mangroves. Take a boat ride throughMangroveCool water, get away from the heat, enjoy the quiet time, enjoy the experience.
Where the mangrove forest meets the ocean, you will suddenly find crystal clear water that is also spectacular.
The entrance to the mangrove is just above Jungut Batu (about 5-10 minutes).
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The waters around Blue Dream Island are full of wildlife. Most famously, divers come here to dive with the mantas.
The crystal clear waters of Blue Dream Island are a great place to dive, whether you are an experienced or a new learner diver.
There are many options for diving and snorkeling at Le Mans, such as joining theAdvanced Open Water CourseThe Manta Point/Crystal Bay Introductory Diving Course and theSnorkeling Day Trip.
Traveling to Nusa Ceningan
Crossing the Yellow Bridge to reach Nusa Ceningan is a big deal in itself. However, when you get there, take some time to stroll around the quiet little brother of Le Mans. Here you'll find winding side streets, cool restaurants/bars/snack bars, friendly locals and cool beach clubs like Sea Breeze, KLYF Club, The Sand and Le Pirate.
Ceningan is the best place to watch the tides rise and fall. The stunning blue waters at high tide are replaced by kelp farms and rock pools full of marine life at low tide. This is a real highlight for children.
Hanging out at the Beach Club
There is a wide selection of beach clubs on Blue Dream Island.
Sandy Bay and Ohana's are probably the two most famous and considered the most stylish. However, several other lodging options come with beach clubs. Examples include the Blue Monster Island Beach Club and the Rocky Beach Club.
Explore Penida Island
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands, located south of Lembongan and Ceningan. It's rugged and unspoiled, but known for some very pretty cliffs and beaches that you may have seen on Instagram.
You will need to take another boat to get to Penida Island, so if you are only coming the same day we recommend booking a tour. There is a lot to cover.