A mini adventure

After a morning of practice exams and applying for a job on Bali – ooh er missus – it was time to hit the road, we’ve been on Nusa Lembongan for the best part of five months and I’ve shamefully not yet made it across the yellow bridge to Lembongan’s little sister Ceningan, until today that is.

Ceningan (pronounced Cheningan) is a tiny quiet retreat of an island which sits between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. There are no trucks or cars on the island as the only road access is a single lane wooden bridge from Nusa Lembongan. Not being a huge fan of travelling at speed without the protection of metal walls around me I grew some balls and helmet securely fastened got on the back of Sarah’s bike while JHubz scooted along happily on his own.

The journey around the mangrove road is lovely and lush punctuated by the not so lovely rubbish dump and the quite lovely mangroves – something else I now need to explore before our time here comes to an end.

After far longer than I had imagined it would take we arrived at the little yellow bridge where I dismounted on shaky legs to walk across enjoying the view. Ahahahahaha yeah so about twenty five mopeds chose that moment to roar across seeming to delight in speeding up as they saw me try and flatten myself against the railing to let them safely past. Across the other side it was back on the moped and up and down and along the narrow roads until we reached secret point and it’s stunning views. Someone might want to tell the builder of the new development less than five metres from the drop off that it’s probably not the best place to build a resort, unless you like the idea of your resort sliding down into the inviting sea below of course.

Lunch was at a lovely warung overlooking the turquoise channel to Lembongan where we played mah jong and ate a mini feast of spring rolls and spaghetti before heading back across the rickety bridge to the beautiful Villa Nusa where I learnt I’ve been doing breast stroke wrong all my life, who knew.

Swimming lesson over it was soon time to watch our dinner being cooked at a road side stall. Delicious omelette filled crispy pancake and the yummiest crumpet like cake covered in chocolate, peanuts and condensed milk. JHubz wasn’t so impressed but I think it may be one of the tastiest things that I’ve eaten all trip long and am looking forward to stuffing my face with it again tomorrow night.

Today was Nyepi Laut,  a unique cultural event marked by no water based activities being allowed around the three islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. No boats come or go from Bali, no fishing, diving,  snorkeling or swimming is allowed in the sea, all in honour of Dewa Baruna, the ruler of the oceans.

Just as I was finishing this post I heard the heartbreaking news that the bridge to Ceningan collapsed killing an unknown number of Indonesians coming back from temple. My thoughts and prayers go to all those affected and I’ll keep you posted on any practical ways anyone can help. 

Update: a go fund me has been set up for the families of the victims should you wish to Contribute.