Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan & Penida
admin January 11th, 2010
In between the islands of Bali and Lombok just 45 minutes by boat, lies 3 smaller islands called Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida.Now renowned as a world famous destination for experienced divers as the strong currents bring the rare sunfish (Mola Mola) in the months between August and December, and then until February Manta rays also.
Also extremely popular with experienced surfers with 3 world class surf breaks, Shipwrecks, Lacerations and Playgrounds, all easily accessible from the bay at Jungutbatu.
The villagers still live very traditionally, the vast majority being Hindu, their lives are centred around their religion and sea weed farming. Offerings are made to appease the spirits and bring good health and prosperity to the family. Every day small offerings are placed on shrines, temples and outside doorways and shops. If you are lucky enough to be at the island when there is a festival or ceremony the beautifully dressed villagers will be seen making their way to the temples. Women carry colourful displays of food, fruit and flowers on their heads. The men still take part in cock fighting as a blood sacrifice on Nusa Lembongan.
These islands were used as a jail during the Balinese Kingdom before. Black magic was practised by the islanders for many years and the island is still known for its mystical practices. Ancient navigation charts of the islands were marked with a skull and crossbones as a warning to mariners not to land.
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