In Reply to: Thanks gibbo posted by didiaust on Sunday, 19. February 2006 at 10:04 Bali Time:
Nicest beaches are away from Jungutbatu. Cheapest Accommodation is on the beachfront at JungutBatu where places will cost heaps LESS than $30.00! heading left [south west] from the main beach of JungutBatu the first point you can see has a couple of nicer places to stay...
1. www.playgroundslembongan.com [this palce is new and we havent tried it yet]
2. Coconuts - fantastic rooms built down a steep hell...panoramic views for the open fronted rooms and 2 small pools. Only drawbacks here are walking to your room if you are too far up the hill....lots of steep steps, and the daily arrival of the dreaded 'DAY TRIPPERS' We have stayed here about 3 times though and it is very very nice. There is a little private cove/beach to snorkel from 100 metres from coconuts.AND the surf break of Playgrounds is right in front of the pool. I spent most of my time neck deep peering at the waves till they looked good enough to surf...then hit the waves..life can be so hard!!!!
Advantages to staying here is that you can walk to Jungutbatu for dinner [lots of cheap and nasty warung type places]
3. Next Main area is around a couple of little bays. Villa Wayan has several differnet accommodation styles from the Manor house to funky litle rooms high up the hill. The beach here is a lot quieter and cleaner.
4. Next beach/bay around will find mostly upmarket places such as Hai Tide Huts, Lembongan Resort, Waka Nusa. Lembongan Resort is fantastic, but a bit more expensive than your budget, but they sometimes have specials! Havent tried Waka but also a bit expensive. We have stayed at Hai Tide Huts and they also are great. Right on the beach.
They have a pool and the swinning and snorkelling here is quite good. Bonus is that if you stay here is you can use the water sports activities of the Bali Hai Cruises every day. Head out to the pontoon and snorkelling is great.
Wherever you go, Lembongan is awesome. We stayed for a week a couple of times and just about turned into Zombies..totally relaxing.
As for getting around, I would reccomend engaging Captain Aqua [or similar], The easiest way from one place to another is by water taxi! negotiate a price to take you to all places [I wouldnt hold out for a bargain though...the boaties are really hard to barter with if you look like you can afford to stay at the nicer resorts...if you look like a poor surfer you will fare MUCH better!
We will be there in late April early May...probably at Hai Tide Huts
Hope this helps, Cheers