Is Lembongan safe?

Lembongan is a small, friendly island, and most visitors have nothing worse than sunburn. The things that do hurt people here are mostly natural: waves, currents, cliffs, and roads that are harder than they look. None of this should put you off. It just pays to know where the risks are.

The cliffs: Devil's Tears and the Blue Lagoon

At Devil's Tears, swell rushes into the rocks and bursts upwards in huge clouds of spray. It's spectacular, and it's where people have been swept off the rocks and drowned. Waves vary: one in a set can be far bigger than the rest. Stay well back from the edge and behind any ropes, never turn your back to the sea for a photo, and be extra careful at high tide and in big swell.

The Blue Lagoon on Ceningan has no barriers at all. Cliff jumping there is only for calm days, never alone, and never at low tide.

Swimming, rips and currents

The water between the three islands moves fast. Strong currents run through the channels, and some beaches have rips, Dream Beach especially. Swim where others are swimming, stay within your depth, and ask locally about conditions. If a current pulls you out, don't fight it: swim parallel to the shore, then back in. Beaches ranked for swimming.

For snorkelling and diving, the currents are the reason the marine life is so rich, and the reason to go with an experienced local operator rather than swimming out alone. Listen to the briefing, stay with the boat's group, and carry a float if one is offered. Diving.

Scooters and roads

Scooter accidents are the most common way visitors get hurt. Roads are narrow, some are steep, and corners collect sand and gravel. Wear a helmet every time, ride slowly, don't ride after drinking, and avoid unlit roads at night if you can. Check that your travel insurance covers you on a motorbike, which usually means holding the right licence. If you've never ridden, this isn't the place to learn. Getting around.

Wet landings

Most boats land on the beach, and you step off into water that can be knee-deep with small waves. Wait for the crew's signal, hold the rail, and keep your hands free: let the crew pass your bags. Keep valuables in a dry bag. Choosing a fast boat.

Sun, heat and water

The sun near the equator is strong, even when it's cloudy. Drink plenty of water, cover up in the middle of the day, and wear a rash vest for long snorkels. Drink bottled or refilled filtered water, not tap water.

Animals

Bali has rabies, and the islands have many dogs and some monkeys. Don't touch or feed animals, and if you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound well and see a doctor the same day.

If something goes wrong

Lembongan has small medical clinics, including at least one open 24 hours, which can treat minor injuries and stabilise patients. There is no large hospital on the islands: serious cases are taken by boat to hospitals on Bali, and sea ambulance services operate in the area. Note your clinic's number and your insurer's emergency line when you arrive. The general emergency number in Indonesia is 112, but on a small island the fastest help often comes from your accommodation.

Theft and scams

Serious crime is uncommon. Petty theft happens, as anywhere: don't leave phones and bags unattended on the beach or in a scooter basket. The commonest "scam" is paying the Bali levy on a fake website. Pay the official way.