Spending Christmas in Bali or on Nusa Lembongan is a unique experience because it looks nothing like you are used to seeing back home! There’s no chance of a white Christmas, Santa will struggle to find chimneys, and Bali is not renowned for its turkeys!
However, if you don’t mind change and enjoy new experiences, these differences can be huge positives. There is no Christmas shutdown because Christmas is not celebrated by the majority of the Balinese, so you are free to do anything you want.
In this blog, we’ll look at the options that are available for those who want to embrace the festive spirit, and for those who would prefer to leave Christmas at home and enjoy the island and all it has to offer instead.
High Season or Low Season?
Bali’s high and low season (or peak and slow seasons) are mostly based on climate, which nicely coincides with the school summer holidays in Europe and the US. Bali’s peak (high) season runs from July through to October. These are the driest months in Bali, when there is little chance of rain and the days are warm, bright and sunny. For divers, this is also the season for seeing Bali’s famous oceanic sunfish – or mola mola.
If it weren’t for Christmas, December and January would be in Bali’s low season, however, with an increasing number of people from around the world wishing to travel over this period, Bali experiences a ‘mini peak’ from mid-December to mid-January. This means that for those planning to travel at this time, booking early is advised. Hotels do fill up and if you are hoping to attend a Christmas buffet, lunch or dinner, reserve your table in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Christmas and New Year are not holidays in the Balinese calendar, so you can expect all shops, activity providers, taxi drivers, and other local businesses and amenities to be open and running as usual. And, of course, we are diving on Christmas Day – we’ve even had Christmas Day mola mola before!
Please Note: January 1st is one day (of only two days) of the year that we close for diving. Although January 1st is not the Hindu New Year (the Hindu New Year is called Nyepi and takes place in accordance with the Balinese Calendar), the Balinese do still enjoy an evening of fun and counting down to the numbers changing for a new year in the Gregorian Calendar (the internationally accepted calendar).
While we are closed on New Year’s Day, most other businesses are open as usual, so be prepared to substitute your day of diving for a day of relaxing at the beach, indulging in a spa, or digging in to a New Year’s Day brunch or lunch!
Climate & Weather: Christmas in Nusa Lembongan
December and January are not part of Bali’s dry season – in fact, quite the opposite. Bali’s wet, or rainy, season runs from around mid-late November to March. During these months you will find there are more frequent tropical downpours. Rain in Bali is mostly short lived, but heavy. Usually, we experience around an hour of heavy downpour, in the morning or overnight, before the sky clears and it’s sunshine and business as usual. However, from time to time, rain can set in for longer periods.
We are extremely fortunate that on Nusa Lembongan we experience a ‘micro climate’. Lembongan island is extremely low-lying and during the rainy season, clouds tend to accumulate, and open, over higher ground. Areas surrounding Mount Agung, including Ubud, Tulamben, and Kintamani on the mainland, and also Nusa Penida, experience far more rain than we do on Lembongan. In fact, it’s possible to sit on our sunny beach and look over the ocean to Sanur where you can see the rain pouring down!
Temperatures in Bali and on Nusa Lembongan remain high, so you can leave your winter woollies, coats and sweaters back home. Pack light and enjoy the Balinese sun while relaxing on the beach or poolside with your favourite tropical tipple!
Christmas in Nusa Lembongan: Religion
While Christmas might be a huge deal back home, it’s worth noting that Christmas in Nusa Lembongan, and on the mainland, isn’t traditionally celebrated by the Balinese people. Bali is predominantly Hindu, and their major festivals are centered around the Balinese Hindu calendar and customs.
Christmas Festivities in Bali
However, this doesn’t mean you won’t find any festive cheer! Thanks to the island’s thriving expat community and the influx of holiday tourists, many restaurants, resorts, and shops get into the Christmas spirit. So you’ll still see a few twinkling lights, decorated trees, and even the occasional Santa. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience a different culture and observe their religious practices whilst enjoying your own festive holiday.
If you are traveling with little ones, they don’t need to miss out on Christmas either. Many of the activities for children also include festive elements, decorations, and games.
Festive Food and Drink - or not!
If missing a traditional Christmas lunch or dinner fills you with concern, concern no more! Hotels and restaurants around the island put on amazing feasts and spreads from special a la carte menus to sumptuous buffets. If you are traveling to avoid Christmas then rest assured that Bali’s many restaurants, warungs, and eateries don’t all opt for Christmas menus and you’ll still find your favourite spicy Nasi Goreng, sate sticks, fresh grilled fish, and excellent Balinese and Indonesian classics around the island.
Looking for vegetarian or vegan options? Then Bali is the island for you! Restaurants, hotels, and eateries in Bali and on Nusa Lembongan have been quick to grasp and create incredible vegetarian and vegan options, along with gluten free, keto and dishes for a range of dietary requirements and preferences.
Healthful food, fresh juices, salads, vibrant wraps, veggie burgers, plant based - whatever you are looking for is not the challenge it once was in Indonesia. Bali has been so forward-thinking in this respect that it was even recently voted the best destination for vegans and vegetarians in South East Asia online!
New Year Celebrations in Nusa Lembongan, Bali
As mentioned above, although New Year is not officially the ‘true’ New Year for the majority of Balinese people, it is still an ‘event’ of sorts. Traditions usually include firework displays and seeing the new year in at midnight – although many of the Balinese are working over this period so not all will stay up late.
Due to the season peak over New Year, there are countless New Year events for visitors to the island including New Year’s Eve dinners and traditional dancing displays, and, for those with the energy, many of the beach clubs and night clubs host world famous DJ’s, performers, bands, and singers. December 31st is definitely one night of the year where you can party until dawn – and beyond – on Bali!
On Nusa Lembongan, New Year’s Eve is a smaller affair but similarly as vibrant with restaurants around the island hosting New Year dinners, dancing, events, and firework displays. If you prefer a quieter New Year’s Eve, head to the beach and enjoy the many fireworks from around Nusa Lembongan and, if it’s a clear sky, you’ll be able to see the displays on Bali from over the ocean too!
Things to do at Christmas in Bali
There are innumerable things to do in Bali and on Nusa Lembongan, however, if you are struggling for ideas to fill your days with, here are a few suggestions to get you started!
Get Wet
Bali’s coral reefs offer some of the best diving experiences in Indonesia and from Nusa Lembongan, we dive some of Bali’s most vibrant and healthy coral reefs. During December and January, the resident manta rays are always a highlight, water temperatures are at their warmest, and our dive sites are teeming with fish. If you are not a diver, why not join us for a try dive or snorkeling?
For surfers, Nusa Lembongan needs no introduction. Some of Bali’s most sought after reef breaks are just a paddle away!
Restaurants and Dining
Bali is a haven for foodies! You’ll find everything from Michelin starred chefs and highly regarded a la carte menus through to friendly warungs selling incredible street food and Balinese basics. Don’t get stuck in your ‘favorite place’, branch out and try some new establishments too!
Spas
Bali’s world class spas offer everything from standard full or half body massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, and reflexology to more ‘unusual’ offerings. Try a fish foot spa and watch the cleaner fish make short work of needy feet!
Take a Class
It’s possible to take classes in almost anything in Bali now – and on Lembongan. Some of the most popular options include, Balinese cooking classes, ceramic classes (clay, pottery making), art classes, traditional dance lessons, jewelry making, wood carving, batik, and even Balinese offering (Canang Sari) making.
Yoga and Meditation
There is no shortage of yoga studios on the island or on the mainland. From vinyasa and hatha to the more strenuous ashtanga, you’ll easily find what you are looking for. Some of the more unusual options include stand up paddleboard yoga, antigravity and aerial yoga, or for a new experience try “Hamock Soundscape” at Island Yoga Lembongan. When taking classes ask about packages – there is often a discount if you sign up for 10 classes instead of paying for each class as-you-go.
Get Active
For those who want to stay, or get, active in Bali, there are fantastic opportunities to join trekking or cycling tours – or for those with a sense of adventure, simply rent a bicycle or scooter, try exploring our beautiful island and soak up the many viewing points!
Unwind at a Beach Club
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, Nusa Lembongan and mainland Bali boast some great beach clubs where you can hang out poolside, enjoy waiter brought drinks and snacks before diving into a sumptuous lunch, brunch or dinner! For those staying on Nusa Lembongan, we recommend trying the Beach Club at Sandy Bay. Sandy Bay also has a pickup and drop off service, so you don’t need to worry about wobbling home after an evening of indulging!
Join us for Christmas in Nusa Lembongan!
Are you ready to celebrate Christmas with some tropical festivities, incredible scuba diving, stunning views and island vibes?
Book in advance - our boats fill up fast! For more information or to make reservation, send us an email to info@world-diving.com or complete our online contact form on the link below.
We look forward to scuba diving and celebrating in Lembongan with you soon!
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