Nusa Lembongan – Tarci Bungalows & Agus Shipwreck Bar

Arriving at Tarci Bungalows on Nusa Lembongan I’m warmly welcomed by the staff & Mrs. Agus with my old finger shake. I’m embarrassed on two counts. First I don’t immediately remember them yet they remember me. Second, I had quit & forgotten about my finger shake habit, and in fact been advised to quit it by several leaders whom I admired. So here was a piece of my less mature past still alive here. On this remote island came real evidence that who I am is a result of enrolling others so that they have that listening of me.

My Bungalow is #1 with great view of ocean, beach, & restaurant from the 2nd story balcony. In the day the dark rectangles indicate the seaweed staked out in the lagoon. The shallow reef edge separated the seaweed farms from the crashing surf. At twilight & into the night farmers & wading fishermen create a peaceful romantic setting as their lanterns drift about on the calm lagoon.

The attached Agus Restaurant and Bar is main hangout for the local characters associated with this family beachside establishment.

“But why?” jokes Ming, Kiwi middle-aged surfer that settles here for much of the year. He also sky fishes with a kite and fishing rod.

“We were playing for small Bintang”, states Mark, losing another chest game against a Lembongan islander. He is an Aussie middle-aged surfer Johnny Weissmueler look a like.

“Hey, good morning-g”, Mrs. Agus cheerfully greets me.

“Fruit salad only, papaya & banana with no pineapple”, says Komang Ace headwaiter & excellent customer service staff guy. The staff all know my breakfast routine. My dinner is usually grilled tuna, salad, sautéed vegetables followed by more fruit salad.

The staff all have other side jobs or family responsibilities. One waiter, Wayan Samba, also was a boat captain on one of my snorkel trips, and helps his parents with their seaweed farming. Made Grobag hangs about always ready to joke with guests or locals.

This place is like home for me. Owners, staff, & regulars treat me like family. Snorkeling & diving around the island is excellent. Can affordably rent bicycle, motorbike, or kayak. And world-class manta ray & Mola-Mola encounters are readily available. Great views, great food, great company in relaxed beach environment. My total for 11 days of bungalow, breakfasts, & dinners is 1.9 million Rp, which is about $220. But then I got the family discount…