Pandanus - the walking trees of Nusa Lembongan

I have always been fascinated by those tall, spindly, almost cactus-like trees with spikey leaves that seem to thrive on Pacific-rim beaches. Those of you who have visited south-east Asia or the Pacific Islands will know what I mean. The Pandanus genus contains approximately 600 species and they can grow up to 20 metres in height.

Typical beach-side Pandanus tectorius trees on Nusa Lembongan.

In Nusa Lembongan, the local Pandanus (p. tectorius)species seems to very much enjoy the beach-side sandy soil and is certainly tolerant of salt spray from the ocean. There is something almost primeval about the way this tree clings to the earth and spreads its spikey canopy. The habit of dropping prop roots from existing branches has resulted in the locals calling this the walking tree. It certainly does sometimes look as if the trees are indeed 'walking'.

A spectacular tangle of Pandanus drop roots - the walking trees

Pandanus makes for a spectacular beach-side flora around the island but especially in the south-western quarter. There are excellent examples in the Devil's Tear, Dream Beach and Sunset Beach areas. The owners of recently completed villas here have tried wherever possible to keep the Pandanus trees - they really do make for a superb component of a landscaped garden on a tropical island.

Pandanus as part of a landscaped waterfront garden on Nusa Lembongan

A fruiting Pandanus tree on Nusa Lembongan

As well as their form, Pandanus trees can be appreciated for the beauty of their reddish orange fruit. I do not know of any human uses of the fruit or flowers but they are an attractive component of the tree and seem to be popular with fruit bats and squirrels. Thoughout Asia and the Pacific islands, the leaves of Pandanus species are widely used for weaving traditional mats and other products. The leaf extract from one particular species (now widely cultivated) is also used as an aromatic flavouring in both savoury and sweet cooking.

So when you visit Nusa Lembongan, take a few moments to appreciate those wonderful, primeval trees.

And perhaps Mr Tolkien was right about Ents after all?

The Jewels of Nusa Lembongan, Part I - Beaches

Dream Beach
Many Lembonganites rate this as their favourite beach and bay on the whole island. Dream beach is a gorgeous spot with an often deserted powdery white sand beach. Be careful with swimming here though as the waves are big and the current can be very strong. Never enter the water close to the rocks at the southern end of the bay. There is a good cafe and bar at the northern end of the bay which is part of Dream Beach Bungalows, the only place to stay in this area and it is right on the beach. A visit to Dream Beach, perhaps to spend a lazy day, is highly recommended.

Mushroom Bay
Quaint Mushroom Bay is home to the established Nusa Lembongan Resort and the Bali Hai Tide Huts. This is a great swimming bay with calm waters and little alfresco cafes along the beach to while away lazy afternoons. Mushroom Bay is also the centre for most watersports activities on the island. Visitors wishing to get away from the busier Jungut Batu and discover the rugged untamed coastline of the west coast will generally arrange to come into Mushroom Bay by boat directly from Sanur in Bali. Day trips from Sanur are feasible.

Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach lies almost equi-distant between Dream Beach and Mushroom Bay. The white sand beach here makes for a quite stunning setting with spectacular, crashing waves. It is not a beach for swimming though and please do not try. A simple beachfront cafe has recently opened at Sunset Beach and is a perfect starting spot for exploring on foot the spectacular western coastline. To the south is Devil's Tear and Dream Beach and to north the rugged cliffscape of Cap De Blanc. This area has recently become the "in place" for lovers of Nusa Lembongan to build sophisticated holiday homes and when you visit there it is easy to see why. As you might imagine from the name, the Sunset Beach area is a great spot for viewing the spectacular Nusa Lembongan sunsets.

Photos: kindly provided by BPC, copyright@Bali Property Consultancy