Nusa Lembongan, a serene island nestled in the southeast of Bali, is widely celebrated for its tranquil beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Sanur, the island attracts travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling mainland.
But beyond its natural allure, Nusa Lembongan holds a powerful legend that speaks to its mythical beginnings—an ancient tale passed down through generations.
At the heart of this legend lies the story of Dukuh Jumpungan, a revered figure believed to be an earthly manifestation of Lord Shiva. Alongside his divine consort, Dewi Uma, they descended to the human realm and settled atop Puncak Mundi, a sacred site in what is now Nusa Penida.
As they walked among mortals, Dukuh Jumpungan earned his name as a spiritual leader, while Dewi Uma became known as Ni Puri. From this union, the island of Nusa Penida—meaning “Island of the Priest”—was born.
Dukuh Jumpungan was more than a spiritual guide. He was also a master of the sea and architecture, capable of crafting powerful ships with divine precision. One of his creations—a magnificent vessel—was used for sea voyages with his wife, sailing through sacred waters including Tukad Bodong. This ship would one day become central to an event that reshaped the surrounding islands.
His legacy was passed on to his grandson, I Renggan, the son of Aji Dalem Sawang. I Renggan inherited not only his grandfather’s mystical abilities but also his adventurous spirit.
Renowned for his spiritual dedication, I Renggan was also a skilled blacksmith and navigator. Wielding sacred weapons like spears and krises, he took command of his grandfather’s legendary ship and set forth on a journey that would alter the landscape of Bali’s southeastern isles.
In an act of bold defiance and power, I Renggan once steered his ship into Nusa Penida with the intent to split the island in two. After seeking his grandfather’s blessings through deep meditation, he charged forward.
The result? A dramatic division of the island, forming what are now known as Nusa Gede and Nusa Cenik. This celestial collision also gave rise to the turbulent sea channel Loloan Nusa Penida.
Emboldened by his success, I Renggan sailed toward Padangbai with ambitions to cleave the island of Bali itself, all the way to Mount Agung. Before launching his assault, he unleashed chaos by summoning swarms of insects that ravaged crops, instilling terror across the land.
In response, the guardian deity Ida Hyang Toh Langkir, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, descended from the heavens. Using divine fire, he eradicated the plague, leaving behind a mound of ashes known today as Bukit Pawon.
Still undeterred, I Renggan stirred the earth with violent tremors. But the power of Vishnu triumphed once more. The deity cursed I Renggan’s ship, causing it to crash and sink near Nusa Cenik.
The vessel’s stern disappeared beneath the waves, while its sail, carried by the wind, landed forcefully across the island, splitting it in two. Thus, Nusa Lembongan emerged to the north, and Nusa Ceningan to the south.
Following the destruction of his ship, I Renggan retreated into a life of solitude. He chose a sacred spot in Bakung, Nusa Ceningan, to meditate and eventually attain moksha—a state of spiritual liberation. The site of his final retreat is now revered as Pura Bakung, where he is honored under the title Ratu Gede Ngerurah.
Today, the spiritual roots of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida continue to live on, interwoven with the islands’ modern-day identity as paradise getaways. While tourists come for the beauty, those who listen closely may hear whispers of a shipwrecked sage, divine battles, and a mystical legacy carved into the very land beneath their feet.
To experience this enchanting region, travelers can take a quick and scenic fast boat ride from Sanur—a journey not just across the sea, but into the heart of Bali’s mythological past. (BT)
