Also known as The Jewel Of The Nusa Islands, Nusa Lembongan is a beautiful island. It’s become a favourite place to visit in Bali as it’s known for its stunning scenery and laid-back atmosphere.

The island is part of the Nusa Islands, which include Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, and is located southeast of mainland Bali.

Nusa Lembongan offers a unique experience, with its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or longer stay.

Summary Of Content

Nusa Lembongan offers a laid-back island escape with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and great snorkelling/diving.

It is much quieter than Bali’s main tourist hubs, with scenic coastal cliffs, epic sunsets, and easy access to nearby Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.

Nusa Lembongan is the perfect location for relaxing, exploring, and enjoying nature, without the crowds, just a few hours from the mainland.

How To Get To Nusa Lembongan

Getting to Nusa Lembongan from Bali is quick and easy. The only way to get there is via boat. Most boats go from Sanur to Jungutbatu, and it only takes 30 minutes to make the short crossing.

You can book your boat ticket in advance online, or you can book a return fast boat ticket package, which includes hotel pick up in Bali and drop off in Nusa Lembongan, so you can avoid the stress of catching a taxi to get to the port.

How To Get Around In Nusa Lembongan

The roads in Nusa Lembongan are not as busy as they are in mainland Bali, which makes driving around much easier and more enjoyable.

The best way to explore is to hire a scooter or motorbike, which costs about $8-$10AUD per day, or a buggy for bigger groups. If you are not confident driving a scooter or motorbike, renting a bicycle is also a good option.

Nusa Lembongan isn’t served by Grab or Gojek, but you can still get a taxi to explore the island. Enquire at your hotel or accommodation. Joining a tour is also a great way to explore the island’s highlights and make some new travel buddies.

If you prefer to walk, then stay in Jungutbatu so you’ll be able to walk to most of the popular tourist attractions. In fact, the best beach, cafes and restaurants, shops and most hotels are located within easy walking distance in this area.

Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan

Whereas much can be seen during a 1 to 2-night stay, to really experience the magic of Nusa Lembongan, a longer trip of 4-7 days is ideal for tourists who want to enjoy a more leisurely pace and a more thorough exploration of the island’s hidden gems.

If you want to spend a few days in Nusa Lembongan, there are numerous accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

Best Hotels/Accommodation

• Luxury: The Tamarind Resort – 5 5-star resort on Nusa Lembongan with incredible ocean views and a great location. 
• Boutique: Aqua Nusa Villas – Luxury private pool villas with breathtaking sea views.
• Midrange: Mahagiri Resort Nusa Lembongan – 4 4-star resort right on the beachfront in northern Jungut Batu beach.
• Budget: Mushroom Beach Bungalows – Simple, affordable traditional Balinese style bungalows and a stunning seaview from the infinity pool. Tamarind Beach Bungalows are a good alternative too.
• Backpacker: Nyuh Gading Hostel and Homestay – Laid-back, comfortable and charming retreat with dorms and private rooms in a great location just steps from the beach and everything you need.

Tips When Booking:

Consider Location: Book accommodation based on your activities, e.g. surfing, relaxing on the beach, scuba diving.

Always check the most recent reviews before you book, and book early as Nusa Lembongan gets busy, especially during peak season.

Best Restaurants In Nusa Lembongan

Surprisingly, despite spanning only 8 square km in size, Nusa Lembongan offers an impressive variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets. From local warungs to international restaurants, no taste buds will be left unsatisfied.

A favourite café for breakfast is B’ Fresh on the south side of Jungut Batu. Their wholewheat waffles served with fruit are a popular menu item, and they also do a great bacon and egg roll.

Ginger & Jamu is another firm favourite, offering healthy meals made with fresh local ingredients – delicious food, reasonably priced and great value for money.

For lunch, it will be hard to beat one of Eco Deli‘s fresh salads or their delicious banana bread.

If you’d rather take advantage of the stunning view from the Jungut Batu Boardwalk, The Deck is a hugely popular open-air spot from which to enjoy a meal while appreciating the dramatic sunsets and watching the boats coming and going.

If you are undecided, a stroll along the beach will uncover numerous amazing restaurants, each with its own unique vibe and menu options. The rapidly evolving food scene on the island is a delight for any foodie looking for something special.

Best Beach Clubs In Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan’s beach clubs provide a blend of entertainment, relaxation and beautiful surroundings, a perfect way of enjoying the island’s laid-back lifestyle. Some of these include:

• Sandy Bay Beach Club – boasts a beachfront pool, extensive drinks list and huge menu selection as well as a kids’ play area. The bay and beach club are located close to the island’s famous Devil’s Tears, with its jagged cliffs and crashing waves. Whilst slightly more expensive than elsewhere on the island, the food and drinks are high quality, and the view is amazing.
• Ohana’s Beach Club – situated on Lembongan’s main beach, Jungutbatu, Ohana’s is a tropical-themed beach club with direct beach access. Visitors can spend an entire day lounging in the sun here as this popular beach club has a fantastic food and drinks menu, a pizza oven and a gelato stall.
• Nusa Lembongan Beach Club – offers luxury beachfront accommodation, ocean views and world-class amenities.
• D’byas Dream Beach Club has its own private shore with pristine white sand, awesome service and reasonably priced accommodation options.
• Lembongan Beach Club and Resort – a tropical retreat overlooking the white sand of Jungut Batu Beach.
• Jungut Batu Beach Club – close to bars and restaurants, chilled, quiet and ideal for a family trip to Nusa Lembongan.

Things To Do On A Day Trip To Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan spans only 8 square km, so it can easily be explored on a day trip. Popular day trip attractions include:

Mushroom Beach

Named after the mushroom-shaped corals once present in its waters, Mushroom Beach is a small bay on the west coast of Nusa Lembongan.

It is also a harbour that serves as an arrival point for fast boats from mainland Bali. Known for its calm waters and vibrant marine life, Mushroom Beach offers activities such as paddleboarding, snorkelling and boat trips to nearby attractions and diving spots (there are plenty of dive schools here).

Hidden Beach

You can also make your way to the secret beach or Hidden Beach, accessible from Mushroom Bay by road, followed by a short walk to the beach.

While not as well-visited as some of the other beaches, Hidden Beach is ideal for some time out from the crowds. It is also one of the most popular snorkelling spots on Nusa Lembongan.

Jungut Batu Beach

Jungut Batu Beach is the main beach on Nusa Lembongan and the perfect place to start your day trip. With its crystal-clear waters and white sand, it’s the ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

There are numerous restaurants, cafés and beach clubs along the beach where you can grab some breakfast, lunch or dinner.

A stroll on Jungut Batu Boardwalk is an absolute must: the view from there with Bali’s Mt. Agung in the background is just stunning. Venture to the end of the boardwalk and discover Coconut Beach, a little gem most people miss.

You can easily spend your whole day trip to Nusa Lembongan in Jungut Batu Village, shopping in one of the many boutiques on the main street, or relaxing on the beach. If you want some action, you can try stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling or surfing.

Blue Lagoon

It’s no more than a 15-minute drive from the main tourist hub on Nusa Lembongan to reach Ceningan Blue Lagoon.

Visitors are free to roam around the outside edges of the cliffs, which is the perfect opportunity to get some photos of Nusa Ceningan Blue Lagoon.

The water inside the lagoon is a milky blue Gatorade colour that looks good enough to drink and will make your photos pop without any editing!

If you’re facing towards the ocean, there is a dirt track to the right-hand side which leads through some bushes and down onto a viewpoint on the lower section of the cliffs.

Dream Beach And Devil’s Tears

If you do decide to rent a scooter or buggy, you absolutely must make your way to Dream Beach, also known as the most beautiful beach in Nusa Lembongan.

With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, it’s no wonder that it is such a popular spot. Just be careful when you go swimming, as the waves and currents are very strong here. It’s a nice place for a surf lesson, though.

Cliff jumping from Dream Beach cliffs is one of the most popular activities for thrill-seekers visiting Nusa Lembongan.

However, it is not for the faint of heart, and safety is a major concern, with some adventurers citing dangerous conditions and the occasional closure of jump points due to low water depth. It is always advisable to check with the locals if you are unsure of the conditions.

Devil’s Tears is a coastal formation named after the powerful waves that crash against the jagged rocks, creating a spectacular display of water sprays and mist. The waves are so strong that they create a thunderous sound that echoes throughout the area.

This spectacle is definitely a must-see! Visitors can watch the waves from a safe distance on the rocky shore or from the nearby viewing platform. The view is particularly breathtaking during sunset – the vibrant hues of orange and pink are spectacular.

Mangrove Forest

The Mangrove Forest, home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and crabs, is a must-visit attraction on Nusa Lembongan’s north coast.

You can take a guided tour through the mangrove forest with a local who will explain everything there is to know about the mangroves. This is a great way to support the local economy.

There are many warungs along the beach before you reach the Mangrove Forest, and you can spend your day at the warungs as long as you buy something to eat and drink.

You can also rent snorkelling gear, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.

Yellow Bridge

Finish your day trip with a stop at the Yellow Bridge, a unique and iconic landmark that connects Nusa Lembongan to its neighbouring island, Nusa Ceningan.

The bridge is painted bright yellow, making it a striking feature against the clear blue waters of the channel.

The bridge is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and admire the stunning view of the surrounding islands.

The Yellow Bridge is also an important transportation route for locals, who use it to commute between the two islands.

Other nearby highlights in the Nusa Islands include:

• Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Beach) – a boat ride to explore Nusa Penida will ensure you see the world-famous Kelingking Beach, which looks like a Tyrannosaurus when viewed from above
• Broken Beach – this is such a nice place with a unique rock formation that divides the beach from the world
• Crystal Bay – so named for its crystal clear waters Crystal Bay is not far from Manta Bay and is also home to the famous fish
• Diamond Beach – a fabulous beach with tide pools and amazing views over the ocean

What To Bring On A Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan

Sunscreen: Bring a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Swimwear and towels: Absolutely essential as the beaches are beautiful and the waters are crystal-clear, so you will definitely want to enjoy a dip in the ocean or relax on the beach.

Water bottle: You will spend a fair amount of time in the sun, so staying hydrated is very important. Bring a reusable water bottle – many cafes on the island offer free refills.

Camera: The Nusa islands boast some of the most Instagrammable spots in the world, so make sure that you have a camera handy to capture memorable moments on your trip.

Cash: Most of the places on the island do not accept credit cards, so always have cash handy to pay for food, souvenirs and some activities.

There are a few ATMs on the island, but they often run out of cash, so keep that in mind so that you can get the most out of your day trip.

Exploring Nusa Ceningan And Nusa Penida

A visit to Nusa Lembongan will not be complete without also exploring Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, as they make up the other two of the Nusa islands.

Simply cross the Yellow Bridge that links Nusa Ceningan to Nusa Lembongan and enjoy the cliff jumping into the crystal-clear waters, scenic views and exploring the local seaweed farms, a vital and unique aspect of the island’s culture.

Once you’ve explored Nusa Ceningan, catch a boat to Nusa Penida, famous for its natural beauty, featuring iconic cliffs, unique rock formations, breathtaking views and vibrant marine life.

Nusa Penida offers some of Bali’s most Instagrammable spots, including Kelingking Beach, which boasts a stunning coastline that resembles a T. rex.

Some Travel Tips To Consider When Travelling Between Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan or Nusa Penida By Boat

• Always check weather and water conditions, as these will definitely affect the timing of departure and delays. Rough seas are quite common, too, and this can lead to the cancellation of trips by boat.
• Sea sickness is experienced by many on this journey, so it is advisable to take motion sickness tablets before the trip. Focusing on the horizon whilst on the sea is also a valuable tip to avoid motion sickness.
• There have been cases where boats have experienced engine issues, and whilst this is rare, it does happen from time to time.
• Some fast boat fares include pick up from your hotel, so be sure to check with your hotel when you make the booking.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Nusa Lembongan?

Since most activities on Nusa Lembongan are outdoors, and the island is only accessible by boat, it is probably best to visit during the dry season, which runs from April to September.

During the dry season, the crossing to the island will be smoother, and the calm waters will be ideal for activities like snorkelling, surfing, and scuba diving. Furthermore, visibility during the dry season is more often crystal-clear, and visitors are more likely to spot majestic manta rays and other sea creatures.

The only downside is that there may be larger crowds and prices for accommodation and tours may be slightly higher.

For travellers who want to avoid the crowds whilst still enjoying good weather, October and November are an excellent alternative. During this time, conditions are still quite calm and the days are sunny, with only occasional light showers. Budget-conscious explorers may also find better deals on accommodation and tours.

Should A Visit To Nusa Lembongan Be Avoided In The Wet Season?

No, absolutely not. While the wet season brings higher humidity and more rain, the tropical showers are often brief and visits to some of the island’s attractions can be enjoyed in any weather.

If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience, a trip to Nusa Lembongan during the rainy season still has much to offer, and the island’s lush landscape makes it a popular retreat for nature lovers.

FAQ

Is Nusa Lembongan Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Nusa Lembongan is worth visiting! There are so many amazing viewpoints, eateries, and water sports to try. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Bali. Visit Nusa Lembongan on your next trip to Bali – you will definitely miss out if you don’t!

Is Nusa Lembongan A Party Island?

No, Nusa Lembongan is not a party island. While there are a few beach clubs on Nusa Lembongan, and there are some parties held from time to time, the clubs are low-key and do not include wild parties and huge music events. The vibe is cool and mellow, and while suitable for everyone, it is perfect for families with kids and older couples.

How Do You Get From Bali To Nusa Lembongan?

The only way to get to Nusa Lembongan is by boat, but it only takes approximately 30 minutes. There are up to 40 boats daily back and forth from 7 am to 5 pm.

How Many Days Do You Need In Nusa Lembongan?

You need 3 – 4 days in Nusa Lembongan. While only 8 square kilometres in size, Nusa Lembongan is perfect for a 3 – 4 day getaway from the busyness of mainland Bali. There is so much to fully explore and enjoy that a day trip may just leave you wanting more.

Final Thoughts On Nusa Lembongan

A visit to Nusa Lembongan is an absolute must! It is a slice of paradise with the softest white sand, the most amazing transparent azure blue water and comfortable, affordable oceanfront accommodation.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Bali and experience some of the most breathtaking sunset spots in the world.

The island also offers world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities, as well as access to its sister islands, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, with each of these featuring its own unique attractions, charm, friendly locals and delicious dining options.

Nusa Lembongan is charming, laid-back and utterly beautiful – definitely not to be missed.