Top 14 Things to do in Nusa Lembongan
Looking for the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan is the perfect getaway known for its chilled island vibe and surfing spots. Most people that come to visit Bali will go to Nusa Penida to see the famous Kelingking Beach. Still, there are so many more epic things to do in Nusa Lembongan. Picture alluring crystal clear sea framed by white sandy beaches with water so turquoise you start to think – is it even real?
This post is a full guide to what to do on Nusa Lembongan.
Things to Do Nusa Lembongan – Introduction
Nusa Lembongan is one of the three ‘Nusa’ islands situated southeast of the Bali mainland. Nusa Penida is the biggest and most famous and gets the most visitors coming mainly on a day trip. Nusa Lembongan is the second biggest and is known for its chilled vibe. The smallest out of the three is Nusa Ceningan, connected to Lembongan with a picturesque yellow bridge. The island is known for the Blue Lagoon and some cool cliff jump spots.
How to get to Nusa Lembongan
The best way to get to Nusa Lembongan is to buy a ticket for a speed boat. Various companies operate between Bali and Nusa Islands, but the prices and services offered are pretty similar.
Boat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
Bali to Nusa Lembongan trip takes about 45 minutes on a speed boat. There are also public, larger, much slower vessels that go between the two islands, but unless you’re coming with a car, there is no need to take them.
Sanur to Nusa Lembongan Route
The speed boats leave from Sanur Ferry Port and go to Toya Pakeh Port on Nusa Penida. Depending on the service and tide schedule, the ship will then go from Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan, or you will have to change to a smaller boat that will take you to your final destination, which is the yellow bridge port of Nusa Lembongan.
You can check the Bali Nusa Lembongan boat schedule and book your ticket on the 12Go website, a reliable transport provider here in Asia that I also often use. I’m leaving the link to the 12Go schedule below:
Boat – Bali to Nusa Lembongan
Lombok to Nusa Lembongan
From Lombok, it will take between 2 and 3.5 hours. Boats leave from Bangsal Pier (Teluk Kode Pier), which is the main ferry port in Lombok. You can also check the schedule through the 12Go website for fast boat Nusa Lembongan departures. Just type the information in the box below:
Day Trip Nusa Lembongan
If you don’t have much time but still want to experience some of the best things to do Nusa Lembongan has to offer, then I recommend taking a day trip to Nusa Lembongan. Below I’m leaving links to tours that cover the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan:
Option 1 Nusa Lembongan Snorkelling and Mangrove Forest Tour, includes Devil’s Tear, Dream Beach and Panorama Viewpoint.
Option 2 Nusa Lembongan and Manta rays snorkelling
Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan
Wondering where to stay on Nusa Lembongan? Here are some best hotel choices for you considered based on different budgets.
Luxury Accommodation Nusa Lembongan
Adiwana D’Nusa Beach Club and Resort
Adiwana D’nusa Resort is probably one of the best Nusa Lembongan hotels. It is situated at the very end of Jungutbatu Beach and near Blue Corner. The hotel features an outdoor pool and two restaurants where guests get a 10% discount on food. Some rooms come with a private pool and outdoor sitting areas. All guest can enjoy a welcome drink or arrival, complimentary breakfast and daily afternoon tea. The hotel can organise various water sports activities on request, and guests have complimentary access to the gym and beach club. Adiwana D’Nusa is without a doubt a strong contender for the best hotel in Nusa Lembongan.
Mid-range Nusa Lembongan Accommodation
The Acala Shri Sedana is perched on a hill and overlooking the turquoise waters between Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan. The hotel boasts an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and an in house restaurant. Rooms are en suite and come equipped with air conditioning, a kettle, and some have balconies and ocean views. The property organises a complimentary shuttle service to the nearby attractions, and guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. The Acala Shri Sedana is one of the best midrange hotels Nusa Lembongan.
Mahagiri Resort Nusa Lembongan
Mahagiri Nusa Lembongan is situated right on Jungut Batu Beach in its quitter part. It boasts a large beach club with a lagoon pool and plenty of sun loungers. There are 92 different rooms and villas to choose from, so if you’re looking for a villa Nusa Lembongan, strongly consider this property. All rooms come with en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Some come with an ocean view.
Budget – Best Hotels Nusa Lembongan
Bucketilist Bungalows are situated within walking distance to the most beautiful beach in Nusa Lembongan – Jungut Batu Beach and some excellent breakfast and lunch spots such as Fin Island and Bali Eco Deli. Their bungalows come with a private, gated garden and a cute porch with a sitting area and an adorable swing. Bucketlist bungalows are also equipped with an en suite bathroom, air conditioning and free drinking water station. Bucketlist Bungalows is one of the best places to stay in Nusa Lembongan for budget-conscious travellers.
You may also like the full guide:
Nusa Lembongan Map
14 Awesome Things to do in Nusa Lembongan
#1 Dream Beach Nusa Lembongan
Dream Beach is a small, sandy beach surrounded by tall cliffs. It is situated only a few minutes drive from the Yellow Bridge and next to the Devil’s Tear site.
The beach may get a little crowded at midday when day visitors arrive, but not many of them actually go down to the beach.
Dream Beach is the perfect place to spend a day sunbathing and relaxing. You can also chill on the sun loungers with access to the infinity pool at Dream Beach Huts for a small charge of 50k IDR (£2.5 or $3.4). The best time to visit is during the high tide when the sea has better access for swimmers. Also, sometimes the sea may be a little rough here for some people, in this case, the beaches on the other side of the island are more suitable.
There are some excellent dining options at the beach, including Café Pandan and D’Byas Beach Club.
Photo spots:
Dream Beach Swing – This is the Instagram famous spot where day-trippers would stop and take pictures. The swing can be found just by the stairs leading to the beach, next to Café Pandan.
Dream Beach Cliff – Follow the coastline to the right to find this spot. You can nicely capture the whole cove from this place!
#2 Devil’s Tear Nusa Lembongan
Devil’s Tear is probably the most popular Nusa Lembongan things to do. It is situated a few minutes drive from Dream Beach. There is a large car park and some shacks where you can treat yourself to fresh coconut or a cold soda.
The site has some powerful waves that crush with fury against the shore, get sucked in the cave and get spitted out with force creating a spray called Devil’s Tear. It is a fascinating natural phenomenon to watch.
Devil’s Tear use to be a little dangerous, but recently a fence has been built making sure the visitors don’t get too close to the ferocious waves.
The best time to visit is sunset time. I visited during the day, and it was unbearably hot, so have that in mind when you plan your itinerary. At low tide, you can find some tidal pools which are interesting to explore.
#3 Sandy Bay Nusa Lembongan
Sandy Bay is another secluded beach, home to Sandy Bay Beach Club, a cool spot to hang out. Sandy Bay Beach is not very attractive, and as far as I know, it is only accessible through the beach clubs located at its front. Having said that, it is a fantastic place to visit. As long as you buy a drink, you can use their comfy sunbeds and their infinity pool and watch the crashing waves of Devil’s Tear site from the pool with a drink in your hand! Life doesn’t get any better than that!
Sandy Bay is also a hotel. You can rent out a villa here, they are a little pricy, but if it’s within your budget, then this is excellent accommodation at Nusa Lembongan.
#4 Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is situated between Mushroom Bay Beach and Tanjung Menor. You can find it by typing the name in Google. It took us a few minutes to find it. We had to go through a construction side to get to the bottom of this beach. It is truly a secret beach. Only a few locals were there with us chilling in the afternoon shade. The beach is small sandy with calm waters which are safe to swim.
Hidden Beach is the perfect option if you’re travelling in the high season and looking for some more secluded beach experience.
#5 Mushroom Bay Beach
Mushroom Bay Beach is situated a few minutes drive from the Yellow Bridge. It’s a cool spot to hang out and grab lunch in one of the restaurants or bars located right on the beach. Many boats are stationing in the bay, and plenty of sellers offering different snorkelling and scuba diving tours. There is also a small temple and a lovely family and local vibe. The water in Mushroom Bay is very gentle and suitable for water sports such as kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Mushroom Bay is the only beach on the island suitable for snorkelling.
#6 Jungut Batu Beach
Jungut Batu Beach area is the best place to stay in Nusa Lembongan. The beach itself is super gorgeous, with white, squeaky sand and gentle turquoise waves washing up the shore. It’s a true slice of paradise, and the best beach Nusa Lembongan has on offer.
Jungut Batu is also the longest beach on the island, with plenty of different bars and some best restaurants in Nusa Lembongan overlooking it. Our absolute favourite where we ate multiple times was Ginger and Jamu with some excellent healthy options and yummy fish tacos!
If you’re a surfer, Jungut Batu has a surf break which is a little remote from the shore but suitable for surfing (Nusa Lembongan has a few surfing spots).
On a clear sky day, you can see Mount Agung glimpsing from a distance! The best things to do in Jungut Batu are taking a stroll along the long stretch of the beach and watching the local people’s daily lives. You will be able to see local kids giggling happily in the warm water. Fishermen boats taking off in the morning and seaweed farmers coming back with small, wooden ships filled to the brim with the seaweed. The seaweed is then transported to Sulawesi and used in cosmetics production.
If you’re wondering about what to do in Nusa Lembongan at night – the answer is to watch the sunset on the beach. Hang out in one of the bars with a fresh coconut or Bintang and watch the sky. The sunsets I’ve seen on Jungut Batu Beach were some of the most incredible I’ve ever seen! One of the well-priced bars that we liked hanging out was Agus Shipwreck Bar & Restaurant.
#7 Indiana Kenanga Beach Club
If you want to spend a day on Jungut Batu in style, head to Indiana Kenanga Beach Club. They are situated right next to Ginger and Jamu restaurant with comfy sunbeds and sun loungers where you can spend an entire day relaxing in the shade.
The drinks and food prices are a little higher than elsewhere, but you can buy just one or two drinks and use sun loungers all day! They also have a pool that you can use, and in general, the place has a good vibe. You can also stay in one of their hotel rooms.
#8 Mangrove Nusa Lembongan
Mangrove Forest is one of the coolest and by far my favourite Nusa Lembongan to do! I cannot recommend this tour enough. Mangrove Forest is such an interesting place where trees manage to survive in salty seawater. The boat enters the narrow river bed and takes you into the forest. You can see some traditional villages and local fishers harvesting the seaweed.
The tours typically combine snorkelling or manta point Nusa Lembongan with the Mangrove so you can see it all in one go. The boats can only enter the Mangrove Forest at high tide. At low tide, the water gets too shallow for most boats.
#9 Manta Rays Snorkelling Nusa Lembongan
Another fantastic thing to do while staying on the island is swimming with manta rays. They are huge but very gentle creatures, and it’s such an amazing experience to be so close to them! A boat tour will take you to a few spots where there are best chances to see them. Manta rays like hanging along the coast of Nusa Penida, but it doesn’t take a long time to get there from Lembongan.
The first spot on my tour was the shore of Broken Beach in Penida Island. We were really lucky because there were lots of them looking for sea plankton. It was a day after a small earthquake in Bali, and the result of that was a really choppy sea. Oh boy, it was so choppy that I even felt queasy in the water. But seeing those beautiful giants made my effort all worth it.
The second stop was somewhere further up. Our captain just spotted a few manta rays, and we decided to get into the water again. Other manta ray sites are the Kelingking beach area and, of course, Manta Point, which is the most remote part from Lembongan. But expect to be flexible on these tours, and the captain will do everything to find the manta rays for you.
You can book your excursion in advance using Klook, or if you’re unsure, you can book it when you’re already on Nusa Lembongan. Many places are selling similar tours in Mushroom Bay, in the Yellow Bridge area and probably on every main road. Don’t forget to negotiate the price if you decide on this option.
On our snorkelling trip, we spotted some dolphins too!
TIP: A Go Pro is a must on this trip to film the manta rays!
#10 Day trip to Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is the smaller sister of Lembongan, which is an excellent destination for a day trip when you’re staying on the island. The best things to do on Nusa Ceningan include crossing the Yellow Bridge, visiting Blue Lagoon and having lunch in probably the most Instagrammable cafe where everyone seems to be hanging, called Seabreeze Ceningan.
#11 Day trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the biggest out of the three islands. And your stay on the island would not be complete without visiting Nusa Penida. While Lembongan is the chilled island where life is slow and relaxed, Penida is the adventure island with soaring cliffs, crashing waves and swaying palms. Some of the best things to do in Nusa Penida including visiting Instagram famous Kelingking Beach and the T-rex shaped rock, swimming in the tidal pool of Angel’s Billabong and snorkelling in Crystal Bay beach.
I wrote a full post about all the amazing things to do in Nusa Penida. You can access it here:
18 Incredible Things to do in Nusa Penida
#12 Scuba Diving Nusa Lembongan
Lembongan Island is also an excellent place to learn how to scuba dive! There are some great coral reefs around the island teeming with wildlife and different colourful fish species making scuba diving in Nusa Lembongan a fantastic experience.
#13 Take a picture at the Yellow Bridge
I always wondered what’s the hype with the Yellow Bridge until I saw it. It’s not as much about the bridge, but about the location, it is set in.
The Yellow Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge of Love’ (Jembatan Cinta), connects Lembongan with Nusa Ceningan. Also, the ferry port is located right by it.
Driving through the Yellow Bridge on a scooter is a must-do experience. It’s a little scary because the bridge is really narrow but at the same time it is great fun. The sea in that area is unbelievably turquoise, making the whole experience a spectacular one. Don’t forget to take a photo in this Nusa Lembongan Instagrammable place.
#14 Panorama Point
If you’re driving past this road, don’t forget to stop and take a minute to admire the gorgeous vista over Jungutbatu Beach from the Panorama Point! Check the map at the top of this post for the exact location.
Tips
How long to stay on Nusa Lembongan?
How long to stay on the island will depend on what is your travel style. Are you planning to mostly relax or see and do everything possible? If you’re not planning to do much relaxation, I recommend staying for at least 2-3 days which will allow you to go round the island, book yourself onto a Mangrove Forest and manta rays snorkelling tour and pop in to see Nusa Ceningan. If you want to relax on the beach as well, then stay a little longer or do fewer activities.
Weather Nusa Lembongan
Lembongan Island has a hot and humid climate with temperature averages in its high twenties all year round. There are mainly two seasons – dry from April/ May to October and wet From October to April.
Yoga Nusa Lembongan
If you’re into yoga, I recommend staying in the Jungut Batu beach area, where you can find the best yoga studios on the island, such as Serenity Yoga Lembongan, Yoga Shack Lembongan and Yoga Bliss Lembongan.
Snorkelling Nusa Lembongan
While staying on the island, one of the best things to do is snorkelling and exploring underwater marine life. The best place to snorkel around Nusa Lembongan is Mushroom Bay, where you can go from the beach. Other than Mushroom Bay, you can go on a Nusa Lembongan snorkelling tour to see some amazing coral reefs in the Mangrove Forest area and around Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan.
Going around Nusa Lembongan
The best way to go round the island is to hire a scooter. You can prearrange a scooter with your accommodation provider or hire one from the vendors by the ferry port (Yellow Bridge area). Expect to pay between 50-70k IDR per day ($3.4-$5.8 or £2.5-£3.5).
ATM Nusa Lembongan
There are a few places in Nusa Lembongan to withdraw cash. One of them is an atm in Mushroom Bay, next to the shop, just before the entrance to the beach and on the long road parallel to the best beach in Nusa Lembongan – Jungut Batu Beach. Cash is king on the island, and you will be expected to pay for most things using cash. I recommend having some before you arrive on the island.
Local People
Lembongan is a really small and friendly community. If you ever run into any troubles, ask for help anyone, and they will help you. While travelling Nusa Islands, we got lost many times and had local men stopping at night and asking if we’re ok. It felt so good that they cared about two foreign girls lost somewhere in the jungle. We also had problems with my bike lock on Lembongan and had people helping us and not expecting anything in return.
If you’re big on your social media game, don’t forget to create a short video for reel or tik tok too!
What to take with you
Day Backpack – for this adventure and many other ones, you’ll need a day pack. My favourite one is the stylish and minimalistic Kanken. It is made of durable materials and it’s super simple and super comfortable.
Mirrorless camera – I love Sony cameras! If you’re looking for an entry-level, compact camera that takes awesome photos, go for Sony Alpha 6400, I’ve used it for years and took some excellent pictures with it. For a more advanced selection, I recommend Sony A7iii, I can’t be more happy with it, and I know lots of professional photographers and creators who use it too.
Power bank – power bank to charge my mobile phone saved my life a few times, no kidding. It is handy if you’re using Google maps which is a drain on the phone’s battery. I recommend choosing a lightweight one
Raincoat – I know you’re probably thinking I’m crazy, but trust me, the raincoat is essential, especially if you’re scootering your way through the island. When it’s rainy, it actually gets cold on the scooter, and during the rainy season, which is between November and April, it rains buckets!
Reusable water bottle – water flask, especially thermal ones, is so practical here in Bali. Many hotels and restaurants let their guests refill the bottles for free in an effort to reduce plastic use on the island.
Sun cream – this is another essential to carry with you and frequently reapply. Choose an eco-friendly and vegan one to do your part for the environment.
Adventure sandals – sports sandals with straps are the best type of footwear for any Bali adventure. They dry quickly and are sturdy enough to keep you safe on your hikes. I use North Face sandals, I’ve had them for years and they never let me down.
Microfibre Beach Towel – sand free towel that does not take much space in your backpack and dries quickly is a must on all your adventures.
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