Nusa Islands Guide: Lembongan, Ceningan & Penida (2024)

//

The Nusa Islands in Bali are three of the most beautiful and adventurous islands I have explored to date!

The three islands are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan which can be easily reached by a 30-minute fast boat ride from mainland Bali.

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie who loves the thrill of heights and cliff jumping or a laid-back beachgoer who loves those sun-kissed hammock days and snorkeling the reefs, the Nusa Islands has something for everyone!

I have put together the ultimate guide including the best things to do on each island, where to stay, how much time to spend on each island, and all the other information you need to know before you go!

diamond beach nusa penida, diamond beach nusa penida, diamond beach bali, nusa penida diamond beach, diamond beach penida

THE NUSA ISLANDS BALI – OVERVIEW

Let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know, from getting to the Nusa Islands, how long to spend there, and more.

HOW TO GET TO THE NUSA ISLANDS BALI?

Fast ferries operate daily to Nusa Islands from Sanur in South East Bali. You can book the ferry online in advance to guarantee the lowest price.

The ferry ticket also includes a hotel pick-up from your accommodation in Bali and dropped directly at the pier in Sanur. The boat trip takes approximately 45 minutes.

BOOK NOW: Bali to Nusa Penida Ferry
nusa penida boat 2

HOW LONG TO SPEND ON THE NUSA ISLANDS?

From my experience having visited all three Nusa Islands, here is an overview of how many days I recommend spending on each island:

This will give you plenty of time to enjoy all the awesome spots that each island has to offer! Read on to have a better idea and organize your Bali Nusa Islands itinerary.

NUSA ISLANDS MAP

nusa islands map

WHICH NUSA ISLAND TO VISIT?

All three Nusa Islands off the southeast coast of Bali offer their own unique experiences, but if you’re looking for diversity and an array of attractions, then Nusa Penida is a great choice.

Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands and offers the most diverse range of attractions. It’s known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and stunning views. The most iconic spots include Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Atuh Beach1. It’s also home to a bird sanctuary.

If you have more time, consider spending 1-2 days exploring Nusa Penida before taking a day trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

However, if you’re pressed for time, staying on Nusa Penida only is a good option.

WHICH NUSA ISLAND TO STAY ON?

If you have more time available in Bali and can stay on the Nusa Islands, then Nusa Penida is definitely the best option, as you can rent a motorbike and explore around for a few days.

NUSA LEMBONGAN ISLAND

Nusa Lembongan Island is hands-down one of my favorite destinations in Bali.

This island was known widely within Indonesia for its seaweed farming before it became a popular destination for tourists because of its beautiful coastline.

I have put together a separate guide on Nusa Lembongan, which I highly recommend checking out.

I don’t want to cram this blog post with a full Nusa Lembongan itinerary so here is a taster of the top five things to see and do during your visit.

Read It Here: 25 EPIC Things To Do In Nusa Lembongan

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

DREAM BEACH

Dream Beach is one of the most epic beach locations on the Nusa Islands and it makes it to the top of this list of things to do.

Dream Beach boasts golden sands, cliff jumps, turquoise waters, colorful reefs, rugged viewpoints, and hidden caves.

Beach bumming on Dream Beach is one of my favorite Nusa Lembongan things to do. It’s also the most popular beach on the island so you can expect to see lots of tourists here.

However, don’t be deterred by this as there are some amazing uncrowded spots that you can find at Dream Beach.

Exploring the epic cave under the cliffs on the right-hand side of the beach is just one of the things you can do to escape the crowds.

At low tide, you can walk around the rocky headland and into the deep cave to discover a secluded beach that you will most likely have all to yourself.

If you are on the hunt for more secluded spots, the cliffs around Dream Beach can be explored and you will find some awesome cliff-jumping spots.

There is no official designated spots to jump from, but there are areas where the water is deep enough and you will either have to climb out up the rocky cliffs or swim back to the shores of Dream Beach Lembongan to get back onto dry land.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Dream Beach

dream beach nusa lembongan, nusa lembongan, dream beach lembongan, dream beach huts, nusa lembongan bali, lembongan bali, nusa lembongan dream beach, dream beach, things to do in nusa lembongan
Dream Beach
dream beach nusa lembongan, nusa lembongan, dream beach lembongan, dream beach huts, nusa lembongan bali, lembongan bali, nusa lembongan dream beach, dream beach
Dream Beach Lembongan

Pssst! Check out this AWESOME travel bag!

Nomatic Bag 40L

The Nomatic 40L is the best travel bag on the market, perfect for weekend trips or month-long adventures!

Featuring multiple compartments for clothes, shoes, laptop, water bottle, RFID-protected pocket, and more.

It’s designed to fit the maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage, so youā€™ll never have to spend money on check-in baggage again!

DEVIL’S TEAR

Devil’s Tear is a unique cave pool on the edge of rocky cliffs that can be found on the southwest coast of Nusa Lembongan Bali.

It’s one of the top sites to see on the island with plenty of exploring to be had along the coastline.

Devils Tear is located just around the corner from Dream Beach. In fact, it’s quite a short distance to walk there from Dream Beach which will take you no more than 5 minutes.

Devils Tear Nusa Lembongan draws attraction to visitors to see the forceful flow of water entering the cave and spitting it back out again with a roar.

The water inside Devil’s Tear is crystal clear and you may be lucky enough to spot some turtles cruising around in the cove.

There are a number of reflection pools along the cliffs where you can get creative and potentially capture some amazing shots, especially at sunset.

A trip to Devil’s Tear is definitely worth it when looking for what to do in Nusa Lembongan.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Devil’s Tear

things to do in nusa lembongan, nusa lembongan, lembongan, lembongan island
Devil’s Tear

MANTA POINT SNORKELING

A trip to Manta Point is hands-down one of the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan.

Snorkeling with giant Manta Rays is up there with one of the most unforgettable experiences to be had during your visit.

WHERE TO BOOK A SNORKELING TRIP TO MANTA POINT

You can book a snorkel trip to Manta Point online in advance to get the best rates.

The Manta Point snorkeling tour is a half-day activity and it includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel on Lembongan Island and the spots visited on the tour include Manta Point, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, and Mangrove Point.

BOOK NOW: Manta Point Snorkeling Tour

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE TOUR

Our snorkeling tour began at 8:30 am, and we met with our boat and tour guide who sorted us all out with some snorkeling gear and fins before jumping on board the boat.

We cruised on the boat for around 30 minutes across crystal-clear waters until we arrived at Manta Point.

Within seconds of arriving, our snorkeling guide started yelling out “manta, manta, manta.” We spotted a manta ray cruising along the surface of the water and we were quick to jump in for a snorkel.

These majestic creatures are absolutely incredible. They glide effortlessly through the ocean and are really friendly to swim with.

The manta rays can be quite intimidating to begin with due to their body size of up to 5 meters, though you will soon realize they are harmless, humble giants.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Manta Point Snorkeling

manta point nusa penida, manta point nusa lembongan, manta point, nusa penida manta point, manta point bali
Snorkeling with mantas

BEST LEMBONGAN & MANTA POINT TOUR

manta point nusa penida, manta point nusa lembongan, manta point, nusa penida manta point, manta point bali

The best way to visit is to join a Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan with Snorkeling!

It includes hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, lunch and coffee, and a fun guide to share the day with!

YELLOW BRIDGE

The iconic yellow suspension bridge has become an Instafamous spot and it’s by far one of the top things to do in Nusa Lembongan Bali.

The Yellow Bridge is located between Lembongan Island and Ceningan Island.

It’s a pretty awesome experience riding a motorbike over the ocean across the Yellow Bridge Lembongan.

It’s also a great spot to take some photos if you time it right with the traffic.

yellow bridge nusa lembongan, things to do in nusa lembongan
Yellow Bridge Lembongan
P1020224
The famous Yellow Bridge Lembongan

SHIPWRECK POINT

This world-class reef break attracts surfers from all over the world, though surfing the right-hand reef break at Shipwreck Point is not for the inexperienced surfer.

On a good swell, Shipwrecks is by far the best spot on the island to surf and can hold waves of up to 10 feet.

Surfboard rental shops can be found throughout the main street of town and you can find a rental board for approximately 50,000 Rupiah for 2 hours.

However, if you are not a keen surfer it’s not a bad spot to spectate from the beach at one of the many shady shacks along the waterfront.

RELATED ARTICLE ā†’ 2 WEEK BALI ITINERARY

surfin lembongan
Shipwreck Point

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

Nusa Lembongan has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend.

LUXURY: THE TAMARIND RESORT

I personally stayed at the Tamarind Resort and can’t recommend this place enough!

This luxury 5-star accommodation features 2 swimming pools, a restaurant and bar, a fitness center, free wifi, and incredible ocean views.

With double rooms, twin rooms, or 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas available, it’s the perfect place to stay for couples, families, and friends!

74996280ed67ea11259a409e5ce4016f

MID RANGE: PANDANA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

I have also spent a few nights at Pandana Boutique Resort which is an affordable accommodation centrally located on the hill overlooking the ocean.

Featuring 2 swimming pools, a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. The rooms have beautiful Bali decor and are very spacious with air-conditioning, a mini bar, a tea/coffee maker, and a private bathroom.

This property has free wifi and breakfast included for all guests! Great place to stay for couples, friends, and families.

cdccbae218f9ab9d2d040b84bf5559af

BUDGET: DREAM BEACH HOSTEL

Dream Beach Hostel is the best place to stay for budget backpackers featuring Balinese-style dorm rooms and private rooms, all with air-conditioning and comfortable beds.

Located a stone’s throw from the famous Dream Beach and just minutes away from other nearby tourist spots. It’s the perfect central base to explore the island.

6409390 19032422420073220975

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, CHECK THIS GUIDE OF WHERE TO STAY IN BALI

NUSA CENINGAN ISLAND

Nusa Ceningan is the baby island of the three Nusa’s which lies directly between Nusa Lembongan Island and Nusa Penida Island.

The easiest way to get over to Nusa Ceningan Island from Nusa Lembongan is to drive over the yellow bridge that conveniently connects these two islands.

You only need one day to explore Nusa Ceningan Island which can be done as a single-day trip from Nusa Lembongan.

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO IN NUSA CENINGAN

BLUE LAGOON NUSA CENINGAN

Blue Lagoon is a beautiful cove with the most electric blue-colored water I have ever seen and one of the most popular attractions on the island.

It’s a cliff-jumping haven and one of the best things to do in the Nusa Islands for those adventurous, thrill-seekers out there.

Blue Lagoon is located on the western coastline of Ceningan Island. If you are staying on Lembongan, you’ll have to drive across the yellow bridge that connects the two islands.

The jump-off point to Blue Lagoon is easy to find as you can see it from the roadside as soon as you arrive at the pin location on Google Map.

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

The water inside Blue Lagoon is a milky blue color that looks good enough to drink and will make your photos pop without even having to edit them.

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.

From here you can grab another awesome perspective of Blue Lagoon Nusa.

nusa ceningan, blue lagoon nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan cliff jump, nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan bali, ceningan island, blue lagoon cliff jump nusa ceningan, ceningan bali, nusa ceningan things to do, things to do nusa ceningan, blue lagoon
Blue Lagoon Nusa Islands Indonesia

CLIFF JUMPING AT BLUE LAGOON

There is a range of cliff jumping heights at Blue Lagoon starting at 4 meters and reaching heights of up to 13 meters.

We had all intentions of jumping from the cliffs at Blue Lagoon Ceningan this day although the waves were too big and there was a lot of water moving around.

Make sure to assess the situation before jumping because the only way out of the Blue Lagoon is to climb up a small cliff face and back to dry land.

It is possible to jump on either the low tide or high tide as the water is deep enough for a smooth landing.

I would advise making sure you have a buddy with you in case things get hairy. Know your own limits and take care.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Blue Lagoon

nusa ceningan, blue lagoon nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan cliff jump, nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan bali, ceningan island, blue lagoon cliff jump nusa ceningan, ceningan bali, nusa ceningan things to do, things to do nusa ceningan, blue lagoon
Exploring Blue Lagoon
blue lagoon nusa ceningan
The striking Blue Lagoon

BEST LEMBONGAN & CENINGAN TOUR

2 week bali itinerary, nusa lembongan

The best way to visit is to join a Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan!

It includes hotel transfers, lunch and coffee, and a fun guide to share the day with!

MAHANA POINT CLIFF JUMP

The Mahana Point Cliff Jump features a 10-meter diving platform hanging over the rocky cliffs and it’s one of the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan.

It’s a must-see location for a few hours of cliff jumping, surfing, swimming, and relaxing over at Mahana Beach.

When you arrive at Mahana Point you will see a restaurant on the cliffs and this is where the Mahana Point Cliff Jump can be found.

There is a fee of 50,000 IDR per jump to take the leap off the diving board which is a little bit expensive in my opinion, though the owner uses this money to maintain the upkeep of the 10-meter diving platform.

The Mahana Point restaurant offers a range of great food options, as well as cold drinks, and excellent service. It’s a great spot to hang out for a couple of hours with your friends. 

Mahana Point is also a well-known surfing location on the island. The left-hand reef break at Ceningan Surf attracts medium to large swells and it works best on a high tide.

Surfboards can be rented from the owner of the restaurant for a reasonable price of 60,000 IDR for 2 hours.

mahana point cliff jump, mahana beach, mahana point, mahana point nusa ceningan, mahana point ceningan, mahana point nusa lembongan, mahana point cliff, nusa ceningan
Mahana Point cliff jump
CLIFF JUMPING AT MAHANA POINT ON NUSA ISLAND BALI

There is a smaller diving platform at Mahana Point that sits about 5 meters above sea level. It’s recommended to first warm yourself up before braving the much higher 10-meter cliff jump.

The depth of the water beneath the 10-meter platform is around 3 to 4 meters, so it’s unlikely you will hit the bottom.

However, it’s best to time your jump after a set of waves, and jumping at high tide is also recommended.

Once you have braved the jump, you will have to swim around to Mahana Beach where there is a steel ladder on the side of the cliff that can be used to climb out of the water.

If the current happens to be strong, a rubber ring attached to a rope can be hoisted out into the water to assist those trying to climb out.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Mahana Point Nusa Ceningan
mahana point cliff jump, mahana beach, mahana point, mahana point nusa ceningan, mahana point ceningan, mahana point nusa lembongan, mahana point cliff, nusa ceningan
Mahana Beach
mahana point cliff jump, mahana beach, mahana point, mahana point nusa ceningan, mahana point ceningan, mahana point nusa lembongan, mahana point cliff, nusa ceningan
Mahana Point

SECRET BEACH NUSA ISLANDS

Secret Beach is a hidden gem surrounded by cliffs that can be found along the southeast coast of Ceningan Island.

It’s a short 5-minute drive from Blue Lagoon and to access the beach you will have to park in the parking lot at the front of Villa Trevally, walk down the driveway, and through the restaurant onto the shoreline.

A colorful coral reef stretches across the bay at Secret Beach, making it a great spot to go snorkeling and discover the underwater world at this location.

If you adventure down to the far left corner of Secret Beach you can find a sandy spot to walk out past the reef and go for a body bash in the waves.

If you have a hammock on hand, there are two palm trees along the shoreline that are perfect for hanging it up and beach bumming for a while!

You will also find an infinity pool at the front of Villa Trevally which overlooks Secret Beach.

If you purchase something to eat and drink from the restaurant you’ll be allowed to use the pool free of charge.

nusa ceningan, blue lagoon nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan cliff jump, nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan bali, ceningan island, blue lagoon cliff jump nusa ceningan, ceningan bali, nusa ceningan things to do, things to do nusa ceningan, blue lagoon
Hammock chills on Secret Beach
nusa ceningan, blue lagoon nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan cliff jump, nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan bali, ceningan island, blue lagoon cliff jump nusa ceningan, ceningan bali, nusa ceningan things to do, things to do nusa ceningan, blue lagoon
Exploring Secret Beach
nusa ceningan, blue lagoon nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan cliff jump, nusa ceningan, nusa ceningan bali, ceningan island, blue lagoon cliff jump nusa ceningan, ceningan bali, nusa ceningan things to do, things to do nusa ceningan, blue lagoon
Infinity pool at Secret Beach

WHERE TO STAY ON NUSA CENINGAN

Nusa Ceningan has dozens of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Nusa Ceningan to suit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Le Pirate Beach Club

Le Pirate Beach Club is one of the best accommodations on the island, featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, free wifi, and ocean views!

The beach bungalow rooms are fitted with beach decor, large comfortable beds, spacious living, thatched roofs, seating areas, hammocks, and private bathrooms.

Great place to stay for couples, friends, and families!

487581 16062813210044175765

Mid Range: Aurora Beach View

Aurora Beach View is a great value-pick accommodation featuring a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, well-kept gardens, and free wifi.

The rooms are modern and spacious with air-conditioning, flat-screen tv, a work desk, a seating area, ocean views, and a private bathroom.

Recommended place to stay for couples, friends, and families!

aurora

Budget: Secret Point Huts

Secret Point Huts is an excellent choice when staying on a budget in Nusa Ceningan, with WiFi, comfortable rooms, and ocean views.

All rooms have a balcony with a seating area, as well as beautiful bathrooms with free toiletries – All this for less than $20 per night!

Secret Point Huts

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

NUSA PENIDA ISLAND

Nusa Penida Island is the most popular out of the three Nusa Islands, offering a mecca of adventures and locations that will leave you jaw-dropped and gasping with excitement around every corner!

HOW TO GET TO NUSA PENIDA

BALI TO NUSA PENIDA:

Ferries operate daily to Nusa Penida from Sanur in South East Bali. You can book the ferry online in advance to guarantee the lowest price.

The ferry ticket to the Nusa Lembongan also includes a hotel pick-up from your accommodation in Bali and dropped directly to the pier at Sanur Harbor.

The boat trip takes approximately 45 minutes to Nusa Penida Island.

BOOK NOW: Bali to Nusa Penida Ferry

NUSA LEMBONGAN TO NUSA PENIDA:

You can also take a boat to Nusa Penida from Nusa Lembongan if you happen to be exploring this island first.

A boat from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida will cost you around 50,000 IDR.

You can organize the boat via your accommodation on Nusa Lembongan or simply head to the main harbor on Lembongan Island and ask one of the boat companies down on the beachfront.

NUSA CENINGAN TO NUSA PENIDA:

The distance between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida by ferry is approximately 9 miles, and the journey is relatively short, usually lasting just about 15 minutes.

The cost for the ferry ride from Nusa Ceningan to Nusa Penida starts from IDR 100,000 (which is roughly $6) per person, and that is very convenient.

Just like in Lembongan, you can organize the boat at your hotel’s reception or head to the pier and get your tickets there.

2 week bali itinerary

NUSA PENIDA TOUR

If you happen to be in Bali and planning to visit Nusa Penida Island from here, there is one tour that I can highly recommend that covers all the highlights on a full-day trip from Bali.

The Nusa Penida Instagram Tour is the most top-rated tour with great reviews and hundreds of bookings.

This tour covers the top Instagram locations on the island such as Kelingking Beach, Angels Billabong, Broken Beach, and more!

With hassle-free pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, return boat transfers from Bali, a hearty lunch, all entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide.

BOOK NOW: Nusa Penida Instagram Tour
diamond beach nusa penida, diamond beach nusa penida, diamond beach bali, nusa penida diamond beach, diamond beach penida

BEST NUSA PENIDA TOUR

Nusa Penida Instagram Tour Legendary Spots Private All Inclusive 1

The best way to visit is to join a Nusa Penida Instagram Tour!

It includes lunch and water, all fees and taxes, the speedboat tickets, and a fun guide!

14 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN NUSA PENIDA

KELINGKING BEACH

Kelingking Beach is the most popular tourist attraction on Nusa Penida Island thanks to Instagram, and for a good reason!

The reason why Kelingking Beach is such a popular location and rated one of the best things to do in Nusa Penida is that the cliffs form the shape of a T-Rex dinosaur.

The head of the T-Rex can be seen on the left of the bay and the body and tail wrap around to the right.

Access to the actual beach is possible but please explore at your own risk. The Kelingking Beach hike is not for the faint-hearted as it’s a very precarious trail down a narrow trail and onto the shoreline.

The hike from top to bottom takes around 30 minutes each way.

If you don’t want to brave the hike down to the beach, there are multiple viewpoints around the edge of the cliffs which offer spectacular views up and down the coastline of Nusa Penida.

Kelingking Beach can be visited at any time of the day, though early morning and mid-afternoons are the optimum times to experience this stunning location.

If you want to experience Keling King Beach without the crowds, you should aim to arrive here at sunrise, or just after, and you will most likely have the place all to yourself.

Feeling hungry? You can grab something to eat and drink from one of the small restaurants located at the top of the cliffs. They are quite affordable and offer amazing views.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Kelingking Beach

kelingking beach, kelingking secret point, kelingking secret point beach, kelingking secret point bali, kelingking, kelingking beach nusa penida, pantai kelingking nusa penida
Kelingking Beach
kelingking beach, kelingking secret point, kelingking secret point beach, kelingking secret point bali, kelingking, kelingking beach nusa penida, pantai kelingking nusa penida
T-Rex Beach
kelingking beach, kelingking secret point, kelingking secret point beach, kelingking secret point bali, kelingking, kelingking beach nusa penida, pantai kelingking nusa penida
Drone shot of Kelingking Beach

BANAH CLIFF VIEWPOINT

Banah Cliff is yet another epic viewpoint on Nusa Penida Island.

This particular location is not as popular as Kelingking Beach though it’s equally as impressive, in my opinion, and one of the best things to do in Nusa Penida.

There are not just not one but two incredible viewpoints at Banah Cliff. Be very careful when taking photos at these viewpoints as there are no safety barriers to protect you from falling.

The panoramic viewpoint at Banah Cliff faces west and offers extreme views of surrounding cliffs, perched high above the ocean.

On a clear day, you can actually see the tail of the T-Rex at Kelingking Beach.

The other lookout point faces east and offers an awesome view of an arched rock island just off the coastline.

The best time to visit Banah Cliff is either early morning or late afternoon for sunset. Avoid visiting in the middle of the day when itā€™s too hot under the midday sun.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Banah Cliff Nusa Penida

banah cliff nusa penida, banah cliff point, banah, nusa penida, banah cliff point nusa penida, nusa penida bai
Banah Cliff
banah cliff nusa penida, banah cliff point, banah, nusa penida, banah cliff point nusa penida, nusa penida bai
View of the rock island
banah cliff nusa penida, banah cliff point, banah, nusa penida, banah cliff point nusa penida, nusa penida bai
Banah Cliff viewpoint

ANGEL’S BILLABONG

Angel’s Billabong features a natural infinity pool overlooking the ocean and it just so happens to be one of the island’s most popular attractions.

There are a number of viewpoints of Angel’s Billabong and my personal favorite is down in the infinity pool itself.

The water is clear as crystal and the temperature is nice and cool, perfect for a refreshing dip.

The rocks are quite sharp and rugged getting down into the infinity pool, but once you step in, the rocks under the water’s surface are surprisingly smooth and easy to walk on.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Angel’s Billabong

angelā€™s billabong, angel billabong nusa penida, angel billabong, angelā€™s billabong beach, angelā€™s billabong beach, angelā€™s billabong bali, angelā€™s billabong nusa penida, angels billabong nusa penida, natural infinity pool, billabong nusa penida, billabong beach nusa penida
The infinity pool at Angel’s Billabong
angelā€™s billabong, angel billabong nusa penida, angel billabong, angelā€™s billabong beach, angelā€™s billabong beach, angelā€™s billabong bali, angelā€™s billabong nusa penida, angels billabong nusa penida, natural infinity pool, billabong nusa penida, billabong beach nusa penida
Drone shot of Angel’s Billabong

BROKEN BEACH

Broken Beach is one of many awesome locations on Nusa Penida Island. Featuring a natural bridge that stretches over turquoise waters, this is one attraction you don’t want to miss during your visit.

Although you can’t go swimming at Broken Beach, the location is such an unreal setting in itself.

Featuring a large rock archway, you can marvel at the ocean as it flows in and out of a natural bowl surrounded by towering cliffs

Take the panoramic walk all the way around the edge of Broken Beach and discover several different viewpoints, each offering incredible views of this unique sinkhole in the cliff.

Once you’ve completed the scenic walk, perch up at one of the cliff-side cafes for a plate of nasi goreng, a cup of coffee, or a refreshing coconut.

It’s by far the best seat in the house that overlooks the beautiful scenes at this magnificent attraction.

The best time to visit to beat the crowds is early morning for sunrise which is between 6:30 am and 7:00 am.

Alternatively, you can visit Broken Beach at sunset and enjoy the golden hour as the sun sets over the horizon.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Broken Beach

broken beach nusa penida, broken beach nusa penida bali, broken beach bali, broken beach
Broken Beach
broken beach nusa penida, broken beach nusa penida bali, broken beach bali, broken beach
Drone shot of Broken Beach
broken beach nusa penida, broken beach nusa penida bali, broken beach bali, broken beach
Broken Beach

ATUH BEACH

Atuh Beach is one of Nusa Penidaā€™s most iconic locations, featuring a natural rock arch that stretches over crystal clear turquoise waters and a white sand beach suitable for all travelers.

Pantai Atuh can be accessed from either the left-hand side or the right-hand side of the cliffs via the concrete steps that are cut into the side of the mountain.

It takes approximately 5 – 10 minutes to hike down to the shoreline.

Atuh Beach is hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, featuring a large cove with crystalline waters, and golden sands, and fringed by a coconut palm forest.

It’s the perfect spot to go for a swim to cool off and beach bum under one of many straw umbrellas that line the shoreline.

There is also a couple of small beach cafes that line the shoreline offering fresh Indonesian cuisine, cold beers, and fresh coconuts.

You could easily spend a couple of hours down here on the beach and not get bored!

Full Blog Post ā†’ Atuh Beach Nusa Penida

atuh beach, atuh beach nusa penida, atuh beach penida, atuh, pantai atuh, pantai atuh nusa penida, atuh beach nusa penida bali, atuh beach bali, pantai atuh nusa penida bali
Atuh Beach
atuh beach, atuh beach nusa penida, atuh beach penida, atuh, pantai atuh, pantai atuh nusa penida, atuh beach nusa penida bali, atuh beach bali, pantai atuh nusa penida bali
Sunrise at Atuh Beach
atuh beach, atuh beach nusa penida, atuh beach penida, atuh, pantai atuh, pantai atuh nusa penida, atuh beach nusa penida bali, atuh beach bali, pantai atuh nusa penida bali
Cliff jumping at Atuh Beach

THOUSAND ISLAND VIEWPOINT

Thousand Island viewpoint overlooks a group of islands and pristine beaches on the east coast of the island.

Safe to say that this is one spot you don’t want to miss on your list of things to do in Nusa Islands!

Thousand Island (Pulau Seribu) is located at the same location as the famous Rumah Pohon Treehouse.

From the jump-off point, the hike down the ridge via the concrete stairs takes no more than five minutes to reach this insane viewpoint.

I donā€™t know why they named it Thousand Islands when you can only see five or six islands off in the distance.

Regardless of the misleading name, this is one of the most beautiful landscapes unlike no others.

Nusa Islands
Thousand Island Viewpoint

RUMAH POHON TREE HOUSE

Rumah Pohon Tree House has become a very popular attraction thanks to everyone’s favorite app Instagram.

Evidently, it’s now one of the best places to see on the east coast of Nusa Penida Island.

This amazing treehouse overlooks one of the most gorgeous bays known as Thousand Island which I mentioned above.

When I first saw the Nusa Penida Treehouse on Instagram I just had to go and see it for myself, as have thousands of other travelers before me.

This entire coastline has so much to offer and exploring it firsthand was even better than seeing it in the pictures.

If you want to get that perfect Instagram photo of the Rumah Pohon Treehouse you can stand on the hill on the right-hand side of the track to capture the best angle.

Depending on what time of day you visit, there may or may not be a line of people waiting to get a photo.

My friends and I visited Rumah Pohon Tree House in the middle of the day when it was scorching hot and probably the reason why we didn’t see many other people around.

The most popular time to visit is around sunrise and sunset, so you can expect more people around these times.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Rumah Pohon Tree House

tree house nusa penida 05817 e1520928240578
Rumah Pohon Tree House
rumah pohon tree house, tree house nusa penida, rumah pohon , rumah pohon tree house nusa penida
Rumah Pohon Treehouse

Keep Yo’ Sh*t Organized!

pack cubes

Packing cubes are a traveler’s best friend, perfect for organizing your shirts, pants, underwear, and more!

Shacke Pak Cubes make packing easier and leaves extra space in your bag to fit more essentials.

PEGUYANGAN WATERFALL

Peguyangan Waterfall is yet another one of the most popular attractions on the island and home to the Instafamous Blue Stairs.

This location is off the beaten path and it takes a little longer to get to, though it’s an experience not to be missed.

A sarong is required to be worn when visiting as there is a sacred temple at the bottom of the cliffs.

If you don’t have a towel or sarong to wear, these can be rented from the parking attendant for 10,000 IDR.

There are 750 blue stairs that are impressively constructed into the side of the cliff providing access to the waterfall. It’s a good workout hiking down and then back up again that’s for sure!

After a 20-minute hike down the blue stairs, you’ll arrive at the sacred water temple that features four waterspouts.

When I visited, there were some locals showering under the spouts in their underwear with no worry in the world.

I waited my turn to enjoy an invigorating shower under each of the waterspouts and then continued along the cliff to the Peguyangan Waterfall.

The waterfall itself is not your common 50-meter meter waterfall, like those you will find in Bali, but rather a waterspout between a crack in a rock where water flows out into tiered pools and over the cliff edge into the ocean.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Peguyangan Waterfall

peguyangan waterfall 05772 e1522145570419
The famous Blue Stairs
peguyangan waterfall 3080255
Peguyangan Waterfall

PURA GOA GIRI PUTRI CAVE

Pura Goa Giri Putri Temple and Cave is one of Nusa Penida’s most underrated tourist spots and definitely not to be missed on your adventures around the island.

You can visit Pura Goa Giri Putri as early as 7 am and until 5 pm and a sarong is required to be worn as this is a holy site.

I believe that there are mass prayer ceremonies on the weekends where some 100+ locals fill the cave. If you are able to, try not to miss one of these mass ceremonies as this would truly be an unforgettable experience.

Take the winding staircase midway up the mountain and youā€™ll be greeted by a man that will bless you with some holy water on the forehead before entering the cave.

The entrance fee is by donation, so something around 20,000 IDR will be acceptable.

Pura Goa Giri Putri cave is an impressive 300 meters long and 15 meters tall. The cave is filled with Indonesian ornaments and a large altar resides in the center of the cave.

Follow the pathway to the end of Goa Giri Putri cave to a viewpoint of a small village in the lush green mountainside.

You can exit the cave here or head back the same way you came and back to the entrance.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave

pura goa giri putri, pura goa giri temple, goa giri putri cave temple, pura goa giri putri nusa penida
The entrance to the cave
pura goa giri putri, pura goa giri temple, goa giri putri cave temple, pura goa giri putri nusa penida
Goa Giri Putri Cave and Temple

DIAMOND BEACH

Diamond Beach Nusa Penida is one of the most amazing beaches I have ever been to and it’s not to be missed during your visit to the Nusa Islands Bali.

Featuring a glistening white sand beach surrounded by verdant cliffs and turquoise water, Diamond Beach is a hard-to-beat destination.

The chalky-white stairway at Diamond Beach Nusa Penida happens to be one of the most Instagrammed locations on the island, and it’s easy to see why.

It only takes around ten minutes to get down to the shoreline, though the stairs are quite narrow so please be careful and take your time on your descent.

There are two beach areas at Diamond Beach. One has vivid green mossy rocks and tidal rock pools but unfortunately quite of bit of trash was washed up on the sand here.

The other area of Diamond Beach boasts glistening white sand, coconut palm trees, small caves, and calm waters which is the perfect spot to go swimming.

There are a few small caves to explore at the foot of the cliffs and I highly recommend taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters after the sweaty hike down the stairs.

A small warung resides down on the beach where you can purchase cold refreshments and local dishes such as mie goreng and nasi goreng for as little as $3.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Diamond Beach

diamond beach nusa penida, atuh beach, atuh beach nusa penida
Diamond Beach
diamond beach nusa penida, atuh beach, atuh beach nusa penida
Turquoise waters at Diamond Beach
diamond beach nusa penida, atuh beach, atuh beach nusa penida
Sunbaking on Diamond Beach

TEMBELING BEACH & FOREST

Tembeling Beach and Forest is one of my favorite spots to visit on Nusa Penida Island.

Featuring a number of cool things to see including pristine white sand beaches, tropical rainforests, natural lagoons, hidden caves, and cliff jumping spots, you could easily spend a couple of hours exploring this location.

The one-way track down to Tembeling Beach from the main road is very steep and it’s recommended for experienced riders only.

If you are not confident to ride down the sketchy road, there is typically a group of local Indonesians sitting in a small hut at the turnoff for Tembeling Forest that will offer you a ride down on the back of their motorbike for 50,000 IDR.

See below for 5 awesome things that you can see and do at Tembeling Beach:

  1. Swim in the blue lagoon
  2. Cliff jumping at blue lagoon
  3. Secret Beach and Caves
  4. Jacuzzi pool
  5. Tembeling Beach

Full Blog Post ā†’ Tembeling Beach & Lagoons

tembeling beach, tembeling forest, tembeling beach nusa penida
Tembeling Beach

CRYSTAL BAY

Crystal Bay is a palm tree haven and an awesome snorkeling location on the west side of Nusa Penida.

There are a number of beach shack cafes, traditional temples, a coconut palm tree forest, and colorful umbrellas along the shoreline at Crystal Bay, all of which overlook a gorgeous cove and a nearby rocky island.

Keen to chill and relax? Why not grab a fresh coconut and spend the afternoon under the shade of a palm tree?

If you’re up for an adventure, grab a mask and snorkel and swim out to the colorful reef just offshore and see what you can find under the surface.

Crystal Bay is also a very popular location for sunset amount tourists and locals. Grab some beers and head down to the beach with your mates and see out the last hours of the day.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Crystal Bay

crystal bay nusa penida, crystal bay, nusa penida things to do, things to do nusa penida
Crystal Bay Nusa Penida

TELETUBBIES HILL

Bukit Teletubbies (Teletubbies Hill) is best known for its lush green rolling hills and incredible viewpoints that overlook the entire Nusa Penida Island.

The best way to explore Bukit Teletubbies (Teletubbies Hill) is on foot. Take a short hike to get a different perspective of this incredible landscape from nearby peaks.

When you arrive, you’ll see rolling fields of green and rounded peaks that give Bukit Teletubbies Hill its name.

On a clear day, you can see the neighboring island of Lombok and the almighty Mount Rinjani, the second-largest volcano in Indonesia.

In the valleys between Teletubbies Hill are terraced fields of food crops and random clusters of coconut palm trees. I recommend flying a drone here to capture Bukit Teletubbies from above.

Full Blog Post ā†’ Teletubbies Hill

teletubbies hill nusa penida, teletubbies hill
Teletubbies Hill

Take Your Photos & Videos To New Heights!

drone

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the most affordable, user-friendly drone camera suitable for all levels!

This travel-sized drone captures 4K/60fps video, 48MP photo, and has 34 minutes flight time.

THE PALM TREE ROAD

There are quite a few palm tree-lined roads on the island but there is one road, in particular, that is the most Instagrammable and makes for the ultimate photo.

The Instafamous Palm Tree Road is located approximately 2km before arriving at Crystal Bay.

It’s an easy location to take photos of because there isn’t much traffic on the road and it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative with your shots to post on Instagram.

crystal bay nusa penida, crystal bay, nusa penida things to do, things to do nusa penida

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA PENIDA

Nusa Penida Island has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to the best places to stay suitable for budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend.

LUXURY: MAUA NUSA PENIDA

MAUA is one of the only luxury properties in Nusa Penida which is located on the cliffs near Gamat Bay and boasts stunning ocean views.

Features include a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, an outdoor terrace, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included for all guests.

Perfect for couples with a choice of staying in one of the suite villas or luxury villas.

345326775

MID RANGE: LA ROJA BUNGALOWS

La Roja Bungalows is the most Instagrammable accommodation in Nusa Penida making it the perfect place to stay for couples or friends.

These cute wooden bungalows sleep up to 2 people and feature spacious rooms, a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.

There is also an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a restaurant with breakfast included for all guests.

3624862 17120614140060238065

BUDGET: NUANSA PENIDA HOSTEL

This is the most popular hostel on the island to accommodate solo backpackers and all other travelers on a budget.

Each bungalow-style dormitory has an ensuite bathroom, private balcony, sofas, personalized wardrobes, and free Wi-Fi.

Nuansa Penida Hostel also has a swimming pool, a restaurant, a mini-mart, and rental scooters available.

0ed6acaf66e4e5612100ae0e53f509b7

For More Options, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Nusa Penida

WHAT TO PACK FOR NUSA ISLANDS BALI

When visiting the islands, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden Money Wallet

anti theft money belt

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!


Reusable Water Bottle

grayl geopress

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!


Travel Backpack

Nomatic 20L Bag

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!


Quick-Dry Travel Towel

travel towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!


Portable PowerBank

anker powerbank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Bali Travel Guides

hideout bali, hideout horizon

Click the button below to view all articles related to Bali!

FINAL THOUGHTS – NUSA ISLANDS INDONESIA

If you have any questions about the Nusa Islands Bali, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

Fb Community Image

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether youā€™re a seasoned traveler or itā€™s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

Search and book accommodation worldwide.


logos 3

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.


logos 7

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.


logos 14

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.


discover cars

Search all rental cars in your next destination.


hey mondo

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and itā€™s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.

Many thanks!

14 thoughts on “Nusa Islands Guide: Lembongan, Ceningan & Penida (2024)”

  1. Hi!
    Looking to stay in Nusa Penida for 4 nights at the end of May, do you think best to stay there and do day trips to the other islands?? But then am worried will waste time with seeing bits in Nusa Penida or do you think just stay in Nusa Lembongon instead?
    I am looking at accommodation right near Goa Girt temple in Nusa Penida right now. Do you think this is a good location?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi Rae, I would recommend breaking up the 4 days and stay 2 nights on penida and 2 nights on lembongan. yes goa giri temple area is pretty nice, but a little bit far from the main area of toya pakeh, if you can find something around toya pakeh i’d recommend that area. hope this helps and enjoy šŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Hi Jonny,

    I am planning a trip to Bali im November and I have scheduled 3 nights in the Nusa islands as I also want to do 3 nights in the Gili’s as well as spend some time in ulwattu, Ubud and Seminyak.

    I am thinking of spending the 3 nights in Lembongan and then do a day trip to the other Nusa’s. Does that sound feasible? Also I am travelling alone – so want to stay osmewhere that is chilled but where I could potentially meet people in the evening. Does Lembongan seem like the right place out of the Nusa’s to do this?

    Great blog btw – best one I’ve seen after researching for an eterntiy!

    Shane

    Reply
    • Hi Shane, I would recommend 2 nights on lembongan as it is quite a small island and you can see lembongan in one day and ceningan on the second day.

      I then recommend spending 2 nights on nusa penida as it is a much larger island and you can spend one day visiting the west side of nusa penida and the second day visiting the spots on the east side of the island.

      Hope this helps and enjoy the nusa’s!

      Reply
  3. Best blog Ive read, thanks I found it very informative.
    I am doing 3 nights Lembongan and then 2 nights Penida. Seems so much to do in Penida, the above options you included, how long would you realistically need to experience most of what you did in Penida?

    Reply
    • Thanks so much for reading. Realistically you would need 3 days in Penida to see all the spots. Hope this helps! Enjoy šŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Very imformative blog. Planning to visit in June.
    Any idea what are departing times for ferry from Lembongan to Sanur? And how long does the ride takes?
    Some websites say that the ferries/speedboat don’t arrive within 3 hours as stated but more like 5 or 6 after all the delays.

    Reply
    • Thanks for reading. I am not sure of the exact times but the ride takes 1 hour to 1.5 hours tops on the speed boats. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Iā€™m traveling to Bali at the end of April with my family (3 kids of 11 and 8 years).
    What do you recommend Gili islands or Nusa Islands?
    Thanks for your advice,

    Teresa

    Reply
    • Hi Teresa, I would recommend Nusa Islands as Gili Islands is much more of a party scene and more suited for adults. I hope this helps and enjoy your Bali trip! šŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. hello i love your articles but i have a question: I stay during 3 -4 nights in nusa’s island and i would like to know to your mind is it better to sleep on Nusa Lembongan and day trip to nusa penida or sleep to nusa penida and day trip to nusa lembongan?

    I am searching for beautiful beaches where i can swim but i think that in nusa penida there are beautiful spots but not where you can swim ( that is what i saw on your super articles)

    Can you tell me what is better in your opinion please?
    Thank you !

    Sofia

    Reply

Leave a comment