Looking for the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan? I’ve got you covered in this guide!
Nusa Lembongan Island is one of the three Nusa Islands located just 30 minutes by fast boat from Bali.
You have the option of making a day trip from Bali or you can spend a few days exploring the island which I highly recommend if you have the time!
I have put together this complete guide to the 25 BEST Things To Do In Nusa Lembongan to help you craft together your own itinerary.
Also in this guide, I have included some useful information on how to get to Nusa Lembongan, where to stay, the best way to get around the island, and much more!
QUICK ANSWERS: NUSA LEMBONGAN
Before going through the things to do in Lembongan, let’s discuss the essentials such as how to get there, the best tours from Bali, and everything in between.
HOW TO GET TO NUSA LEMBONGAN?
Fast boats operate daily to Nusa Lembongan from Sanur Harbor in Southeast Bali.
There are several departure times from Bali and it’s best to book the Bali to Lembongan fast boat online in advance to be guaranteed the lowest price.
The fast boat ticket also includes a hotel pick-up from your accommodation in Bali and a drop-off directly to the pier at Sanur Harbor.
The fast ferry from Bali to Lembongan takes approximately 45 minutes depending on the sea conditions.
When you arrive on Lembongan Island, your accommodation should include a pick-up from the boat and transportation to your hotel for check-in.
CAN I BOOK A NUSA LEMBONGAN TOUR FROM BALI?
One of the top-rated tours with great reviews and hundreds of bookings is this day trip from Bali.
The tour includes a hassle-free hotel pick-up in Bali, return boat transfers, and a guided tour of all the top attractions on the islands.
BEST TOUR IN NUSA LEMBONGAN
The best tour of the island is the Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Island Tour!
It includes hotel transfers, boat tickets, several tourist spots, and a fun guide to share the day with!
HOW TO GET AROUND THE ISLAND?
BY SCOOTER
Renting a scooter is the cheapest and most convenient method of transport around the island.
You can expect to pay around 70,000 IDR ($4.50 USD) daily for a scooter rental.
The island is quite small with well-maintained roads and you can ride from one end to the other in around 20 minutes.
There are a number of scooter rental shops dotted along the main street that will be able to sort you out with some wheels when you arrive.
Alternatively, ask the receptionist at your accommodation to help organize a scooter rental for you.
BY ISLAND TAXI
If you don’t feel confident riding a scooter, local taxis can transport you around the island for as little as 50,000 IDR ($3.20 USD) for a one-way trip.
The taxis on the island aren’t the traditional taxis that you would find in a city, they are little pick-up trucks with bench seats in the back.
Riding in the back of an island taxi is an adventure in itself!
WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA LEMBONGAN BALI?
There are hundreds of accommodations to choose from on the island so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
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!
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.
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.
MORE PLACES TO STAY IN NUSA LEMBONGAN
To find all other hotels on the island, simply enter your dates of stay below and hit the search button!
Booking.com25 BEST THINGS TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN
Now that you’ve got all the logistics of how to get to the island, where to stay, and how to get around, let’s get to the fun stuff.
So, without further ado, here is your complete guide on the 25 best things to do in Nusa Lembongan Bali.
DREAM BEACH NUSA LEMBONGAN BALI
Dream Beach is one of the most epic beach locations on the island boasting golden sands, cliff jumps, turquoise waters, colorful reefs, rugged viewpoints, and hidden caves.
A visit to Dream Beach should be at the top of your Nusa Lembongan things to do list.
It’s the most popular beach on the island so you can expect to see lots of tourists here. To avoid the crowds, try to visit early morning.
At low tide, you can walk around the rocky headland and into a cave to discover a secluded beach that you will most likely have all to yourself.
For thrill-seekers, the cliffs near Dream Beach can be explored and you will find some awesome cliff-jumping spots.
There are no official designated spots to jump from, but there are areas where the water is deep enough and if you decide to jump you will either have to climb up the rocky cliffs or swim back to the shore to get back onto dry land.
Feeling hungry? Grab a bite to eat from Cafe Pandan which offers delicious food and drinks, and when you purchase something off their menu, they allow you to use the infinity pool which boasts unspoiled views of the beach.
View Full Blog Post: Dream Beach
DEVIL’S TEAR
Devils 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.
Devil’s 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.
Devil’s Tear 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 green sea turtles cruising around in the cove.
There are also a number of warungs (food and drink vendors) to purchase a refreshing coconut, cold water, and other snacks.
A trip to Devil’s Tear is definitely worth it when looking for what to do in Nusa Lembongan.
View Full Blog Post: Devil’s Tear
LEMBONGAN MANGROVE BOAT TOUR
On the very northeast tip of the island, take an enchanting cruise in a small boat through the mangroves and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
To get there, you’ll have to hire a guide and he will show you around on the boat. The best way to explore the mangrove is to book a tour which includes life jackets, the kayak, and hotel transfers.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll also have the option to get a paddleboard instead of a kayak, which is very cool!
DAY TRIP TO NUSA PENIDA
A day trip to Nusa Penida Island is another one of the top things to do from Lembongan, and it’s just a short 15-minute boat trip away!
Nusa Penida Island offers a mecca of adventures and stunning locations that will leave you jaw-dropped and gasping with excitement around every corner!
When you arrive in Nusa Penida, you can rent a scooter or a car with a driver, and explore the island at your own pace.
Some of my favorite locations on the island are Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angels Billabong, Atuh Beach, and much, much more!
View Full Blog Pos: 15 EPIC Things To Do In Nusa Penida
TIDAL POOLS
Be sure to combine your visit to Devil’s Tear with the Tidal Pools which are located on the same rugged cliff coastline.
Follow the walkway around till you come across the natural tidal rock pools which are best visited on a mid-tide and at sunset.
Get creative and capture some epic reflection photos. Can you think of better things to do in Nusa Lembongan at night?!
The BEST Hotel in Nusa Lembongan
Need a place to stay? The Tamarind Resort is conveniently located near stunning beaches.
Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, The Tamarind Resort offers the best of both worlds.
NUSA LEMBONGAN SEAWEED FARMS
At first thought, the seaweed farms don’t seem to be a very interesting attraction, but think again!
Seaweed farming is a very unique attraction to the island which was introduced in the ’80s and it was the main source of income for many locals residing here.
The best place to view the seaweed farms is in the channel between the two islands, Lembongan and Ceningan.
There are a number of small restaurants along the water’s edge where you can perch up and observe the locals farming the seaweed.
If you have a drone, I highly recommend sending it up and capturing some shots from above. The seaweed farms form a pattern much like that of a knitted blanket.
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MANTA POINT SNORKELING
A trip to Manta Point is hands-down one of the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan.
I recommend booking a snorkeling 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 Bali, and the spots visited on the tour include Manta Point, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, and Mangrove Point.
MY EXPERIENCE ON THE TOUR
Our snorkeling tour began at 8:30 am when 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.
View Full Blog Post: Manta Point Snorkeling
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 Bali and Ceningan Island.
It’s a pretty awesome experience riding a scooter 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.
EXPLORE NUSA CENINGAN
While you’re at the Yellow Bridge, be sure to cross the channel and continue the adventures over on Nusa Ceningan Island for a few hours.
With plenty of fun-fuelled activities to do such as blue lagoons, secret beaches, and cliff jumps to name a few, Ceningan Island is not to be missed during your visit to the Nusa Islands.
I’ve been there a few times and, on top of considering what to do in Lembongan, this was a nice addition that I highly recommend.
View Full Blog Pos: Best Things To Do In Nusa Ceningan
HANG OUT AT COCONUT HUT
Eat, drink, and play at the Coconut Hut Lembongan!
This groovy spot on the island features an 18-hole mini golf course, a restaurant with an extensive menu, a bar serving up cocktails, craft beers, and imported wines, and an all-around friendly atmosphere.
The Coconut Hut is open 7 days a week from 8 am – 11 pm. Check out their Instagram to see what’s happening during your visit.
SURFING AT 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 IDR for 2 hours.
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.
STROLL ALONG THE COASTAL WALK
At the very southern end of Jungutbatu Beach, you’ll find a wooden coastal boardwalk that hugs the edge of the cliffs and offers stunning views across the ocean.
Grab a coffee and take a stroll along the boardwalk in the early hours of the morning, or head here in the afternoon for a sunset cocktail at one of the many cliffside bars.
The easiest way to find this coastal walk is by searching Thai Pantry on Google maps and this will lead you right to it.
RELATED GUIDE: Where To Stay In Bali – The Best Areas
SUNDOWNER AT THE DECK
The Deck Lembongan is one of the more popular bars on the island (and my personal favorite) to experience a dramatic sunset, paired with a refreshing cocktail.
They also have a fresh and healthy menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available.
You can find this unique spot along the coastal boardwalk mentioned above and opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 7:30 am – late.
Click here to visit the website and view the full selection of food and drinks.
EXPERIENCE THE LAGO PONTOON
A newer attraction and one of the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan is the Lago Pontoon experience.
The Pontoon is a great spot to hang out with your friends in the sun, drink some beers, listen to some tunes, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
A private boat will pick you up from the beach and transport you to the floating pontoon which is located just a few hundred meters from the shoreline.
Visit the Lago website to book and make the most of your Nusa Lembongan things to do list!
VISIT THE LOCAL FOOD MARKETS
Every morning at the crack of dawn, an awesome sight to check out is the local food markets that line the street in the main village on the way to Ceningan Island.
Whether you choose to purchase some fresh fruits and veggies or not, it’s an experience in itself to see the locals go about their morning routine at these bustling markets.
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LEMBONGAN BANYAN TREE
Right next to the local food markets, you’ll find the largest Banyan tree you’ve probably ever seen!
It’s pretty hard to miss, but hey, I thought I’d include it in this guide anyway.
It is said that Banyan trees bring prosperity to the local Hindu community and they attract the gods and spirits of deceased ancestors.
Grab your widest angle lens and get down low to the ground to try and capture a cool photo of this spot.
All in all, when thinking about what to do at Nusa Lembongan, the Banyan Tree is an absolute must!
SANDY BAY BEACH CLUB
Looking for some downtime with an unbeatable view? Head on over to Sandy Bay Beach Club to get your fix!
This is by far one of the best beach clubs on the island and the perfect spot to put your feet up, grab a feed, and take a dip in the oceanside pool.
With a wide selection of food choices and a long list of cocktails on offer, it’s a recipe for a good time if you ask me!
Sandy Bay Beach Club is one of the more popular restaurants for dinner and sunset, so I recommend booking in advance to secure a table.
MUSHROOM BAY
Mushroom Bay is one of the most well-known locations on the island and for sure not to be missed on your list of things to do on Nusa Lembongan!
The beach itself is absolutely stunning, featuring calm turquoise waters, and golden sands – an ideal spot for beach bumming and cooling off in the ocean.
Must Read: 2 Week Bali Itinerary
Keen on an adventure? Many tour operators are based here at Mushroom Bay, offering boat trips and snorkeling tours to the reefs surrounding the island for as little as 200,000 IDR ($13 USD) per person.
But, if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, there are a number of beachside restaurants and resorts that line the strip where you can grab lunch and drinks and enjoy the island life!
It’s safe to say that this is one of the best Nusa Lembongan things to do!
HIDDEN BEACH
Another great beach to check out when exploring the island is Hidden Beach, which is located on the other side of the cliff from Mushroom Bay.
The easiest way to get here is the road access, and then a short stroll from the jump-off point to the beach.
Alternatively, if you’re a strong swimmer, you can swim around the cliff at the north end of Mushroom Bay.
Hidden Beach is a great location to escape the crowds on the more popular beaches.
Use this opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the ocean with no one else around and snorkel the colorful reefs just offshore.
BARONG SHAKTI ACAI BOWL
If you’re a lover of acai bowls, I highly recommend stopping by Barong Shakti on the main street parallel to Jangutbatu Beach.
The owner of this little hole-in-the-wall cafe is super friendly and it’s a cool spot to hang out for breakfast or any time during the day in between all your adventures.
Made from all organic produce, Barong Shakti’s bowls are low-key the best acai and smoothie bowls on the island.
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PASIR BEACH (PANTAI PASIR PUTIH)
At the northernmost tip of the island is the stunning Pasir Beach, boasting glistening white sands, and a palm tree paradise.
It’s an unmissable place to include on your list of things to do on Nusa Lembongan.
Also located on Pasir Beach is the famous Mahagiri Resort which features a beach bar, a swimming pool, a volleyball pitch, and watersport activities are also available.
You could easily see away a couple of hours here or just stop in briefly to take some awesome photos under the swaying coconut palm trees!
JUNGUTBATU BEACH
Jungutbatu Beach is the longest beach on the island and the main strip where you’ll find the majority of oceanfront accommodations.
If you like long beach strolls, or simply just want to get sunkissed and salty, this is the perfect place that provides exactly that.
All of the island’s best surf breaks such as Shipwrecks, Lacerations, and Playgrounds are located just offshore from Jungut Batu Beach.
If you’re looking to surf, you can make the long paddle across the reef or ask a local to take you out to the break by boat for a 50,000 IDR return trip.
VISIT THE UNIQUE CEMETERY
This is not one of the most popular things to do on Nusa Lembongan, but I personally found it pretty unique and interesting enough to include in this travel guide.
Located somewhere along the main road to Dream Beach, you’ll come across this very strange but unique cemetery on the roadside.
Each burial site has a colorful umbrella on the tombstone, keeping the deceased shaded from the sun.
I don’t know about you but I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
PUNCAK TEMPLE (PURA PUNCAK SARI)
Puncak Temple is a Hindu temple situated at the top of the hill in Lembongan Village and is frequently used for all types of ceremonies.
Take a short walk up the set of stairs to see this beautiful stone temple at the top of the hill and enjoy the view of the island while you’re at it.
Click here for the Google maps location.
JENGGALA HILL – SUNRISE IN LEMBONGAN
Last but not least in this guide of things to do on Nusa Lembongan is Jenggala Hill, a hillside location to witness an incredible sunrise during your visit.
Jenggala Hill is in fact a resort, but they do allow outside guests to visit as long as you purchase something from the bar or restaurant.
If your budget allows, you can also book a private room at Jenggala Hill Resort. With a view like this, you’d be silly not to!
This spot is arguably the best view on the island, and on a clear morning, Mount Agung volcano in Bali can be seen looming in the distance!
Be sure to set your alarm for an early rise and experience an unforgettable sunrise!
LEMBONGAN BALI – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Now that we’ve discussed all the things to do Nusa Lembongan, let’s cover all the other essentials you should know before coming.
The island is pretty self-sufficient and has many convenience stores, pharmacies, and ATMs, so you don’t need to worry about bringing many supplies from Bali.
From my experience having visited all three of the Nusa Islands, here is an overview of how many days I recommend spending on each island:
- Nusa Lembongan – 3 Days
- Ceningan Island – 1 Day
- Nusa Penida – 3 Days
This will give you plenty of time to enjoy all the awesome spots that the Nusa Islands have to offer!
NUSA LEMBONGAN MAP
WHAT TO PACK FOR LEMBONGAN ISLAND BALI
Other than what to do on Nusa Lembongan, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you.
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FINAL THOUGHTS – WHAT TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN
Thanks for reading this Nusa Lembongan blog and I hope you found all the answers to your questions.
Before ending this article, I want to highlight that the correct name is “Nusa Lembongan” and not “Nusa Lembongon”, “Nusa Lembognan”, “Nusa Lemongan”, or “Nusa Lombongan”.
This will help you plan your trip more easily and not get confused while traveling to the island.
If you have any questions about what to do on Nusa Lembongan or the island in general, 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.
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THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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Many thanks!
Hello, we are first time travelers to Bali and would love your recommendations for accommodation on either Nusa Lembongan or Penida or both. We are planning to do a dive or two, but would love the ability to walk out from our accommodation and snorkel as often as we like. Also happy to join any interning tours. Would be great to be close to really good quality snorkeling spots. Access to eating places would be great, but would prefer away from busiest spots. Any advice is gratefully received.
Hi Amanda, on Lembongan, the accommodations I recommend can be found in this guide, it’s a small island and everything is within 5 to 10 minutes drive so you can base yourself at either of the places mentioned depending on your budget and easily be able to walk to nearby beaches and restaurants. If none of the accommodation options I have mentioned suit, bookingcom will offer other suggestions worth looking into based on your needs.
On Nusa Penida, I have published a complete guide on accommodations which you can check out here – https://www.jonnymelon.com/where-to-stay-nusa-penida/
I hope this helps and have a fantastic trip to Bali 🙂
Loved this article ! have noted down your ideas for my trip to Lembongan tomorrow ! thank you so much !
You’re welcome and thanks for reading! Have a fantastic trip!
Hi,
I really enjoyed reading this article. The picture is beautiful and one particular picture was a place I’d visit and I love that place. 🙂
Thanks for visit Bali and sharing all your tips and experience while you Bali especially Nusa Penida. Really appreciated.
Thanks very much and I am glad you enjoyed it!