Nusa Lembongan Island is a tropical paradise located just 30 minutes by fast boat from Bali. For those of you searching for the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan, you have found the right blog.
Nusa Lembongan is one of three Nusa Islands and you have the option of doing 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 of the 21 Epic 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!
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Table of Contents
HOW TO GET TO NUSA LEMBONGAN
Ferries operate daily to Nusa Lembongan from Pemelisan Harbor 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 a drop-off directly to the pier at Pemelisan Harbor.
The boat trip from Bali takes approximately 45-minutes to reach the island.
Get your ticket → Ferry from Bali to Nusa Islands
NUSA LEMBONGAN TOUR FROM BALI
One of the most top-rated tours with great reviews and hundreds of bookings is the day trip from Bali 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.
Click Here for more information and book online in advance to get the best rates.
BOOK NOW → NUSA LEMBONGAN TOUR
HOW TO GET AROUND
Renting a scooter is the cheapest and most convenient means of transport around the island. The roads are pretty well maintained and I always recommend wearing a helmet for extra precaution, regardless of the locals when they say it’s not necessary.
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, you can ask the receptionist at your accommodation to help organize a scooter rental for you.
You can expect to pay around 70,000 IDR per day for a scooter rental with a full tank of gas.
WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA LEMBONGAN
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 views of the ocean and Mt. Agung in Bali. Choose from a double room, twin room, or 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas. The Tamarind has it all! Breakfast is also included for all guests. 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, bar, and terrace. The rooms have beautiful Bali decor, are very spacious, air-conditioned, mini bar, tea/coffee maker, and private bathroom. This property has free wifi and breakfast included for all guests! Great place to stay for couples, friends, and families.
Budget: Risna Homestay
Risna Homestay is one of the best budget accommodations perfect for solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and fitted with a wardrobe, seating area, private bathroom, and outdoor terrace with garden views. This property is centrally located and close to all the tourist spots. The staff can also help you to organize activities on the island.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
21 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 a complete guide on the 21 best things to do in Nusa Lembongan Bali.
DREAM BEACH NUSA LEMBONGAN
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 the thrill-seekers, the cliffs near 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 if you decide to jump you will either have to climb out 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, an infinity pool, and unspoiled views of the beach.
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.
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 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.
Full Blog Post → Devil’s Tear
TIDAL POOLS
Be sure to combine your visit to Devils 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.
MUST READ → BEST CAMERA GEAR FOR TRAVEL
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.
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.
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 in 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
Our snorkeling tour began at 8:30 am where 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 starting 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 → 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 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.
RELATED ARTICLE → 15 THINGS TO DO IN NUSA PENIDA
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.
View Full Blog Post → Epic Things To Do In Nusa Ceningan
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.
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 simply 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 Post → Epic Things To Do In Nusa Penida
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.
For as little as 50,000 IDR per person, you can choose to hire a local guide to show you around the mangroves, or rent a standup paddleboard and find your own way.
No bookings are essential, just drive your scooter all the way around to where the road comes to a dead-end and you’ll be sure to find many locals offering Lembongan mangrove tours.
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 seeing the locals go about their morning routine at these bustling markets.
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.
RELATED ARTICLE → 2 WEEK BALI ITINERARY
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.
Keen for 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 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!
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 at 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.
RELATED ARTICLE → BEST WATERFALLS IN BALI
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 plays home to 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 either make the long paddle out across the reef or ask a local to take you out to the break by boat for just 50,000 IDR.
VISIT THE UNIQUE CEMETERY
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 way 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 the 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.
JENGGALA HILL – SUNRISE IN LEMBONGAN
Last but not least on 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!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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
AIRBNB NUSA LEMBONGAN
Another option for accommodation when visiting is to stay in an Airbnb, which has some great deals around the island!
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BEST TOURS IN BALI
MORE BALI TRAVEL GUIDES
- Nusa Penida Guide: 15 Things To Do In Nusa Penida
- Nusa Ceningan Guide: Things To Do In Nusa Ceningan
- Bali Travel Guide: 2 Week Bali Itinerary
- Bali Waterfalls Guide: BEST WATERFALLS IN BALI
- Bali Beaches Guide: Best Beaches In Uluwatu
LONELY PLANET BALI
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Bali Travel Guide!
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MY SHOP
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks for reading this article and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Adventuring!
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!