25+ Incredible Things to do on Nusa Lembongan Island

If you are looking for adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, Nusa Lembongan is the perfect destination. This guide will help you plan your itinerary with the best things to do on Nusa Lembongan.

Many people don’t know that Nusa Lembongan Island is close to Bali. In fact, Lembongan, Penida, and Cenningan are three gems just 30 minutes away from Bali. We spent over 10 days exploring this island, and our trip was extended because we fell in love with it.

If you are looking for a perfect day trip from Bali or a weekend getaway, consider Nusa Lembongan. We have compiled a complete guide to the best 25 things to do in Nusa Lembongan. This comprehensive guide to Nusa Lembongan will walk you through the best activities, hidden gems, and essential tips for making the most of your trip.

Things to do on Nusa Lembongan MAP

The map below outlines our recommendations for places to visit in Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan. Save it to your phone and explore as much as you can.

Unveiling the Gem of Indonesia: Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan, also known as Lembongan, is one of three islands in the Nusa Penida cluster, including Nusa Ceningan and the popular Nusa Penida. This destination is a haven for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bali and experience a more peaceful and serene side of Indonesia.

25 Best Things to do on Nusa Lembongan Island

Explore what to do on Nusa Lembongan Island

Beach Hopping: Spend a day discovering Nusa Lembongan’s beaches

Renowned for its pristine beaches, each with its own distinctive appeal, Nusa Lembongan offers a variety of must-visit beaches.

• Dream Beach: A secluded cove with dramatic cliffs and powdery white sand.
• Mushroom Bay: A serene location with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
• Secret Lagoon Lembongan: A narrow shoreline protected by cliffs, well known by cliff-jumpers. The beach is hidden and not suitable in the low season.
• Jungutbatu Beach: With its many beach clubs and long stretches of soft sand, it is one of the busiest areas in Nusa Lembongan.

Dream Beach

Dream Beach is the premier shoreline on Nusa Lembongan. While on the island, a day of sunbathing in this idyllic tropical location is a must. In fact, we enjoyed this beach more than any other, even more than our idyllic day at Atuh Beach in Nusa Penida. One of the things we love most about Dream Beach is that it is free to enter, and there is no charge for parking.

There is a staircase at the beach entrance that is easy to descend, and just before it, there is an Instagram-worthy swing with a perfect view as a backdrop. For some inspiration for your most Instagrammable places in Bali, see the photo above. You can choose to stay on the beach or relax at the beach club. The entrance fee is only $5 per day and includes access to the pool, which is very convenient since the sea is often rough, making swimming difficult.

Mushroom Bay

We spent most of our time in the Mushroom Bay area. The beach is pristine, and it is the landing point for fast boats from Sanur. You will disembark from the boat on the beach itself. Mushroom Beach is a popular choice for tourists on Nusa Lembongan, as hotels, homestays, and luxury apartments surround it.

We recommend spending time at sunset, as you will have a perfect view of Mt. Batur on the other side of the ocean. Mushroom Bay is our favourite spot on Nusa Lembongan because of the many beach bars, beanbags on the sand, surf schools, and calm water for swimming.

Secret Lagoon Lembongan

A secret spot lies just beyond Mushroom Bay. It’s not so secret, though, since it’s on Google Maps. It is secluded, though, and during the low season, it’s impossible to get to because the tide covers the beach.

If you’re visiting Bali during the high season, the Secret Lagoon on Lembongan Island is definitely worth checking out. It isn’t easy to access, so we recommend walking. If the tide is low, you may be able to step down from the Mushroom Bay shoreline, which has a small path on the rocks. Be cautious if you go this way.

Jungutbatu Beach

Jungutbatu Beach is a lengthy stretch of sand on the side of Nusa Lembongan that faces Bali. It is one of the most developed areas on the island and is a popular swimming spot.

During low tide, the beach is broad enough to stay on the shore, but during the low season, it narrows to the point where it is impassable. It is common to see seaweed drying in the sun, as it is a major part of the local economy besides tourism.

Be cautious because some areas are only for boats, and many fast boats from Bali approach the shore. Jungutbatu Beach is another excellent spot to watch the sunset in Nusa Lembongan, and you should definitely include it in your itinerary.

You may also arrange day excursions around the bay, which may include shipwrecks and other snorkelling activities. Some of the island’s best beach clubs are located on Jungutbatu Beach, which we have highlighted above. If you missed it, scroll up.

Go on a day trip to Nusa Penida

As mentioned, Nusa Penida is a 20-minute boat ride from Nusa Lembongan. While the biggest island has many things to offer, getting around can be challenging, and finding a nice place to stay overnight can be difficult.

We stayed in Nusa Penida for a few days, but we preferred the atmosphere of Nusa Lembongan. Please see our guide on why to visit Nusa Penida. Plan a few day trips to Nusa Penida to explore the island with a local guide.

This is one of our top recommendations, as the roads are rough, and if you are not an experienced motorbike rider, it will be a nightmare. The main attractions of Nusa Penida are the towering cliffs. From Kelingking Beach to Diamond Beach, a full day is worth the price and is ideal if you are looking for beautiful beaches and adrenaline. While you can do this on your own by taking a boat from the Yellow Bridge, we strongly advise you to join a tour.

Swim with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida

One of the top things to do in Nusa Lembongan is to take a day trip to Nusa Penida, where you can swim with manta rays. Nusa Penida, Lembongan’s larger neighbour, is renowned for its amazing underwater world.
One of the highest-rated tours is available through Get Your Guide. These gentle giants gracefully glide through the crystal-clear waters, providing an unforgettable experience.

READ ALSO | Things to do on Nusa Penida

Take the boat through the Mangrove Forest in Nusa Lembongan

One of the most exciting things to do on Nusa Lembongan is a unique adventure through the mangrove forest. While this part of the island is less touristy, locals highly recommend it.

Hop on a narrow wooden boat with a local guide and navigate the narrow waterways of the mangroves. Exotic birds and other species hide among the mangroves. See this tour of Lembongan Mangrove Forest.

Get your diving certification

Travellers who are staying in Bali for an extended period go to Lembongan to get their scuba diving certification. While the coral reef is a major draw, it is also because it is the most affordable way to obtain a valid PADI certification.

The most popular diving school in Lembongan is located near Mushroom Bay. The Scuba Center, which is located next to the Lounge Restaurant, is the heart of this section of the island.

Where to eat on Nusa Lembongan

• Soka Warung – Best local food and very cheap
• Warung Ten Poh Lembongan – Balinese food with fresh produce from the backyard
• Tropical Juice Corner & Foods – Fantastic fresh squeezed juices
• Warung Sebit Sari – Average Pizza if you need carbs
• Mushroom Espresso – Nice coffee and gelato with a tranquil backyard
• The Lounge Restaurant Lembongan – We had lunch and breakfast here several times. We Played UNO and spent chilled days. The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is pleasant. They are part of the diving school.

Get a gelato at Mushroom Bay

As mentioned above, our daily routine in Nusa Lembongan was something we looked forward to. We worked hard at our accommodation and also from Mushroom Espresso or LGood down the road. However, we also enjoyed grabbing a gelato at sunset and walking down the bay to see some of the most amazing sunsets of our lives.

Go across the yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan

Crossing the iconic yellow bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan was a fun experience. Ale was apprehensive at first because the bridge appeared to be unstable, but it was actually quite secure. The yellow colour and steel structure make it one of the most picturesque spots in the Nusas Islands.

We enjoyed flying the drone around this iconic landmark, which is both charming and impressive when you consider that it connects two tiny islands. Crossing the bridge to Ceningan will take you to a different island, one that is wilder but still has its share of beautiful beaches.

Explore Nusa Ceningan

If you are spending a few days in Nusa Lembongan, do not miss out on spending a few days exploring the connected Nusa Ceningan. As mentioned above, you can cross the Yellow Bridge and be surrounded by wilderness. We rented a moped (a very cranky one), and in about 20 minutes, we were on the other side.

Ceningan is a hidden gem for many. It is a little secret that everyone tries to preserve. It is definitely the tiniest island of Nusas and does not have the services of its two big sisters. However, if you are up for an adventure, it can give you the pinch of adrenaline you are looking for.

From crystal-clear blue lagoons and secluded beaches to thrilling cliff-jumping spots, there are so many things to do on Ceningan Island that you can stay around for days.

Visit the Blue Lagoon in Nusa Ceningan

Although Nusa Ceningan is not technically a part of Nusa Lembongan, it is located on the other side of the Yellow Bridge. We combined a trip to this location with a beautiful day at Secret Point Beach.

Although we were unable to swim in the Blue Lagoon due to the seaweed on the surface and the force of the waves crashing in, the landscape was surreal. We enjoyed walking on the rocks and taking some of the best photos in Nusa Ceningan.

Surf at shipwreck point

As we stated, a number of Nusa Lembongan activities involve exploring shipwrecks. We had the pleasure of doing this once in the Caribbean, in Barbados, and it was an amazing experience.

The coasts off Nusa Lembongan are well-known for their preserved reefs, making it one of the best surfing spots in Southeast Asia.

However, we recommend this only for experienced surfers, as the waves are quite strong and there are exposed rocks. If you are a beginner, head to Mushroom Bay, where there are a few surf schools that can help you get started. It is very affordable to have an instructor for a week or two.

Watch the sunset at Dream Point

Although Dream Point is not located in Nusa Lembongan, it is only a 20-minute motorbike ride from anywhere on the island. Cross the scenic yellow bridge. Dream Point is the best sunset spot in Nusa Ceningan.

From the old tree and swing, you may enjoy a refreshing coconut or a local Bintang while taking in the perfect sunset view. During low tide, you may also walk down and watch the local fishermen go about their daily routines.

Have some fun – Nusa Lembongan nightlife

Although we were slightly disappointed by the nightlife in Nusa Penida, we did not have high expectations for Nusa Lembongan. However, the small island proved to be livelier than its larger neighbour.

Of course, you cannot expect the same wild nightlife as in Bali, but the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed. Take your time, enjoy a cocktail or two, watch the sea, and listen to live music under the stars. If you are looking for a lively atmosphere, Mushroom Bay is the ideal place.

Watch sunset at Cloudland Bar Lembongan

Cloudland Bar is in a secluded area. Even though many people arrive there by motorbike, after a heavy storm, we chose to walk. If you do, bring a flashlight since it gets dark.

The bar offers a beautiful view of the cliffs, especially at sunset. It gets crowded, with the best spots taken at least two hours before the sun sets. Cloudland Bar is very reasonably priced. It is one of the main attractions in Nusa Lembongan.

Relax at Ohana Beach Club

We stayed on the side of Mushroom Bay, which has a more relaxed atmosphere. However, we frequently hopped on our motorbikes and rode along Jungutbatu Beachside.

Suppose you want to spend a day relaxing, similar to how you would at La Brisa in Canggu, go to Ohana’s beach club. Many well-organized beach clubs line the side streets on this side of the island.

While walking on the beach, you will come across Ohana and many other beach clubs. You can spend the day sipping a refreshing coconut or using the amenities. Ohana Beach Club is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Bali.

If you want to see other beach clubs, look for Sandy Bay Beach Club, The Sand, and Le Pirate Beachclub on Nusa Ceningan.

Book a yoga class

Yoga classes in Bali are very affordable, and you can enjoy your stay on Nusa Lembongan island even more. If you’re looking to unwind, the serene and peaceful atmosphere of Lembongan may be a good fit.

Even though Bali is home to a large number of yoga studios, you may reset your routine by simply staying in Lembongan. There are two main studios in Lembongan: Yoga Dunia Lembongan, which is located in Mushroom Bay, and Yoga Bliss, which is located on the Jungutbatu shoreline. 

Observe the force of the waves at Devil’s Tear

Devil’s Tear is located a short walk from Dream Beach. The waves crash against the rocky cliff with such force that they create stunning spray, rainbows, and natural infinity pools carved through the rocks.

This breathtaking natural phenomenon offers a chance to witness the magnificent force of waves crashing against cliffs, resulting in a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

We recommend planning a visit to Devil’s Tear at sunset. It is one of the best vantage points in Nusa Lembongan to view the perfect sunsets. Getting to Devil’s Tear by scooter is simple, and there is a parking spot at the entrance. A $1 fee is required to enter Devil’s Tears.

Visit Pura Segara Temple

Tranquil and serene, the magnificent Pura Segara Temple sits alongside the picturesque sea. Immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of Balinese culture and connect with your inner self as you explore this breathtaking temple.

Walk around the local food market

While visiting Nusa Lembongan, be sure to experience the lively food market. We found it to be a great way to meet locals and learn about their culture. In the early morning, take a walk through the bustling market in the main village on your way to Ceningan Island.

This is an unforgettable experience. If you have time, the market is also a great place to purchase fresh, locally sourced fruit and produce.

We also find markets to be inspiring, and the one at Lembongan was truly unique. I visited it while on my way to the Yellow Bridge and couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Admire the view from Jenggala Hill

While riding our motorbike back to our accommodation on the other side of Lembongan, we reached the top of Jenggala hill with little trouble. The panorama opened up before us. From that side of the island, the view is incredible.

You can see waves crashing against the surfer point, giving you a clear view of the coral reef. You can see the least visited areas and even the mangroves from the hill. If you enjoy the stunning view, you can also spend the night in a prime location.

Booking the hotel on Jenggala Hill, you will surely catch sunrise and sunset in Nusa Lembongan. The pollution here is minimal, so that you will witness something unimaginable. CHECK THE VIEW FROM JENGGALA HILL HOTEL.

Things to know before visiting Nusa Lembongan

OVERVIEW | How to get to Nusa Lembongan?

Budget Friendly | 90 minutes, from $4 (Public boat, first come-first served).

Regular Ticket | 90 minutes, from $12 (Company: Perama).

LabeFast-Boat | 35 minutes, from $19 (Book here)

How to Get to Nusa Lembongan By Ferry

Prior to your Nusa Lembongan adventure, you must be aware of how to get there. Fortunately, getting to this paradise is a simple process. From Bali, the most convenient way to reach Nusa Lembongan is by taking a ferry from Sanur Beach.

These fast boats provide a relaxing and picturesque journey across the blue waters of the Bali Sea.

The ferry ride takes roughly 30 minutes. The ride was pleasant, although the return journey was rough. Before beginning the journey, verify the sea conditions; otherwise, remain on the island for a few more days.

Boat price to Nusa Lembongan

A round-trip ticket from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, including hotel transfer, costs 500,000 IDR (35 USD) per person. However, there is a minimum of two people per booking. If you are travelling solo, you can purchase a one-way ticket for 20,000 IDR (2 USD) at the harbour. This ticket does not include hotel transfers.

Book a tour of Nusa Lembongan from Bali

One of the most popular and highly-rated tours from Bali, with hundreds of bookings and rave reviews, is this day trip. It includes a hassle-free hotel pickup in Bali, return boat transfers, and a guided tour of all the top attractions on the islands.

How to Get Around Nusa Lembongan

Getting around the island is a breeze, with several convenient options.

Nusa Lembongan is walkable

We mostly walked, which is why we stayed in Mushroom Bay. Compared to Canggu or nearby Nusa Penida, it is pleasant to walk around and have everything close by. It took me about 40 minutes to walk from Mushroom Harbor to the Yellow Bridge.

Rent a golf cart

We noticed families renting golf carts, typically used on golf courses, which was quite entertaining. If you know how to drive a motorbike in Southeast Asia, please consider this option when on Nusa Lembongan.

How long to stay in Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan

We enjoyed these two serene islands off the coast of Bali. We had originally planned to spend five days there to escape the hustle and bustle of Bali, but we ended up staying longer.

We were travelling quickly through Southeast Asia, and Bali was the only place where we spent two months. As a result, we had a few days to spare and a valid visa, so we decided to spend a total of ten days on Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan.

Most travellers, on the other hand, spend three to five days on Nusa Lembongan, seeking a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere and visiting some of Bali’s best beaches.

Indonesia Travel Insurance

Booking travel insurance is becoming a basic part of travel planning, especially for a secure trip to Bali. It is simply a precaution, and even seasoned travellers should consider it. For us, having travel insurance is the key to enjoying our vacation with peace of mind. Check out the best quote for your next trip to Bali!

Where to Stay on Nusa Lembongan

Q&A | Your Nusa Lembongan Queries Answered