Nusa Lembongan: The Ultimate Island Getaway You need to visit now

This guide will help you plan your trip to Nusa Lembongan. No matter if you’re coming for the first time or re-visiting.

I’ve been traveling to Bali with my husband for the last several years, and then we decided to make it our home.

Nusa Lembongan is one of our favorite places in Bali. Amazing beaches, friendly locals, laid-back vibes. We stayed there for a few months during the 2020 lockdown in Europe. We explored the island, tested restaurants, and met other travelers.

After visiting the island a few times, I give you my best tips and recommendations in this article.

Getting to Nusa Lembongan
Best time to visit
Where to stay in
Best things to do
Food and restaurant tips
Nightlife on the island
Shopping tips
Culture guide
Safety tips
Other tips

First things first. How to get to Nusa Lembongan?

Getting to Nusa Lembongan

First, you want to know how you can get to the island. To get to Nusa Lembongan, you can take a fast boat from Bali. There are two main departure points – Sanur and Padang Bai. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes from Sanur and 1 hour from Padang Bai.

Most people go from Sanur. You can choose from dozens of fast boats and buy the ticket online. The boats leave every day between 9 am and 5 pm at the latest. Here are a few boat companies that I’ve used over the past few years:

• DCamel
• Rocky Fast Cruise
• Tanis Express

You can check the schedule and book the ticket to Nusa Lembongan here.

The ticket price is about €10 – €30 and does not include transport to and from your hotel, except Rocky Fast Cruise. Some hotels do provide complimentary pick-up from the harbor.

Arrival points

Make sure you check where your hotel is, so you can book the right boat and arrive at the right point. The two arrival points on the island are Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay.

Best time to Visit Nusa Lembongan

The best time to visit Nusa Lembongan depends on your budget and preferences.

I would visit between April and October for the best weather. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds.

If you want to avoid crowds and save money, you can visit during the low season, from November to March. The weather may be rainy, but the island is quieter and more peaceful. Except between mid-December to New Year.

November to January are the rainiest months. But I’ve stayed during these times and could still enjoy the island. It rained for a few hours in the afternoon or at night. Nothing too severe.

Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan has a wide range of accommodation options. You can get a nice pool villa with an ocean view if you can afford some luxury. If you’re on a budget, many backpacker hostels and guesthouses are also available.

When it comes to choosing which area to stay, you have 2 options:

• Jungut Batu: The most popular area in Nusa Lembongan. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and bars around. It’s also home to the island’s longest beach. Stay here if you’re traveling solo, don’t or can’t drive a motorbike, or prefer more crowded areas.
• Mushroom Bay: If you want to avoid the crowd, you could choose to stay here. Mushroom Bay is a quieter area of the island that is popular with honeymooners and couples. It has a more secluded feel and some nice snorkeling spots.

Budget accommodations in Nusa Lembongan under €25:

• Chillhouse Lembongan
• Radya Homestay
• Bunutbali Villas
• Dinatah Lembongan Villas

Hostels in Nusa Lembongan:

• Dream Beach Hostel Lembongan
• Devadav Hostel
• Lemon Hostel Lembongan
• Uma Hostel Lembongan
• Bong Hostel

Best Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan

1. Snorkeling and Diving

Many tour operators or accommodations in Nusa Lembongan offer snorkeling and diving trips. Some popular spots for these activities are Crystal Bay and Manta Point. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to swim with the Manta Rays!

2. Surfing

Nusa Lembongan is a surfer’s paradise, with some of the best waves in Bali. The island has surf breaks for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. The most famous surf spots are Playgrounds, Lacerations, and Shipwrecks.

3. Island Tour

Explore the island! You can rent a motorbike or hire a driver to take you around the island. Visit attractions like the Devil’s Tear, Dream Beach, and Ceningan Seaweed Farm.

4. Beach Hopping

Nusa Lembongan has several beautiful beaches, each with its own charm. Jungut Batu is the island’s main beach, while Mushroom Bay is known for its tranquil waters. Dream Beach, Sandy Bay, Tamarind Beach, and Secret Beach are other beaches to explore.

5. Mangrove Forest Tour

Explore the island’s mangrove forest on a guided tour. You can take a traditional wooden boat through the mangroves and enjoy the serenity. It’s quite a relaxing activity.

6. Yoga

Nusa Lembongan is an excellent destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. If you practice yoga, you’ll find several yoga studios on the island. Here are a few studios that I know:

• Yoga Dunia (Mushroom Bay)
• Yoga House of Om (Jungut Batu main road)
• The Yoga Shala

7. Visit Nusa Ceningan

Take a scooter and then go over the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan. There are plenty of nice restaurants and bars here. You can visit the Blue Lagoon, jump off Mahana Point, or explore the village.

Food and Restaurant Tips

For a tiny island, Nusa Lembongan has plenty to offer. You’ll see small cafes, local warungs, Pizzerias, and fine dining! Here are some of my recommendations.

For coffee and breakfast:

• Little Coconut – the best cappuccino
• Bali Eco Deli – plenty of vegetarian/vegan option
• Ombak Zero Waste – breakfast with ocean view
• Bonzer Café – best croissant
• B’Fresh – best fresh juice and fruit bowl
• Let’s Bake – Best Banana Cake

My favorite local warungs:

• Warung Bu Eddy
• Nasi Padang Lembongan – the best jackfruit curry
• Warung Prema 2
• Warung Sate Sudi Mampir – Chicken Satay recommended!
• Maria Boemboe Warung
• Warung Tumpang Sari

Medium Range eateries:

• Tawe Bar & Grill
• Tiki Bar & More – best cocktail
• Horison Hills – best panorama view
• Stengbali – the best poke bowl on the island
• Warung Cassava – try the Cactus juice!

Best Beachfront Restaurants and Bars:

• Sandy Bay – Iconic beach view and the best Caesar Salad on the island!
• The Deck Bar – Premium price with a mesmerizing view
• Alponte Ristorante – the best pizza on the island
• La Bianca – One of the best sunset vibes
• Tigerlilys Beach Shack
• Hai Bar & Grill

Best Restaurants on Jungut Batu Main Road:

• The Kayu – lovely joglo restaurant
• Lionfish – best fusion kitchen
• Fin Island – excellent food and live music
• Lemongrass
• Curry Traders – Indian cuisine
• The Coconut Hut – they have mini golf!

Nightlife in Nusa Lembongan

If you like to party, Nusa Lembongan isn’t the best place for you. You can enjoy live music in some restaurants and bars but only until midnight.

In short, Nusa Lembongan is not a party island. The only place that’s still open after midnight is 3 Monkeys Bar. (I heard that from a friend)

Shopping in Nusa Lembongan

You can find small shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. There are also small boutiques selling clothes and beachwear. I prefer to go shopping in small local shops rather than the popular brands. This way, I can help the local economy and get unique and affordable stuff!

My favorite shops here are Holy Crab and Habibah Souvenir.

Culture and Traditions

Same as in Bali, most locals in Lembongan are Hindus and quite religious. You can sometimes see traditional ceremonies and rituals performed by the locals. Nusa Lembongan has the same holiday and religious calendar as Bali.

One cultural event that is unique to this island only is the ceremony of Aci Sang Hyang Grodog. This ceremony occurs only once every two years in July or August. You’ll be able to see the Sang Hyang Grodog dance, which is a UNESCO heritage culture.

Safety in Nusa Lembongan

I never felt unsafe here, and I never read about or heard of any crime that happened on this island. It’s so safe that some people would leave their motorbikes parked with the key still attached. (I wouldn’t recommend this though!)

I would still suggest you take care of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Very often, tourists lose their phones while driving. Or sometimes their wallet, ATM card, bags, and GoPro while diving.

Luckily, more often, the locals who found them would try to find the tourists to return the missing stuff. But some others were not very lucky.

Tips for Visiting Nusa Lembongan

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, some tampons and whatever cosmetics you need. Make sure you have enough eyebrow pencils with you. Sunscreen is hardly available on the island and is more expensive. And there is no cosmetic shop on the island.
• Be sure to carry enough cash with you as many places on the island do not accept credit cards. And those who accept would charge 3%. There are a few ATMs on the island but often they ran out of cash. Money changer? Yes, available with not-so-good rates. I prefer to avoid them when I can.
• Respect the local culture and traditions by dressing appropriately. And guys, please wear your t-shirt when driving your moped or entering a restaurant. I know it’s hot in the afternoon, but it’s disrespectful. I mean, do you do that in your home country?
• Book your accommodation and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
• Stay hydrated and stick to bottled water, even when brushing your teeth. Do not drink tap water.

FAQs

Is it safe to swim in the waters around Nusa Lembongan?

Yes, it is generally safe to swim in the waters around Nusa Lembongan. However, being aware of currents and following local advice is always important.

Can I find vegan or vegetarian food options on Nusa Lembongan?

Yes, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian food options available on Nusa Lembongan. Don’t worry about it!

What is the best way to get around Nusa Lembongan?

A: The best way to get around Nusa Lembongan is by renting a scooter or a bicycle. You can also hire a driver to take you around the island.

Can I go on a day trip to Nusa Lembongan from Bali?

Yes, there are many tour operators that offer day trips to Nusa Lembongan from Bali. I would avoid doing this on weekend. It’s too crowded everywhere.

Are there any medical facilities in Nusa Lembongan?

There are some small medical clinics on the island for minor injuries. But it’s better to seek medical attention in Bali for more serious medical emergencies.

What should I wear when visiting Nusa Lembongan?

The weather in Nusa Lembongan is tropical, so I recommended to wear light and comfortable clothing. But be aware to dress appropriately when visiting temples.

How long should I spend in Nusa Lembongan?

A: If you’re visiting for the first time and would like to experience what this island offers, stay at least 3 days. On my first visit with my husband, we planned to stay a few days, and then we extended it to one week.

What’s Next?

The best way to go around Nusa Lembongan is to rent a scooter and drive on your own. But driving here is not the same as driving in your own country. It can be dangerous.

Check out my article 11 Tips on How to Drive in Bali Safely!

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