Longing to get back to Nusa Lembongan? We did, and were lucky enough to take the fast boat over from Bali. Here’s a review of our recent trip to Lembongan.
Looking for a different island escape atmosphere, maybe a more laid-back, quiet space than Bali? Just a 30-minute boat ride from the Island of Gods is the scenic and peaceful Nusa Lembongan, and we’ll let you know everything we love about visiting the small island!
Where is Nusa Lembongan?
Part of the “Nusa Islands” which consist of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan is located in Southeast Bali. It is the most famous among the three offshore islands – even we are long-time Lembongan lovers and usually visit three or four times a year!
Why Visit Nusa Lembongan?
Let us spill on the island’s highlights!
Nusa Lembongan is an absolute wonderland with its tourism game down pat, offering you a worry-free and total island experience. From mouthwatering F&B joints to cozy accommodations, your choices are plentiful!
What makes your escape even more relaxing is the absence of cars and traffic stress, you can enjoy the island carefree and slow…
Lembongan’s beaches will draw your full attention without a doubt. They’re like something out of a painting with crystal-clear waters, white sand, picturesque limestone cliffs, and perfect sun rays. And that is just scratching the surface – you definitely need to experience the underwater world too! The island is home to various coral reefs, making it a colourful snorkelling area. Not to mention, Nusa Lembongan is a remarkable surfing and scuba diving destination.
Given its small size and close proximity to Bali, you can explore the island on a Lembongan day trip from Bali, but we do encourage you to spend at least 2 to 4 days to delve deeper into the island’s unique elements.
The best time to visit Nusa Lembongan is during the dry season, between May and early September when it’s less humid with little chance of rainfall.
Travelling to Nusa Lembongan
Getting to Nusa Lembongan from Bali is easy. You can head to the small island from Sanur by boat. Various boat companies are available near the port, offering cheap tickets. We recommend buying them in advance to see sure your day and time is locked in!
Once you are checked in at the harbour, you will set sail on a fast boat and feel the touch of refreshing waters splashing in. A breezy 30-minute journey is all it takes to reach the island from Bali.
INSIDER TIP: pack lightly, you don’t want to have to load big suitcases on the boats over and back. If you have bigger suitcases consider taking a smaller back pack and storing your suitcases at your previous or next accommodation in Bali, or with a luggage storage company.
Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan
When it comes to accommodation in Lembongan, there is something for every traveller’s vibe and budget! Check out the fancy beachfront resorts, stunning and fully serviced villas, or crash on a budget-friendly yet super cozy guesthouse.
For the luxury tier, Indiana Kenanga Luxury Boutique Hotel and Hai Tide Beach Resort make an excellent choice. The first option is located on Jungut Batu Beach, with the gorgeous French-style beachfront restaurant to add a fab touch to your island experience.
Bali Hai’s Hai Tide Beach Resort offers a luxury getaway with its beachfront lumbung – a traditional rice barn – accommodations, great if you’re traveling with kids and family. Also, there are villas with a private pool for those seeking privacy.
For a mid-range option, you may want to book a room at Royal Retreat Villas and Sukanusa Luxury Huts. And if you’re on a tight budget, we recommend Devadav Hostel, Nitya Homestay Lembongan, or Pemuntalan Guesthouse.
See more of our favourite places to stay at in Nusa Lembongan here.
Getting Around in Nusa Lembongan
With no cars around the island, you can explore this island gem at a leisurely pace with motor bikes. Reach out to your hotel’s team to arrange your bikes, or book one on your own at the side street stalls offering rentals.
*We recommend ensuring your are properly licensed and hold a travel insurance that covers you in case of an accident
If you want to go on a more adventurous journey to Nusa Ceningan, you can take the two-wheel ride and hit the iconic yellow connecting bridge! Or, you can go with a boat like Arthamas Express Fast Boat, to visit the neighboring island, including Nusa Penida.
There are also some golf buggies to rent on the island. These can be rented with or without a driver. It makes getting a family around the island easier.
NOTE: the buggies can not cross the yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan
Many of the bigger restaurants on the islands offer a pickup service in their small trucks. Simply make a reservation with them and tell them where you are staying for a pickup.
Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan
Whether you’re visiting for an adventure-packed vacation or a lazy stay, we’ve compiled some activities to spice up your island vacay!
- Water activities are not to be missed!
Mushroom Bay is just perfect for diving and snorkeling. Lembongan also has great surf spots like the famous Shipwrecks and Playgrounds. And that’s not all – you can top off the fun with SUP boarding.
Also, you can learn scuba diving with PADI open water dive course and get a certification in Lembongan! Find out more here.
- Chasing sunset at Devil’s Tear
Witness a celestial showdown like no other on the edge of the Devil’s Tears Bay. This ain’t no devilish fury – it’s a breathtaking dance of beauty as the sky radiates vibrant hues!
- Dream Beach cliff jump
Do you want to step out from the chill Lembongan days and try something more adventurous? This one calls nature adventurers to enjoy the ocean view with a large splash!
- Day trip to Nusa Ceningan
Take your bike and Explore Nusa Ceningan connected to Nusa Lembongan. Along the way, you’ll pass through the famous Yellow Bridge – so take some cool photographs as you’re on the way! Ceningan is renowned for its Blue Lagoon and seaweed farms that set the island’s sustainable marine harvests afloat, promoting an eco-conscious practice to grow the local economy.
- Unwind at Sandy Bay Beach Club
A true original and our best pick on the island, this beach club serves flavourful dishes and a magnificent sunset view! There are many things to do here, from having a blissful lunch to rejuvenating treatment at Glo Spa. It also has a multipurpose space for yoga, as well as a boutique shop.
Another island with mesmerising natural beauty! You can take a speed boat to visit Nusa Penida and rent a car to hop on the mandatory spots on the island like Angel’s Billabong, Kelingking T-Rex Beach, and Broken Beach.
It’s always fascinating to explore nature up close, and the Mangrove tour will add a fun contrast to the other Lembongan activities for sure. You can explore the lush forests by boat, or by paddling your board!
- Lembongan Paradise Escape
Bali Hai’s Hai Tide Resort offers a luxury package that includes a sail on their Aristocrat, where you can sip on some drinks and savor delightful bites. One of the things we loved the most about the Lembongan Paradise Escape package was the community feel of the group that went over with. We met a lot of other Bali locals and expats, some of whom we’ve already since caught up with again.
If you’re looking for an “on-land” activity while you are on the island, you can’t go past the fun 18-hole mini-golf course at Coconut Hut. Not only is this course heaps of fun, but you’ll also learn a lot about Hindu culture and iconic spots on the island at each hole. Coconut Hut is also famous for its icy cold drinks and fantastic food too!
Food to Try in Nusa Lembongan
Traveling to a new place will rise your curiosity about the food. So we listed our handpicked, best restaurants in Nusa Lembongan for your culinary excellence crave.
Hai Bar & Grill (everyday – movie night on Saturday)
The Coconut Hut (every Sunday with a Community Market every second Sunday and minigolf weekly)
Kayu Lembongan (Friday & Saturday)
Ginger & Jamu (open Wednesday to Sunday)
Nick’s Place (open every day)
Agung Beach Club (open every day)
Agus Shipwreck (open every afternoon & evening)
Lemongrass Bar & Restaurant (open every day)
Oka Warung (open every day)
Pondok Baruna Warung (open every day)
Nyoman’s Warung (open every day)
Linda Beach Resort (open every day)
L Good Bar and Grill (open every day)
Akah Cottage and Resto (open every day)
Also, if Ceningan is on your exploration itinerary, don’t miss out on trying food and drinks there:
Sea Breeze (open every day)
Klyf Club (open every day)
Chill and Grill Italian (open every day for lunch and dinner)
If you want to take an island getaway the easy way, try using services from The Lembongan Traveller. They can manage your boat transfers from and to Bali, and plan your accommodation (to match your budget) during the island escape. We had a totally convenient trip last time with their great help!
Final Words
Let the island’s epic natural wonders and sustainable efforts work their magic on you on a tropical getaway!
Part of the “Nusa Islands” which consist of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan is located in Southeast Bali. It is the most famous among the three offshore islands – even we are long-time Lembongan lovers and usually visit three or four times a year!
Why Visit Nusa Lembongan?
We went over as part of Bali Hai’s newest offering ‘Lembongan Paradise Escape’ – it includes door to door service right from your home in Bali. We sailed over on their Aristocrat and while it takes longer than a fast boat (1 hour 45mins) we really enjoyed stretching out on the front deck, being able to order drinks and served snacks and being powered by the wind all the way home!
You land right at the gorgeous Mushroom Bay being able to check straight into the Hai Tide Beach Resort. You can stay in the gorgeous lumbungs (some which are absolute beachfront) or upgrade to 2-bedroom private pool villa (great if you’re travelling with friends or the kids!).
Back to Basics: Seaweed Farming
The Island is noticeably a lot quieter but upon talking to a lot of locals most had gone back to the tradition of seaweed farming. Around the Yellow Bridge area, you can especially see just how much seaweed farming is happening at this time. Not everything has reopened on Lembongan and Cenigan but certainly enough to keep you busy and well-fed during your stay. We always love scooting around and across the bridge, but you can also rent a golf buggy or get the resort to drop you to and from places also.
Under the Stars
One of the things we loved the most about the Lembongan Paradise Escape package was the community feel of the group that went over with. As you are all staying at the same resort and taking the same boat, it was easy to socialise. We met a lot of other Bali locals and ex-pats, some of whom we’ve already since caught up with again. It felt so nice to be in a place with a small group of others all “holidaying” again. Saturday night is movie night at the resort and nice for us all to enjoy a film under the stars, with the waves crashing in the background.
Back to Lembongan for Snorkeling
No trip to Lembongan is complete without a snorkel session, we can tell you that this is the best to time to take to the waters of Crystal Bay…never have we seen so many fish and sea creature there. The water is as beautiful as ever! Some guests headed out diving, some over to Penida for the day and some choose to just stay and swim and enjoy having Mushroom Bay to themselves.
On Sunday’s the funky The Coconut Hut is open so don’t miss out on a round of minigolf while you there. Every second Sunday there is also a community market held here where you see all the clever things being produced on the Island and meet some of the Lembongan locals.
Exploring Paradise
We’ve made a list of some of the places open on Lembongan to make your stay a little easier (we will continue to update this). Like places in Bali, Lembongan is so thankful for your support during this time as they navigate their way through the craziness of 2020. One thing is for sure, the whole time we were there I couldn’t help thinking just how lucky we were to be able to explore such a piece of paradise and have it almost all to ourselves… as hard as 2020 has been (and seemingly continues), we remain thankful that this is where we are in the world!
We will for sure be back to visit Lembongan & Cenigan soon… for a look behind the scenes of our trip take a look at the Lembongan highlights reel on our Instagram account.
UPDATE: Some clever Lembongan locals have put together this real time table to help you during your time on the Island to see what is open for business and when: https://lembongan.
These Businesses are now open in Lembongan
Package deals with boats & accommodation
Accommodation & Activities
You can search & book through The Lembongan Traveller or visit their office on the Island in Jungat Batu.
Boats
Food & Drinks in Lembongan
Hai Bar & Grill (everyday – movie night on Saturday)
The Coconut Hut (every Sunday with a Community Market every second Sunday)
Kayu Lembongan (Friday & Saturday)
Ginger & Jamu (open Wednesday to Sunday)
Nick’s Place (open every day)
Agung Beach Club (open every day)
Agus Shipwreck (open every afternoon & evening)
Lemongrass Bar & Restaurant (open every day)
Oka Warung (open every day)
Pondok Baruna Warung (open every day)
Nyoman’s Warung (open every day)
Linda Beach Resort (open every day)
L Good Bar and Grill (open every day)
Akah Cottage and Resto (open every day)
Food & Drinks in Ceningan
Sea Breeze (open every day)
Klyf Club (open every day)
Chill and Grill Italian (open every day for lunch and dinner)
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Final Words
Let the island’s epic natural wonders and sustainable efforts work their magic on you on a tropical getaway!
We hope this travel guide serves as your trusty compass, leading you to an island paradise where nature is in full swing.
Happy travels!
Read more about Exploring Nusa Penida to double the island escape excitement!
