The Ultimate Guide to Nusa Lembongan

We spent three years obsessing about the three beautiful islands off the coast of Bali: Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida. So when we finally had the chance, we made the most out of it. We moved to Nusa Lembongan for one month in February 2021 and gathered all the details you need for your next visit. This guide includes everything: where to go, how to get around, where to eat, and where to stay—whether you’re planning a weekend or an entire year.

How to Get to Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is the most developed of the three Nusas (Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida), at least in terms of tourism. Getting there is simple, though you’ll need to take a boat. Most boats depart from Sanur port in Bali. You can take a taxi, Gojek, or even drive your scooter and leave it in the parking.

• Book tickets in advance for better rates and peace of mind. Return or open tickets are available.
• We recommend D'Camel Fast Ferry—we were very satisfied with their service.
• Boats dock at Mushroom Bay or Jungutbatu (most likely the latter).
• Local drivers and scooter rentals are available upon arrival. If you want a reliable contact, Wayan (certified surf instructor) can help with scooters and local tips.

How to Move Around Nusa Lembongan

The island is small—you can walk around it in a few hours. Options:

• Scooter: Most popular and convenient.
• Bike: For those who prefer a slower pace.
• Walking: Roads are good but narrow; cars are not recommended.

Wayan from Newbro can help you arrange scooters, bikes, or even a local guide for secret spots.

Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan

• Jungutbatu: The most vibrant area, best beach, many restaurants and shops, accommodation for all budgets.
• By the Deck: Up the hill, best views of Mt. Agung, budget-friendly options, was quiet during COVID.
• Sandy Bay/Sunset Beach: Rocky, cliffy, beautiful sunsets, more luxurious stays, quieter with fewer restaurants.

During COVID, many accommodations were closed, so monthly rentals made sense for us. We recommend checking current availability and considering both short- and long-term options.

How Expensive is Nusa Lembongan?

• Accommodation: Comparable to Bali mainland.
• Scooter rentals: Similar to Bali.
• Food: Higher prices (up to 50% more) due to everything being delivered by boat, but still affordable.
• Expansion projects: New pier and better bridges are making the islands more accessible.

The Beaches

You come to Nusa Lembongan for the island life—and that means beach days!

We explored the whole island, rating beaches for swimming, sand, and views. Here are the highlights:

Jungut Batu – Vibrant, Beautiful, and Perfect for Swimming

• Best choice for a classic beach day.
• Lots of venues, gentle currents, good sand, stunning views of Mt. Agung.
• Long stretch, plenty of space even with boats.
• Mahagiri Beach (northern end) is quieter but the resort is currently closed.

Mushroom Bay Beach – For the Views

• Beautiful colors from the rocky bottom, but full of boats.
• Cliff at the north end with a small opening—walk through at low tide to reach Secret Beach.
• Magnificent cliff-top views; bring mosquito repellent!

Dream Beach – Our Favorite

• Western side, great for sunsets, next to Devil's Tear.
• Not swimmable (strong currents, rocky), but raw beauty and perfect sand.
• Protected by cliffs, water colors are spectacular.

Sandy Bay Beach – For Cocktails & Sunsets

• Next to Dream Beach, great for watching Devil's Tear splashes and sunsets.
• Famous for Sandy Bay Beach Club—excellent vegan tacos!
• Quieter, more exclusive vibe.

Song Lambung Beach – Our Secret Finding

• Small, between Jungut Batu and Tamarind Beach, accessible only by foot.
• Best sand on the island, soft waters, stunning views.
• No facilities—bring everything you need.

Tamarind Beach

• Rocky, short, not much to do—our least favorite.

What to Do in Nusa Lembongan

Surfing

• Good waves year-round, great for beginners and experienced surfers.
• Three main surf breaks: Playgrounds, Lacerations, Shipwrecks.
• Surf lessons with Wayan from Newbro or Agus from TSL.

Snorkeling & Marine Life

• Mangroves are a reservation area with colorful corals and fish.
• Snorkeling with manta rays at Manta Bay (Nusa Penida) is a must—tours depart from the Yellow Bridge.
• No experience required; mantas often swim close to the surface.

Other Spots Worth Visiting

• Devil's Tear: Dramatic cliffs, huge water splashes, perfect for sunset.
• The Viewpoint: On the main road, great for spotting Mt. Agung.
• The Mangroves: Conservation area, SUP and kayak rentals.

Daytrip to Nusa Ceningan

• Yellow Bridge: Connects Lembongan and Ceningan, too narrow for cars, iconic photo spot.
• Blue Lagoon: Stunning turquoise water, great for sunset drinks.
• Secret Point Beach: Best sand, great waves, famous cliff jump.
• Secret Beach: Isolated, rocky, strong currents, unique vibe.
• Lagoon between the islands: Calm waters, restaurants with swings and hammocks, seaweed farming.

Nusa Ceningan is quieter, less developed, and has more of an island vibe. A 15-minute drive from Jungut Batu.

Nusa Penida Tour

• Worth a day trip for dramatic landscapes and beaches.
• Daily tours can be arranged from Nusa Lembongan (Wayan from Newbro can help).
• Fewer quality accommodations on Penida, so a day trip is ideal.

Where to Eat in Nusa Lembongan

• Ombak Zero Waste Cafe: Our favorite co-working spot, great coffee, zero-waste philosophy.
• Indiana Kenanga: Best for sunsets, great fries and burgers, beautiful interiors.
• Fin Island: Gorgeous vegan food, fair prices, beautiful setting.
• Sandy Bay Beach Club: Perfect for sunset drinks, pool and beach access, amazing vegan tacos.
• Nick's Place: Local spot for vegan burgers and junk food.
• Mushroom Espresso: Best coffee on the island.
• Sea Breeze: Famous, busy, unique vibe, hammocks and swings over the water.
• The Coconut Hub: Great music, minigolf, good food.
• Klyf Club: Brand new, great views, higher prices, chef willing to accommodate vegans.

Where to Buy Groceries

• Fruits & Veggie Shop: Local shops in Jungut Batu; try Warung Mek Doni.
• Nick's Gourmet: Behind Nick's Place, good for plant-based milks and canned goods.
• Karang Shop: Big shop on the main road for all types of groceries and utilities.

How to Find a Place to Stay

• Airbnb is the go-to for rentals.
• The Lembongan Traveller offers a curated collection of places.

How Good is the Internet?

• Good mobile signal, decent speeds for most needs.
• Not ideal for those needing high-speed internet, but manageable for remote work.
• Jungut Batu area tends to have faster speeds.

Tips for Longer Stays

• Groceries, rentals, and daily life are manageable.
• The island is livable for extended periods; we stayed a month and could have stayed longer.
• Bring your pet! Ferries allow dogs for a small fee, but finding pet-friendly accommodation may require extra effort.

Bringing Your Pet

• Easy to bring dogs from Bali (small fee).
• Pet-friendly places are harder to find, but once sorted, the island is welcoming.