- Last Updated:
- By: Peter Orsel
Nusa Lembongan is only thirty minutes from Sanur, Bali by speedboat and it feels like a different world. No traffic, no coworking spaces, no beach clubs playing techno during lunch time. It’s a small island with seaweed farms, quiet roads, and water that makes you want to dive in right away.
I have been here at least four times. As a tourist, with my mom, and even during marathon training because the roads are so good for running!
This Nusa Lembongan Travel Guide covers everything you need to plan a trip to Nusa Lembongan, whether it’s a day trip from Bali, a two-night escape, or a proper slow-down.
In This Post
Where is Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the southeast coast of Bali, part of the same regency but a completely different pace of life. It is connected to the even smaller Nusa Ceningan by the famous yellow bridge, wide enough for two bikes but not for a car. Many people and guides would consider Nusa Lembongan as Bali, but remember it takes a boat trip to get here.
Until about ten years ago, Lembongan was the go-to escape from Bali. Then Nusa Penida got discovered, went viral, and became overrun. Now people are coming back to Lembongan, and to be honest, I always liked it better. Penida is much bigger, and lacks the island vibe where the beach is always a minute away.
You can drive around both islands in a couple of hours, but give yourself at least a full day. There is more to stop for than it looks on the map.
Lembongan and Ceningan are my favourite destination for a short getaway from Bali and I’ve been about four times so far. If you don’t have a lot of time, no problem! There are day trips from Bali too. Have a look at this tour for a snorkelling trip, or take a day trip visiting the sights on the island!
The Best Time to Visit Nusa Lembongan
Lembongan is a year-round destination, but the wind makes a real difference here.
From May to the end of August, it gets windy. The boat crossing from Sanur becomes rougher than it needs to be. If you travel in those months, take the first boat of the day when the water is calmest.
For the best combination of weather and conditions, go in April, September, or October. Dry season, manageable wind, and fewer tourists than July and August.
Wet season, November to March, is still worth considering. Rain comes in bursts, usually late afternoon, and the island stays quiet and green. Accommodation is cheaper and the seaweed farmers are out farming all the time.
How to get to Nusa Lembongan?
The only way to reach Nusa Lembongan is by boat from Sanur. Fast boats run multiple times daily and the crossing takes around thirty minutes. It used to be easy to book on the spot, but I recommend booking in advance now, especially in peak season.
Another way to book your ticket is through GetYourGuide. See the availability below, and book your tickets to visit Nusa Lembongan today!
Check beforehand at what beach you want to be dropped off. There’s two common places, one being Mushroom Bay, the other one Jungut Batu.
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If you are driving to Sanur by car or scooter, leave early. Sanur traffic in the morning is unpredictable and you do not want to miss your boat. There are good cafes and warungs near the departure point for breakfast while you wait.
Getting around in Nusa Lembongan
Arriving in Nusa Lembongan feels like how arriving at a tropical island should feel: there is no harbour. The boat drops you on the beach and that is your arrival. Locals will be waiting with transport offers, or your accommodation may have arranged a pickup.
Rent a scooter
This is the right call. Around 70,000 IDR per day, roughly $4.50 USD. It gives you total freedom on an island this size. Arrange the pickup and drop-off at the same spot and exchange phone numbers with the rental person before you drive off.
One important note: the bikes on Lembongan are older and lower quality than what you find in Bali. Check the brakes before you ride. Check that it starts cleanly. Look for any obvious damage. This takes two minutes and saves you a lot of trouble later.
Helmets are not common here and most people ride without. The roads are slow and quiet, more bicycle pace than scooter pace. That said, I always recommend a helmet, especially if you are not an experienced rider. There’s hills on the island, and the road conditions are not that great.
Hop on a van or an Ojek
If you are not comfortable on a scooter, the island has small minivans that cover most routes. Useful for groups.
The other option for solo travellers or couples is an ojek, which is simply a motorbike taxi, the offline version of the non-existent Grab or Gojek here. Anyone on the street will be keen to earn some money and offer you a ride anywhere. Just know the value before you agree on a price. Every spot on the island is a maximum of fifteen minutes away, so anything above 50,000 IDR for this short ride is too much.
Trip to Bali coming up? Read more of my Bali articles
Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan?
Three options across different budgets, all from personal experience.
The place I stayed with my mom during our last trip to Nusa Lembongan. Reynold Arta Guest House has spacious rooms, air conditioning and a nice pool in front! Located only 5 minutes from Mushroom Bay, it’s at such a great location! Lastly, breakfast is included!
This hotel has the best view from this list. With an Agung view pool. Jenggala Hill is located strategically and maximum 5 minutes away from sea. If you’re someone who loves a good view, this is your perfect stay!
Starting from only $130 USD per night, you can get a private villa including a private pool in Nusa Lembongan. This 5 star resort offers the perfect luxurious getaway from Bali. Big pro: Breakfast is included and if you book this hotel, you get a free return boat ticket, saving you about $30 USD per person!
What to do in Nusa Lembongan?
There’s a lot, a lot, a LOT to do in Nusa Lembongan. Here’s a list of my favourite activities, and I might even be missing some!
Rent a motorboke and explore
The best way to start. Ride around both islands in a morning, stop wherever looks good, find a beach you did not plan for. The road between Lembongan and Ceningan via the yellow bridge is one of the more scenic rides in this part of Indonesia.
Yellow Bridge
The bridge connecting Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan is an attraction in itself. It is narrow, it is yellow, and the water on both sides is clear enough to see the bottom. You can’t go to San Francisco without taking a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge. The same goes for Nusa Lembongan: you can’t leave without a photo of the Yellow Bridge. Worth stopping for a swim or just to walk across too.
Visit Mahana Point
For anyone who likes adrenaline, Mahana Point has cliff jumping up to 13 meters. There is a bar on site for coconuts while you watch others make the decision to jump or not. The waves can get big, so make sure you’re confident in sea waters before diving in.
Combine this with a look at Blue Lagoon next door. Construction around the area is frustrating, but the water itself is still worth seeing.
Go Snorkelling with Mantra Rays in Nusa Penida
One of the best activities on a trip to Nusa Lembongan is to visit the neighbouring island Penida on a snorkelling trip. Many people have seen mantra rays, and during my trip I had an amazing encounter with many wild dolphins! Book your trip below for an incredible snorkelling experience in Nusa Lembongan.
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Go to Devil's Tear
Devil’s Tear is a unique sight where the water crashes hard against the cliffs during high tide. A quick visit is surely worth it on your roundtrip across the islands!
Do a Day Trip to Nusa Penida
If you did not plan to sleep on Penida but still want to see the famous viewpoints, day trips run daily from Lembongan. The easiest way to book in advance is through GetYourGuide, or arrange it once you arrive on the island.
Go for a run
As someone living in Bali, nothing beats a little island run. During my marathon training I came here just for the sake of running. Little traffic, scenic roads and always some water around to go for a swim.
A full lap around Nusa Lembongan would be around 12km with a steep climb included. If you want to take it more flat, follow the main road up and down on the west coast of the island. The total road would be a little more than 3km, giving you a nice 6km run if you go up and down.
I crossed the bridge for the sake of crossing it, but I wouldn’t recommend running around Ceningan, as the roads are worse and there’s another steep climb and descent included.
Chill at a restaurant with a pool
This is something I really like about Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Most restaurants/accommodations have a small pool open for non-staying guests. If you order some food or a drink, you can have a swim anywhere. Just bring your own towel or rent one at the place, and you’re good to go!
My favourite stop for a swim was Ceningan Cliffs. Cheap food and an infinity pool overlooking the waters between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.
See Sunset At Pantai Pasir Putih
Pantai Pasir Putih, or White Sand Beach, is my favourite spot to end the day on Lembongan. The palm trees are spread out in a way that feels tropical without being staged, and the seaweed farms in front of you turn golden in the last light. It does not matter much where you watch the sunset on this island, but this spot is consistently the best. Mount Agung in the background, what else could you ask for?
Visit The Seaweed Farms
One of my favourite things to do, is to observe the farmers while working on their seaweed. Especially the waters between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are full of seaweed farms. Just drive southbound from the Yellow Bridge on the Lembongan side, and you’ll see the seaweed along the road.
Right before sunset and during sunrise, the farmers will go on the waters to work on their craft. It’s beautiful to capture and besides tourism the main industry of these islands. It’s impossible to miss, and especially a drone captures the farming process beautifully. Do be respectful and don’t get too close to the workers.
Photography Tips
If you want to capture the seaweed farms like me, here are some tips! I mainly use a drone to capture the seaweed farms. This gives a unique perspective on the farming process and you can get closer than you could with a camera!
- Fly during golden hour. The first hour after sunrise or the last hour until sunset.
- Check the tide. The activity of the farmers depends on the tide. I like it the most when the tide is in between high and low. Even if that means giving up the golden light.
- Calibrate your drone camera and update GPS locations before you fly. This way you keep full control over your drone, and it will come back in case you lose connection.
- Be careful with electricity lines. There are lines around the streets, and even above the water around the bridge.
- Fly low to get detailed shots of the seaweed farmers. Don’t get too low. I’d say, stay at least 5-10 meters above them. Don’t forget the workers are workers, not public attractions.
- Choose a variety of compositions. Top-down detailed shots, 45 degree angels and high overview shots!
If you are shooting from the ground, get close to the farmers and vary your angle between their level and slightly elevated from a nearby restaurant or wall. Always ask before pointing a camera at someone working. Most farmers are used to it, but a nod of acknowledgment goes a long way.
The yellow bridge photographs well in the early morning before the light gets flat. Wide angle from the water line or telephoto from the Ceningan side both work.
For sunset at Pantai Pasir Putih, the palm trees make natural frames. Use them.
A 3-day itinerary for Nusa Lembongan
Here’s a sample itinerary for a three day visit to Nusa Lembongan, one that looks very much like my last visit to this island!
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive by boat from Sanur. Check into your chosen accommodation.
- Right after check in: Rent a motorbike and explore the island, visiting the Yellow Bridge and enjoying lunch on the east side of Nusa Ceningan. The view is amazing! Just be careful on the road, as the road conditions aren’t the best.
- Afternoon: Head to Mahana Point for cliff jumping, then watch the sunset and local seaweed farmers at Pantai Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach).
- Evening: End the day with dinner at Lemongrass.
Day 2
- Morning: Do a snorkelling trip to Nusa Penida.
- Afternoon: Relax at the pool, at the beach or at a beach club like Arna Suites & Ocean Lounge. If it’s high tide, consider visiting Devil’s Tear!
- Evening: Ask your accommodation for the current best warung recommendation.
Day 3
- Early morning: Wake up and see the sunrise while watching the seaweed farmers at work.
- 9AM: Take the boat back to Sanur or continue your journey to Nusa Penida.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nusa Lembongan
Is Nusa Lembongan worth it?
Yes, without hesitation. It is thirty minutes from Bali and it feels like a completely different destination. Quieter, slower, and with water that Bali’s beaches cannot match. Four visits in and I’m always looking forward to the next one.
How many days do you need in Nusa Lembongan?
Two to three days is the sweet spot. One day is enough to see the highlights, but two nights gives you time to actually slow down and enjoy the island rather than rush through it. Three days works well if you want to add a snorkelling trip to Nusa Penida.
Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida: which one should I choose?
They offer different things. Lembongan is for island vibes: quiet roads, seaweed farms, good snorkelling, a relaxed pace. Penida is for dramatic scenery: the cliff viewpoints, the beaches that look unreal from above. If you have time, do both. If you have to choose, think about what kind of trip you want.
Can you do a day trip to Nusa Lembongan from Bali?
Two to three days is the sweet spot. One day is enough to see the highlights, but two nights gives you time to actually slow down and enjoy the island rather than rush through it. Three days works well if you want to add a snorkelling trip to Nusa Penida.
Is Nusa Lembongan good for snorkelling?
It is one of the best areas for snorkelling around Bali. The spots around Lembongan and Penida are visited on the same trip, so you do not need to book separately on each island. One snorkelling tour from Lembongan covers both. Worth knowing: the swell can get tough, so make sure you are a confident swimmer before you book. There are life vests available for those who prefer to use it.
Is Nusa Lembongan safe?
Very safe. The main street is busy with people at all hours and the island has a relaxed, community feel. It is one of the more low-stress destinations in Indonesia and around Bali. It’s also very walkable, especially on the main street around all the restaurants.
Do you need cash in Nusa Lembongan?
There are ATMs on the island and most modern cafes accept card payments. That said, smaller warungs and scooter rentals near the harbour are often cash only. Bring some spare cash from Bali or take money out at the ATM when you arrive, just to avoid being stuck without it when you really need it.
Conclusion: A Must Visit
Nusa Lembongan is not Bali’s flashy neighbour. It is the quieter one that does not need to try hard. The seaweed farms, the yellow bridge, the pool lunches, the roads empty enough to run on. Four visits in and I still leave thinking I should have stayed longer.
If you are planning a trip to Bali, add two nights here. It really adds a different flavour to your trip and you’ll end up wanting to come back.
For everything else about Bali, the Complete Bali Travel Guide has you covered. For sunsets on the Uluwatu cliffs before or after your Lembongan trip, read the Copy House guide and the Batu Jaran guide.
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About Me
Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.