Nusa Lembongan in Indonesia is the third island in the trio of Nusa islands. Also including Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan, this tiny archipelago belongs to Bali and is located off its south coast.
Known for its idyllic beaches, fantastic diving, amazing snorkelling and natural attractions such as the remarkable Devil’s Tears, Nusa Lembongan is a tropical paradise. The island offers a laidback vibe, boasting great bars, restaurants and beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect place to relax and dip your toes in the sand!
This island has minimal traffic and the primary means of transport is via motorbike. There are few to no hawkers, and although it is a tourist spot, it is a world away from the busy streets of neighbouring South Bali; giving you plenty of reasons to visit!
Nusa Lembongan Map & Resources
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Best Time to Visit Nusa Lembongan
The best time to visit Nusa Lembongan varies depending on what you are looking for. The island has a tropical climate and the temperature stays warm throughout the year. However, there are two seasons to be mindful of when planning your trip: the wet season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).
If you love sunshine and blue skies or are a keen surfer, the dry season is the best time to visit. However, if you’re not a lover of crowds and prefer a quieter beach, it would be better to avoid peak season and visit between November and March.
Although this is the rainy season, it is not like the monsoon seasons that some other Asian countries experience. In fact, it rarely rains all day and night for weeks on end. Instead, you can expect downpours for a few hours each day, usually before the sun comes out in the afternoon.
Keep in mind that January and December are the rainiest months so if the wet bothers you, you may want to avoid visiting at these times.
Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan
Jungut Batu
Jungut Batu is where the tourist boats from Bali dock. There is a long stretch of beach lined with restaurants, accommodation and shops, all within walking distance of each other. You won’t need to rent a scooter to explore the area, making it the most convenient place to stay in Nusa Lembongan!
Jungut Batu boasts a beautiful and relatively calm beach but also offers nearby surf breaks for the adventurous. To top it off, the sunsets here are arguably the best on the island, so park up in a restaurant with your favourite cocktail and watch the dreamy, colourful hues of orange, red and pink as they melt into the sky!
Mushroom Bay
Mushroom Bay is home to one of the top beaches in Bali and the surrounding area. It is great for swimming and snorkelling as the sea is calm compared to other parts of the island. However, it is also one of the more tourist-heavy spots, with plenty of choices when it comes to restaurants and cafés. Water enthusiasts will love the range of activities available here – hop on a banana boat or rent a canoe to explore the bay afloat!
If you’re looking for a tranquil escape on a budget, Mushroom Bay is the place to stay – with several affordable accommodation options and places to eat, you can’t go wrong! Additionally, most things are within walking distance and you can easily rent a scooter if you want to explore the rest of the island.
Sandy Bay
Down from Mushroom Bay is Sandy Bay, a gorgeous spot in picturesque surroundings. Compared to Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu Beach, there isn’t as much choice here regarding restaurants, so you will have to travel to eat out, though Sandy Bay Beach club is on your doorstep!
Sandy Bay is a great place to stay if you want to get away from the crowds and experience a slower pace of life. The area is known for its fantastic luxury villas but there are plenty of budget options such as homestays and hostels too! Swimmers may want to look elsewhere as the sea is rough in this area.
Tamarind Bay
Not far from Jungut Batu is the area around Tamarind Bay. Although it’s full of villas for rent, there are other places to stay that are much more affordable! Options for budget backpackers tend to be located slightly further toward the village rather than on the beachfront.
A few restaurants can be reached on foot although there is not much choice. If you are a beach bum, you’ll be happy to know that just around the corner from Tamarind Bay is Secret Beach, one of the best beaches in Nusa Lembongan!
Best Hostels in Nusa Lembongan
When it comes to accommodation in Nusa Lembongan, the prices are slightly higher than in Bali. The good news? A nice hostel still won’t leave a big dent in your budget!
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1. Good Cheer Hostel Lembongan – Jungut Batu
This hostel offers an exceptional travel experience at an affordable price. Dip in the pool and swim to the bar for a cold Bintang or relax on the colourful rooftop beanbags, where you’ll find games to keep you entertained! With a friendly vibe and a variety of food on offer, this is a great place to stay. And, if you’re wondering how it can get better, the bar offers 2 for 1 cocktails at happy hour!
2. Lembongan Hostel – Mushroom Bay
The atmosphere at Lembongan Hostel is very relaxing and the staff are super helpful, from arranging snorkelling tours to picking you up from the harbour. You’ll be comfortable in the excellent value-for-money dorms, with rooms that feature Balinese style design. There is also a beautiful pool to lounge around during the day. Complimentary tea and coffee are provided and the room rate also includes breakfast!
3. Suba Homestay – Tamarind Bay
This small and straightforward budget hostel is tucked away in a less touristy area. Offering cosy dormitories as well as private rooms, all stays come with complimentary tea and coffee. Suba Homestay is a great base from which to explore the island and the owners are very friendly and attentive to your needs.
4. Nyuh Gading Home Stay – Jungut Batu
This family-owned homestay and hostel offer posh dormitories and private rooms. If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, this is the place to be. In fact, the facilities could easily be mistaken for those at a high-end hotel! A gorgeous pool and communal area, complete with café, offers a peaceful and friendly place to chill. If you’re hoping to explore more of the island, just chat to the owners and they’ll be very willing to help!
Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan
1. Discover Nusa Lembongan’s Beaches
Of course, visiting the beautiful beaches of Nusa Lembongan and its neighbouring island Nusa Ceningan is a no-brainer! Soft white sand beaches are aplenty across the two islands and each will suit a different type of traveller. Whether you’re searching for surfing, sunbathing, swimming or snorkelling, you’ll find an idyllic bay somewhere!
Always check the tidal conditions for that day as the sea can be rough in certain areas. Popular beaches on Nusa Lembongan include Mushroom Beach, Dream Beach, Coconut Beach, Jungut Batu Beach, and on Nusa Ceningan, there is Mahana Point and Secret Beach.
2. The Iconic Yellow Bridge
The yellow suspension bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan has become an Instagram famous spot over the years. The contrast of the vibrant yellow against the azure blue sea is picture-perfect and somewhere you must visit when you’re on the island! It’s also a great experience to ride on a motorbike over the bridge with the sea rippling below.
3. Surfing at Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan offers some great spots for surfing, from the smaller, more playful waves at Playgrounds to more challenging, barrelling waves elsewhere! The most popular surf spot on the island is Shipwrecks, which should only be attempted by the experienced due to its huge swells (reaching up to 10 feet 😱)!
If you’re a beginner, why not invest in some surfing lessons at Coconuts Beach? Everybody has to start somewhere after all! Other popular surfing spots include Lacerations, Razors and Tamarind.
Read 👉 Top Surf Spots in Bali for All Abilities! 🏄
4. Devil’s Tears
Visit Devil’s Tears to feel the sheer power of Mother Nature as she puts on a show for the spectators! This epic spot sees huge waves crash into coves along the coastline. Watch as the water spits out with such an enormous force that it blows a whirlwind of mist up into the air, the inspiration for the name Devil’s Tears. For the most epic views, visit at sunset.
Seeing the waves crash at Devil’s Tears is an adrenaline-pumping thing to experience but be aware that it poses risks. Sometimes the waves are so big that they crash over the cliff, so stay well back and don’t get too close to the edge!
5. Lembongan Banyan Tree
The local Hindu community believe that Banyan trees attract the gods and spirits of their late ancestors. This Banyan tree sits right next to the local food markets and is enormous! Don’t miss seeing it up close.
6. Visit the Local Food Markets
Food markets dot along the main street which heads towards the famous yellow bridge. Every morning as soon as the sun comes up, the locals begin their morning routine, lining out their produce. They have everything, including fresh fruits and vegetables which means a healthy snack is never too far away!
7. Relax at the Beach Clubs
Nusa Lembongan is home to some great beach clubs. Lounge around during the day, dip in the pool to cool off, indulge in amazing food and sip on tasty cocktails! Start with daytime sessions in the sun and finish the day with the perfect sunset view! Ohana’s, Sandy Bay Beach Club and Le Pirate Beach Club are some of the best on offer.
8. Puncak Temple (Pura Puncak Sari)
Sitting atop one of the highest spots in Lembongan Village, Puncak Temple is a gorgeous Hindu temple with a garden. Walk up the steps to explore this embellished site of worship and take in the fantastic view of the landscape while you’re there.
You may even be lucky enough to catch a rare Balinese cremation ceremony. When a family can afford it, they dig up the coffin of their loved one and cremate the body. A huge celebration takes place at the cremation, in honour of sending the dearly departed back to God.
9. Explore Nusa Lembongan’s Mangroves
On the northeast side of Nusa Lembongan is a vast mangrove forest that helps to protect the coast. From the main road in Jungut Batu, head around two kilometres to the mangrove forest, where you’ll find many local boatmen offering trips to the gorgeous green water forest.
The price is negotiable (most locals will offer around 100,000 IDR for one person) or you can make your way around the mangrove forest independently by renting a kayak. The best time to go is early or late in the day, as at these times you are more likely to spot wildlife such as crabs, lizards and birds!
10. Dive or Snorkel With Manta Rays
If you’re somebody who enjoys a bit of underwater exploration, try your luck at spotting a Manta Ray! There are lots of tour companies on Nusa Lembongan that will take you out on a boat trip to Manta Point or Manta Bay (Nusa Penida). Manta Rays love these areas as they are teeming with plankton, their primary food source.
As well as the Manta Rays, it is also possible to spot other fascinating marine life. Most tours will usually include a couple of other stops where you can snorkel/dive but be sure to check with your tour provider.
Sometimes the sea can be rough so always make sure that you check the conditions on the day of your tour and take some travel sickness tablets if needed. Trust me when I say that seasickness will definitely put a downer on your day!
Read more about diving in Nusa Lembongan here.
11. Panorama Viewpoint
One of the best viewpoints on Nusa Lembongan, this scenic spot is located atop a hill and offers insane 360 views of the entire island, including Bali’s highest peak, Mount Agung.
This viewpoint can be quite hard to find, so take the main road from Jungut Batu and keep travelling up the steep hill until you reach the top. You’ll see the viewpoint on the right-hand side. You can also follow the directions to Panorama restaurant on Google Maps, which is also a great spot to take in the view!
12. Take a Day Trip to Nusa Penida
If you are short on time, you can take a day trip to the spectacular Nusa Penida rather than staying there. The boat over to Nusa Penida takes only 15 minutes, and once you’re there, you can rent a scooter and explore the island or hire a driver for the day.
There are plenty of gorgeous attractions here, including Kelingking Beach, Angels Billabong and Tembeling (both types of natural pools), and loads more unique scenery. Don’t miss the incredible arch at Broken Beach!
13. Admire the Seaweed Farms
When you arrive in Nusa Lembongan, you’ll probably notice odd-looking rectangles lying just below the ocean surface. These are seaweed farms and stretch between Lembongan and Ceningan!
Seaweed farming was introduced on Nusa Lembongan in the 1980s and before tourism, it was the primary source of income for the locals. The seaweed farms are an unusual attraction but worth a visit while you’re on the island!
14. Go to a Yoga Class or Retreat
Nusa Lembongan is so laidback it’s practically horizontal! Therefore, it’s no surprise that there are multiple yoga studios here. Many offer drop-in classes, including Yoga Shack Lembongan, Yoga Bliss Lembongan and Serenity Yoga Lembongan. Fully immerse yourself into relaxation and take a yoga retreat for a few days or combine yoga with surfing and other activities like snorkelling!
15. Explore Nusa Ceningan
Many people who visit Nusa Lembongan also combine their visit with a trip to Nusa Ceningan. The two islands are connected via the yellow bridge, making it easy to travel from one to the other.
Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular things to do on the island. This beautiful bay is surrounded by rocky cliffs and is known for its striking baby-blue water which is coloured by the natural minerals that reflect the sunlight. Walk around to the right side of the bay for the best views.
If you’re a strong swimmer (not to mention very brave), you can find some cliff jumping spots around the left side of the bay. The cliffs are 43 feet (13 meters) and you can jump directly into the sea, although there are no lifeguards around. Only jump in if you are an experienced swimmer, as the currents here can be mighty! We also always recommend checking the tides to ensure that the water is deep enough.
Another cliff jumping spot can be found at Mahana Point, which features a rocky overhang over the ocean. There are two heights from which you can jump from, either five or ten metres. Once you’ve made the jump, there is a ladder to safely make your way back up. Jumping here comes with a cost and will set you back around 50,000 IDR for the big one and around 25,000 IDR for the smaller one.
Next to the cliff jump, you can find the secluded Mahana Beach. Lesser known than many of the other beaches, it is a must-visit. Mahana Beach is also a great surf spot and you can rent boards for around 70,000 IDR from the nearby Mahana Point Cliff Jump restaurant!
Food and Drink in Nusa Lembongan
From traditional Indonesian food to western fare, there’s plenty of choice in Nusa Lembongan when it comes to pleasing those tastebuds! Street food, beach clubs, cafés… the island has it all! Below are some top places to eat and drink in Nusa Lembongan.
Bali Eco Deli: This popular restaurant in Jungut Batu serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a little pricier than other places to eat on the island but the tasty food on offer makes up for it! They serve vegan options along with smoothie bowls and poke bowls. Be sure to try their refreshing fruity ice blocks! Bali Eco Deli also does their bit to help preserve the environment which is a bonus!
Warung Bu Oka: A hit with the locals and not so well known by tourists; this street-style eatery has a tasty selection of Indonesian options and specialises in nasi campur. Get there early to avoid disappointment, as the locals fill up the place quick!
Ginger and Jamu: If eating healthy food on the beach with a gorgeous sea view is your type of thing, this restaurant is for you! They offer dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options with an expansive, creative menu. They even have a yoga studio upstairs if you need some help digesting your fill!
Tropical Juice Corner: As well as selling tasty tropical juice and smoothies (as the name suggests), they also offer a wide variety of mouthwatering Indonesian and western breakfast dishes ranging from smoothie bowls to pancakes and avocado toast. People also rave about their delicious coffee!
Pondok Baruna Warung: Located on the main road in Jungut Batu, this warung (meaning small family-owned business in Indonesian) serves yummy traditional Indonesian cuisine as well as some western options. The restaurant offers some of the best nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles) on the island!
Nyoman’s Warung: Head to the north of mangrove beach for a taste of the best local seafood! Nyoman’s Warung serves dishes such as ikan pepes (fish steamed in banana leaves with tasty local spices) and they also offer buffet-style BBQs with vegetarian and seafood options.
Maria’s Boemboe Bali Warung: Offering mostly burgers, pasta and some traditional Indonesian dishes, the food here is very affordable. It’s a popular spot among locals and tourists, especially for an evening meal.
L-Good Bar and Grill: Located on Mushroom Bay main street, this tropical-themed open-air bar and eatery features live music, free water refills and even offers to pick you up and drop you off from your accommodation for free! They run a happy hour daily between 3 pm and 6 pm.
The Deck Café and Bar: A little more on the luxury side but well worth it is The Deck Café and Bar. Situated on the hillside above Jungut Batu Beach, this café offers some of the best views of the bay. Sip on a crafted cocktail and eat some delicious locally-sourced food encircled by an incredible tropical landscape.
How to Get to Nusa Lembongan
The best way to get to Nusa Lembongan will depend on where you are coming from, as there are no airports on the island. First, you must fly to Bali (DPS). From the airport in Bali, you will need to travel to Sanur Beach Port (around 400,000 IDR in a taxi) and get a speedboat (around 150,000 IDR) to either Lembongan Pier or Mushroom Bay Harbour, which takes just 30 minutes.
Travelling from Bali by boat is the quickest and cheapest option, though it is also possible to get a ferry across from the island of Lombok, which is located to the east of the Nusa islands. From Lombok, take the ferry from Bangsal Pier to Lembongan Pier (approx 1 hour and 45 minutes).
Where To Go Next?
Nusa Penida: If you didn’t get a chance to head here on a day trip, jump on a boat and take some time to explore this beautiful untouched island. We recommend at least 2-3 days on Nusa Penida, which is enough time to take in all the main sights.
Gili Islands: Comprising three small islands; Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, this archipelago sits just off the northwest coast of Lombok. All three islands offer something different. Gili Trawangan is for the party animals, Gili Meno is for those who prefer quiet and Gili Air is the best of both worlds!
Lombok: Lombok is home to Mount Rinjani, one of the highest volcanos in Indonesia with a destination on many a trekker’s bucket list. There are also heavenly beaches and amazing marine life to be discovered here!
Sophie Varney | Ty & Soph
Sophie has dreamt of travelling the world ever since she can remember and so finally decided to book that flight, pack her bags, travel to Southeast Asia with her partner. She’s a huge foodie and loves the beach but also loves going on adventures and hikes! Together, Sophie and her partner create travel content with lots of helpful tips and inspiration which you can follow on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok!