What is Nusa Lembongan like?

Nusa Lembongan is the small, easy one: a 30-minute boat from Sanur, eight square kilometres, and an island that has been receiving travellers long enough to do it well without being overrun.

What it is like

A handful of villages, a main strip at Jungutbatu facing Bali, a quieter south and east coast, a mangrove forest at the northern tip, and seaweed farms in the shallows that have been part of the economy here for decades.

You can cross the island by scooter in 15 minutes. There is no traffic in the Bali sense. The pace drops within an hour of arriving, which is the reason people extend their stay.

The main sights

Devil's Tear. A rocky point on the southwest where swell explodes through blowholes. Best at high tide with a big swell. Do not stand where the water has obviously been.

Dream Beach. White sand in a small bay below the cliffs, with strong shore break. Beautiful, and not a gentle swim.

Mushroom Bay. The calmest and prettiest swimming beach on the island.

Jungutbatu Beach. The long main beach, where the boats land, with sunset views back to Agung on Bali.

The mangrove forest at the north end, explored by paddleboard or a small local boat through the channels.

The yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan, a narrow suspension bridge for scooters and pedestrians only.

In the water

Snorkelling. Boat trips run several times daily to Manta Point, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay and Mangrove Point, usually three or four stops for 150,000 to 400,000 rupiah per person. Mantas are seen year-round at Manta Point in the right conditions.

Diving. Excellent, with the same sites plus deeper walls. Currents are strong and this is not a beginner's location; use an established operator.

Surfing. Three reef breaks off Jungutbatu — Shipwrecks, Lacerations and Playgrounds — that work in dry season. Intermediate and up, over shallow reef.

Paddleboarding in the mangroves and the lagoon on calm mornings.

Getting there

Fast boats from Sanur take 30 to 40 minutes and run through the day. Boats also leave from Padang Bai and from Serangan. Expect 150,000 to 400,000 rupiah each way depending on operator.

Boats beach directly onto the sand at Jungutbatu in many cases, so you wade ashore with your bags. Bring a dry bag and wear something you can get wet to the knees in.

Getting around

Scooter, at roughly 70,000 to 100,000 rupiah a day, or a bicycle. There are a few pickup trucks acting as taxis. Roads are narrow and rough in places and the hill to the bridge is steep, but distances are tiny.

Where to stay and eat

Everything from simple guesthouses at 20 USD to a few genuinely good boutique places on the cliffs. Jungutbatu for the main strip and the sunset, Mushroom Bay for quiet and calm water, the southern cliffs for views.

Food is better than on Penida: a decent spread of warungs, beach cafes and a few good restaurants. Nothing is expensive.

Practical notes

Bring cash. ATMs exist and are unreliable.

Power cuts happen and are usually short.

Medical care is minimal. Anything serious means a boat back to Bali, and the last fast boats leave in the late afternoon.

Crossings are weather-dependent. In wet season, build a buffer day before any flight.

How long

Two nights minimum, three is better. A day trip is possible and misses the point: the island's appeal is entirely in slowing down.