12 Things To Do in Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan are small islands. They can be both be explored by motorbike under one hour. However, it offers quite a list of great things to do to fill up two or three days.
1. Discover Nusa Lembongan’s beaches
Not all the great beaches of Bali are located on the Bali mainland. The Nusa Islands have a handful of soft white-sand beaches great for sunbathing. Nusa Ceningan has stunning Mahana Point and Secret Beach. Lembongan beaches are Dream Beach, Mushroom Bay, Coconuts Beach, and Jungutbatu Beach.
Also read: Best Beaches in Bali
2. Cliffs at Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is a stunning viewpoint and cliff jumping point on Nusa Ceningan. The silky blue water is wild and swimming near the coastline isn’t recommended. The viewpoint goes all around the cliff and there is a small blowhole behind when you walk past the bushes.
3. Beach clubs at Nusa Lembongan
The Nusa Islands have beautiful beaches and the same goes for the beach clubs. Chill the afternoon at one of the many clubs and dip into their pool or the sea in front to cool down. The beach clubs are incredibly picturesque and some offer outstanding meals as well!
On Nusa Lembongan visit Ginger and Jamu, Ohana’s and Sandy Bay beach club with the last two on the more expensive side.
The Sand and Le Pirate Beachclub on Nusa Ceningan are a little more intimate and affordable to hang for the day.
4. Day trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is one of those places that, one day, will be featured in a movie scene. The 200-meter high cliffs (that you are able to hike down!) offer some of the most stunning views of Bali and is one of the things you must do in Bali!
A single boat trip to Nusa Penida only takes 15 minutes and from there you can explore the island by car or motorbike – an easy but absolutely great thing to do from Nusa Lembongan.
Also read: 19 MUST-DO’S on Nusa Penida
5. Cloudland Bar at sunset
Grab a beanbag, order a Bintang or another drink and fully enjoy the sun going down after another incredible day in Bali. The cloudland bar is a great, nothing fancy or posh, bar at the cliffside of Lembongan. It is a little hard to reach as there is no good road, however, Google Maps is right about which path you should follow.
6. Lembongan Mangrove Boat Tour
Take a small boat or stand-up paddleboard through the mangrove forest on the north-east side of Nusa Lembongan. Enjoy the calming river ride, clear waters and serenity.
7. Surfing at Lembongan
Lembongan offers great year-round surfing for the beginner and intermediate surfers. Spend the morning taking surfing lessons at Coconuts Beach or go extreme at Mahana Point in Ceningan.
8. Devil’s Tear – Dangerous thing to do on Nusa Lembongan
Experience the powerful waves crashing into the cliffsides on Lembongan islands. Devil’s Tear is an impressive, somewhat dangerous, blowhole where the water can easily reach meters-high into the air. Please do not get too close to the edge.
9. Dreampoint viewpoint
A second great sunset point is Dreampoint on Nusa Ceningan located next to the hotel Twilight Huts Lembongan. The old tree and swing offer a good view and during low-tide, you are able to walk down see the fisherman getting their catching of the day.
10. Dive or Snorkel with Manta Rays
In between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida are well-known diving and snorkeling spots to see Manta Rays, the Mola-Mola sunfish, and dolphins! A 20-minute boat ride from Nusa Lembongan gets you to the Manta Point. Get ready to dive into the water and be amazed by the size of these gentle giants. Respect their environment and make sure to never touch them.
12. Yellow Bridge
An icon for these two Nusa Islands is the Yellow suspension bridge connecting them. The bridge is just wide enough for two motorbikes to cross each other. In between the islands, at the location of the bridge it gets extremely low-tide during sunset. Sometimes as low so you could walk from one side to the other.
Best Restaurants in Nusa Lembongan
Both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan own great cafes and restaurants. Make sure to get a meal at least at one of these places.
- Ginger & Jamu – Best food on Lembongan
- Next Level Cafe – The tastiest smoothie bowls owned by a local
- Yuyu Resto – Great priced fresh fish
- Bali Eco Deli – Tasty healthy food
- Sandy Bay Beach Club – Sunset cocktails
Getting to Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
The Nusa Islands are all very easy to get to from Bali mainland. The main harbor is Sanur, the second option is Kusamba port and from both it a 25-minute trip. There is no actual pier and you have to walk a tiny bit to get onto the boat. Therefore it is best to wear shoes or sandals that are easy to remove. From Ubud or Uluwatu, it both is a 60 to 90-minute drive (without traffic) to Sanur harbor.
Boat price to Nusa Lembongan
A return ticket from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan including hotel transfer costs 500.000 IDR (35 USD) for two persons. You can buy a one-way ticket per person at the harbor of Lembongan as well for 20.000 IDR (2 USD).
How to get around Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan
The two islands can be seen by motorbike in one hour of driving. The two islands are a bit slower-paced than Bali and easy to discover if you are comfortable with driving a motorbike. Lembongan can also be explored by renting a car + driver but unfortunately for Ceningan, this is not an option as cars can’t cross the bridge.
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Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan
There is a wide selection of hotels, resorts, and hostels on the Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan islands. Pick something that suits your budget, and keep in mind that Lembongan is a bit more lively compared.
ATM’s on Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan
Take enough cash to Nusa Lembongan as the island has limited ATMs, and sometimes they tend to be empty for a few days. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, however, some other cards seem to give problems. Larger beach clubs and restaurants offer to pay by card. You can find two ATMs in this location and also on this street.
If you see more or new ones, please share them with the Salt in our Hair community in the comments.
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Owh Man, the beaches in Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan is just brilliant and breathtaking.
One of the many hidden gems located in Ind’sia. Love to go there.
*Just Hoping for the travel restictions to be lifted*
Love the writings and content in the blog. Hope to be back soon to browse through!! :)
Thank you! Yes, we hope for the same thing. Businesses especially in those countries are depending on tourism.