Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands

Southeast of Bali lie the two small islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, connected by a striking, bright yellow bridge.
If you’re looking to escape the often chaotic and noisy Bali, these two Indonesian islands are perfect for you! Here, you can enjoy a perfect blend of relaxation, nature, and adventure.

This post reveals what this means in detail and highlights the stunning attractions awaiting you on these dream islands—with their fine, white sandy beaches, impressive cliffs, and beautiful, colorful underwater world.

INFO & GENERAL INFORMATION

1. GETTING TO NUSA LEMBONGAN

Several speedboats depart daily from Sanur harbor in Bali to Nusa Lembongan. The journey takes 30-50 minutes.
You can purchase your ticket at one of the many counters on-site or online in advance on directferries.com or 12.Go.com.
We recommend buying your ticket online in advance to avoid having to wait an hour for the next boat if all seats are booked.
We traveled from Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan, which is also possible. The journey takes about 2 hours, and it’s best to book the ticket online in advance on directferries.com.

Good to know: There’s no paved pier or dock, so you’ll have to board and disembark directly on the beach.
This means you’ll need to wade at least ankle-deep in the water while carrying your luggage.
Speedboats cannot reach the beach at low tide; in this case, you’ll need to transfer to a smaller boat several hundred meters from the shore.
The lighter your luggage, the better for everyone involved.

Please also note that boat cancellations may occur during severe thunderstorms, storms, or high waves. So, be flexible with your arrival and departure!

2. GETTING AROUND THE ISLANDS

The easiest and most convenient way to explore the islands is by scooter, allowing you to explore on your own. Renting a scooter costs between 75,000 and 100,000 Rupiah per day and can be rented from many accommodations or from one of the many scooter rental shops on the islands. Reservations are generally not necessary.

Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle for about 30,000 to 40,000 Rupiah per day from a bike rental shop or at your accommodation.
Before renting, be aware that the bikes are often basic, with few or no gears, making cycling a bit more of a workout on these hilly islands.

3. BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Nusa Islands are an attractive destination all year round, with warm tropical temperatures and high humidity.
You can enjoy a paradise-like atmosphere year-round, ideal for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
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The best time to visit is from May to September. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, and humidity is bearable.
You can expect many sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and exploring the breathtaking natural surroundings.

In November, there may be a bit more rain, but the sun still shines frequently. Despite occasional showers, the weather remains mostly friendly and inviting.
Compared to Bali and Lombok, the Nusa Islands are known for their lower rainfall, making them an excellent choice for travelers who prefer to avoid rain.

During our stays on the Nusa Islands in October and November, we were fortunate to experience beautiful weather.
There were only occasional showers, which passed quickly, allowing us to fully enjoy our time in this picturesque environment.

4. HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Though the two Nusa Islands are relatively small, there’s a wide range of accommodations to suit every travel style. From simple hostels with shared dormitories to luxurious private villas with their own pool, there’s something for every taste and budget. The majority of accommodations are found in Nusa Lembongan, where the options are particularly diverse.

We chose the Hotel Lembongan Seaview in Nusa Lembongan and can highly recommend it. The service was impeccable, and the facilities left nothing to be desired.
Especially noteworthy was the direct beachfront location, allowing us to enjoy stunning sea views and the most beautiful sunsets directly from our room.

5. FOOD

The Nusa Islands not only offer a wide variety of accommodations but also an impressive range of restaurants and bars.
Here, you can eat your way across the islands and enjoy delicious culinary delights!

A highlight for us was Bali Eco Deli, a sustainable vegetarian restaurant right on the main road of Nusa Lembongan.
They offer a delicious selection of superfoods, whether you prefer sweet or savory options—perfect for health-conscious foodies.

Another culinary experience we wouldn’t want to miss is Ginger & Jamu, also on the main road. You’ll find a wide range of fresh dishes and refreshing drinks here.
We also loved the Cookies Coffee Shop and Foods, located right next to our hotel. The cozy atmosphere and tasty snacks made it a perfect spot for a break after a day of exploration.

A warung that we absolutely recommend is Mahana Point (Surf Place) in Nusa Ceningan. Here, you can enjoy refreshing drinks with the best views on the island.
Perched atop cliffs, you’ll have a fantastic view of the waves crashing against the rocks—a true paradise for surfers!

6. WITHDRAWING MONEY & CARD PAYMENTS

The good news is that each of the islands now has ATMs where you can easily withdraw money with your credit card. Many restaurants and cafes also accept card payments.
However, we recommend always having some cash on hand as card machines sometimes fail or aren’t available.
Additionally, the ATMs can occasionally run out of cash, so it’s wise to have a financial buffer!

Good to know: Food, drinks, and other goods all have to be shipped from Bali by boat, so some items are a bit more expensive than in Bali.

OUR ACTIVITIES/HIGHLIGHTS ON THE NUSA ISLANDS

1. THE BEACHES OF THE ISLANDS

All along the coastlines of both islands, you’ll find beautiful, fine, white sandy beaches nestled between impressive cliffs and mangrove forests.
‍Jungutbatu Beach in Lembongan is the longest and most popular beach on the island, so it’s always lively. Here, you can swim, snorkel, and take long beach walks.
The atmosphere is especially pleasant in one of the beachside cafes or restaurants, especially at sunset.

Good to know: Since both fishing boats and dive center boats dock at Jungutbatu Beach, the water is quite shallow in some spots, and you may need to wade far out to swim.

Dream Beach is, as the name suggests, a dream come true. This small beach in a sheltered bay in Nusa Lembongan impresses with its turquoise waters, perfect for swimming.
For even more relaxation, you can pay a small fee to use the infinity pool at the Dream Beach Huts above the beach.

One of the best spots for a breathtaking sunset is Sunset Beach (also known as Sandy Bay Beach). To reach this beach, you’ll have to pass through the Sandy Bay Beach Club, so don’t be surprised if your GPS takes you to the restaurant. However, due to high waves and strong surf, this beach is less suitable for swimming.

Other beautiful beaches worth visiting include:

•   Pantai Pasir Putih Beach (Nusa Lembongan)

•   Song Lambung Beach (Nusa Lembongan)

•   Song Tepo Beach (Nusa Ceningan)

•    Secret Beach (Nusa Ceningan)

2. THE BEAUTIFUL UNDERWATER WORLD

The underwater world around the Nusa Islands is a dream for every diver. Located in the world-renowned Coral Triangle, this dive area offers warm waters year-round and impressive visibility. You’ll find a wide range of marine life, including manta rays, reef sharks, octopuses, and smaller creatures like shrimp and shellfish, as well as the rare ocean sunfish, also known as the mola mola.

To be honest, the manta rays and the mola molas were one of the main reasons we visited the Nusas. We were particularly fascinated by these marine creatures, and we were not disappointed—our expectations were exceeded! During our first dive, an ocean sunfish swam right past us, and on our second dive at Manta Point, we saw at least 30 manta rays.
For us, this was one of the absolute highlights of our trip!

There are over 10 stunning dive sites that you shouldn’t miss. The best part is that all dive spots can be reached by boat within 10 to 30 minutes.
Our personal favorite is Manta Point—the name says it all! On good days, you can encounter numerous manta rays in the cooler waters here.

We had an unforgettable moment at Crystal Bay, where we happened to encounter a mola mola at a depth of just 4 meters. Throughout the island, you’ll find numerous dive schools that allow you to explore this underwater paradise. We did several dives with Blue Corner Dive and were impressed by their professionalism, high-quality equipment, and friendly, attentive crew.

Good to know: It’s important to note that you won’t be alone at the popular Manta Point and may encounter many other tourists.
The water is also relatively cold, and the currents can often be quite strong. Therefore, caution is advised, and you should follow your dive instructor’s safety instructions.

3. SNORKELING INSTEAD OF DIVING

If you enjoy being in the water but prefer staying close to the surface, then snorkeling is perfect for you! Snorkelers will also be thrilled on the Nusa Islands.

The best part about snorkeling is that snorkeling trips are offered at affordable prices almost everywhere. Popular destinations such as Manta Point and Crystal Bay are, of course, also included. However, keep in mind that the waves and current at Manta Point can be quite strong, so snorkeling there may not always be possible.

Snorkel equipment is usually provided by the tour operators, so you can fully focus on the experience.

4. OTHER WATER ACTIVITIES

In addition to diving and snorkeling, Nusa Lembongan also offers a variety of water sports like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and surfing. While surfing is less popular here than in Bali, some beaches are excellent for it. Both beginners and advanced surfers can enjoy the surf spots like Razor, Shipwreck, Lacerations, and Playground (accessible from Song Lambung Beach).

Good to know: You often have to paddle far out to reach the surf spots. For those who’d rather not paddle, surf schools offer boat services to take you out to the waves for a fee.
It’s important to note that all spots are over sharp reefs, which can cause injuries if you don’t wear surf shoes, especially during low tide.
Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and surfboards can be rented from surf schools along the mentioned beaches.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to the Nusa Islands, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world. You can find a suitable adapter here: Travel Adapter.

5. DEVIL’S TEAR

One of the most spectacular sights in Nusa Lembongan is the Devil’s Tear, a unique rock formation on the western side of the island near Dream Beach.
Here, you can witness the raw power of the ocean as waves crash with full force against the rocks, sending up towering plumes of water.
This display of nature’s might truly emphasizes how small and powerless we are in comparison.

Due to the shape of the rock formation and the strong current, this spot has earned its ominous name. For the best experience, we recommend visiting Devil’s Tear either early in the morning or at sunset. This way, you’ll not only get amazing lighting but also avoid the large crowds that arrive in the afternoon, especially tourists from China.

6. PANORAMA POINT

The most famous photo spot in Nusa Lembongan is Panorama Point. From here, you get a breathtaking view of the coastal town Jungutbatu and its associated Jungutbatu Beach, lined with colorful fishing boats. On clear days, the majestic Mount Agung in Bali can be seen towering in the distance.

Panorama Point is especially magical at sunset. The spectacular colors of the sky, combined with the beautiful scenery, make it an unforgettable moment.
Since this spot is very popular, it’s best to arrive early to secure a good place—rarely will you find yourself alone here!

7. THE BLUE LAGOON

A must-see for nature lovers in Nusa Ceningan is the Blue Lagoon. True to its name, this lagoon boasts crystal-clear, turquoise water that’s absolutely mesmerizing.
To enjoy the best view of this stunning lagoon, head to the Blue Lagoon parking lot and follow a narrow path to the cliffs.
From this viewpoint, you can perfectly capture the beautiful colors of the lagoon and admire the impressive landscape.
It’s an ideal spot to soak in the beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories!

8. MAGICAL SUNSETS

In the evening, the southwest of Nusa Lembongan becomes a hotspot for tourists wanting to witness stunning sunsets.
Picturesque locations like Panorama Point, Jungutbatu Beach, and Sunset Beach allow you to watch the sun majestically set on the horizon behind Bali.

Find a cozy spot at a bar, enjoy a cold drink, or bring your own and be enchanted by the warm colors of the sunset.
It’s the perfect end to an adventurous day on the Nusa Islands—a true delight! Every minute here is worth capturing, whether with your own eyes or through your camera lens.

9. YOGA ON THE ISLAND

The Nusa Islands offer the perfect atmosphere for a fantastic yoga session at the many yoga studios that have established themselves here.
One highlight is Yoga Village, located above the popular restaurant Ginger & Jamu.

The studio is right on the beach, offering a stunning view of the sea, making it an ideal place to unwind and relax.
For those wanting to dive deeper into the yoga world, it’s worth booking one of the multi-day retreats.
This allows you not only to deepen your yoga practice but also to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings and inspiring nature of the Nusa Islands.

10. PAMPER YOURSELF

If you want to truly treat yourself, the small massage salon SU B is the perfect place! Here, you can book a variety of massages and wellness packages at excellent value.
While relaxing, meditative sounds play and the aroma of incense fills the air, and you’ll receive a soothing massage that releases all your tension.
Whether classic massages, aromatherapy, or special wellness treatments, SU B offers the perfect opportunity to recharge your body and mind. A must for anyone wanting to unwind!

11. NUSA LEMBONGAN’S SEAWEED FARMING

Apart from tourism, selling seaweed globally is the main source of income for Nusa Lembongan.
If you want to see the bright green seaweed farms, wait for low tide, as the farms are not visible during high tide.

The harvest primarily takes place from August to September, and during this time, you’ll see many seaweed farmers with full baskets bringing their harvest to dry on their farms.
Sometimes, the seaweed is dried right by the roadside. The harvest is mainly exported to Europe, China, and Japan, where this superfood is highly valuable.
Unfortunately, very little of these profits reach the farmers in Nusa Lembongan.

If you’d like to support the hard work of the seaweed farmers during your stay, you can order a smoothie with chlorella and spirulina algae at Bali Eco Deli or Ginger & Jamu.
For each smoothie sold, the seaweed farmers receive 15,000 Rupiah—a simple way to contribute while enjoying a healthy drink!

12. EXCURSION TO THE NEIGHBORING ISLAND NUSA PENIDA

The boat ride from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida takes about 15 minutes and is a fantastic way to reach the largest of the Nusa Islands.
Many associate Nusa Penida with the famous Kelingking Beach, made popular on Instagram.
This impressive beach is surrounded by rock formations that, from above, resemble a T-Rex, hence its nickname, T-Rex Beach.

But Nusa Penida has much more to offer than just Kelingking Beach. The island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, with breathtaking waterfalls, natural pools, stunning cliffs, and dreamy beaches.

During our one-day trip, we tried to explore as much as possible by scooter. The roads are sometimes bumpy, but the incredible views and hidden gems are worth every challenge.
If you have more time, it’s worth spending a few days at one of the beautiful accommodations in Nusa Penida to fully enjoy all the wonders of this stunning island.

THE ISLAND’S DARK SIDE

Although the Nusa Islands enchant visitors with their breathtaking beauty and natural diversity, they also have their downsides.
Like Bali and Lombok, waste, primarily from tourism, is a big problem.

To keep the Nusas paradise-like, a community of locals, hotels, and bars has come together to keep the islands clean and protect the environment.
These groups have implemented various sustainable projects to address the waste problem.
Some hotels, cafes, and bars have already taken measures like using reusable containers and banning plastic bottles, straws, and bags.

Additionally, weekly beach clean-ups are organized, in which both locals and tourists can participate.
These events offer a great opportunity to contribute to beach cleanliness and raise environmental awareness.
If you’d like to help during your stay, inquire locally about the next clean-up events. Also, try to leave as little waste as possible to preserve the beauty of these unique islands.

Are you planning a round trip through Bali and its well-known neighboring islands? Then our following posts might be of interest to you:

• Bali: Tips & Essentials for Your Dream Trip
• Amed – A Diver's Paradise in Eastern Bali
• Traveling Bali with a Baby - Tips, Essentials & Our Experiences
• Ubud - 6 Tips & Highlights
• Ubud & Surroundings in 4 Days: Highlights and Tips
• Gili Air – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Island Paradise
• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Bali
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Bali
• Experience Wonderful Dives around Gili Air
• Rent a Scooter at Bikago

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