Nusa Lembongan · Nusa Lembongan, easy island days
Things to do in
Nusa Lembongan
Clear water, mangroves and a slow island pace a short boat ride off Bali's south east coast.
- Ideal stay
- 2 to 3 nights covers the beaches, the snorkelling and a day on Ceningan.
- Best time
- April to October brings the calmest crossings and clearest snorkelling water.
- Getting around
- Scooters and bikes are the norm; the island is small enough to explore in a day or two.
- Good to know
- Some roads are steep and rough, and boats can be busy, so ride carefully and book crossings ahead.
Nusa Lembongan is Bali's easygoing island escape, a small isle of clear water, surf and slow days.
Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the south east coast, reached by a short fast-boat crossing from Sanur. Smaller and gentler than neighbouring Penida, it has clear water, good snorkelling and a handful of surf breaks. A bright yellow suspension bridge links it to tiny Nusa Ceningan, and mangroves fringe its northern shore. The island runs on scooters and slow days, suiting visitors who want beaches, snorkelling and a relaxed break from the mainland.
Before you go, read up on money and the rupiah, getting around by ferry, bus and car, the best time to visit and staying safe and healthy.
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01 Cliff beachDream Beach
Dream Beach is a compact cove of white sand backed by low cliffs on the island's south west shore. The water is clear but the surf can be powerful, so swimming needs care outside calm days. A cliff-edge cafe and infinity pool above the sand give a relaxed spot to take in the view. It pairs naturally with the neighbouring Devil's Tear a short walk away.
Beach free, small parking fee; pool access via the cafe; on the south west coast near Devil's Tear.
Tip. Swim only when the sea is calm, as the shorebreak here can be strong and the currents tricky.
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02 BlowholeDevil's Tear
Devil's Tear is a rocky headland next to Dream Beach where the surf crashes into the cliffs and blows spray high into the air. At the right swell the waves explode against the rock and send sheets of water skyward. Paths run along the clifftop, giving views of the surf and, often, rainbows in the spray. There are no barriers, so it is important to keep well back from the edge.
Free; open all day; a short walk from Dream Beach on the south west headland.
Tip. Watch from a safe distance, as rogue waves can surge across the rocks without warning.
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03 Island linkYellow Bridge to Ceningan
The Yellow Bridge is a narrow suspension footbridge that links Lembongan with tiny Nusa Ceningan across a turquoise channel. Scooters and pedestrians cross it to reach Ceningan's viewpoints, cliff jump and blue lagoon. The channel below fills with clear water and moored boats, a popular photo spot. From the bridge it is easy to spend a half day exploring the smaller island.
Free to cross; between Lembongan and Ceningan at the south of the island; scooter or on foot.
Tip. Cross early to explore Ceningan's blue lagoon and viewpoints before the day-trip crowds arrive.
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04 Snorkel bayMushroom Bay
Mushroom Bay is a sheltered crescent of white sand on the north west coast with calm, clear water good for swimming. Boats moor offshore and snorkel trips set out to nearby reefs and the mangroves. A few beach clubs and warungs sit above the sand for food and drinks. It is one of the gentlest beaches on the island and good for families.
Beach free; snorkel trips from around 150,000 rupiah (about 10 US dollars); on the north west coast of the island.
Tip. Snorkel or swim in the morning calm, and book a boat trip to the reefs and mangroves from the bay.
- 05 Mangroves
Mangrove tour and snorkelling
The north east of Lembongan is fringed with mangrove forest, explored by small boat or kayak along its channels. Snorkel sites off the coast here have clear water and healthy reef, popular on organised trips. The calm channels give a shaded, quiet contrast to the open beaches. Local boatmen run tours from the village at the edge of the mangroves.
Boat or kayak tours from around 150,000 rupiah (about 10 US dollars); from the mangrove village on the north east coast.
Tip. Combine a mangrove boat trip with a snorkel stop, and go in the morning for the calmest water.
- 06 Surf and sunset
Lembongan surf breaks and sunsets
Lembongan has several reef surf breaks off its western coast, with names like Shipwrecks, Lacerations and Playgrounds. They suit intermediate and experienced surfers and are reached by a short paddle or boat. The west coast also gives the island its sunsets over the water back towards Bali. Beach bars along the shore make an easy place to end the day.
Board hire from around 70,000 rupiah (about 5 US dollars); breaks lie off the west coast; sunsets best from the main beach.
Tip. Leave the reef breaks to experienced surfers, and settle at a west-coast bar for the sunset over Bali.
Top-rated Nusa Lembongan tours
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2 Days Discover Scuba Diving in Nusa Lembongan - Scuba Initiation
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5 Fun Dives in Nusa Lembongan (for certified divers) - Swim with a Mola Mola
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Tulamben Diving USS Liberty Shipwreck Scuba Dive
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Snorkeling Day Trip To Lembongan and Penida
A first-timer's three days
A relaxed way to fold the essentials into a long weekend, keeping the busiest sights for the cooler ends of the day.
Arrive and settle in
- Cross by fast boat from Sanur in the morning
- Swim and snorkel at Mushroom Bay
- Watch the sunset from a west-coast beach bar
South coast highlights
- Visit Dream Beach and Devil's Tear
- Cross the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan
- Explore Ceningan's blue lagoon and viewpoints
Water day
- Take a mangrove boat and snorkel tour
- Relax on the sand through the afternoon
- Catch the fast boat back to Bali
Insider tips
A few things that make Nusa Lembongan smoother, and keep the trip easy.
Book boats ahead
Fast boats from Sanur fill up in high season, so reserve your crossing and arrive early to board on the beach.
Ride with care
Some island roads are steep, rough and narrow, so ride a scooter slowly and check the brakes before setting off.
Respect the sea
Dream Beach and Devil's Tear have powerful surf, so keep back from the edge and only swim when the sea is calm.
Snorkel in the morning
The water is clearest and calmest early, so book snorkel and mangrove trips for the morning where you can.
Nusa Lembongan things to do: FAQ
How do you get to Nusa Lembongan?
Fast boats run from Sanur in about thirty to forty-five minutes, landing on the beach where you may need to wade to shore.
Is Nusa Lembongan better than Nusa Penida?
Lembongan is smaller, gentler and easier to get around, while Penida is wilder with the dramatic cliff viewpoints and rougher roads.
Can you snorkel at Nusa Lembongan?
Yes, there are clear reef sites off the coast and around the mangroves, easily reached on short boat trips from the beaches.
How many days do you need on Nusa Lembongan?
Two to three nights covers the beaches, snorkelling and a day trip across the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan.
When is the best time to visit Nusa Lembongan?
April to October brings the calmest crossings and clearest snorkelling water, which is the best time for the boats and beaches.