Nusa Lembongan is a charming little island just off the east coast of Bali. Since most of Bali’s beaches have black sand, many people head to Nusa Lembongan and nearby Nusa Penida for a more tropical vibe. Have you already been to Virgin Beach in Bali and feel like seeing more white sandy beaches? Then this nusa is the place to go. In this article, you’ll find out what to do and what to see on Nusa Lembongan.
Stay in a nice accommodation
The first step to an enjoyable stay is, of course, a good place to sleep. Luckily, Nusa Lembongan has no shortage of great places to stay. Whether you want to be right by the ocean, in the middle of the action or somewhere more tucked away, there’s something for everyone. From luxurious resorts to more basic guesthouses. We stayed at Coconut Village Guesthouse, in the northwest part of the island. It’s close to a beautiful wide sandy beach and offers views of the mighty Gunung Agung when the sky is clear. Other great accommodations we recommend are Ohana’s Beachfront Resort and Pemedal Beach Resort.
Discover the different beaches
Arrange transport on Nusa Lembongan and set out to explore the island’s various beaches. Dream Beach and Sandy Beach are known as the most beautiful beaches on the island, but due to strong currents and waves they’re not ideal for swimming. Prefer calm waters? Then the southern part of Jungutbatu Beach is the place to be. The northern part of Jungutbatu Beach is used for seaweed farming so it’s also not great for swimming. Mushroom Beach is known as a fairly quiet beach where swimming is pleasant. It’s fun to explore all the beaches during your stay on Nusa Lembongan. Just keep in mind that the tides are very noticeable on the nusa islands.
Enjoy the sunset
Sunsets on Nusa Lembongan are absolutely stunning, no matter which beach you’re on. On the western side of the island you can watch the sun dip into the ocean, while in the north you’ll have views of Gunung Agung on clear days as the sky turns beautiful shades of orange and pink. A true treat for anyone who loves photography.
Enjoy delicious food
Nusa Lembongan has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy great meals. Along the beach you’ll find several clubs offering tasty dishes on their menus and the main street is full of charming eateries. Our favorites include Bonzer Cafe, Acala Bar & Bistro, Ohana’s and Jungle Bakery.
Explore Nusa Ceningan
If you’re on Nusa Lembongan and have enough time, it’s highly recommended to visit the small neighboring island of Nusa Ceningan. You can get there by crossing the famous Yellow Bridge, either on foot or by scooter, as cars are not allowed. You can explore the island by scooter yourself or hire a driver to take you to the best viewpoints, bays and hidden beaches.
Swing to your heart’s content
Swings can be found all over Nusa Lembongan, often in beautiful spots with breathtaking views. A few minutes of swinging is definitely something you don’t want to miss. After all, who wouldn’t want a photo of themselves on a swing in a tropical setting?
Take a look at the seaweed plantations
On the north side of the island and to the east, between Lembongan and Ceningan, you’ll find seaweed plantations. At high tide you won’t see much, but when the tide goes out the plantations appear and the seaweed farmers get to work. It’s fascinating to watch these skilled workers in action.
Discover all the charming shops in the main street
In the main street of the island you’ll find many shops alongside restaurants. Here you can buy the nicest bags, sarongs, hammam towels and jewelry. It’s lovely to stroll along the shops and have a chat with the shopkeepers, who often share interesting background stories.
Relax at one of the cozy beach clubs
There are plenty of cozy beach clubs on Nusa Lembongan. Several of them also have a swimming pool where you can easily spend hours. With good music, tasty drinks and snacks, we bet you won’t want to leave at the end of the day. Ohana’s is by far our favorite!
Find a beautiful viewpoint
There are several beautiful viewpoints on Nusa Lembongan and the one in the photo is one of my favorites. Why? Because I stood there 27 years ago and back then I only saw a few small buildings along the beach. It’s amazing how much has changed since then. You can find this viewpoint on Google Maps under the name Ohana’s lookout and panoramic photo opportunity.
Rent a scooter
If you have a motorcycle license (license A) and an international driving permit, renting a scooter is a great option. You need these documents on Bali (and on Lembongan) because what is called a scooter there is actually a motorcycle with an engine larger than 50cc. With a scooter you can easily explore the entire island at your own pace and reach spots that are difficult to get to on foot.
Have breakfast at Jungle Bakery
If your accommodation doesn’t include breakfast, head to Jungle Bakery for the morning meal. This charming eatery serves the tastiest French specialties. It might seem a bit unusual considering you’re in Indonesia, but once you get used to the idea, it’s really fun and above all very delicious.
Go cycling with a guide
You’ll find bike guides almost everywhere, even on Nusa Lembongan. If you enjoy discovering a destination by bike, an e-bike tour on Lembongan is perfect for you. In just a few hours, you’ll see some of the most beautiful spots on the island.
Read a book in a hammock
Besides swings, there are also plenty of hammocks on Lembongan. You’ll find them at various beach clubs and on the palm-lined beach in the north of the island. How lovely to escape into your own world in the shade, gently swaying above powdery white sand?
Watch the fishermen and boat workers in action
From the shores near the Yellow Bridge you get a great view of fishermen and boat workers going about their day. Boats are being loaded with supplies, maintenance is being done and heavy goods are lifted on and off the boats. It’s impressive to see how hard these men work, especially under the blazing sun in the middle of the day.
Take a day trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the larger island to the east of Lembongan. You can take a boat there on your own, then rent a scooter to explore the island’s highlights or hire a driver to take you around. Try to catch an early boat to avoid the biggest crowds. Prefer not to organize it yourself? There are plenty of different tours to Nusa Penida departing from Lembongan.
Book a snorkeling tour
Just off the coast of Nusa Penida you’ll find stunning snorkeling spots, where you even have a chance to swim with manta rays. Snorkeling tours from Lembongan take you to the best locations around Nusa Penida, including Manta Bay and Manta Point. Highly recommended.
Do even more on Nusa Lembongan
This is far from everything you can do on Nusa Lembongan. Visit Devil’s Tear to watch the waves crash dramatically against the rocks or explore the mangroves in the north of the island by boat. Renting a kayak, stand-up paddle boarding or catching some waves are also great options. You can easily spend three full days on Nusa Lembongan without running out of things to do.
