Nusa Lembongan is a small island just off the coast of Bali and rapidly becoming one of Bali’s main tourist attractions. It’s a great change of pace from the chaos of Kuta/Seminyak, with beautiful beaches, clear/blue waters and endless amounts of activists to do including diving, snorkeling, surfing, yoga, and much much more! Not to mention that the island offers the BEST sunsets I’ve ever seen in my entire life!
Looking for more info from other cities around Bali & The Gili’s? Check out my other Blog Posts!
How To Get To Nusa Lembongan:
From Denpasar Airport, hire a driver to travel 20 minutes to the Sanur Boat Terminal. There, you’ll ride a ferry boat for 20 minutes and arrive at Nusa Lembongan. Our accommodation arranged the transfer from the airport to Lembongan for us, for $500,000IDR ($38USD) per person, return ticket. We were VERY impressed with DCamel Fast Ferry, which charges $275,000IDR ($20USD) one way if you’d like to book spearately.
Driver: If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, safe driver on mainland Bali, Mr. Agus Yudi is your man! He’s by far the BEST driver we’ve had in the many months we’ve spent exploring Bali and his english is GREAT! Contact information on photo above.
Where To Store Your Boards/Suitcases In Bali:
If you’re in need of storing your surfboards or suitcases for a day, week, month, etc. on mainland, then Bali Board Storage in Kuta (near Discovery Mall) is the BEST place around. We stored 2 suitcases and 2 duffel bags for the day for around $10USD. The owner is super friendly and they are really safe and reliable.
How To Get Around Nusa Lembongan:
Scooter Rental: For $70,000IDR ($5USD), you can rent a scooter for the day and ride around the 5 mile perimeter, it’s SO much fun! Be sure to cross the yellow bridge and explore the smaller island of Nusa Ceningan and it’s secret beach as well! Be VERY careful on the scooters and be sure to notify traffic when you’re approaching a corner.
Car: For $400,000IDR ($30USD), you can hire a car/driver for 3 hours to take you to mangrove point, Yellow Bridge, Dream Beach, and Devils Tears. Also, if you’d like drop off service instead, it’ll cost you $200,000IDR ($15USD) for the South Side of the island and $150,000IDR ($11USD) for the North Side.
Bicycle: You can hire a bicycle for the day for $30,000IDR ($2.25USD)/day.
Where To Stay On Nusa Lembongan:
Nyuh Gading Homestay:
We stayed at Nyuh Gading Homestay Via Airbnb for 33 nights and it was such a perfect experience, at a very great price. Tutua and his wife, Ima, (the managers) are the kindest people. Ima makes a great breakfast and they are always there to help book a scooter, an excursions or for anything else you may need. We will certainly stay here again. The rooms are basic, but clean with a hot shower and aircon. $24USD/night.
For $55 off your first Airbnb booking, click HERE.
Lembongan Beach Club & Resort:
If you’re looking for a more upscale accommodation, Lembongan Beach Club Resort is the place to stay on the beach. They even have rooms with private pools, as well as a fitness center. $150USD/night.
What To Do On Nusa Lembongan: 
There is a NEVER ending amount of things to do on Lembongan, but I’ll try to highlight the best of the BEST!
Devils Tears:
Devils Tears is a MUST see while on Lembongan and is totally FREE! Devil’s Tears is a part of the island where the water meets the rocks and underwater caves, gets sucked in and spit back out! We must’ve stood there for over an hour just watching Mother Nature rain water on the rocks from the underwater caves! We loved it so much, we went two days in a row!
Dive Big Fish:
Big Fish Diving was fantastic and we wish we would’ve had more time to dive with them again! We dove with manta rays, which was one of the coolest days of my life! They charge $1,100,000IDR ($82USD) for two dives.
Snorkeling:
If you’re not into diving, the waters in Lembongan are super clear for snorkeling and, if you’re lucky, you’ll see Manta Rays! It usually costs around $200,000IDR ($15USD) to have a boat take you around for 4 hours to the best snorkeling spots.
Surfing/Paddle Boards:
Lembongan has three main breaks: Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks. You can hire a local boat to take you to the breaks, or paddle out on your board. The waves are best for surfing from April to October. Monkey Surfing School has the best reputation on the island for Surfing Lessons. You can also rent Paddle Boards for $80,000IDR ($6USD) per person.
Nusa Penida:
Nusa Penida is the neighboring island to Nusa Lembongan and a great day trip. You can hire a tour (details above) or simply hop on a 30 minute boat ride from the Yellow Bridge ($300,000IDR/$23USD), then rent a scooter ($50,000IDR/$4USD) upon arrival. Be careful on the scooter, as the roads are rough/steep. Be sure to see Broken Beach, Klingking Beach, Crystal Bay and Angel Billabong. The tour takes about 7-9 hours and costs about Cost: $550,000IDR ($38USD) for two people, which includes a taxi to Mangrove + Boat To/From Penida +Guide + Lunch
Gala Gala Underground House:
Gala Gala Underground House is a unique attraction. This house was built by one man only using a hammer and chisel and took 15 years to construct! If you’re claustrophobic, this isn’t for you. The cost is$50,000IDR ($4USD) per person.
Yellow Bridge:
The Yellow Bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan. This hanging bridge is narrow and only wide enough for foot traffic and scooters.
Paradise Beach-Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
We spent a whole month in Nusa Lembongan, making this place very near and dear to our hearts. This beach is so so special because you have views of mainland of Bali with Mount Batur Volcano.
Jungut Batu Beach:
Jungut Batu is the main beach where you’ll be dropped at. It’s white, soft sands are perfect for sun bathing.
Mushroom Beach:
A wonderful clean, tranquil white beach ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and eating.
Dream Beach:
Located on the southwest side of Lembongan, this white sandy beach are perfect for a day of sun bathing. Be sure to grab a drink/lunch at Cafe Pandan afterward.
Pura Puncak Sari Temple:
The largest Hindu temple on the island, located on a hilltop, with great views over the Indian Ocean. Puncak Sari Temple, is located in just north of Lembongan Village on the main route back to Jungut Batu. You have great views over the straits back to Bali from this area.
Seaweed Farming:
85% of the population on Lembongan are seaweed farmers, farming seaweed for carrageenan (a polysaccharide of red algae origin), which is used for rashes, swelling, bruises and wound healing. Women are the main laborers. This is definitely a sight to see while visiting.
Mangrove Forest:
With mixed reviews, we didn’t partake in the Mangrove Forest Excursion. Basically a forest in the water where you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, or hire a local to paddle you through. Be sure to barter, but the general cost is $5-$15USD, depending on rental.
Where To Eat On Nusa Lembongan:
Maria’s Boemboe Bali Waroeng:
One of our favorite restaurants on the island was Maria’s Boemboe Bali Waroeng. We must’ve eaten here 20 times in the month we spent on Lembongan. EVERYTHING on the menu is delicious and Maria is absolutely fabulous. Get the BBQ’d chicken, chicken curry bun, or sweet & sour chicken.
EDIT: Since we’ve left the island, I was informed that Maria tragically passed away. My heart aches for her and her family and, if you happen to be on Lembongan and Maria’s is still open for business, please stop by and support their kind family, as I know they’re all in need of love and support at the moment.
Lemongrass Bar & Restaurant:
Lemongrass Restaurant is more expensive than the local Warung’s and far less authentic. This is the more upscale restaurant on Lembongan. Both the local and western food are delicious. Order the chicken saltimbocca, four cheese penne, black pepper burger or nasi goreng special…they’re all amazing!
Vegan Cafe:
Another one of our favorites on the island, this Cafe has the largest menu we’ve ever seen. Their breakfast bowls are mouthwatering. Do note, this one is tucked off the main street near Bali Eco Deli, but is only a 5 minute walk.
Ginger & Jamu:
Ginger and Jamu offers delicious, fresh, healthy food-and it’s located right on the beach! Be sure to get the chocolate almond milkshake, energy balls or pumpkin bowl…yum!
Bali Eco Deli:
Bali Eco Deli is a great place for coffee, smoothies, light eats and dinner. Be sure to get the fruit salad with toasted muesli & yogurt for breakfast, the watermelon feta salad for lunch, the purple boost smoothie or homemade banana bread for a snack, or the chicken with jasmine rice, crunchy veggies and peanuts for dinner. I’m still dreaming about them!
Blue Corner Bar & Cafe:
Blue Cornder Bar is THE spot to go to on a Friday night and one of the BEST sunset views on the island!
The Deck Cafe & Bar:
The Deck Cafe & Bar is a stylish bar with great views, drinks and western food, but pricey.
The Sampan Restaurant & Coffee Shop:
The Sampan Restaurant is such a hidden gem on Lembongan, as it’s a bit far down to almost the northern tip of the island, but totally worth it! Their coffee is great, as well as the atmosphere for a meal. We celebrated my birthday there and we had such a lovely experience with the service, food (get the mie goreing), drinks and live Balinese dances!
J&S Brother Gym:
WOW. Of all the rustic gyms we’ve been to in the world, J&S Brother Gym takes the cake. If you’re brave enough and desperate enough to lift weights, then prepare for the dirtiest, most unorganized, unsafe gym you’ll ever break a sweat in, although the owner is kind and friendly. You’ll have to get creative, but you certainly can make it work. $20,000IDR ($1.50USD)/day.
Serenity Yoga, Nusa Lembongan:
Serenity Yoga is the BEST place to do yoga on the island. It’s a bit tough to find, as it’s tucked off the main street, but there’s nothing better than doing a morning flow class in a shala surrounded by a garden with the birds singing! Caroline is fabulous and friendly as well.
Nyepi Day IMPORTANT:
If you’re going to Bali or Lembongan, it’s important to note when Nyepi Day is. Nyepi Day is the Balinese New Year, but is celebrated VERY differently than the New Year in other parts of world, as it’s the Balinese Day of Silence. It falls on the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox, and lasts for 24 hours.
The day is one of complete inactivity, so that when the evil spirits descend and are lurking around, they will see that Bali has been abandoned and leave the island alone for another year. All electricity is shut off and all human activity stops-all shops, bars, restaurants close down and no one is permitted to leave their home/hotel. Policemen patrol the streets to ensure no one comes out. Even the airport shuts down and air traffic controllers don’t allow flights over the island. No fires are permitted and at night all buildings must be blacked out –only emergency services are exempt. The day is strictly reserved for self-reflection and anything that might interfere with that purpose is strictly prohibited.
So, if you’re planning youre holiday and don’t want to be stuck inside all day, I’d advise not coming during Nyepi.
Yoga Teacher Trainingॐ:
There are several yoga teacher training schools located on Lembongan, and, while I wouldn’t recommend the school we chose, I would totally recommend Serenity Yoga. Caroline, the owner and instructor is an incredible teacher and person and we’ll be returning next year to take more courses with her!
Tattoo (Kuta):
If you’re wanting to get some ink done while visiting Bali, then there is NO better place or talented artist than Tika Lines at ‘Get Inked At Bali Ink.’ Josh and I were both SUPER impressed with the studio, it’s cleanliness, and Tika’s amazing talent.
Things To Note:
Although Indonesia is predominately a Muslim country, Bali and Lembongan are Hindu, making them have different religious holidays.
There are 3 ATM’s on the island and they often run out of money, so be sure to bring extra cash.
Cash is primarily the way of payment on Lembongan, although some dive shops and restraints take credit card, but will charge you a 3% service charge.
Lembongan is VERY safe and the people are very friendly.
Check out Our Videos From Nusa Lembongan!
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Great article.
Lembongan is one of the place for holiday in Bali.
As a local we glad because you had post this, it will help us to promote Bali tourism.
It is truly a beautiful place! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Hey Nichole!
I was thinking of taking my YTT in Lembongan, I was wondering where did you take your teacher training and why wouldn’t you recommend it? If you don’t feel comfortable replying my comment on your site, maybe you could drop me an email? While I’m considering serenity Yoga, I’m afraid I might not be able to take so many days off work. (Understand that unlike other YTTs in lembongan, serenity’s program runs over 30 days) Thanks!
Hi Samantha! I”ll send you an email with this reply as well. Serenity Yoga is the BEST and Caroline, the owner, is incredible. You absolutely cannot go wrong taking a YTT with her (I wish we would’ve taken our training with her company). My hub and I are actually considering returning to Lembongan to take our next YTT with her at Serenity! If you need anything else, please feel free to contact me!