Nusa Lembongan, a small island off the southeast coast of Bali, is the perfect destination for those in search of white sand beaches and crystal clear water teaming with sea life. It is the most well known of the three islands in the Nusa Penida district. Nusa Lembongan has become more popular as a tourist destination in recent years, but it has maintained its low-key, surfer’s paradise vibe.
Why Visit Nusa Lembongan?
Despite being far-removed from the party-like atmosphere of some of the busier cities on the mainland, there is still plenty to do on holiday in Nusa Lembongan. From lounging on the beach with a cocktail in hand to swimming with manta rays, there is something for every traveler in Nusa Lembongan.
It takes just 30 minutes to reach Nusa Lembongan using one of the speed boat services that run regularly from Sanur. Nusa Lembongan is just eight square kilometers, so once visitors reach the island, they will find it easy to get around on foot or on one of the scooters that are readily available for rent. Day trips to the neighboring islands of Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida are easily arranged and offer visitors the chance to see even more of Bali’s more off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Explore the Beaches
As is the case with the rest of Bali, one of Nusa Lembongan’s main draws are it’s stunning beaches. The crystal clear and startlingly blue water, the soft white sand, and the lush green cliffs all combine for a striking view that is uniquely Bali.
Dream Beach is ideal for those who like to keep creature comforts close at hand while enjoying a day at the shore. It is Nusa Lembongan’s most popular beach, so it has plenty of tourist-focused services and amenities. Restaurants and bars abound, and one of the oceanfront hotels has an infinity pool overlooking the beach that is open to non-guests for a daily fee.
As the most popular stretch of sand in Nusa Lembongan, Dream Beach attracts a lot of tourists, so it can get pretty packed, particularly in the high season. Visitors looking to avoid the crowds should plan on visiting before 10 in the morning.
Devil’s Tears gets its unique name from the forceful ocean spray that results when waves are sucked into a blowhole-like formation in the rocky cliffs along the shore. When the water comes crashing out of the rocks, it creates a powerful spray that has been dubbed the Devil’s Tears. Visitors hoping to see the most striking water bursts will want to time their visit to coincide with high tide.
After observing the dramatic water show for a bit, visitors should wander down to the massive tide pools that form in the pools of the rocky formations and coves along the beach. As the tide goes out, more tide pools reveal themselves, providing visitors the chance to look for sea life. If possible, plan to watch the sunset from Devil’s Tears. The colorful sky reflecting in the various tide pools is a stunning sight.
Like Dream Beach , Mushroom Beach is popular with tourists, so it features a number of services aimed at visitors to the area. There are several good restaurants and cafes right on the beach for those who want to dine out. A bit farther back are several markets, which sell everything needed for a beachside picnic.
There are also a number of rental companies on this family-friendly beach, making it easy to rent stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear, or anything else needed for a day of fun in the sun. Mushroom Beach is also a popular port and a frequent stop for local fisherman as well as tourists in rented boats.
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Spend Some Time in the Sea
The Indian Ocean is one of Bali’s greatest natural resources as well as one of the primary drivers of its powerful tourism industry. The crystal clear water is stunning, and the colorful fish that populate the coral reefs below the surface have been luring snorkelers and scuba divers from around the globe for decades. While visitors can surely enjoy Bali from dry land, it would be a mistake to plan a vacation to Nusa Lembongan that didn’t include some time in or on the sea.
Swim with manta rays
One of the most popular things for visitors to Nusa Lembongan to do is swim with manta rays. Despite being frequently confused with their less-friendly cousin, the stingray, manta rays are harmless, and swimming or snorkeling with them is often the highlight of a trip to Bali.
There are a number of companies in Nusa Lembongan with which you can book a snorkel or dive excursion that will allow you to get up close and personal with the beautiful manta ray. Since rays spend most of their time fairly near the surface, it is certainly not necessary to dive to see them, but it is a good idea to book a tour since going with a company gives you the best chance of seeing one of these gentle giants. Most manta ray excursions will last three to five hours. Tours will depart from one of Nusa Lembongan’s beaches and take guests into the waters of Manta Bay off the coast of Nusa Penida. Tours generally include lunch and non-alcoholic drinks.
Go scuba diving
Blue Corner Dive Shop is Nusa Lembongan’s original dive resort, and as a result, it has the best location on the island. Dive boats depart daily from the beach right in front of the resort, and with its stunning sunset views, the Blue Corner Bar & Restaurant is the ideal spot to enjoy a drink after a day of diving.
Blue Corner Dive Shop offers a range of programs and expeditions for everyone from complete novices to experienced, certified divers. Blue Corner Dive Shop also offers two- and three-day courses for those interested in learning how to free dive.
Check out the mangroves on a snorkel tour
The mangroves that dominate much of the coastline of Nusa Lembongan are striking to look at but can be difficult to access. Thankfully, there are many snorkel tours available that include a visit to the mangroves, so visitors can get a full view of the natural beauty of Nusa Lembongan, both below and above the surface of the ocean.
Newbro Surfing is the go-to destination for visitors to Nusa Lembongan who want to get out and explore the see. In addition to surfing camps and lessons, Newbro Surfing offers a number of snorkel and fishing tours out of Nusa Lembongan. While the itineraries are weather-dependent, most of the all-day snorkel tours will include stops at three different snorkel spots as well as a visit to the mangrove forest that lines Nusa Lembongan’s northeast corner.
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Take a Day Trip to Nusa Ceningan
Getting to Nusa Ceningan is as simple as strolling across the pedestrian bridge that connects the two islands. Nusa Ceningan is quite small, and it’s possible to cover most of it on foot in one day.
Three things to do in Nusa Ceningan
- Walk across Yellow Bridge. The striking, brightly-colored bridge that connects Nusa Ceningan from Nusa Lembongan has become somewhat iconic in recent years in part because of it tragic history. In 2016, the bridge that used to connect the two islands collapsed, killing nine people. The replacement bridge that stands today was named The Bridge of Love in tribute to the lives lost. It is particularly striking at night when fully lit.
- Cliff jump at the Blue Lagoon. The views from the cliff are incredible and well worth the visit, even for travelers who don’t want to make the jump to the sparkling water below. There are jump spots ranging from roughly four meters to close to 14 meters high, and the water below is quite deep. Be sure to check the current and conditions before jumping.
- Visit Secret Beach. Unlike the busy, more touristy beaches on Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan is full of deserted coves and beaches where one could spend an afternoon snorkeling and sunbathing without running into another soul. Secret Beach is one such place. To access it, walk to the coast through the resort grounds at Villa Trevally.
Take a Day Trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands, and a motorbike or car to get around. There’s much to see and do on Nusa Penida, and it might be worth an overnight stay in order to explore the island’s many unique beaches, hikes, and viewpoints.
Three things to see in Nusa Penida
- Tembeling Beach is one of Nusa Penida’s hidden gems. This small bayside beach is located at the edge of lush forest that feels like an undiscovered jungle. Don’t miss taking a dip in one of the natural pools in the rock formations.
- Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave, like many caves in Bali, is a place of worship, so guests will be required to wear proper Balinese temple attire, which is available for a very small fee outside the cave. After climbing a steep staircase and receiving a blessing, visitors will crawl through a small hole in the ground. Having passed through the narrow opening, guests will find themselves standing in an expansive cave with various shrines and places to pray.
- Kelingking Secret Beach Lookout offers one of the most famous (and most Instagrammed) vistas in all of Bali. The view from the cliffs above Kelingking Secret Beach is striking because the land jutting into the sparkling blue water below forms the unmistakable outline of a T-Rex, its mouth open wide. It is possible to walk along the spine of the T-Rex to the beach, but the path is not well-maintained and the return trip is very steep.
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