Top 12 Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan 2023
Nusa Lembongan is tucked away in Bali, Indonesia; despite being relatively unknown to tourists in Bali, it has lots of things to do and beautiful places to stay. Nusa Lembongan is one of three small islands in West Bali that is emerging as a travel destination. The other two are Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.
Whether looking for fantastic surf, stunning views, or just some downtime, Nusa Lembongan is the perfect destination. Nearby Nusa Ceningan is definitely worth a visit, too. With so many places to visit in Bali, Nusa Lembongan offers a good alternative to stay in.
Ride around and explore Nusa Lembongan
You can easily rent a moped and zip around the island. I suggest doing this for a day if possible, as there is so much to see and explore. For me, half of the island’s charm was the hidden spots, the places with no names. One of the joys of traveling is finding your way, so hop on a bike and ride until you want to stop. There are some modern roads here that are great for beginners.
Build your confidence and head up the hills, along dirt paths, and between towering trees to find the best views over the island. Make sure you have plenty of petrol before you head off on an adventure. There are plenty of roadside spots to fill up – keep an eye out for old alcohol bottles full of yellow liquid! It is also polite to return your bike with at least half a tank left, so bear that in mind when you’re riding home.
Drive on to Nusa Ceningan
This nearby island is pretty tiny and very beautiful. It is home to great diving, yoga studios, and plenty of nature to immerse yourself in. Take the bridge across from Lembongan and explore by moped. Not all roads here are perfect, but that adds to the fun. Friendly locals will point you in the right direction of the main viewpoint here, so make sure your camera is fully-charged and heap on up and up.
Blue Lagoon is one of the most stunning little bays you will ever see, with bright aqua water. Make time to visit this spot and bask in the glory of nature here. Secret Beach in Nusa Ceningan is likely unsurprisingly empty and offers excellent snorkeling and swimming water.
Amazing view and sunset at Devil’s Tear, Dream Beach
This is a stunning area of natural beauty right near Dream Beach. Expect lots of tourists but don’t let that put you off. This can be dangerous, so pay attention to the warning signs and be sensible. The Devil’s Tear is a little inlet into the land where waves get sucked into holes in the cliff face. They are then jetted out and shoot up and across the cliff. Don’t get too close, but try to visit this spot. The power of the waves here is stunning. Just a few minutes’ walk from here is the best sunset spot on the island. Rocky cliff juts out into the ocean and gives you a stunning view of the island and all the colors in the sky.
Outdoor activities at Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
Surfing at Nusa Lembongan
Lembongan is famed for its surfing, and the beaches here are designed for it. The waves around the island are generally for the more experienced surfer, but there are some excellent beginner beaches, too. Playgrounds are the ideal beach for surfers and get busy without being cramped.
Head to Coconut Bay and paddle out from here to the waves. You can rent boards and have surf lessons here, too. Dream Beach isn’t for swimming but is a lovely beach to hang out at. The surf can get pretty good here, and is better suited for experienced surfers. Head over to Ceningan for great breaks, too! Wherever there are sound waves, there’ll be a shack on the beach with boards to hire out.
Stand-up Paddle Boarding at Mushroom Bay
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding is fun, and this island has some amazing beaches to try it out at. Some waves are too strong or high, and these beaches are reserved for surfers. Suppose you fancy a swim, snorkel, or SUP session, head to the calmer beaches.
Mushroom Beach is where to head for a relaxing afternoon of lazing on the beach and trying out water sports. This is an effortless beach to get to and is surrounded by cute restaurants and roadside warungs (local eateries). Expect some tourists here, but don’t worry about it being crowded. Hire a paddle board from one of the stalls on the beach, and don’t forget your sunblock!
Diving at Nusa Lembongan
Indonesia’s underwater world is beautiful and peppered with stunning marine life, including majestic turtles and colorful coral. Diving is one of the best things to do here, and the island’s schools cater to all experience levels. Get up early or spend an afternoon diving amongst the island’s oceans.
The dive sites around Lembongan are full of amazing underwater marine life, such as manta rays, which people travel here to see. Diving is taken seriously, and there is a duty to the dive centers to be professional and respectful of the waters. Nusa Ceningan also offers beautiful underwater views and incredible diving opportunities.
Snorkeling
If diving is not up your alley, snorkeling offers a view into Nusa Lembongan’s incredible underwater world. Snorkeling is an easier and less technical activity for everyone to enjoy marine life and colorful corals. Most snorkeling tours include picking up from hotel, lunch and visiting beaches besides multiple snorkeling location.
Cliff Jump
Don’t attempt this on your own! Make sure you go with a company that knows when and where it is safe to go out and who will look after you. Cliff jumping is one of the most exhilarating things you can do in Nusa Lembongan and is the ideal way to spend an afternoon if you’re an adrenaline junkie. You’ll jump off a cliff into the ocean and can snorkel and swim to your heart’s content in lovely, clear waters. You can find companies that offer this in Lembongan and some that will take you to Ceningan. Lembongan Cliff Jumping is highly recommended and offers some packages for those seeking adventure.
Fly High
Abyss Zipline company over in nearby Ceningan offers some of the most fun activities! If you fancy zipping through nature and taking in stunning views of the island, add this to your to-do list. The staff here take safety very seriously, which is reasonable considering you’ll be swinging across the ocean! Make time to head here and reward yourself with a dip in their infinity pool afterward.
Relax and unwind at the Nusa Islands
Massage
Take some time to relax and make the most of the local spas. They may not be big or fancy, but they’ll be full of local ladies who’ll pummel the knots out of your back. Traditional Balinese massages can get pretty heavy but will do wonders for a well-traveled body. The prices of massages here tend to be very low. Despite being on a small island, prices haven’t been driven up by tourism too much. Grab yourself a bargain and get some me-time in.
Yoga
If you fancy taking some time out from all the water sports and hiking, head to a yoga studio and chill out. The studios here tend to be pretty affordable, and there’s a charming, relaxed vibe to the island, which is reflected in the studios. Many of the studios here offer superb views over the ocean or are set up in the forest. Either way, you’re guaranteed a beautiful experience!
What to Eat at Nusa Lembongan
The food here tends to be pretty local, although there are some lovely Western joints. Head to the beach for fresh seafood, or wander down side alleys to get an authentic experience. Indonesian food focuses on fried rice (nasi goreng), fried noodles (mie goreng), and tasty curries. Desserts aren’t huge here, but make sure you try banana pancakes at least once while on the island. They’re pretty popular across Indonesia and are delicious!
Where to Stay on Nusa Lembongan
Most popular place to stay here on Nusa Lembongan is this beachfront resort Batu Karang Lembongan Resort and Day Spa *. These spacious beachfront villas come with pool and spa services.
For those looking for villas with a good environment for family, Jingga Villas * is the place with its pool and just a minute walk to the beach. Its services are also well-rated by guests.
Sunset Garden Nusa Lembongan * at Mushroom Bay is a good mid-range choice with a beautiful garden and sunset view. Just a 9-minute walk from the beach, the price of just 89 USD is well worth it!
If you are looking for a more cozy environment, The Akah Cottage, only a 3-minute walk from the beach, is the place for you. It comes with bike rental facilities and an outdoor pool. It is also good for value, with prices starting only at 35 USD. Water Blow Huts * is another well-loved choice in this range to stay near Dream Beach in Lembongan.
| Travel Tips: |
| 1. Book the best accommodations – Booking.com* or Agoda.com * |
| 2. Find the cheapest flight options that suit you – Skyscanner * or 12Go.asia * |
| 3. Rent a car in advance and make your trip more convenient – Rentalcars * |
| 4. Make the most of the time that you have! Exciting excursions, professional guides, and more – Klook * |
| 5. Book your train tickets online easily – Tiket.com * or bus tickets at Easybook.com * |
| 6. Order ahead Indonesian Rupiah with the best exchange rate – Wise Travel Card * |
