Nusa Lembongan is a small paradise island located just south of Bali. You can reach it by boat in just 30 minutes, and then the enjoyment can begin right away. Here, you’ll find the most beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and, above all, a very relaxed atmosphere. All of this makes Nusa Lembongan the perfect place to wrap up your trip to Bali and spend a few days fully relaxing. Nusa Lembongan is connected by a bridge to the neighboring island of Nusa Ceningan, making it easy to explore both islands. I searched both islands for the most beautiful spots, best restaurants, and of course the most fun hotels to stay at. Read below for my best tips for Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
You can take a boat to Nusa Lembongan from Bali, Lombok, and Nusa Penida. Below, you’ll find how to get there from these destinations.
Tip: Once you arrive at Nusa Lembongan, you’ll need to walk a short distance through the water when stepping off the boat. It’s a good idea to wear flip-flops or sandals for this journey.
From Bali to Nusa Lembongan
From Lombok to Nusa Lembongan
From Gili Trawangan to Nusa Lembongan
From Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are both very small, so the attractions are conveniently close together. If you want to see everything and also enjoy a day or two at the beach or pool, we recommend staying about four days. Staying longer is certainly no punishment! Below, you’ll read about all the activities and where to find the most beautiful spots.
Chill and Watch the Sunset at Jungut Batu Beach
Jungut Batu Beach is the longest beach on Nusa Lembongan and is located in Jungut Batu, the main village of Nusa Lembongan. You’ll find many restaurants and beach shacks where you can relax on a sunbed or beanbag. You can easily spend an entire day at Jungut Batu Beach because there’s so much to do. From relaxing to swimming, and from delicious food to evening drinks, like at the cozy Ohana’s. You’re also in the right place for a beautiful sunset. On clear days, you can even see Mount Agung on Bali! 
Kayak or Paddleboard Through the Mangrove of Nusa Lembongan
When you drive all the way to the northern part of Nusa Lembongan, it becomes quieter and more untouched. The road eventually leads into a natural area of sea, beach, and mangrove forests. Step into a kayak or on a SUP board and explore the beautiful mangrove forests in peace. You’ll paddle both over the sea and along the river. If you book the Mangrove Kayak tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and explore the mangrove with a guide. You can also drive to Mangrove Point and rent a kayak or SUP board there.
Relaxing at Dream Beach
Dream Beach is many people’s favorite beach on Nusa Lembongan. When you walk down the stairs to this beach, you’ll immediately see why Dream Beach got its name. It’s a beautiful bay with white sand and crystal-clear blue water, surrounded by rocks and tropical plants. You can swim here, but sometimes the waves can be quite high. So be careful of the currents. It often gets crowded in the afternoon at Dream Beach, so try to go early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Tip: Stay in the charming bungalows at Dream Beach Huts, where you’ll have a fantastic view of Dream Beach.
Must Do: Snorkeling with Friendly Manta Rays
With this exciting snorkeling tour, you’ll travel to three beautiful snorkeling spots, with Manta Point being the most special. This is one of the best places in the world to see manta rays in their natural habitat. These giant manta rays can grow up to ten feet wide. It’s incredibly impressive to see them in real life! Don’t worry; they only eat plankton and are not dangerous to humans. There’s a great chance of spotting manta rays here year-round. This is an absolute bucket-list item, so make sure to plan your snorkeling with manta rays. In addition to Manta Point, you will also visit two other beautiful snorkeling locations.
Good to Know: During the snorkeling tour, there’s a high chance of spotting manta rays, but like with all wildlife, an encounter is never guaranteed. If it’s very windy or the sea is rough, visibility may be poor, and you might not see them.
Visit Devil’s Tear During High Tide
Devil’s Tear is a rocky stretch of coastline where, during high tide, gigantic waves crash against the rocks. This creates an impressive display of natural power, with water sometimes shooting up to 30 feet in the air. At Devil’s Tear, you can also enjoy a stunning sunset, and if you’re lucky, you might see turtles swimming in the sea.
Tip: Make sure to be here during high tide because it’s not as impressive at low tide. You can check this website for tide times.
Chill at the Coolest Beach Clubs on Nusa Lembongan
Both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan have many fun beach clubs. A favorite among many is Ohana’s at Jungut Batu Beach. At this stylish beach club, you can enjoy tasty cocktails and the daily sunset sessions with music and good vibes. Ohana’s opens at 6:30 AM, and Friday nights often feature a party with a DJ or live music. Sandy Bay Beach Club is located right on the relaxed Sandy Bay beach, but you can also relax in their beautiful infinity pool.
On Nusa Ceningan, there are also a few more fun beach clubs. The Sand is a cozy spot along the water’s edge. Grab a beanbag under an umbrella or lounge in the water on a hammock. You can recognize Le Pirate Beach Club by its iconic white and turquoise decor. It’s a small beach club with a pool, thatched umbrellas, palm trees, and views of a seaweed farm. Le Pirate is also a very nice hotel, but even if you’re not staying there, you’re welcome to come and relax. Suku Beach Club offers a stunning view of the sea where you can watch surfers showcase their skills from Mahana Point.
Watch the Sunset at Cloudland Bar
At Cloudland Bar, you have front-row seats for a breathtaking sunset. Order a drink, a snack, and sink into one of the colorful beanbags. With a relaxing playlist in the background, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy. They even have Dutch snacks like bitterballen on the menu for travelers who can’t miss the Dutch cuisine. 
(Learn to) Surf on Nusa Lembongan
The four surf breaks on Nusa Lembongan are all located on the west side of the island along the reef that runs parallel to Jungut Batu Beach. The waves here are relatively small, making them perfect for beginner surfers. However, to reach the surf breaks, you will need to paddle a few hundred meters from the shore. You can also take a boat for a few dollars that will drop you off at the reef, leaving you with plenty of energy for your surf session.
Experienced surfers can also head to Mahana Point on Nusa Ceningan to tackle some good waves. You can enter the sea via Secret Point Beach. As a spectator, it’s fun to grab a drink at the warung at Mahana Point, where you can closely watch the surfers as the waves crash against the rocks.
Explore the Tranquil Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is a beautiful beach that usually doesn’t get too crowded. You can enjoy the sun in peace or chill at the cozy Sandy Bay Beach Club. They serve delicious meals and cocktails with a great view of the sunset.
Stay by the beach: At Sandy Bay, you’ll find the stunning traditional Balinese bungalows of Komodo Gardens. For about $55, you can have a spacious bungalow with an outdoor shower just steps away from the beach. Here, you can truly enjoy yourself for relatively little money!
Cross the Iconic Yellow Bridge Between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is definitely worth exploring. It’s quieter than Nusa Lembongan and has a relaxed vibe. You’ll find a few cozy spots as well as some beautiful viewpoints overlooking the rugged cliffs. A bright yellow bridge connects Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, and it’s so narrow that only scooters and cyclists can cross. You’ll hardly encounter any cars on Nusa Ceningan. The spots I describe below can be found on Nusa Ceningan.
Check Out the Blue Waters at Blue Lagoon
Once you’ve crossed the yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan, it’s nice to ride over to Blue Lagoon. As the name suggests, this is a beautiful lagoon with rugged cliffs and turquoise blue water. As tempting as it looks, you unfortunately can’t swim here due to the many rocks. It’s primarily a lovely spot for a walk, taking photos, and enjoying the stunning views.
Most beaches with a name like this are far from secret, but I had to search a bit for Secret Beach on Nusa Ceningan. After Google Maps initially directed me to Nusa Lembongan, I eventually found the right hidden beach on Nusa Ceningan. From this point where you park your scooter, there’s a path leading both left and right. I’ll let you in on a little secret: the left path is a bit more adventurous, while the right is quicker, but both will take you to Secret Beach. This is a beautifully hidden beach where you truly come for peace and quiet. Chances are, you’ll only have to share this place with a handful of people. It’s a small cove with crystal-clear blue water and a lovely sandy beach. 
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are very small, so there are hardly any cars on the islands. What you do see are pick-up trucks where you can sit in the back. These drive around everywhere, and you can flag one down to negotiate a price for the ride. It’s even easier to rent a scooter. This gives you all the freedom you need, allowing you to be flexible.
Dining out in Indonesia is always a treat, but on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, you’ll find a truly impressive selection of great restaurants. I had a fantastic time trying out several places, and the following tips stood out.
Great Restaurants on Nusa Lembongan
- La Bianca – A beautiful spot by the sea, perfect for a romantic dinner or a cocktail during sunset.
- Lemongrass – The extensive menu at Lemongrass is packed with local and Western dishes. It’s usually quite busy here, so making a reservation can be helpful.
- Bali Eco Deli – For a delicious and healthy breakfast or lunch, Bali Eco Deli is the place to be. Order one of their smoothie bowls, eggs & avocado, or French toast with fresh fruit for breakfast. The lunch menu features pita platters, Buddha bowls, and many Asian dishes.
- Ginger & Jamu – This beachfront restaurant serves delicious food. Visit during sunset for a beautiful view while you eat. Their cocktails are also very tasty.
- Waroeng Boemboe – If you want to enjoy local food for a low price, you should go to Waroeng Boemboe. All dishes are freshly prepared right in front of you.
- Mushroom Espresso – At Mushroom Espresso, you can enjoy delicious coffee. With cozy seating and relaxing music in the background, it’s a lovely place to hang out.
- The Deck – This casual restaurant and bar is located in a nice walking street, offering a beautiful view over the bay of Jungut Batu. Here, you can enjoy a mix of Western and Asian dishes.
- Thai Pantry – If you’re craving Thai curries, this is the place to be.
- Let’s Bake – This cozy bakery and café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s known for its freshly baked bread and pastries, as well as savory meals like quiches and sandwiches.
- Mola Mola Classic Warung & Beach Bar – This warung is located on the beach and becomes lively during sunset. Here, you can enjoy authentic Indonesian meals.
Great Restaurants on Nusa Ceningan
- The Sand – A relaxed restaurant with beanbags on the dock. A nice spot during sunset.
- Next Level – This restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a dragon fruit bowl while taking in a beautiful view.
- Sea Breeze Cafe Ceningan – This colorful spot features a swimming pool and hammocks. It has that delightful island vibe.
You can stay quite luxuriously on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan for relatively little money. At Komodo Garden on Nusa Lembongan, you’ll stay in a stunning wooden bungalow. The bungalow is spacious and features a large bed, an outdoor shower, and a veranda with a cozy bench. There’s a lovely pool, and it’s just a minute’s walk from Sandy Bar and Devil’s Tear. Also, Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas is a little paradise, but on Nusa Ceningan. You’ll stay in a beautiful room, some with a fantastic view of the sea. From the infinity pool, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets. For a unique overnight stay, try Water Blow Huts on Nusa Lembongan. It’s situated along the coast but a bit higher up, allowing you to spot turtles! The luxurious bungalows are entirely in Balinese style, and from the pool, you have an amazing view over the sea.
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