8 Things to do at Nusa Lembongan
Tucked between Bali’s southeastern coast and the larger, rugged island of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan often feels like the middle child of the Nusa trio, less wild than Penida, less remote than Ceningan, but full of charm that quietly grows on you.
I arrived here after two weeks of fast-paced Bali adventures and immediately felt the shift. Fewer scooters, fewer crowds, more sky. Nusa Lembongan invites you to slow down. No packed temples or tight schedules. Just salty air, sun-bleached roads, and that distinct rhythm only island life can bring.
If you’re planning a trip, here are 8 things to do that capture the essence of Nusa Lembongan.
Quick Overview
- Jungut Batu Beach – Surf-friendly shoreline with cafés and golden sunsets
- Dream Beach – Limestone cliffs and dramatic wave photography
- Mushroom Bay – Calm turquoise waters and relaxed beach vibes
- Devil’s Tear – Explosive waves and misty rainbows at the cliffs
- Mangrove Forest – Kayak through shaded waterways teeming with life
- Snorkelling & Diving – Coral gardens, turtles, and manta rays
- Yellow Bridge – Iconic link to Nusa Ceningan, perfect for sunrise shots
- Puncak Sari Temple – Peaceful hilltop temple with sea views
- Blue Lagoon (Ceningan) – Stunning turquoise bay framed by cliffs
- Nusa Penida Day Trip – Visit Kelingking, Angel’s Billabong, and Diamond Beach
TRAVEL
1. Beach Hop Between Quiet Shores and Surf Breaks
Nusa Lembongan is ringed with golden beaches, each with its own personality. Jungut Batu is the main strip, popular with surfers, boat tours, and beachfront cafés. It’s a great place to settle in, especially if you want to sip a cold drink with your toes in the sand after a day on the water.
Just south of there, Dream Beach is a scenic spot framed by limestone cliffs and popular with photographers. The waves here are wild, which is not ideal for swimming, but the crashing surf and views are dramatic. If you’re lucky, you’ll find the beach almost empty at sunrise.
For something quieter, head over to Mushroom Bay. It’s the most swimmable beach on the island, with gentle waves, clear turquoise water, and a lineup of small cafés and resorts. It’s also the best spot to catch a mellow sunset over the fishing boats.
Local Tip: Walk the shoreline trail from Mushroom Bay to Sandy Bay (near Devil’s Tear) during ggolden hour. The light hits the cliffs just right.
About
Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
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2. Watch the Ocean Roar at Devil’s Tear
Devil’s Tear is Nusa Lembongan’s natural showstopper. This rocky inlet gets pummelled by powerful waves that explode into dramatic water sprays, often rising several meters high. If you stand at just the right angle (and a safe distance), you can feel the salt spray on your face and see rainbows forming in the mist.
When I visited, the tide was coming in fast and the ocean was moody, a reminder that nature here isn’t just beautiful, it’s untamed. While many gather here at sunset, I found the mid-morning light striking the rocks created equally unforgettable scenes.
Safety Note: Stay behind the marked boundaries. Rogue waves here are no joke.
3. Paddle Through the Mangrove Forest
On the island’s northeast edge lies an unexpected ecosystem: a vast mangrove forest. Unlike the sun-drenched cliffs, the mangroves offer shade, calm water, and a different kind of beauty.
You can explore by kayak or join a guided boat tour through narrow, root-lined channels. It’s peaceful, just the sound of paddles slicing the water and birdsong echoing overhead. The mangroves also play a vital role in coastal protection and biodiversity.
Some tours combine a mangrove trip with snorkelling, which is ideal if you’re short on time. Otherwise, go early in the morning when the water’s still and the air is cool.
4. Snorkel or Dive with Nusa’s Marine Life
Nusa Lembongan is part of a protected marine area, and it shows. Coral reefs here are alive and thriving, especially around sites like Mangrove Point, Crystal Bay, and Toyapakeh Channel.
You don’t need to dive to enjoy the underwater world. Snorkeling tours depart daily, and even from the surface, you’ll spot technicolour corals, sea turtles, and hundreds of reef fish. If you’re lucky (and the currents align), manta rays can be spotted too, especially on trips that combine Nusa Penida dive sites.
As a diver, this is one of the best places to go. I did a two-tank dive that started in Lembongan and ended in Penida’s famed Manta Point. Swimming with these graceful giants was an experience I’ll never forget.
5. Cross the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan
The iconic Yellow Bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to its even smaller sibling, Nusa Ceningan. It’s a narrow, one-way bridge for scooters and pedestrians but crossing it feels symbolic, like entering a quieter world.
On Ceningan, time moves slower. Rent a scooter or walk to the Blue Lagoon (a cliff-lined bay with shockingly turquoise water), stop at one of the oceanfront cafés, or just ride along the coastal road for sweeping sea views.
There’s also a cliff jump spot if you’re feeling brave. Just ask the locals for the safest timing depending on tide and swell.
Photographer’s Pick: Catch the bridge at sunrise or twilight. The yellow structure pops against the soft island skies.
6. Visit Puncak Sari Temple
Most people skip this spot, but if you’re drawn to quiet cultural corners, Puncak Sari Temple is worth a visit. Tucked away in the island’s interior near the hilltops, it’s one of Lembongan’s most sacred sites.
The temple itself is modest but atmospheric, surrounded by trees and offering expansive views of Tthe sea on clear days. You’ll likely have the place to yourself, save for the sound of rustling leaves or the occasional local preparing for a ceremony.
Remember to wear a sarong and sash when visiting, as it’s still an active place of worship.
7. Take a Day Trip to Nusa Ceningan
Though it’s often paired with Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan deserves more than a fly-by. The island’s charm lies in its blend of raw coastline and slow village life.
Start at the Blue Lagoon viewpoint, then explore Secret Beach (a tucked-away cove with fewer visitors). You can also chill at cafes like Sea Breeze or The Sand, where hammocks and beanbags overlook the sea.
Don’t miss Mahana Point, a surfer’s reef break and cliff jump combo spot. Even if you don’t dive in, watching others leap from the platform is entertaining enough.
8. Explore Nusa Penida on a Day Trip
If you have extra time (and energy), hop over to Nusa Penida for a day. Boats depart regularly from Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay, taking about 15–20 minutes depending on the weather.
Once you arrive, you can visit iconic spots like Kelingking Beach (the “T-Rex” cliff), Angel’s Billabong, or Diamond Beach. Be warned: the roads are rough and the distances long. If it’s your first time, book a guided tour or hire a driver for the day.
After the bustle of Penida, returning to the calm of Lembongan feels like a gentle exhale.
Ethical Travel Tip: Respect the Reefs & Sea Life
Nusa Lembongan’s coral gardens are alive with vibrant marine life — but they’re fragile. Never stand on coral, avoid kicking up sand with your fins, and keep your distance from turtles, reef fish, and other creatures. Use only reef-safe sunscreen and skip feeding fish, as it disrupts their natural diet. Your best shots happen when you let the ocean breathe naturally.
Map of Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan Highlights
- (Add an embedded Google Map with pins for: Dream Beach, Devil’s Tear, Mushroom Bay, Yellow
Bridge, Blue Lagoon, Secret Beach, Jungut Batu Beach, Mangrove Forest, and Mahana Point.)
Location:
Just 30 minutes by boat from mainland Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a small island paradise linked by the famous Yellow Bridge to its even tinier neighbor, Nusa Ceningan. Known for its laid-back vibe, pristine waters, and epic coastal cliffs, it’s a haven for divers, surfers, and travelers looking to slow down without losing that Bali charm.
How to Reach Nusa Le ongan:
- From Sanur (Mainland Bali):
Fast boats run daily to Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay. The trip takes 30–35 minutes.
- From Nusa Penida:
Small local boats cross regularly via the Yellow Bridge area.
- Tour Packages:
Day trips from Bali often include snorkeling stops, island tours, and free time at beaches — but staying overnight is the best way to enjoy it without crowds.
Best Time to Visit:
- April to November:
Dry season brings calm seas, excellent snorkeling visibility, and stunning sunsets.
- December to March:
Wetter months with possible swells — still beautiful, but expect occasional rain showers.
Ideal Stay:
- 2–3 days is perfect for exploring both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, fitting in snorkeling, cliff
walks, and lazy afternoons at beachfront cafés.
Hidden Gems for Photographers:
- Devil’s Tear:
Dramatic wave crashes and golden-hour light — ideal for slow shutter seascapes.
- Dream Beach:
A compact white-sand bay with turquoise water framed by cliffs.
- Blue Lagoon (Ceningan):
Unreal shades of blue from the clifftop — best in late morning light.
- Mangrove Forest:
Kayak or SUP for serene shots framed by lush greenery.
Top Water Experiences:
- Snorkeling at Mangrove Point & Crystal Bay:
Coral gardens, schools of fish, and a chance to spot turtles.
- Surfing at Shipwrecks or Playgrounds:
Fun reef breaks for intermediate surfers.
- SUP at Sunrise:
Calm morning waters make for magical paddleboard photos.
Beyond the Beach: Lan ighlights:
- Yellow Bridge:
Iconic and colorful — especially photogenic during golden hour.
- Mahana Point (Ceningan):
Cliff-jumping spot with an oceanfront warung.
- Seaweed Farms:
Glimpse local life at low tide when farmers tend to their plots.
Pro Travel Tips:
- Bring a Dry Bag:
Essential for boat rides, especially if carrying camera gear.
- Rent a Scooter:
The best way to get around — but wear a helmet and drive carefully on narrow roads.
- Avoid Flip-Flops for Clifftop Walks:
Some trails are rocky; sneakers give better grip.
- Cash is King:
ATMs are limited — withdraw in Bali before you come.
- Book Accommodation in Advance:
Beachfront stays sell out in peak months.
Bonus Tip:
If you capture shots of marine life, consider sharing them with local conservation projects like the Lembongan Marine Association — your images can help monitor reef health and protect this island’s natural beauty.
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Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
