DESTINATIONS
NUSA LEMBONGAN
INDONESIA
Coming from Bali, Nusa Lembongan was a relaxing slice of paradise! A tropical retreat for nature lovers where you really feel island life all around you. Power outages, kids on motorbikes, and plenty of cliffs surrounded by turquoise blue waters. A place to come and relax. If you are looking for more of a party vibe, I would think about heading to one of the other islands as most places here are closed around 10pm.
THE BASICS
LANGUAGE: Balinese, Indonesian, English
CURRENCY: Indonesian Rupiah
CLIMATE: Tropical (hot & humid), Rainy season is Oct – April
DRESS CODE: Casual, Lightweight clothing as it can get very hot
GETTING AROUND: Motorbike
COST OF VISITING: $ – Hostels start at $7 per night and food is a little as $4 to $5 (USD) per meal
TIPPING: Tipping is not expected but a nice gesture, some restaurants add a service charge to the bill
SAFETY: Generally a safe place, watch out for pickpockets as you would in any other city
PACKING ESSENTIALS: Sunscreen, Mosquito Repellent, Poncho
VISA: No visa needed for tourist visits under 30 days for US citizens, Must have passport valid for at least 6 months
GETTING THERE
BY FERRY
You are able to take a ferry from Lombok, the Gili Islands, or the Bali to the Nusa Islands. From Bali, the port is located in Sanur where you will then get need to take a motorbike to your destination (or walk depending on where it is located). A ferry will cost you around $10-$15 each way depending on where you are coming from. There isn’t a pier on the island, you just kind of have to jump off the boat into the water and walk a few feet to the beach.
WHERE TO STAY
GUESTHOUSES
Jl. SD Negeri 3, Jungubatu, Lembongan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia (Map)
Such a lovely guesthouse. Each room is an individual bungalow. Clean, bright, spacious, with a pool and patio. Plus, free breakfast is served every morning. They are also able to arrange ferry tickets and transport for you, and rent motorbikes. Had an amazing experience while staying here. Exactly what I was looking for. Wifi is also amazing. Rooms start around $19 per night.
Ceningan Island Jalan Blue Lagoon, 80771 Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia (Map)
Technically located on Nusa Cenigan, these villas are a short distance from the beautiful Blue Lagoon. Each villa has a private bathroom, some with a garden view as well. There is also a restaurant and pool on site and rooms start at only $23 per night.
Jl SD Negeri 3, Mushroom Bay, 80771 Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia (Map)
These guest houses are located in Mushroom Bay, only a 15 minute walk from the ferry drop off point. Guest rooms all come with their own private bathroom, a terrace, and free WiFi. Rooms start around $20 per night.
WHAT TO DO
GO TO THE CLIFFS
Nusa Cenigan, Bali 80771, Indonesia (Map)
Blue Lagoon is technically located on Nusa Cenigan but easy to get to from Nusa Lembongan. Just take a motorbike right over the bridge which connects both islands and you are half way there. These cliffs are known but seem to be still slightly hidden as we had almost the entire place to ourselves when we went for sunset. Some of the bluest water I have ever seen in my entire life. My jaw dropped and heart fluttered at first sight.
Nusa Lembongan, Bali 80771, Indonesia (Map)
These cliffs are located right down the road from Dream Beach and definitely another tourist spot. Although I usually stay away from those types of places, I still recommend going here as it is absolutely beautiful.
GO TO THE BEACH
Dream Beach Lembongan, 80771, Indonesia (Map)
A small but beautiful beach where many tourists come but I found them only to take a photo and leave. To actually swim or chill on the beach, you may have it to yourself. There is no lifeguard on duty so swim at your own risk as the waves can crash pretty hard against the cliffs at times.
SECRET POINT
Pulau Nusa Cenigan, Lembongan, Klungkung, Lembongan, Bali 80771, Indonesia (Map)
A small beach but an excellent way to spend your entire day. The water near the shore is calm which makes it perfect for swimming. This is also the location of an surf break popular with the locals. These kids are fearless and even if you don’t surf, it is fun to watch them go. To get here, you need to walk through the villas and head down the steps in the back.
MUSHROOM BAY
Mushroom Bay, Bali, Nusa Lembongan (Map)
Mushroom Bay is one of the more popular areas. This is where the ferry drops off and boats dock so it is slightly less secluded than some of the other beaches. But then again, everything on the island is pretty chill.
EAT
Right along the water. Come here and grab a seat for sunset to enjoy a few drinks and some delicious and affordable local cuisine.
A slightly hidden restaurant with great food and an amazing staff. Upon arriving, they provided us with menus, insect repellant, a lighter, and a candle. Mexican food is not always easy to find in Indonesia so this satisfied my burrito cravings for the time being.
$-$, Dessert, Asian, Cafe
Jalan Raya Jungut Batu | North side, at the end of Jungut Batu village, 80000, Indonesia (Map)
A cozy place with tasty treats.
$-$$, Italian, Indonesian, Vegetarian Friendly
Jungut Batu, Indonesia (Map)
A hidden gem on the island with lots of reviews and a high number of ratings. I didn’t eat here but it was on my list.
$, Italian, Pizza, Barbecue
Seaweed Farm, 80771, Indonesia | The Road To The Yellow Bridge (Map)
I ended up coming here most days and nights for both food and drinks. They play good music (with some Ed Sheeran thrown in like any good Indonesian restaurant would). Good place to come and lounge on one of the bean bag chairs facing the blue ocean and chill out for the day.
DRINK
Jl. Dream Beach Lembongan, 80771, Indonesia (Map)
A locally owned and operated coffee shop by Dream Beach. Great place to stop in for some caffeine before heading for a day out in the sun. Coffee I had was excellent. But I am also not an expert.
Mushroom Bay, Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia (Map)
Beachfront bar & grill located along Mushroom Bay. Great place to come and have some drinks. Excellent food as well (or so I hear). I didn’t come here as I mostly stayed at Mama Mia’s because it was in walking distance.
Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Day Spa (Map)
Relaxing vibes and delicious food. Order a panini, some gelato, or enjoy a cup of coffee along the boardwalk. I also didn’t come here but heard others saying it was a good spot to have some drinks.
GO ISLAND HOPPING
NUSA PENIDA
(Map)
Nusa Penida was highly recommended by all of the locals I met in Bali. I didn’t have the chance to go but did research it quite a bit and there is a ton of beautiful nature here. Check out Journey Era’s list of the best things to do here.
GILI ISLANDS
(Map)
Hop on a ferry over to Gili T, Gili Air, or Gili Meno depending on which vibe you are feeling. Most ferry trips can be booked through your accommodation. I highly recommend if you will be around for awhile and want to surround yourself with a few more people.
WATCH THE SUNSET
Located right next to Bali, Nusa Lembongan obviously shares these amazing sunsets. I highly recommend heading out to a clifftop or one of the many outdoor restaurants to drink a few while watching colors fill the sky.
