Setting sail to Bali’s islands to the east? Consider your itinerary done – here’s what to do in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
While there’s so much to love about Bali – beautiful beaches, majestic temples, all kinds of wining and dining, to name a few – we do need a little break from the mainland traffic from time to time. And lucky for us, just a hop, skip and a 40-minute boat ride away from Sanur, we find ourselves in another paradise, AKA Nusa Lembongan island.
Bali’s sister to the east, Nusa Lembongan is a quaint little island surrounded by aquamarine waters, fringed by pristine white sands and lush green mangroves. But don’t be fooled by its size and serenity – Nusa Lembongan has a lot to offer! From grazing by the ocean to water adventures, here’s a guide to the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan.
Psst… since it’s connected to yet another paradise via an Insta-famed bridge, we’ve thrown in a few must-do and see in Nusa Ceningan, too.
AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN & NUSA CENINGAN
1. Snorkel the shallows or dive the deep blue sea
Home to crystal-clear waters, you can’t help but take a refreshing dip under the sea, so naturally, a trip to Nusa Lembongan calls for hours of snorkelling or scuba diving. And the kicker? Bali’s little sister islands are surrounded by some of the most diverse reefs – yep, a lucky encounter with Manta Rays and Mola-Mola is possible. Simply hire your gear at a local shop, and head over to the hotspots, like Mangrove Point and Mushroom Bay, or if you have more time, go for The Wall and Crystal Bay off the coast of the neighbouring Nusa Penida island.
2. Surf the heart-pumping waves
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, there’s always a place where you can cruise along Nusa Lembongan’s waters. Though mostly calm and lake-like, you can find a handful of surf breaks to get your adrenaline rushing. Beginners, head over to the Playgrounds at high tide, and as for the pro surfers, paddle your way out (or save your energy, and hire a local fishing boat instead) off the northwestern coast of Nusa Lembongan where you’ll find the famous Shipwrecks and Lacerations. Or head off the southwestern coast of Nusa Ceningan, and you’ll find a less crowded surf spot, Mahana Point – that is, if you don’t mind the cooler water temperature.
3. Visit the heavenly Devil’s Tears
Rugged cliff, wild tides and turquoise water set the stage for a breathtaking spectacle on Lembongan island. Devil’s Tear is a Bali bucket-list destination of its own, where a powerful blowhole spits out giant plumes of water, just like something out of an action movie! And while you can’t go wrong with visiting at any time of day, you’ll want to prop up by the rocky edge at sunset, for a seriously stunning backdrop of the fiery sky…
4. Postcard-perfect beach days in paradise
As Bali’s quieter sibling, it’s no surprise that Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan islands are lined with relatively untouched, pristine beaches. One of the most famous (and perhaps, the loveliest) is Dream Beach, a dreamy white sandy beach that’s as paradisal as they come. Just be sure you’ll have time to hop to other postcard-perfect beaches too, like Mushroom Bay and Sandy Bay, or Blue Lagoon in Nusa Ceningan.
5. Float through the mangroves
If jungle adventure is your kind of vacay, then you’re in luck! Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan are home to lush, untouched mangrove forests, where you can simply bask in nature all day. The mangrove forest is the breeding ground for fish, crustaceans and other marine life, and is therefore well maintained and preserved by the island’s local community. Top tip: float through the mangrove forests on a traditional wooden boat with a pro guide to learn more about this natural beauty, or rent a kayak for you and your Honey, and have a romantic, outdoor adventure of your own…
6. Spend the day at boho beach clubs
A trip to a tropical paradise really isn’t complete without spending the lazy days in a boho beach club – and lucky for us sun, sand and sea lovers, there’s plenty of dreamy oceanfront spots lining up Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan coasts! You can expect a more chilled vibe and quieter nooks, compared to those on mainland Bali, yet equally as epic seaside fares and cocktail selections. Our fave? The luxurious Ohana’s Beach Club, or Sandy Bay Beach Club and its stunning infinity pool. Heading to Ceningan? You’ll want to swing by Suku Beach Club, where you can sit back and relax beneath the white beach umbrellas as you sip on a cold coconut… Yep, it’s #BeachLife at its best!
7. Culinary tour through tropi-cool restaurants and cafes
Don’t be fooled by the size, Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan have got a lot to offer when it comes to culinary experiences. From breakfast to dinner, expect a variety of world’s best cuisines, from pan-Asian to Western flavours. We love starting our day right with a nutritious and delicious brekkie at Ginger & Jamu, and a light and healthy lunch at Bonzer Cafe. Then, we prop up by the sea at Thai Pantry that’s teetering on the cliff edge, as we munch away on a hearty Thai green curry. Or if you’re up for a different experience, spend the day at Pontoon at Lago – a solar-powered bar that’s floating away off the coast of Jungutbatu Beach where international bites and ice-cold beer go hand-in-hand…
8. A laid-back kind of nightlife
Nothing like ending your day with a craft cocktail in hand! Here on Lembongan and Ceningan islands, the nightlife isn’t a big party scene – it starts and ends early, yet features a laid back vibe everyone can enjoy. Top tip: Head to The Deck at sunset for an oceanfront cocktail and dinner, before making your way downstairs to the hidden, speakeasy-style whiskey and gin bar, The Howff, for a nightcap or two.
9. Spa with stunning views
What’s better than a day of island adventures? Topping it off with a pampering session by the sea at the islands’ best spas, of course! Go for a chic blow-out and mani-pedi at Glo Day Spa by Sandy Bay, or better yet, treat yourself to a much needed “me” time at the uber-luxe Spring Spa, right by Jungutbatu Beach. Look out for Spring’s bespoke treatments that come with breathtaking views of the calming ocean.
10. Island-style mini-golf at The Coconut Hut
A one-stop-shop for barefoot-boho vibes, bar bites, cocktails and putt-putt, you can spend the whole day here at The Coconut Hut. It’s home to awesome food and drinks served in an all-natural hut, as well as the star of the show, the 18-hole mini golf course (yep, you read it right!). And unlike any mini golf course, it features unique Balinese deities and Hindu temples too, so a fun game with a cold beer in hand is always highly recommended.
11. Keep calm and do a sandy yoga
The salty breeze, sunny days and quiet streets set the perfect ambiance for a wellness escape – it’s everything you need for a calming yoga and fitness session. Head to Island Yoga Lembongan for drop-in yoga classes, self-guided TRX workout, as well as meditation and sound healing. Psst… fancy a multi-day holistic retreat? Keep your eyes peeled for the scheduled classes, retreats and yoga teacher training too, at Yoga Dunia Lembongan and Yoga Bliss Lembongan.
12. Live the simple life in a beach hut accommodation
If staying in a beach hut with ocean at your doorstep is on your bucket list, then you’re in luck! Lembongan and Ceningan islands have beachfront accommodation, from luxurious resorts to humble abodes. A favourite of ours is Le Pirate, located on the quiet bit of Nusa Ceningan that overlooks the turquoise sea. Nab one of the bunk beds, or a shack-chic Beach Box decked with your own patio and hammock. You’ll start your day with a breathtaking sunrise right in front of your room, and spending the day in the in-house beach club is an awesome perk, too.
13. Tour the land on a scooter
Since there are no cars or taxis on the islands, the only way to get around Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan is by a scooter. But make no mistake, it isn’t for the fainthearted, with often bumpy and windy roads. So, be sure to only hire one if you’ve driven one before, and never ride without a helmet! And just like in mainland Bali, you can hire a scooter for a day, with prices ranging from IDR 80,000 to IDR 200,000, depending on the type of scooter.
14. Cross the famous Yellow Bridge
Sometimes referred to as The Bridge of Love, the famed Yellow Bridge is a must-visit on any Lembongan and Ceningan itinerary. Connecting the two sister islands (approximately 150 metres from one end to the other), the bridge is a stunning sight from day to night, with its vibrant sunshiney hues that stand-out against the turquoise sea or even in the dark, when the legendary landmark lights up! Psst… it’s also the perfect spot for people- and boat-watching too.
15. Day trip to Nusa Penida
If you’re staying in Nusa Lembongan or Ceningan for more than a few days, you’ll want to save some time for a day trip to the neighbouring island of Nusa Penida. You can catch a small boat (which leaves every hour) for a short 10- to 15-minute sail from the Yellow Bridge (above) between Lembongan and Ceningan, to Toya Pakeh Harbour in Penida, where even more tropi-cool cafes, boho beach clubs, beachfront spas and island adventures await…
Happy island-hopping, Honeys!
Psst… find out what awesome things await in Nusa Penida, too!