Sitting off the south coast of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a tiny island in the sun-kissed Badung Strait. It’s famous for its world-class waves, which has led to a laid-back surfer community. While there are still plenty of rustic beach shacks and warungs to choose from, Nusa Lembongan has enjoyed a tourism renaissance, where you can now find boutique hotels, organic cafes and yoga studios.
Things to do in Nusa Lembongan
Thanks to its warm tropical waters, Nusa Lembongan is home to year-round schooling manta rays and seasonal sunfish. This alluring combination makes it a bucket list destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Nusa Lembongan can get steamy, so why not cool off with a surf lesson? Jungut Batu is the island’s busiest beach, lined with hotels, restaurants and surf schools. At sunset, it’s a great place to sip on a coconut and enjoy a plate of fresh seafood.
Mushroom Bay sits to the south-west of Jungut Batu and is both sheltered and secluded. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a motorbike to unlock access to secret beaches, limestone cliffs and hidden sea caves.
Nearby Nusa Ceningan is just a stone’s throw away, accessed via a rickety suspension bridge. The hike to its hilltop temple is well worth the trip, with sparkling views of the Indian Ocean.
Getting around Nusa Lembongan
Other than chartering a helicopter, the only way to reach Nusa Lembongan is by boat. High-speed services leave from Sanur Beach, with slower public boats running from Padang Bai and Kusamba. Once on the island, coastal paths link most beaches, while you can also rent a bike, scooter or motorcycle. If you want to visit hidden beaches, local fishermen are happy to charter out their boats for a few hours.