Nusa Lembongan a slice of Paradise off Paradise in Bali, The Ultimate Guide and Travel Tips
- With_debbie
- Apr 28
- 13 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Hey guys its been a while since I've spent time writing a blog. Since July 2022, my teaching yoga and travelling activities halted as I decided to spend a longer time in Nusa Lembongan, Bali. As time went on, I have really enjoyed grounding and settling in one place. Since I have been here a while here is my Ultimate Guide to Nusa Lembongan.
Nusa Lembongan is one of the Nusa Islands (there are three: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Cennigan) about a 40 minute ferry ride from Sanur in Bali. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Cennigan are connected by a yellow bridge so there is access to both these islands easily. Lembongan has various activities and things to offer with many staying for 2/3 nights to a week or longer. Since I have spent over 2 years on this island; here is my ultimate guide to Nusa Lembongan.
The important stuff:
You can get to Nusa Lembongan by taking a ferry from Sanur in Bali. Most ferries run boats early morning, around noon with the last ferry leaving at 4/5pm. I usually travel with D Camel Fast Ferry, as they have a KITAS (working permit) price, but there are many ferry companies to choose from. Many ferry companies also offer packages including transports to and from your hotel/airport and they have a ticket desk right at the harbour. Book your tickets in advance with your accommodation and get 15% off your boat transfers with The Lembongan Traveller
To get around Nusa Lembongan depends on where you stay. If you are staying in the Jungut Batu area, it is easy to walk to most amenities, cafes and restaurants. However if your accommodation is in the more quieter areas of Nusa Lembongan, you may need to arrange some transport to get around and be mobile.
If you are confident riding a scooter, this is probably the best way to get around and see the island (only if you are confident). There are not many cars on Lembongan but these trucks are available to take you around fitting around 10 people. You can hire a scooter or truck from many places or many hotels or homestays will be able to arrange this for you. Push bikes are also available to rent if you are up for some fitness while exploring the island. Electric bicycles in some places are also available. Be aware the sun is strong during the daytime and most bicycles are not made with gears to tackle the big hill. However for short rides around they can be a great way to be a bit more mobile on the island.
There are a couple of ATMs in Mushroom Bay and two in Jungut Batu (next to the Ohana's Gelato and outside Billabong) which are usually safe to use. Having your card skimmed from ATMs in Nusa Lembongan unfortunately is common (I have also been a victim of this) so stick to using these ATMs on the island or the ones on Mushroom Bay. The ATM's also have a tendency to run out of money, so bring a substantial amount of cash that you feel comfortable having on you to the island. Most western places you will be able to pay by card, but there are a couple exceptions. Most local places will only take or prefer cash. Some western places are also now moving over to only taking card. Be aware of the different options of payment and be prepared for both to enjoy your time on the island.
Around most areas you will find these local shops (sometimes called warungs) selling some convenient items such as biscuits, snacks, maybe some fruit, drinks and maybe some toiletries. Some are very small while other will have a wider selection of what they sell. The two biggest shops I know of are Rama Shop on Jungut Batu and Karang Shop before Mushroom Bay. The best minimarts are located around Jungut Batu and there are two market shops located around the Soccer Field, Jungut Batu. Fresh fruit can be found in these local warung shops, but if you are looking for more specialist or imported food products you might want to visit The Island Fresh.
In case of emergency, there is a good private medical centre in Mushroom Bay. East Medical Centre can deal with most problems if needed. The doctors speak english and you can easily whatsapp them if you need a call out doctor and provide you with the documents needed to claim any medical expenses on your insurance.
Places to Stay
There is a huge variety of different accommodation options on Lembongan to stay in. From budget friendly homestays, nicer family run homestays, unique hut like bungalows, hotels, to private villas. The Lembongan Traveller is an accommodation and travel agent especially for Nusa Lembongan where you can find some of the best offerings for accommodation (with prices usually better than airbnb or booking.com). If you are looking for a real personal experience, come stay in one of our boutique bungalows or exclusive studio apartment at our Resort located in North Jungut Batu, Tropica Tranquility.
For areas to stay, if you are not comfortable riding a scooter/getting transport often and prefer to walk to most amenities I recommend staying in Jungut Batu which is the busiest part of Lembongan which has everything you need (beach, shops, cafes, restaurants, spa, yoga etc.) while not being too busy, you can still walk and find quiet areas for peace. If you like somewhere a little more quiet but still has some choice of places to eat shop nearby, staying near Mushroom Bay can be nice. Other places to stay which are near hotspots of beauty in Lembongan are Dream Beach or Yellow Bridge, there are less amenities but a beautiful places to have a holiday. If you are looking to really retreat away and happy to get transport to ammentties, there are some nice remote choices of accommodation in the middle of the island, surrounded by the nature.
Things to do
Lembongan offers many things to do around the island. Spots and areas of beauty to go visit include Devils Tear and Dream Beach, Yellow Bridge, Mushroom Bay, Walking along the deck to Song Lambung (AKA Coconut Beach). Hop over Yellow Bridge and explore Nusa Cennigan, the smallest of the Nusa Islands where you can enjoy watching the wave at Mahana Point and the beauty of Blue Lagoon. Stop off on the northern part of the island for a tour of the Mangroves by Kayak or boat. If you run out of things to do, take a stop off and explore the Underground House in the middle of Lembongan Village. A great way to visit these spots is to hire a scooter and drive around the island, however you can also arrange a driver for the day or a few hours to take you to a couple of these spots of a day tour.
Activities in Lembongan are mostly centred around the beautiful water that surrounds the island. There are four surf spots in Jungut Batu, all reef (Playgrounds, Lacerations, Razors and Shipwrecks) as well as Mahana point on Ceningan for those confident with surfing to check out. Some spots you will need to take a surf taxi to reach them (or be ready to paddle 20 minutes from the beach). If you prefer to take a surf lesson, have a surf guide or taxi to take you for the surf WeSurf Lembongan are my favorites to go with as I have lots of fun with them in the ocean.
Lembongan is famous for the beautiful manta rays that make home in the ocean here. Observe them in the ocean during a snorkelling trip as well as admire the many tropical fish and sea life here. You might even see a turtle! Aquaman and Captain Blank (local style whatsapp: +6282359339911) run group snorkelling tours daily for a fair price taking you to usually 3 spots depending on the conditions of where to best on the day. One popular usually being Manta Point or Manta bay to spectate the mantas. Snorkelling to see the manta rays is popular and it can get busy in the water, but a real sight if you do see the manta rays. Please listen to your guide and do not chase or get too near the mantas. Definitely do not touch them! Remember this is their home and their natural habitat, treat the animals with respect. The guides look after you in the water, and if you are not confident swimming in open water your guide will take a life ring with him as well as the option to wear a life jacket. Overall it is an amazing experience to mermaid in the ocean and connect with the water.
If you want to take your ocean adventures further and try scuba diving there are many dive schools to help you out. First time scuba diving? Try it out with a discovery scuba dive course.
If you have or want to take your diving further, the schools can assist you with courses and get you certified to enjoy and learn more about the sea life. I haven't taken my scuba diving journey any further than a Discovery Scuba Dive but find a school that is conscious of the ocean and with an instructor that you feel comfortable and safe with. If finding your zen or meditation is more your thing, give freediving a go. Blue Corner Freedive offer an Intro to Freedive as well as other courses to take you on your freedive journey. I am currently on my Level 1 course and for someone is has a fear of open water, it has really helped me get comfortable with the uncomfortable, know there is no threat and build my confidence in the water. For those who like a challenge or a goal, freediving is a fun sport. Taking what you've learnt on the line out into the ocean, freedive down to enjoy the sea life and the corals during your trip.
One of my favorite things to do on this island is to join a yoga class. This island is perfect place to slow down, retreat away and connect with yourself, the nature and other things that align with your soul. Of course I am going to be a little bit biased about Yoga on the island, but Yoga Bliss Lembongan has a great timetable with a variety of different class styles suited to all levels. Drop in classes run every day at 8am and 5pm, with class passes available if you fancy connecting a joining a few classes with us. The timetable changes weekly which can be found on their website or Instagram. Practice is taken in the outdoor shala, drinking water and all props are provided. Just bring a sweat towel if you have a tendency to get sweaty during your practice. At Yoga Bliss Lembongan we also offer Yoga Teacher Trainings and Yoga Retreat packages. I love teaching and connecting with the students at Yoga Bliss.
Everyone is welcome at Yoga Bliss Lembongan and the teachers are all experienced in their expertise of Yoga.
Of course we are not the only place on the island offering Yoga. Other places offering drop in classes include The Yoga Garden, Island Yoga, House of Om plus many more, all have their own schedule offerings to check out.
If having a space to practice yoga at your accommodation is a perk, our Boutique Bungalows and Studio Apartment offer free daily use of our Private Studio space to our guests at Tropica Tranquility. Want a private yoga or fitness class? You can book me to run your classes onsite for up to 7 participants. Want to take time for yourself and retreat away? Come with me and do just that! Check out my retreat offerings at Tropica Tranquility here. Plus if you are a retreat host yourself, Tropica Tranquillity is available for full resort bookings to plan your own special retreat in this space.
Nusa Lembongan is a part of Bali. The locals practice the Balinese Hinduism religion. Certain days there are ceremonies which you can witness outside the temples. If you have the correct dress you can attend ceremony. If you are unsure when and where, best to ask you accommodation and if possible they can sometimes arrange for you to attend ceremony with them. This is a really special and sacred experience.
Big ceremonies in the calendar include Galungan, Kuningan and Nyepi/Ogoh-Ogoh. During ceremony days some shops, restaurants and warungs may be closed for a few hours as the staff take attending ceremony very seriously. Respect their traditions and their devotion to their religion as its a very special part that makes Bali Bali.
If you are looking for even more to explore, take a daytrip or spend a night or two over at Nusa Penida. Boats run from Yellow Bridge and only a 20 minute trip over. That being said, the local boat only leaves when it is filled (no set time- runs from the morning to around 5pm), but there are other companies available. Drivers and Guides are available on the other side who will happily take you on a tour to see the most popular spots in Nusa Penida for the day.
What I really like about Nusa Lembongan is the relaxed and slow atmosphere. Take time to rejuvenate from your travels and sightseeing by spending time at the spa. Having a spa day or treatment in Bali is one of my favorite self care rituals. With affordable prices enjoy a balinese massage, deep tissue, reflexology, manicure/pedicure or hair cream bath to name a few treatments on offer. Try out Nita Spa for any of the treatments mentioned above. If you want a bit more of a treat, check out Harumaya Spa where you have a private room with a shower. I like their balinese massage, cody scrub and facials. If you are looking to be fully pampered, Spring Spa offer a luxurious service with beautiful treatment huts looking over the ocean blue with blissfully relaxing treatments.
Places to Eat
There are so many places to choose from to eat in Lembongan. From western food, healthy eats, local balinese/warung food hopefully there is somewhere you can find that suits your tastebuds. Many places offer vegetarian, vegan and dairy alternative's, however in the local warungs you may be limited to rice, noodles, tempeh, tofu and vegetables. My favorite vegan/vegetarian dish from the local warungs is mie goreng (fried noodles) with a fried egg, tempeh and tofu or Cap Cay (a spicy vegetable soup dish served with rice).
There are so many places to choose from to eat on the island. Because I spend most my time in Jungut Batu, I have most experience eating around there. Here are my top places to eat:
Situated on the seafront, I love this Cafe as it is environmentally conscious of the ocean and the environment. Great for breakfasts, lunch, dinner, coffee, a drink, or to just for a chill, sunset or a dip in the ocean. Ocean themed Movie nights on Mondays and live music is also on offer. Caters for all dietary requirements and vegetarian/vegan options. Favorite picks include: Nasi Campur, Tempeh Satay, Crispy Corn Fritters, Acai Smoothie Bowl, The Pancakes, Good Karma Smoothie, Mango Tango, Shake ya Nuts milkshake.
Also situated on the seafront with a calm and conscious vibe. Again great for breakfast, lunch or dinner, a drink or a coffee. I especially like to come here for sunset and stay for dinner. Favorite picks include: Tofu Scramble, Gado Gado, Falafel Bowl, Teriyaki Tofu, Pumpkin and Lentil Salad, Grilled Snapper, The Bounty Bliss Ball, Crepes, Antiflam Cold Pressed Juice.
Probably my most visited cafe on the island open for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Located on the main road Bali Eco Deli is doing their bit to save the planet on the island with their recycling scheme. Bring your plastic water bottles to them for a small discount off your food. They have solar panels and and a eco waste water garden to do their bit while running the cafe. Share their big tables with other guests for a friendly vibe. Favorite picks include: Veg Protein Buddha Bowls, Eggs and Avocado on Toast, Falafel Buddha Bowl, Sweet Pepper Salad, Thai Green Curry, Good Karma Smoothie Bowl, Chai Latte, Carrot Cake, Banana Bread, Chocolate and Cashew Cookie
A Nice local Warung situated on the sea front on the north of the island towards the Mangroves. Enjoy the sea view and breeze with a table on the beach. Enjoy fresh grilled fish here or many other types of seafood on offer, as well as local indonesian dishes. Favorite picks here include: Grilled Snapper, Grilled Jacket Fish, Fried Prawns, Cap Cay and Gado Gado
Another nice warung located on the main road in Jungut Batu offering a huge variety of dishes from local indonesian to western classics done really well. Favorite picks here are: Pepes Ikan, Pepes Tofu, Nasi Campur, Gado Gado, Mie Goreng
An atmospheric place to eat for pizza on the island. Situated near yellow bridge, on the sea front, it is a calm and beautiful place to enjoy pizza. Great bases, cheese and a good variety of pizzas to choose from, pizza is done properly. They have many other italian and pasta dishes on offer also. Favourite picks here is the Margherita, Vegetariana and the Burrata pizzas.
There are so many great places to eat on Nusa Lembongan, other places to check out are: Kayu, La Kaban (french), Warung Pacific (for japanese), Little Prema (local indonesian warung), Sebit Sari (for ribs and pizza and indonesian classics), Bonzer cafe/Bonzer on the beach, The Sampan, Yogi Beach (for fish), Baliwood Social Club (pizza), Lets Bake (bakery and gelato), Jungle Bakery
If you are looking for a place to enjoy some food, drinks and to just chill for a bit Suku Beach Club and Sea Breeze over in Ceningan are lovely places to spend a couple of hours. Enjoy using the pool and take a dip in the ocean at Sea Breeze. Suku has a wonderful view of Mahana Surf point where you can watch the people surf as you chill out.
Overall I love spending time on this island just off Bali. If you do come over; lets keep this slice of paradise, a slice of paradise so please be mindful of your impact on the environment. Tourists unconsciously create a lot of extra rubbish so please bring or a reusable water bottle and say no to buying to receiving the plastic water bottles. It takes 500 years for a plastic water bottle to biodegrade, so try to be be mindful of how many are being used each day and left on our island to 'biodegrade'.
There is no recycling factory on Nusa Lembongan and not many bottles do get shipped back to Bali to get recycled (if they ever make it to recycling over there also). So its best to just not use them. You can refill your water bottle up Bali Eco Deli, Ombak Cafe and Huts, Ginger and Jamu, Kayu, Green Garden/Yoga Bliss and Tropica Tranquility. All the more reason to visit and support these establishments.
If you are staying a couple of days, you can buy a gallon of water for the duration of your stay and return your empty gallon bottle to be reused. Ask your accommodation to arrange this or pick one up at the local warung/shops. Say no to complimentary water offered to you in plastic bottles at your hotel, homestay or at many spas. Be the change and educate the locals.
At Tropica Tranquility we are eco conscious and plastic bottle free. All our water in the taps is filtered through at RO machine,so technically you can drink our water from the tap, however we filter it again through Nazava Water Filters to make it extra safe to drink.
Be aware of the amount of waste you create while travelling, and try to limit the amount by bringing your own water bottle, reusuable coffee cup and if possible your own tupperware if you know you are getting something to takeaway. If you implement this at home (and if you don't I highly recommend that you should start) then why stop when you go on holiday/travelling? At Tropica Tranquillity we provide our guests with reusable water bottles for them to take out if you do forget to bring one with you.
If you do come to Nusa Lembongan, I hope you have a wonderful time. It truly is a special place for me, enjoy a slice of paradise. Be kind, considerate and enjoy the island.
Comments