Planning a dreamy vacation to the Nusa islands off of Bali? Then you’ve come to the right place! This guide covers all the amazing things to do on Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan islands, as well as everything you need to know about visiting these stunning islands.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan make up two of the three picturesque Nusa islands, and are often visited together as they are connected by a bridge. Located southeast of Bali, they boast unspoiled white sandy beaches, shimmering waters, adventurous coastal cliffs, lush mangrove forests, exotic coral reefs, magnificent lagoons, and popular beach clubs.
The two islands top almost all of the tourists’ bucket lists of islands off of Bali to visit, so make sure to include them in your Bali itinerary… and you will most definitely fall in love.
Here’s the ultimate guide to Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan!
How to Get to Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Set just about 12 miles off the coast of Bali, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan are easy to reach. And the best way to get there is by ferry!
Ferries leave frequently — multiple times a day — from the main harbor in Sanur, which is roughly 40 minutes from Canggu and an hour from Ubud (depending on traffic of course!). Ferry tickets can be purchased online or at the harbor, and typically cost between $15 – $30.
Pro Tip: Most of the time there isn’t an actual pier so ferries will pick passengers up at the shore. Make sure to wear shoes you can easily remove and be prepared to get your feet wet. Note the ferry crew will typically help you get your bags on board so they don’t get soaked!
The ferry ride itself takes just 25 to 30 minutes to reach Nusa Lembongan from Sanur. Note that most ferries will drop passengers off at Nusa Lembongan, the larger of the two islands. But if you’re staying on Nusa Ceningan – don’t worry — it’s easy to travel there as the islands are connected!
How to Get Around Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are relatively smaller islands to roam, so the easiest way to get around the islands is by renting a scooter. This way you can explore the islands at your own pace.
While parts of Bali can be congested with traffic and the roads hectic, the Nusa islands are totally the opposite. The roads are much easier to navigate and it’s much more comfortable to get around by scooter. Of course, take care and make sure to wear a helmet at all times while driving.
If you are not comfortable driving a scooter, you can get a motorcycle taxi or rent a car to explore Nusa Lembongan. However, note that cars cannot pass over the bridge to Nusa Ceningan — only scooters!
How Many Days Do You Need in Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan?
Since the islands are small, two or three days is an ideal amount of time to explore both the islands. I spent two days there and felt it was the perfect length to see most of the highlights. Though if I had an extra day, I wouldn’t have minded one bit!
Of course, if you’d rather move at a slower pace, it would be easy to enjoy island life for a week. There are plenty of things to do in Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan, especially if you plan to go surfing or diving — this a great place to take advantage of the epic water activities in Indonesia. A week would also allow for a trip to the neighboring island of Nusa Penida!
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Things to do in Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Whether you’re into scuba diving and surfing or just relaxing on the beach, there are so many things do in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. And with their beautiful white-sand beaches and incredible natural beauty, you’re bound to fall in love with these idyllic islands!
Relax at the Beach
Located very close to Devil’s Tears, Dream Beach is a spectacular beach in Nusa Lembongan. Its pristine white sandy beach is absolutely perfect for sunbathing and the crystal clear turquoise waters are inviting you for a swim. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can explore the rocky cliffs nearby and do some cliff jumping.
If you have more time, explore Mushroom Beach, Jungutbatu Beach and Coconuts Beach also incredible beaches in Nusa Lembongan. And, while you’re on Nusa Ceningan, don’t miss visiting Secret Beach!
Watch the Sunset at Mahana Point
Mahana Point is a cool spot to hangout, relax and watch the sunset after a busy day of exploring Nusa Ceningan. The restaurant is very casual with Indonesian classics like nasi goreng or mie goreng and, of course, Bintang beer.
It is also a famous surfing spot and home to the Mahana Point Cliff Jump where you can pay 50,000 IDR (around $3) to jump from their 30-foot diving platform!
Even if you’re not up for surfing or cliff jumping, it’s still worth checking out to see the surfers catch some waves and the adrenaline junkies jump the cliff, while sipping a cold drink at sunset.
Admire the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, located on Nusa Ceningan, is a must-visit destination and trust me you will not find anything like it anywhere else! The mesmerizing sparkly blue-shaded waters of the lagoon will surely take your breath away the very moment you set your eyes on it. Swimming is not recommended here, but you can explore the bright blue colors of the lagoon from the cliff edges. Don’t forget to take lots of photos too!
Explore Under the Sea with a Dive or Snorkel Tour
A snorkeling or diving tour is one of the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan and will get you to some amazing underwater spots around Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and even Nusa Penida. Places like Manta Point, Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point are popular for exploring the vibrant underwater world. You can swim with giant Manta Rays at Manta Point and at Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point you will discover a wondrous world of colorful exotic corals and fish!
I went on a snorkel / dive tour with Ceningan Divers and had a wonderful experience. We saw beautiful corals, tons of colorful fish, and even some sea turtles!
Chill at a Beach Club
Another “must” on the list of things to do in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan is to enjoy the beach clubs. Ohana’s Beach Club was my favorite on Nusa Lembongan — I loved the beach, boho-chic decor, delicious food and dipping pool!
Even though Nusa Ceningan is small, there are a number of beach clubs to check out: The Sand, Seabreeze, and Le Pirate Beach Club. The Sand has an incredibly picturesque swing that makes for a great photo op, as well as very tasty food and beautiful views. And the nearby Seabreeze beach club has a pool, hammocks and swings – the perfect place to spend a relaxing day under the sun!
Something to consider when visiting the beach clubs in Nusa Ceningan is the tide. Check the tide schedule and plan your visit for high tide to be able to enjoy a dip in the water!
Watch the Mighty Waves at Devil’s Tears
Located on the southwest coast of Nusa Lembongan, Devil’s Tears is a popular overlook. Here, you’ll find dramatic waves crashing onto the rocky cliffs, cascading down back into a pool and creating tear-like spay (hence the name!). These impressive waves can be dangerous though so make sure to keep a safe distance!
Go on a Day Trip to Nusa Penida
A 15-minute boat trip from Nusa Lembongan will get you to incredible Nusa Penida, the biggest of the three islands. You can go exploring the island hiring a scooter or a car with a driver making stops at the island’s iconic spots. Some of the most popular places to go are: Kelingking Beach, T-rex shaped coastal cliff and beach offering you out-of-this-world views, Broken Beach, Angels Billabong for more stunning views, jaw-dropping Peguyangan Waterfall, and white-sandy Atuh Beach.
Tour the Mangrove Forest
You can explore the breathtaking Mangrove Forest in the northeast side of Nusa Lembongan on a standup paddleboard at your own pace or by hiring a local guide to help guide you. Either way it will be a one-of-a-kind experience!
Cross the Iconic Yellow Bridge
A yellow suspension bridge connects the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and has become an iconic photo spot. The bridge, which is just wide enough for foot traffic and scooters, provides views of both islands!
Best Restaurants on Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Most restaurants on the islands are very casual with an emphasis on healthy and fresh foods — many with beautiful beachfront locations and sea views. Here are my top picks!
- The Deck: The views at this spot can’t be beat! Accompanying the endless sea views is a delicious mix of Western and Indonesian classics, as well as a lively atmosphere.
- Ginger & Jamu: Healthy food with fresh ingredients… what could be more refreshing for those hot island days? Don’t miss trying their tropical fruit smoothies!
- Ombak Zero Waste Cafe: Who doesn’t love an eco-friendly restaurant? Especially when the views and food is that good. Don’t miss their incredible smoothie bowls topped with fresh, tropical fruits!
- Indiana Kenanga: Check out their restaurant for a lovely atmosphere on the beach.
- Kayu: Good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Kayu has fresh, healthy and delicious options. They are also very vegan and vegetarian friendly!
- Le Pirate Beach Club: Both a beach club and a restaurant, this spot is perfect for sea views and delicious food.
Where to Stay on Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Looking for the best hotels on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan? Here are my top picks!
- Blue Lagoon Avia Villas
- Indiana Kenanga Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
- The Tamarind Resort
- Le Pirate Beach Club
- Villa Sayang
- The Point Resort Lembongan
That’s a wrap on my guide to Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan! Now you know the all the best things to do, as well as the top hotels and restaurants on the islands. Time to go island hopping!
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