Top 10 Things To Do And See On Nusa Lembongan.
Are you looking for the perfect island getaway where you can escape the hassles of everyday life?
Well, look no further as below are some of our picks for the Top 10 Things To Do And See On Nusa Lembongan.
Located just 20 kilometres from the east coast of Bali, our small island is home to only about 4000 permanent residents and offers plenty of incredible recreational activities and stunning picturesque locations that are a once in a lifetime experience.
Picture white sandy shorelines, crystal clear waters, untouched coral and exotic marine life just waiting for you to explore.
The island is a perfect holiday destination for all occasions, from a family recreational holiday to a romantic couples retreat.
From beautiful beaches to stunning Mangrove forests and intricately decorated Hindu temples, you will never be short of incredible places to explore and things to do while on Nusa Lembongan.
Stunning Sunsets
Sunsets on Nusa Lembongan are second to none.
With all that fine volcanic dust in the atmosphere, the sunsets can throw up a myriad of colours making them a nightly viewing extravaganza you surely don’t want to miss.
Sit back with a cocktail or Bintang in hand and watch the sun slip into the ocean from any number of Lembongan’s amazing bars or beaches.
Scuba Diving/Snorkelling
There is something for everyone when it comes to diving on Nusa Lembongan, regardless of your skill level. Scuba diving on Nusa Lembongan offers visitors the opportunity to see some breathtaking marine life including Manta Rays and Mola alexandrini, the giant sunfish.
For a chance to see the Mola alexandrini, you should consider visiting the island between July and November.
The Manta Rays can be sighted underwater pretty much all year round, weather permitting .
The vibrant colours of the abundant marine life that inhabit the delicate coral beds will take your breath away.
It is like having your own “Finding Nemo” moment!!
For more information on the best dive sites and diving with the Mola alexandrini check out our blogs HERE and HERE.
Rent A Bike or Motor Scooter
Renting a bike or motor scooter is a great way to explore all the island has to offer.
Regardless of what you are looking for or where you are headed, heading off on two wheels is a fun way of reaching your destination while taking in the island’s amazing scenery.
Discover some of the smaller Banjar (villages) that are inland along the small tracks not accessible by larger vehicles and tour groups.
Visit some of the temples and along the way stop and meet some of the locals as they tend to their seaweed drying out by the road.
Taking your time and stopping where and whenever you like is a great way to experience Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
The Yellow Bridge And Nusa Ceningan
The Yellow Bridge is one of the most popular and iconic attractions on the island.
This bridge connects to Lembongan’s sister island of Nusa Ceningan.
Tragically a part of it collapsed during a ceremony in October of 2016.
Taking several months to completely rebuild the ‘new’ yellow bridge is a much sturdier and safer design, meaning visitors can cross with out feeling the previous wooden boards were about to give way.
Nusa Ceningan is a small beautiful island well known for its seaweed farming and is even more laid back than Lembongan.
Upon reaching the island, visit the Blue Lagoon for a dive into the ocean from the 14m cliff or check out Secret Beach, one of Nusa Ceningan’s hidden gems.
Take a day trip over to explore some beautiful, remote beaches, lookout spots and eating establishments like our favourites, Le Pirate Beach Club or The Palms.
If you are on a motor scooter you can do a loop back to the Yellow Bridge through the middle of Ceningan which is pretty spectacular as you get great sweeping views out to Nusa Penida from the high point in the middle of the island.
Be aware the road through the centre of Ceningan is pretty ordinary at best at times so go slowly….even if you are experienced.
Dream Beach
On the south-west of the island is the beautiful Dream Beach.
With its pure white sand & crystal clear water, Dream Beach is definitely one of Nusa Lembongan’s most beautiful beaches.
With the powerful surf and strong current, it’s best to avoid swimming in the eastern side and stick between the designated swimming lines.
The secluded, laid-back atmosphere of this beach perfectly suits the southern side of the island.
Unlike a few of the beaches on the island that are always busy and filled with plenty of boats, Dream Beach is a great place to enjoy relaxing time sunbathing and swimming in the waters.
Devils Tears
Devils Tears is just on from Sandy Bay (Sunset Beach) and is perhaps named for the violence that mother nature can bring as powerful waves crash against the limestone cliffs leaving spectacular displays of misty spray.
Please be careful on the gnarly days as though getting up close to take a ‘selfie’ with the sea erupting in the background sounds like a great idea, the possibility of being swept into the water by a rogue wave means anything but!!
There are now markings to stay behind and for good reason as there has been several deaths in recent years as people get too close to the edge and get swept into the sea.
I can’t reiterate enough even on calm days a rogue wave can come out of nowhere.
HERE are a couple of examples.
Mangrove Forest
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees, also called halophytes, which have a complex salt filtration root system to cope with salt water immersion and wave action.
They are adapted to the low oxygen (anoxic) conditions of waterlogged mud and because of the limited fresh water available in salty intertidal soils, mangroves limit the amount of water they lose through their leaves.
They make up about 2% of all plant species.
A hugely important part of the local ecosystem it contains at least 11 species of mangrove throughout its near 55 hectares in size with the Tinjang and api-api being the most dominate species.
Once you are there take your choice of tour.
Choices include stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and all the way thru to a jukung outrigger boat.
The quieter you are the better chance of seeing some of the birdlife.
Many of the fish and crustacean species from the outer lying reef are dependent on the Mangroves as a hatching place for their young.
The Mangrove forest and the coral reefs in this area are the best of friends, living harmoniously together as the outer reef acts as a barrier from the might of the sea, which would otherwise erode the area where the Mangrove Forest grows.
In turn, the forest blocks the sediment that gets washed from the land that would otherwise suffocate the reef.
There is a small entrance fee at the start of the Mangrove Forest road, but that’s only 30-50 000 depending on the person standing at the entrance.
Sandy Bay
Also known as Sunset beach.
Located north of Dream Beach it’s a crescent of white sandy beach with crashing waves.
Beware of the strong rip current here!!
Great place to kick back and relax at the Sandy Bay Beach Club and take in those gorgeous unspoilt views and especially for watching the spectacular Lembongan sunsets.
Sandy Bay is a little beach but the Beach Club is definitely a fantastic spot to while away a late afternoon.
There is also a Glo-Spa here if you feel like a bit of pamper with your cocktail!!
Surfing
Nusa Lembongan is an ideal destination for surfers.
Here you will find some of the best reef breaks not only in Bali, but the world at large.
Surfers have been visiting Nusa Lembongan for decades and the year-round surfing conditions and warm water make it a favourite for surfers of all levels.
If you are new to surfing or want to test the waters first then Playgrounds is the spot for you.
It is less gnarly than the other breaks which makes it easier to catch a wave or three.
Lacerations and Shipwrecks are for the more experienced surfers and the point on Ceningan Island is great when there is no swell on Nusa Lembongan.
For more information check out our Surfing Guide.
Gala-Gala Underground House
One of the most unusual places anywhere not just on Nusa Lembongan, the Gala-Gala underground house is a labyrinth of caves excavated from the limestone rock by local farmer and priest, Made Biasa, using only a hammer and a chisel – and 15 years patience and hard work (1961 to 1976).
Inspired by a chapter of a Hindu story, this incredible “house” includes a bedroom, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, sacred meditation room and a well.
The rooms are only 1 to 2 meters high and it’s around 7 metres below the surface at its lowest point so if you suffer from claustrophobia then this may not be for you.
Rai Art Space
There are close to a dozen (I must get the number) art pieces dotted around 353 Degrees North from the local artist, ‘Rai’, that Jodie (353°N owner and designer) has bought.
My favourite is the large fish painting on the wall in the Guest Bedroom closest to the pool.
He does great bespoke T-Shirts uniquely Lembongan themed.
Looking like the wild man from Borneo, Rai is anything but and is always happy to engage in conversation.
Mention that you are staying at Jodie’s villa and you’ll see how the mutual respect and friendship that evolved over the years shines through.
To read more on this hugely talented indigenous to Lembongan artist and his slowly evolving plans to open his art space, the following link will take you to his “Biography” page:
Things To Know About Nusa Lembongan
- Nusa Lembongan is the perfect destination to enjoy a pleasurable and stress-free escape. The island’s pleasant atmosphere, sparkling beaches and bright sunshine offers visitors the chance to enjoy unlimited outdoor activities to the fullest.
- Calm weather all year round and being much drier than Bali makes Nusa Lembongan an ideal destination to unwind.
- Beach lovers have a variety of sporting activities to choose from including scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, swimming and stand up paddle boarding.
- You can also choose from a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury villas like 353 Degrees North to basic lumbungs (bungalows).
Getting Around
- The most common way of getting around is by scooter.
- If you’re a novice then steer clear of scooters and explore the island by bicycle or foot.
- Due to its small size (approximately 4km x 2km), the island can be easily explored on foot.
- Check out our interactive Map of Nusa Lembongan for more detail.
- Scooters, bicycles and golf buggies can be hired by the hour, for a full day or for the duration of your stay on the island.
- Our Villa Manager is happy to help arrange transport hire for you.
- Please ensure you check your travel insurance terms and conditions for riding a scooter and that you meet the appropriate licence requirements.
- We hope you enjoyed our picks for the Top 10 Things To See And Do On Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
We love ❤️ sharing our beautiful island.
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