Just a 30-minute speedboat ride away from Sanur, in mainland Bali, the small island of Nusa Lembongan is a little slice of tropical heaven that features everything from stunning white sand beaches and coral reefs, to friendly locals and delicious seafood. This means that there’s plenty of things to do in Nusa Lembongan, and below you’ll find a list of my favourites!
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1) Enjoy the views at Panorama Point –
One of the most spectacular things to do in Nusa Lembongan is to visit ‘Panorama viewpoint’. Here, a gap in the trees offers breathtaking views of the bay below. What’s more, on a clear day, you can make out Mt Agung in the background – The highest point in Bali.
SIDE NOTE: the best way to get around the island is by hiring a bike. If you’re doing a Nusa Lembongan day trip this can be done on arrival at Jungut Batu Beach. However, as I was staying overnight on the island I opted to rent a bike through my hotel, but prices should average around 100,000 IDR a day!
2) Gaze at Devils Tears –
No list of what to do in Lembongan would be complete without mentioning the ‘Devils Tears’ which can be found on the islands west coast. This rocky outcrop has been eroded in such a way that seawater now gets sucked inwards before dramatically exploding upwards into the sky (often creating a rainbow in the process):
It’s said by the locals that the exploding water droplets are the tears of the Devil, hence the name of this spectacular display! I even saw my first wild Sea Turtle battling the waves at this truly brilliant spot. 🙂
3) Lounge on Dream Beach –
A short walk from the ‘Devils Tears’ outcrop you’ll find the pristine white sand of Dream Beach, possibly my favourite of all the places to visit in Nusa Lembongan:.
Dream Beach Lembongan is the only beach on the island free of boats, making this hidden cove a truly tranquil escape! There’s even an adorable swing for those ‘island vibes’ Instagram shots… 😉
Honestly, I could have spent all day lounging in the sun here! A quaint restaurant at the top of the stairs is enough to meet all your refreshment and toilet needs. Meanwhile, the beach itself is slightly off the main ‘tourist’ track, meaning you’ll often get the cove all to yourself!
However, Dream Beach is not one for swimming as a strong swell and massive waves make it quite dangerous. Luckily the island has several other more sheltered beaches where it’s safe to take a dip, such as the equally as picturesque Mushroom Beach.
Wherever you decide to visit, hitting the beach is no doubt one of the top things to do in Nusa Lembongan
4) Cross the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan –
If you venture to the South East of Nusa Lembongan you’ll come across a yellow suspension bridge which is actually a lot sturdier than it looks! This is just as well, as it’s the only land crossing to Lembongan’s sister Island Nusa Ceningan.
Being the only passage to Nusa Ceningan you can imagine that this little bridge is a busy place! This does, however, make it great for people watching, and if you visit in the evening, you might just be treated to one of the best sunsets in Indonesia…
With amazing views and its important link to local life, it’s no surprise that the ‘yellow bridge’ makes it onto my list of the top things to do in Lembongan!
5) Explore the Mangrove Forest –
The next of my Nusa Lembongan things to do is to explore the islands Mangrove forest.
This relaxing and magical landscape takes up much of the islands North East coast, and is a great place to visit if you get bored of the beach!
You can hire a local guide to show you round in a classic Balinese boat for less than 100,000 IDR (although you may have to haggle). There’s also plenty of places to rent Kayaks and Paddle Boards for the more adventurous souls out there…
However, for me, the Mangrove really comes alive under the water! It’s unique sand base (rather than mud) means that the water is surprisingly clear, and teeming with hundreds of different fish. Thus, hiring some snorkeling gear may be the best money you ever spend!
6) Nusa Lembongan snorkeling –
Further to above, the beautiful waters around the whole island actually offer some of the best diving in Bali/Indonesia. For one, they’re famous for offering the chance to swim with wild Manta Rays. Therefore Nusa Lembongan snorkeling is a must-do!
This can be done straight from the shore, from beaches such as the previously mentioned Mushroom Beach. But, for the best experience, you’ll probably want to take a full or half-day snorkeling trip!
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So, there you have it! My top things to do in Nusa Lembongan… While it would probably be possible to experience most of the above things to do on a Nusa Lembongan day trip from Bali, I highly suggest that you take the time to stay a day or two on the beautiful island, because if you’re anything like me you’ll never want to leave…
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Comment below if you’re planning a trip to this island paradise! Or, if you’ve already been I’d love to hear what else can be added to the list
Hello!
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Thank you!!! Love you answers 🙂
Hey there! I live in Bali and I love Nusa Lembongan! I can not wait to go back and do all of these things! Last time I went I missed out on a couple! Thanks for sharing!!
Hope you have an amazing time 🙂
It would be cool to say you had me at “white sand beaches”, but the truth is that “delicious sea food” did the trick for me!! This is an area we still haven’t explored and your beautiful pictures really inspired us a lot! We buckedlisted it, thank you very much!
Can’t beat fresh sea food! Thanks for reading 🙂
Love the look of your blog! This post was great, makes me regret having to cancel a trip to Bali a few years ago!! Live and learn I guess!! Hopefully I’ll be able to put this post to use in the future!!
Thank-you that means a lot! Having to cancel a trip sucks… Just leaves more adventures for the future 😉
Been to a fair bit of Asia now but not been to Bali yet! I like your little “side note” bits in this blog too. Very informative and helpful thanks 😊
Thanks! I tend to ramble but wanted to include the information haha
Normally I look at people’s lists and think I’d maybe do a thing or two but every single thing looks incredible! Panorama point is accurately named. That beach looks incredible and I hate swimming so all the better!
Thank’s for such a lovely comment! Isn’t it just!! And me too haha
Oh my gosh – I want to do all 5 of these things! At first when I saw the Mangrove Forest I thought of a crocodile infested swamp. But if it’s sandy and teeming with fish, that would be awesome!
That was my first thought when the guide suggested swimming haha… But, it’s truly a unique place and wonderful experience 🙂
This looks like a gorgeous place to visit. The Devil’s Tears outcropping reminds me of a similar place in Acadia National Park in the US. I’d love to be able to check the one out here and see how they compare!
Yeah it much reminded me of the geyser’s I’ve seen in the US! Hope you get to visit 🙂
I’m heading to Singapore in October and have been debating on whether I should visit Malaysia or Bali while there, this article has me leaning more towards Bali. This island looks incredible. I love the abundance of activities to do!
Why not visit both 😉 Would definitely recommend Bali! However personally if I returned I’d spend less time on the mainland and more time exploring the beautiful islands such as the Nusa’s… Also the Gilis are magical! A post to come on my adventures there so stayed tuned 🙂
I feel like I missed all the best parts of Bali when I went! I was with a group and they were only interested in Ubud and Kuta… which was fine, but not as fantastic as these places sound! I guess I’ll need to go back 😀
All three of these islands seem amazing! I got the idea that I could spend ages there! Great photography and a lovely guide. The Devil’s tears is probably a suiting name for a place like that!
Thankyou!! I know right 🙂
I’m going to Bali in a couple of days! I’m now thinking about going to the Nusa islands too! Great post!