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The Nusa Islands sit in a small cluster off the southeastern coast of mainland Bali, Indonesia. Comprised of three islands – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida – they are an understandably popular tourist destination.
The Nusa Islands, which are accessible via a 30-minute fast-boat ride, attract active travelers, day trippers and tourists seeking a break from the crowds and chaos of mainland Bali.
Many travelers only get a glimpse on a Nusa Lembongan day trip, but we believe the Nusa Islands offer so much more than what can be seen in a day. So much so, we spent two weeks soaking up the sunshine and chill vibes of Nusa Island Life!
Your Complete Guide to Nusa Islands, Bali
We navigated our way to all three Nusa Islands and are sharing our best tips to help other travelers plan their Bali trip.
Our Nusa Islands guide is massive and includes advice for things to do, what to eat and where to stay. Additionally, other pertinent information, like Nusa Island maps and details of how to get there is provided at the end of the article.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Nusa Islands Travel Guide for your trip to Bali!
Nusa Lembongan Travel Guide
Nusa Lembongan, Bali is the most developed of the three Nusa Islands and the economy relies heavily on tourism.
The most northern of the Nusa Islands, Lembongan is also the second largest, with a land mass of 3 square miles. There are three villages on Nusa Lembongan: Jungut Batu, Mushroom Bay and Lembongan Village – of which Junut Batu and Mushroom Bay are the most popular with visitors.
Best Things To Do on Nusa Lembongan
Our list of what to do includes the absolute best Nusa Lembongan activities – none of which are far from that famous clear blue sea. Use all our Nusa Lembongan tips to help plan your perfect trip!
#1 Nusa Lembongan Beaches
Spending time on the powder-sand shoreline needs to be on every Nusa Lembongan to-do list. Visitors can lounge on one of the long stretches of sand or seek out secluded coves. Beach walking, waterfront dining and sunbathing are just a few of the popular Nusa Lembongan things to do at the beach.
Nusa Lembongan Beach Guide
Our suggested Lembongan Beaches are listed in order from west to east. Precise locations are indicated on our Nusa Lembongan map below.
- Dream Beach – Nestled in a bay surrounded by cliffs and home to upscale Lembongan Island resorts, Dream Beach is lovely. Be aware, however, of the strong currents.
- Sunset Beach – Occupied by the Sandy Bay Beach Club, Sunset Beach is a small, rocky beach. While not suitable for swimming, the waves crashing on the rocks are captivating.
- Mushroom Beach – This crescent-shaped beach is packed with cafes and boutique hotels. A steady stream of tour boats motor in and out, but there is an area roped off for swimmers.
- Secret Beach Lembongan Island – Perhaps not so under-the-radar (it’s labeled on the Nusa Lembongan tourist map), Secret Beach still feels secluded. The quaint spot is just north of Mushroom Beach past the rocky outcrop. There are no services here.
- Tamarind Beach – Not really much of a beach at all, Tamarind is a secondary drop-off point for Nusa Lembongan day tour visitors.
- Song Lambung Beach – Tucked into an alcove, Song Lambung feels like a private beach with only a few warungs and secluded Nusa Lembongan places to stay.
- Jungut Batu Beach – The central location, powdery sand, waterfront eateries and west-facing orientation all contribute to making Jungut Batu the best beach on Nusa Lembongan.
- Mahagiri Beach – Along the north side of Lembongan is a quiet beach that provides phenomenal views of Mount Agung, the steaming volcano and highest point on mainland Bali. The Mahagiri Beach Resort occupies most of the shoreline, but the beach is public.
- Mangrove Beach – Located near Mangrove Point, this beach also offers a great viewpoint of Mount Agung, a handful of laid-back establishments and the opportunity to snorkel right off shore.
Top Tip: High tide on Nusa Lembongan can completely erase beaches – check tide charts for current times.
#2 Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling Day Trip
Concealed beneath the turquoise water surrounding the Nusa Islands is some of the best coral reefs in Bali. Visitors can get a first-hand look at the colorful marine life on one of the many Nusa Lembongan boat trips that depart daily.
Most snorkel trips leave in the morning and make at least three stops, which will be decided by the captain based on the currents and swells. For a deep water experience, many companies offer scuba diving excursions and PADI certification.
We took a group snorkel trip, which far surpassed our expectations. Rough conditions required an adjustment, but our experienced captain was able to find calmer water where we could snorkel comfortably. He kept a watchful eye on everyone in our group, patiently helped a couple who was snorkeling for the first time and was adamant about protecting the coral.
Nusa Island Snorkel Spots
Most Nusa Island snorkel tours depart from Lembongan, but the best snorkeling spots are located around Penida Island.
- Manta Bay (Penida) – A popular spot to see the local Manta Rays in their natural habitat.
- Crystal Bay (Penida) – A cove protected by an island, the bay gets its name from the crystal-clear waters.
- Gamat Bay (Penida) – A small cove filled with colorful coral that is home to many clownfish (a.k.a. Nemo!).
- The Wall (Penida) – A sheer rock wall submerged in water, The Wall has strong currents that allows snorkelers to drift from one end to the other, where their boat awaits.
- Underwater Buddha (Ceningan Channel) – Also called the Nusa Lembongan Underwater Temple, the Buddha statues are part of a 2005 project to encourage new coral growth (not a sunken temple as some claim).
- Mangrove Point (Lembongan) – Due to its size and location off the northern tip of the island, Mangrove Point is a regular stop on Lembongan Island day trip snorkel tours.
#3 Nusa Lembongan Surf, SUP and Swim
The intense, deep blue water surrounding Nusa Lembongan is irresistible – and there are many ways to get out and enjoy it!
With three main breaks – Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks – surfing is one of the top things to do on Nusa Lembongan.
Another popular water activity is Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding and you will find several shops renting equipment.
There are not many favorable swimming spots around Lembongan, as strong currents can make it more strenuous than pleasurable. Most shorelines are good for frolicking knee-deep to cool off from the heat of the day, but don’t swim alone.
#4 Lembongan Coastal Walks
Being a small island with an easily accessible shoreline, coastal trail walking ranks as one of the best Lembongan Island things to do. On our Nusa Lembongan trip, we discovered three walks that highlighted the stunning beauty of the shoreline.
Walk 1 – Devil’s Tear: Sunset Beach to Dream Beach
The western end of Lembongan features rocky terrain and elevated cliffs that are punctuated by small inlets and caves. The ocean’s waves smash against the rocks, sending spray and mist high into the sky.
The most popular place to watch the spectacle is at Devil’s Tear, where the water churns with every swell. However, we recommend walking the half-mile stretch of coastline from Sunset Beach to Dream Beach to witness the truly powerful force of the sea from secluded spots.
Top Tip: Keep an eye out for sea turtles that play in the rough waters!
Walk 2 – Jungut Batu Beach to Mushroom Bay
Many visitors are unaware that there is a 1.5 mile coastline trail that connects Jungut Batu to Mushroom Bay.
Start by walking south on Jungut Batu Beach and climb the stairs to the resorts at the southern end. Turn right and follow the sidewalk past the resorts and restaurants. Continue walking on the dirt trail to Song Lambung Beach.
Cross Song Lambung beach and climb the hidden stairs on the southern end to walk along a natural path to Tamarind Beach. At the west end of Tamarind, head inland until you get to the first road heading west toward Lotus Garden Huts (passing cows along the way).
At the end of the road, follow the trail to Secret Beach. From there, continue to the unmarked doorway through Mushroom Beach Bungalows to Mushroom Beach.
Walk 3 – Jungut Batu Beach to Mangroves
Beach walkers will be thrilled to know that there is a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach from Jangut Batu Beach to the Mangroves. The stretch of sand is briefly interrupted by a small section of mangroves, at which point there is a beachside temple you can visit.
Top Tip: Although we love long beach walks in bare feet, the beaches are often covered with pieces of coral rock. We found it much easier to walk in the sand wearing beach shoes.
#5 Mangrove Forest On Nusa Lembongan
The mangroves on the northeastern tip of the island are one of the unique Nusa Lembongan attractions. The forest acts as a natural protector of the island’s eco-system.
The Lembongan mangroves are an exceptional example of the diverse environment found on the Nusa Islands. Local boatmen, who propel their canoes with poles, give tours into the forest of arching roots and narrow waterways.
#6 Sandy Bay Beach Club
While you can easily fill your days with fun activities, one of the best things to do on Lembongan Island is relax – and Sandy Bay Beach Club is the place to do it! The stylish beach club sits prominently on Sunset Beach – with tables, loungers and an infinity pool overlooking the waves.
Guests who dine at Sandy Bay Beach Club are free to use the pool and loungers. Additionally, since the club is located on the far west side of the island, they provide free Nusa Lembongan transport to and from guests’ accommodations – just message them in advance to schedule a pickup time!
Top Tip: Make it a day at Sandy Bay Beach Club! They picked us up from our hotel mid-morning so that we could eat brunch-with-a-view. Afterwards, we set off on the coastal walk to Devil’s Tear and Dream Beach. On our return, we ordered a late lunch, swam in the pool and sipped on cold beverages before getting a ride back to our hotel.
#7 Watch an Amazing Nusa Lembongan Sunset
Of all the Lembongan things to do, watching sunset is an absolute must! With ample west-facing shores, there are several supreme spots to watch the sun sink into the horizon. We preferred watching sunset from Jungut Batu Beach, where we could plop into the colorful bean bags in the sand.
Agus Shipwreck was a place we returned to several times. For an elevated view, we preferred the rooftop deck at Ware Ware. For a more secluded spot (but no services), Sunset Point Nusa Lembongan was recommended by fellow sundowner junkies.
Best Nusa Lembongan Restaurants
During our visit, we were on a mission to find the best restaurants in Nusa Lembongan – for both Indonesian and Western fare.
We had an incredible number of delicious meals on Lembongan…but we had a few sub-par dinners, too. Our Best Restaurants Lembongan list includes the places we thought had a good value for the overall experience – plus our recommended dish.
Dining Tips: Meals are brought to the table as they are prepared, so for two or more people, dishes are often brought out at different times. Most Western cuisine restaurants (and some upmarket warungs) automatically add tax and tip – up to 20% – to the listed prices.
- Pondok Baruna Warung – A warung with a touch of class, Pondok Baruna Warung is a great restaurant for a traditional Indonesian meal. Recommended Dish: Nasi Campur.
- Bali Eco Deli – Dedicated to the environment and clean eating, Bali Eco Deli focuses on healthy fare in a secret garden atmosphere. Recommended Dish: Watermelon Salad.
- Ware Ware – Sitting alongside some of the more upscale establishments in Lembongan, Ware Ware offers a mid-range option with panoramic views and a good happy hour, too! Recommended Dish: Tuna steak with mashed potatoes and garlic sauce.
- Sandy Bay Beach Club – A posh beach club, Sandy Bay didn’t disappoint on the food front. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from tables, pool chairs and loungers, you can make Sandy Bay Beach Club an all-day affair. Recommended Dish: Brekky Burger and Poke Bowl.
- D&B Warung – A basic warung, D&B surpassed our expectations with tasty authentic fare at local prices. Recommended Dish: Calamari and Pepes Ikan (fish in banana leaf).
- Tigerlilys – The boutique resort setting at Tigerlilys is inviting and picturesque. Recommended Dish: Sama-Sama Samosas and any of their fresh juices and smoothies.
- Agung Beach Club – A bit like an adult playground, the quirky Agung Beach Club has swings, hammocks and a floating lounger. We only had drinks, but the food we saw coming from the kitchen looked delicious.
- Ginger & Jamu – With an emphasis on quality ingredients and community, Ginger and Jamu is a fun beachfront spot for a good meal. Recommended Dish: Killer Nachos (perhaps not ‘killer’, but we liked the twist on one of our favorite classics).
- Kawan’s Coffee Shop – A no-frills roadside restaurant with a short menu and smiling staff. By far our favorite spot for a good meal, Kawan’s has inexpensive breakfast (25K – about $1.75). Recommended Dish: Any egg dish – and the coffee!
- Ohana’s – The beachfront club, restaurant and resort serves a wide range of dishes in a lovely setting. Recommended Dish: We had mixed experiences, but loved the pan fried Barramundi and Beef Rendang.
- Blue Corner – An unpretentious and chill beachfront spot, Blue Corner is a good option for a light lunch or sunset happy hour. Recommended Dish: The cheesy quesadilla satisfied our craving for Mexican food.
- Lemongrass – The highly-rated Lemongrass restaurant is consistently busy – so much so that we were never able to get a seat! If it tops your list of restaurants in Lembongan, stop by and make a reservation.
Nusa Lembongan Accommodation
For our trip to Nusa Lembongan, we stayed at Chillhouse Homestay. For budget to mid-range travelers, we rank Chillhouse Homestay as the Best Accommodation Nusa Lembongan. Not only is it centrally located in the heart of Jungut Batu, the rooms are clean, spacious and air-conditioned.
What really made our stay notable was the remarkable service from the owner, Gede, and his family. Gede arranged our tours, helped us with rides and provided fantastic information; especially after an earthquake on Lombok! When searching for where to stay on Lembongan, we highly recommend Chillhouse.
Check availability at Chillhouse for your trip!
Nusa Lembongan Map
Use this link for an online version of our Lembongan Island Map.
Nusa Ceningan Travel Guide
Ceningan is wedged between Lembongan and Penida and is the smallest of the three Nusa Islands. It’s connected to Lembongan via the Yellow Bridge – which is only wide enough for pedestrians and scooters; anything wider must be transported via ferry. While we were often the sole visitors at some of the sights, tourism on Nusa Ceningan has recently started to develop quickly.
Top Things To Do on Nusa Ceningan
Even though tourism is relatively new, there are many Nusa Ceningan things to do – especially for visitors who like to slow down and enjoy the view.
#1 Secret Beach Nusa Ceningan
Unlike Lembongan, there are few beaches on Ceningan. Secret Beach, the most popular, is on the southwest side of the island in a rocky cove.
With a shallow swath of sand and shade provided from overhanging trees, the sheltered nook feels remote and secluded…even though a resort occupies one end of it.
There are two entry points to Secret Beach; one through the resort (which requires a fee) and one down an unpaved path (which is free and has an incredible viewpoint).
At the intersection by Two Raksa Cafe, signs pointing to Secret Beach lead south through the resort. To find the free entry point, instead walk east and then follow the first street going south. Both routes end at the same Secret Nusa Ceningan Beach.
Top Tip: Secret Point Beach Nusa Ceningan is a different beach, which is located below the Secret Point Hut’s Beach Resort.
#2 Blue Lagoon Nusa Ceningan
The Blue Lagoon Ceningan is the island’s top attraction for one simple reason: the bay’s opalescent turquoise water is so surreal that has to be seen to be believed.
The scenic lagoon sits below high cliffs that nearly encircle it. Although the best Blue Lagoon view is closest to the road, visitors can trek along the coastline for other viewpoints.
#3 Mahana Point Cliff Jump
Adventure enthusiasts looking for a thrill should definitely go to Mahana Point Nusa Ceningan. Situated atop a rocky cliff, the viewpoint has two cliff jumping platforms and the café charges a small fee to use them.
Travelers not interested in the Mahana Point Cliff Jump might still want to visit the café. The panoramic vista is stunning and there are plenty of seats around the railing to take in the view. While enjoying the scenery, we spotted dolphins and turtles in the water!
#4 Coastal Walk: Mahana Point to Secret Beach
The rugged, natural coastline on Nusa Ceningan is one of the most beautiful features of the island. Many visitors riding scooters miss much of the island’s untarnished charm.
During our exploration, we discovered a walking trail along the western coast that connects top Nusa Ceningan sights. The rudimentary trail is about a mile in length and covers almost the entire southwestern tip of the island.
Starting at Mahana Point, follow the road to Blue Lagoon. The walk then passes through Driftwood Bar and Ceningan Zipline. Follow the dusty path on the opposite side of the restaurant that continues along an unnamed bay.
Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles in the water; we spotted several here. Keep walking along the southernmost tip of the island where Nusa Penida is clearly visible across the channel. Continue until Secret Beach is in sight. We couldn’t find a safe way down to Secret Beach, so just backtracked to Mahana.
#5 Ceningan Cliffs
The south-facing side of Ceningan is characterized by steeper cliffs and stunning views. Intrigued by this less-visited area of the island, we set off on a trek to Ceningan Cliff Restaurant.
From the southwest, the road gradually inclines to the northeast, passing private residences, unkempt temples and small farms. Locals, not accustomed to seeing tourists explore the area on foot, flashed us smiles and waved us on our way.
As we walked, we came across several paths that led south to the coast. We were told most of the land is privately owned, so we stuck to the main road. About halfway to Ceningan Cliffs you’ll past the posh The View Day Club.
By the time we made it to Ceningan Cliffs, we were hungry and thirsty (and they do expect visitors to make a purchase). The casual restaurant – a long row of open-air, south-facing tables – offers a simple menu and magnificent views of Nusa Penida. Beside the seating, there are swings at the cliff’s edge and the new infinity pool.
Top Tip: We made the journey to Ceningan Cliffs on foot. Even with stops, it took us less than 1.5 hours to get there from the west end of the island.
#6 Nusa Ceningan Surf and Swim
Ceningan isn’t the most popular surf destination in Bali, that honor goes to Uluwatu! However, there is one break where experienced surfers can catch a wave. The lefthander forms around the cliffs below Mahana Point.
There are not really good options for swimming in the sea from the shore of Ceningan. At high tide, it’s possible to wade into the shallow channel between Lembongan and Ceningan. At low tide, tidal pools on the west-facing shoreline are also fun for exploring.
#7 Sea Breeze Cafe Ceningan
On the north side of Ceningan, between the Yellow Bridge and the western tip, are numerous cafes and shabby chic bars. Most of these waterfront venues exude island vibes with incredible views, beach bean bags, hammocks, happy hour deals and overwater swings.
The close proximity of the bars makes for a fun outing. The most popular of the bunch is Sea Breeze. They literally elevate the experience with a negative edge pool and is a stunning spot for sunset on Ceningan.
Best Restaurants Ceningan
When we arrived on the island, we were armed with a list of the top Nusa Ceningan restaurants. Even though Ceningan is a smaller island, there are ample dining options. Our suggestions for the best restaurants in Nusa Ceningan includes a recommended dish to order, too.
- Blue Lagoon Resto – A typical Balinese restaurant with an easy-going atmosphere, Blue Lagoon Resto is a gem! When we arrived shortly after 7:00pm, the tables were full, but other patrons kindly let us share. Bonus: They provided a free ride back to our hotel. Recommended Dish: Grilled Tuna Steak.
- Dungki Bendega Resto – The out-of-the-way Dungki Bendega Resto gets rave reviews and it didn’t disappoint! Well worth the effort to walk to and from the restaurant in the dark, we were glad we made reservations as seating is limited. Recommended Dish: White Snapper Fillet.
- Next Level – A small restaurant on the second story of a waterfront building, Next Level offers an array of fare – from local eats to pizza to Mexican. Recommended Dish: Beef Tacos.
- Sunset Cafes – Watching a Ceningan sunset is a fantastic way to wind down a day of exploring. In addition to Sea Breeze, we had sunset drinks at Mahana Point, The Sand and Twilight.
Nusa Ceningan Accommodation
We stayed at Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas and absolutely loved it! The stylish villas have plush beds with quality linens, air-con and Balinese-style (open-air) ensuites.
Each villa opens to a private deck with just off the infinity pool that overlooks the sea. The staff was helpful and friendly – and always smiling. We highly recommend staying at Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas for a boutique, waterfront experience!
Find rooms at Veranda Sunset Villas for your vacation!
Nusa Ceningan Map
Use this link for an online version of our Ceningan Island Map.
Nusa Penida Travel Guide
Penida is the most southern and largest island in the Nusa Islands trio – yet it is the least developed, especially in terms of tourism.
Many roads to the top Nusa Penida attractions are unpaved and much of the land is still used for agriculture. Most visitors travel to Nusa Penida to see the famously carved coastline and great beaches.
Unlike Lembongan and Ceningan that can be explored on foot, a vehicle is required to get around Nusa Penida. With the poor road conditions, only those skilled at riding scooters should attempt to drive around Penida.
Therefore, taking a guided Penida Island Day Trip is the recommended way to see the sights. Most tours are private and sightseeing can be tailored to your specifications.
Read our experience taking a Nusa Penida Day Trip
Best Things To Do on Nusa Penida
Our list of Nusa Penida Things To Do includes the island’s top attractions. Additionally, we’ve added a brief description of each place. The first four sights on our list are the most popular day tour stops.
- Kelingking Beach – By far the most iconic stretch of coastline on Penida Island, Kelingking Beach is a must-see. Resembling the head of a dinosaur when seen from above, the peninsula is nicknamed T-Rex. The views from the cliff are incredibly gorgeous. A powder sand beach is accessible via a dodgy and steep staircase at your own risk.
- Broken Beach (Paish Uug) – Called Broken Beach for the ‘broken’ limestone rock that allows waves to rush in and out, the sight is incredibly picturesque. Visitors can walk the clifftop circumference trail, crossing over the natural arch bridge to complete the loop.
- Angel’s Billabong – Often touted as one of the world’s natural infinity pools, Angel’s Billabong is a long, narrow tidal pool between two larger cliffs that is filled from the crashing waves. Note: Sneaky waves have pulled swimmers out to sea; swim at own risk.
- Crystal Bay – A crescent-shaped beach between two rocky cliffs, Crystal Bay is a renowned snorkeling spot. It’s possible to wade into the water and snorkel from the beach. Enormous Mola Mola fish are known to swim nearby.
- Peguyangan Waterfall – Not an easy place to get to, Peguyangan Waterfall requires trekking down (and back up!) a long, steep staircase. The reward is dipping in the natural pool overlooking the sea at the bottom of the steps.
- Car Temple (Pura Paluang) – With an origin that no one can recall, the unique Pura Paluang Car Temple oddly incorporates two replica cars into its shrine.
- Banah Cliff Point – The dramatic cliffs at Banah Point offer stunning views of the offshore monoliths.
- Atuh Beach – The secluded Atuh Beach features arresting views of the striking (and eroding) limestone rocks.
- Thousand Islands Viewpoint – The Thousand Island lookout point, a favorite for photogs, provides panoramic views of the karst-strewn sea.
- Goa Giri Putri Temple – One of Penida Island’s cultural attractions, Goa Giri Putri Temple is located inside a deep cave that is accessed through a narrow opening.
- Pura Puncak Mundi – The Pura Puncak Mundi temple is located on Nusa Penida’s highest point.
- Tembeling Forest – The lush vegetation of the Tembeling Forest is home to birds and other creatures, but visitors trek through the jungle to see (and swim in) the two natural pools of clear, blue water.
Restaurants on Nusa Penida
Most of the Nusa Penida restaurants are casual, family-owned warungs. There are several small restaurants on the cliff above Kelingking Beach, which is a nice place to eat lunch while touring the island. Read reviews of the top Penida Island restaurants on TripAdvisor.
Nusa Penida Accommodations
Those wishing to stay on Nusa Penida will find an array of accommodations – from bungalows to resorts. Two highly-rated Nusa Penida hotels are MAUA Resort and Coco Resort. To find your ideal place to stay on Nusa Penida, start your search on Booking.com.
Nusa Penida Map
Use this link for an online version of our map of Nusa Penida.
How To Get to Nusa Islands
Both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are accessible directly from mainland Bali. Most travelers staying on the Nusa Islands depart from Sanur via boat and arrive on Nusa Lembongan. However, there are direct boats to Nusa Penida, too.
Bali to Nusa Lembongan
The options of how to get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali are pretty straight forward: boat or helicopter. Getting to Nusa Lembongan via helicopter is a bit extravagant at $400 USD per person.
Most travelers opt for one of the economical boats that run passengers from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan. The question then becomes, which boat from Bali to Lembongan?
Fast Boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan
The most popular choice for tourists is the fast boat to Lembongan. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs between $18-$25 USD depending on time of day and season.
We used Scoot for our Nusa Lembongan trip, as they are the top-recommended company. Our tickets were booked online and included transport from our hotel in Uluwatu and drop off at our hotel on Lembongan.
Public Boat to Nusa Lembongan
Also called the Local Boat, the Lembongan Ferry is mostly used by backpackers and locals. The ferry to Lembongan Island costs less than the Bali to Lembongan fast boats (about $10 USD). However, the public ferry to Nusa Lembongan takes 2-3 times longer.
Barge or Local Local Boat
Not a recommended way to travel between mainland Bali and Nusa Lembongan, but by far the cheapest option as the ride costs less than $10 USD. The barge takes at least an hour and may lack safety standards found on the other boats.
Tips for Riding the Boat to Nusa Lembongan
- Travelers prone to motion sickness should invest in Sea Bands for the journey across the Badung Strait. It can be a rocky ride.
- Wear shorts that are quick drying. While the crew loads and unloads your luggage, you will get wet boarding and disembarking these boats in likely knee-deep water.
How To Get to Nusa Ceningan
The best way to get to Ceningan Island is via the Yellow Bridge that connects to Nusa Lembongan. The narrow bridge can only accommodate pedestrians and scooters.
How To Get to Nusa Penida
Visitors can travel to Penida Island by boat from Nusa Lembongan or mainland Bali. On Nusa Penida day tours, the company arranges the boat ride, which should be included in the price.
Getting Around Nusa Islands
We found getting around Nusa Lembongan to be the easiest of the three islands. We walked almost everywhere, but got rides to the far west side of the island (which was provided by Sandy Bay Beach Club) and to the Yellow Bridge when we moved over to Ceningan (which was provided by our hotel owner, Gede).
Because of its small size, Nusa Ceningan is also easy to get around on foot. Scooters are available, but cost a few dollars more per day than on mainland Bali spots (like Canggu) or Lembongan. There are very few cars on Ceningan; hired rides will most likely require you hopping on the back of someone’s scooter.
As mentioned before, getting around Nusa Penida is no easy feat. We highly recommend hiring a driver.
Nusa Island Essentials
- If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
- Don’t forget to pack your island necessities, as they can cost a bundle in the island warungs! We recommend bringing plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed beach hat, mosquito repellent, water shoes and a swim suit, of course!
- We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your Bali trip. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-133mm lens, which we believe is an excellent budget camera setup.
- Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want to carry and great day bag to organize and secure all of your essential everyday travel items.
- For underwater pics and video, invest in a GoPro – or a less-expensive waterproof action camera – to capture the sights while snorkeling!
- Get (and stay) organized for your Bali vacation with our Printable Travel Planner!
Start planning your trip to Indonesia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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