The island of Nusa Lembongan is known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. If you are looking for pure relaxation and deceleration, this is the place for you. On Nusa Lembongan, life moves at a much slower pace than on Bali. There are only a few cars and scooters on this paradisiacal island, and you see more bicycles or pedestrians. Due to the low traffic, people generally move more slowly and there is little road noise. Everything is a bit quieter and more relaxed, and you can just let your soul dangle.
But where exactly is this dream island, how do you get there and what can you do there?
Where is Nusa Lembongan?
The island of Nusa Lembongan is located only about 12 kilometres southeast of the coast of Bali and is therefore even suitable for a day trip if you don’t have the time or inclination to stay longer. However, the latter is highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore the islands extensively or really relax. With a size of only about eight square kilometres, Nusa Lembongan is indeed very small, but there is still a lot to discover and do. The famous yellow bridge quickly takes you to the little sister island of Nusa Ceningan.
The easiest way to get there is from Sanur or Padang Bai. Regular speedboats depart for Nusa Lembongan from both places. The crossing takes about half an hour.
Paradise underwater world
The islands are surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with white sandy beaches. This makes them a dream come true for beach lovers as well as for divers, snorkellers and surfers. Many reefs are still well preserved and full of life, making them a delight to behold.
Diving on Nusa Lembongan
It is not without reason that a number of diving schools have settled on Nusa Lembongan. There are about 20 diving spots around the island and the underwater world is a real paradise for divers. Not only the beautiful reef fascinates them, but also the creatures that live there. With a little luck, you can see manta rays, the rare moonfish, which can grow to over three metres in size, and majestic sea turtles. The ideal diving season is between May and November.
Snorkelling on Nusa Lembongan
If you don’t have a diving licence, you don’t have to miss out on the experience completely, because Nusa Lembongan is also famous for snorkelling. Snorkelling trips are offered at every corner and can be just as exciting. Usually, you will be taken by boat to three different spots where you can marvel at the underwater world and maybe even swim with manta rays. If you don’t like guided tours, you can also simply rent a snorkelling set and explore Mangrove Point on your own, for example.
Responsibility for nature
Diving and snorkelling are not just fun and fascinating, they also draw our attention to nature and the need to protect it. Unfortunately, some coral reefs have already died due to global warming and the misuse of resources, which has a serious impact on flora and fauna. And unfortunately, underwater you can see not only living creatures and plants, but also a lot of plastic.
It’s sad to see, but ideally it will shake water sports enthusiasts out of their complacency and encourage them to use fewer plastic products, such as straws, cutlery, bags or water bottles, and thus help to reduce marine pollution. Environmental protection and sustainability are very important and supported on Nusa Lembongan. For example, you can refill your water bottle in most restaurants to reduce the flood of plastic bottles.
But even snorkelers and divers themselves can potentially pose a threat to the sensitive underwater ecosystems. That’s why there are a few rules to follow: for one thing, you should never touch or step on the reef. You should also use reef-friendly, mineral-based sunscreen without chemicals.
Surfing on Nusa Lembongan
Those who love the sea but prefer to stay at the surface can let off steam in the waves off Nusa Lembongan. There are three surf spots at Jungut Batu beach, but they are only for more experienced surfers. Shipwrecks, Razor and Lacerations are quite challenging waves that break over sharp coral reefs.
On the small beach of Song Lambung, also known as Coconut Bay, there is a surf spot called Playgrounds, which is also suitable for beginners when the swell is small.
Nusa Lembongan – a paradise on land, too
Dream Beach on Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan also has a lot to offer on land. The beautiful white sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming in turquoise waters. The most famous beach is probably ‘Dream Beach’, which is framed by spectacular rocky cliffs and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Jungut Batu Beach on Nusa Lembongan
The aforementioned Jungut Batu Beach is the longest beach on the island. It is lined with numerous restaurants, hotels and beach clubs. This is where most boats dock and locals cultivate seaweed, one of Nusa Lembongan’s main sources of income. At the end of the day, you can enjoy the sunset here with a view of the Gunung Agung volcano on Bali.
Mushroom Bay on Nusa Lembongan
Boats from Bali also arrive here, which means it can get a bit crowded at times. You can watch the hustle and bustle from the comfort of the beach bars.
Panorama Point on Nusa Lembongan
Panorama Point is a very popular destination from which you can see the entire Jungut Batu Bay and, as the name suggests, enjoy a great panoramic view of Nusa Lembongan.
Devil’s Tear on Nusa Lembongan
Devil’s Tear is a place where you can really feel the energy of the ocean. Here the waves crash spectacularly against the rocks and the water sprays metres into the air when the swell is right.
Mangrove Tour
The northeast of the island of Nusa Lembongan is densely covered with mangroves, which you can take a closer look at on a boat tour. The mangrove forest plays an important role for the environment, as it protects the coast and prevents erosion.
During a half-hour boat tour, you can enjoy the cool shade of the trees and admire the rich animal life. Many different species of birds, crabs, bats and lizards live here.
If you prefer to take the paddle into your own hands instead of sitting in a boat, you can rent a kayak and explore the mangroves on your own.
Yoga
A few yoga studios have opened on Nusa Lembongan. Those seeking mindful exercise and relaxation can roll out their mats here.
Conclusion: Who should visit Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan can be reached from Bali in about 30 minutes by speedboat from Sanur. It is important to note that the boats do not run when the waves are high. It’s best to plan a bit of leeway so that you can travel there or back on another day if necessary. You can rent a scooter or bicycle on the island to explore the area.
The island is ideal for a day trip from Bali. However, you can also easily spend several days or even weeks here. Depending on what you are in the mood for. Since the clocks tick slower here, they are ideal for a relaxing beach holiday, but there is also plenty to do. From surfing and diving to yoga, beautiful viewpoints and dreamy bays with turquoise waters, everything is possible here.
