Best Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

Nusa Lembongan is the small island a short boat ride off the southeast coast of Bali, and it feels a world apart from the busy mainland. I have spent two trips here, and every time I am struck by how much is packed into such a small place. Most people come for a day, but the island rewards a few nights. Here is what I would not miss.

Manta Point Snorkeling

The manta rays at Manta Point are the reason a lot of people make the trip. Boats gather over a shallow cleaning station just off the nearby island of Nusa Penida, and if you get there when the water is clear, the rays glide underneath you in effortless loops. They are enormous, wider than a car, and utterly calm. The current can be strong, so a guide and a flotation aid help. On my first visit I saw three, and on my second the water turned cloudy and I saw none, so it is a lottery with a very high payout.

Devil’s Tear Blowhole

On the southwest corner of the island, Devil’s Tear is where the Indian Ocean hammers the cliff and bursts through a gap in a dramatic spray. When the swell is up, the water shoots high into the air with a deep boom that you feel in your chest. The viewing deck is safe, but I have watched people creep too close to the edge during heavy waves, and it is genuinely dangerous. Enjoy it from the railing and you will leave with wet hair and a smile.

Mangrove Forest Kayaking

The mangrove lagoon on the northeastern side is the quietest corner of the island. Rent a kayak, or take a short guided paddle, and drift through the narrow channels between the roots. Early morning is best, when the water is glassy and the birds are out. It is an easy, flat paddle, and the shade keeps it cool even at midday. I recommend it as the antidote to too many hours on a boat.

The Yellow Bridge to Ceningan

A bright yellow suspension bridge links Lembongan to its even smaller neighbour, Nusa Ceningan. Crossing on foot or on a scooter is a small thrill in itself, the planks rattling under you. On the other side you can follow the coastal road along the sea cliffs, and there are a few excellent spots for a coffee with a view before you turn back. The bridge is narrow and shared, so go slowly and let the scooters pass.

Dream Beach and Sunset Point

Dream Beach is the best swimming beach on the island, a small stretch of white sand tucked behind the cliffs on the south coast. The water is calm in the dry season and there are a couple of warungs serving fresh juice. Just next to it, the lawns at Sunset Point face directly west, and late afternoon turns into a casual gathering of people watching the sun drop into the sea. It is the easiest way to end a day here.

Surf at the Reef Breaks

Lembongan sits inside the shelter of the reef, which shapes the swell into a handful of consistent waves. Shipwrecks, a long left-hander, and Lacerations on the outer reef pull surfers from around the world. If you surf, the water is warm and the reef is sharp, so booties help. If you do not, it is still entertaining to sit on the sand and watch the lineup work the takeoffs from breakfast until the tide rises.

Ride Around the Island

There is one main road that loops the island, and on a scooter it takes less than an hour without stops. The western side rises and drops over the hills with the sea on one side and the volcano on Bali in the distance. Jalan Raya through the centre is lined with cafes, warungs, and small shops. Rental prices are fair, the roads are quiet, and it remains my favourite way to get a feel for the place.

Jungut Batu Beach

Jungut Batu is the long beach on the northeast coast where many boats arrive. It is less pretty than Dream Beach but more everyday, with fishing boats pulled up on the sand and a row of simple places to eat. In the late afternoon locals play volleyball while kids kick a ball in the shallows. It gives you the closest sense of the island as it actually lives, rather than as a resort.

Lembongan is small, but that is its strength. A few days here with a scooter, a snorkel mask, and no firm plan is enough to cover the highlights and still leave you wondering whether to stay another night. Most people end up delaying their return to Bali at least once.