7 Best Things To Do In Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

things to do in nusa lembongan indonesia
Sarah
Sarah 
Updated
| 4 min read

Nusa Lembongan is a short boat ride away from Indonesia’s most famous island Bali. Often overlooked by its popular neighbor, Nusa Lembongan still has an incredible charm. Having said that, you can already find boutique hotels here and fabulous restaurants, but there are also a lot of more basic and cheap options. The island is rather small, but has surprisingly much to offer, but most people do come here simply to relax, or to dive, as it is a great spot to see Manta Rays.

1. Take in breathtaking views at the Blue Lagoon

Wefie at Blue Lagoon, Nusa Ceningan, Bali, Indonesia.
Source: Photo by user Hairi used under CC BY 2.0

One thing you should not miss out on while you are in Nusa Lembongan is the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is located on Nusa Lembongan’s neighboring island Nusa Ceningan. The two islands are connected by a bridge, and the lagoon is a 20 minute scooter ride away. Blue Lagoon is a must-visit for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush, as you can do cliff jumping here if the tide is right. And if that is not your thing, do go here anyway and be amazed by the stunning views that await you here.

Blue Lagoon

Address: Blue Lagoon, Nusa Ceningan

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2. Visit one of the island's many beaches

Nusa lembongan cliff (7800894188)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jimmy McIntyre - ... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

You will not be disappointed by the beaches you can find on Nusa Lembongan. One of them is Paradise Beach, and once you are there, you will understand where the name came from. From here, you have a beautiful view over the volcano Mount Agung. Another one is Mushroom Beach which is a great starting point for activities such as snorkeling and surfing, or simply swimming. There is also a cafe just a short walk away from here.

Dream Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches you will come across on the island. Secluded and with pure white sand - you will find it hard to leave! The beach is located on the island’s south coast, and the current can get a bit strong at times. You can enjoy beautiful sunset views at this beach. Nusa Lembongan has many beaches, and many spots that are excellent for surfing, no matter if you are a beginner or if you want to show off some skills. Fortunately, it is a lot less crowded than Bali, and the waves are of the same quality.

Paradise Beach

Address: Paradise Beach, Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

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3. Diving on Nusa Lembongan

Manta ray from Yap
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bartek.cieslak used under CC BY-SA 3.0

No visit to Nusa Lembongan is complete without going scuba diving a least once. The waters around the island are inhabited by Manta Rays, and there is a high chance that you will come across some on your diving trip as they live here all year around. You will surely be impressed with these huge creatures swimming just an arm length away from you. From July to October, the area is also inhabited by Mola-Mola - sunfish.

The island is home to several dive shops with staff members of different nationalities who speak several languages. Whether you come for just a single dive or your whole certificate course, you will be able to find something for your needs. Of course, you can also find plenty of places where you can rent snorkeling gear, and you will get to see beautiful coral reefs, as some places around the island are rather shallow.

Scuba Center Asia

Website: Scuba Center Asia

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4. Explore Mangrove Forests

mangrove forest
Source: Photo by user Peyri Herrera used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Nusa Lembongan is home to some spectacular Mangrove forests. These forests can be explored with traditional canoes provided by fishermen. The island’s mangrove forests are very well maintained and in total, they cover more than 55 hectares (136 acres). Mangrove forests are an important marine ecosystem, and home to an immense biodiversity including rare flora and fauna.

Mangrove Forests

Address: Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

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5. Take pictures of the Devil's Tear

Devil's Tear, Nusa Lembongan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Burmesedays used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Devil’s Tear is an impressive rock formation on the South Western coast of Nusa Lembongan. It can be reached by walking for a few minutes from either Dream Beach or Sunset Beach. Here you can see spectacular crashing waves.

Devil's Tear

Address: Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

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6. Learn about seaweed farming

Seaweed farming at Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jean-Marie Hullot used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Nusa Lembongan is famous for seaweed farming, in fact it is the area’s biggest seaweed producer. The island’s landscape and its white sand and transparent water provide ideal situations for cultivating seaweed. Many open spaces on the island are used for drying seaweed and you will see many seaweed farmers unloading their boats, or loading the harvest into their boats. Many residents of the island depend on seaweed farming, and it contributed to a boost of the local community’s prosperity.

Seaweed Farming

Address: Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

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7. Nightlife in Nusa Lembongan

Menikmati hangatnya mentari sore ditemani mocktail semangka. Salam dari Scooby Doo Bar, Nusa Lembongan.

Posted by Restaurateur Bali on Thursday, 22 January 2015

Although the nightlife is very quiet compared to its neighbor Bali, Nusa Lembongan does have some things to offer and you won’t get bored here in the evenings. One of the livelier places is a bar called Scooby Doo Beach Bar, and it is especially popular amongst surfers. You can also come here to watch live sports on TV. The atmosphere is friendly, and it is easy to get to know people here if you are traveling by yourself. Scooby Doo Beach Bar also has a food menu, including burgers and pasta.

Mainski Bar and Lounge is a trendy bar lounge with a swimming pool and cabanas on the beach. It is busy during the day, and has a more romantic atmosphere in the evenings. Surfer Beach Café & Bar is a comfortable beach bar decorated with many colors. You can enjoy cheap happy hours here, make use the pool table or join spontaneous jamming sessions.

Scooby Doo Lembongan

Address: Jungutbatu, Indonesia

Website: Scooby Doo Lembongan

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Nusa Lembongan - note it down on your itinerary now

Nusa Lembongan is a must day trip or weekend trip when you are spending time on Bali. Most people take a boat from Sanur - the ride is quick and easy. Especially if you are looking for a more authentic feel of Indonesian Island life, then this is the place to go. Nusa Lembongan has gotten busier during the last few years, but it is not overrun by tourists. Especially if you are looking for good diving, snorkeling or surfing, then you are in for a treat.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sarah is a digital marketer and freelance writer currently based in Spain. Having been to almost 40 countries, Sarah has quite some travel experience. Her favourite destinations are the...Read more

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