Is Nusa Lembongan Worth Visiting? 15 Pros & Cons
Are you looking to visit the Nusa Islands? Maybe you’re wondering if Nusa Lembongan is worth visiting. I bet you’ve seen photos of that incredible viewpoint at Nusa Penida, but what about its smaller sister…
As you know, or at least if you follow our adventures, you’ll know that Jack and I visited Bali and ended up spending six months on the Island of Gods. We did A LOT of exploration, including a visit to the Nusa Islands.
The week we spent there was amazing, and in this post, I’ll tell you why Nusa Lembongan is worth visiting!
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Is Nusa Lembong Worth Visiting?
Our week in Nusa Lembongan was extraordinary. We fell in love with the laidback vibe and off-the-beaten-path energy. Everyone was friendly and happy to stop for a chat. From the shopkeeper to the friendly guy at our now favourite beach shack, we loved every second. The island has some incredible viewpoints, and it’s perfect for catching one of those breathtaking Bali sunsets.
So, if you’re going to ask us if Nusa Lembongan is worth visiting, it’s 100% from us. Absolutely! We actually visited when the island was still relatively quiet, just after the pandemic, which meant we had lots of places to ourselves, which was great, but it was quiet at times.
In all honesty, Nusa Lembongan was one of those rare places that, if it was more busier, it would have been even better, for us at least! But even so, we had the most memorable time... And, since travel is back on everyone’s to-do list, if your plan is to visit Nusa Lembongan, I think this year would be perfect!
❤️ Who would love Nusa Lembongan? If you’re seeking an unforgettable island getaway in search of an easy-going break, dusty roads, lazy beach days and great snorkelling opportunities, you’ll love Nusa Lembongan. That’s not to say there isn’t nightlife; there is, too! It’s just more chilled out than that on the mainland.
Pros: Reasons To Visit Nusa Lembongan
1. Soft, Sandy Beaches
No lie, as soon as you touch the ground at Nusa Lembongan, you’re met with soft, white sand. The beaches are pretty amazing and there are a ton of them! Many are quiet and secluded allowing you to find your own slice of paradise.
The water is lush. In places it’s a transparent azure blue which beckons you to enter, in others, a deep emerald green; and since you’re on an island paradise, you’ll be entering a lot. The beaches are one of the top reasons for visiting Nusa Lembongan!
Here’s a quick run-through of the best beaches in Nusa Lembongan.
JUNGUTBATU BEACH
I would say Jungutbatu Beach is the main beach in Nusa Lembongan. You’ll find the majority of oceanfront accommodations and where most of the “action” happens on the island.
It’s perfect for strolling aimlessly, watching the local way of life and getting a sunkissed glow. It’s also the most popular spot for surfing with the island’s best surf breaks; Shipwrecks, Playgrounds and Lacerations (what names!).
DREAM BEACH
One of the most popular beaches on Nusa Lembongan, although we had it all to ourselves! It’s a small white sanded beach tucked away in a bay between the cliffs. In busier times it was clear it was a popular spot.
You have the Pandan Cafe, which is part of the resort and built into the cliffside. With a few cocktail purchases, we were able to use their infinity pool.
MUSHROOM BAY
Mushroom Bay is the place to go if you’re in search of a tour or travelling with a family. Its waters are perfectly still making it a safe and enjoyable place to swim. The beachfront is topped with luxury villas and dining spots.
⭐ Pro tip >> Looking for a boat trip? Tours to the other islands and snorkelling around the surrounding reefs can be found here for as little as 200,000 IDr ($13)
TAMARIND BAY
During the low tide, Tamarind Bay is one of the best spots on the island for snorkelling straight from the beach. It’s a stunning location, with popular restaurants and one of our favourite places to chill out.
HIDDEN BEACH
It’s not really hidden these days but it is less crowded than other beaches on Nusa Lembongan. If you’re a strong swimmer why not take your snorkel gear and head out to the colourful reef from Mushroom Bay? We didn’t do this but I’ve heard it’s a possible and beautiful way to enjoy the surrounding corals.
PASIR PUTIH BEACH
At the tip of Nusa Lembongan, you’ll find Pasir Beach. You won’t miss it as it’s dotted with coconut trees and is a large open sandy beach at the northernmost end of the island. It was our favourite and in fact, is home to the famous Mahagiri Resort which features a cool beach bar, a swimming pool and other beach/water activities such as volleyball!
So, if you’re seeking an unforgettable island getaway, Nusa Lembongan should be at the top of your list. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, this tropical paradise is a slice of heaven!
2. Sunset On The Beach
Everyone who comes to Bali is in search of witnessing an awe-inspiring sunset. Fact. And let me tell you, the sunsets on Nusa Lembongan will bring a tear to your eye!
On our first night, we saw a beautiful sunset, but on our second night, we witnessed one of the most incredible sunsets, which to this day has only been beaten by two others. One in Lombok and another in Vanuatu.
On that remarkable evening, we headed out to watch the sunset and chose to explore further down the beach. We ended up in this little beach shack, called Mola Mola, it’s laidback and barely there vibes secured it as our favourite place to relax on the island.
We returned numerous times!
It was so simple, a local thatched roof and bamboo structure with rugged tables and open on all three sides. There was a man playing the guitar with his friend who was softly singing. The place was quiet, we were almost in there alone yet the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
Anyways, back to one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life! We were blessed. It was the most colourful, eye-watering experience. The sky was insane, pastel hues of pinks, purples and aqua blues all muddled together like an artist’s palette.
If you’re in search of a stunning sunset by the beach, Nusa Lembongan is a top place to visit which won’t let you down!
3. Incredible Barrels
Okay, so we didn’t surf at Nusa Lembongan since we were there for scuba diving. Plus, I think the breaks at Nusa Lembongan are for more experienced surfers.
I did see that there are some sick surf breaks a short paddle from the shore. Jack and I have been known to dabble on the board, although to get any good, we need to be doing it every day, and we were not about to try those barrels!
The island’s best surf breaks are offshore at Jungutbatu Beach.
PLAYGROUNDS
From Coconuts Resort you can start paddling out to find the easiest breaks to ride and get to. The waves break both ways and can range in size.
LACERATIONS
It can be brutal if you fall. Its name comes from the shallow reefs that will do some serious damage if you fall. You’ll find it’s a great spot for left-handers and barrels where the waves can get super big. The downside is it can get busy.
SHIPWRECKS
The break is further out of the bay and so you’ll need a boat to reach it, however, this means fewer crowds. With the right swell, you can get an amazing break!
⭐ Pro tip >> It’s possible to paddle out or you can grab a local boat from the beach to take you out, it’s about 50,000 IDR ($3.30) for a return trip. The surfboard hire will cost about the same.
These waves are for experienced surfers.
4. Rare Mangrove Forests
The northeast part of Nusa Lembongan is covered in a Mangrove Forest. We didn’t actually know this when we headed out but our little scooters took us there and before we knew it we were on a small canoe heading into the abyss.
I might be being a tad dramatic, but the eery stillness created a moody mixture of nature, serenity and murder. Somewhere one could hide a body for sure!
On the other hand, beautiful and reposed.
It was a peculiar place, somewhere mosquitos could suck the life from you, (make sure you take insect repellant otherwise it won’t be a fun experience!). The forest is a labyrinth of small waterways, dark and muted but with rays of sunlight finding their way through.
✅ Don’t want to haggle for your tour when you get there? I found this 1-hour mangrove tour online here.
💡 Did You Know?
There’s actually a whole heap of life in mangrove forests and they are crucial ecosystems that provide a wide range of benefits. They act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and storm surges, protect shorelines from wave action, and serve as nurseries for various marine species.
Additionally, mangroves sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change, and provide livelihoods for local communities through fishing and ecotourism!
⭐ Pro tip >> For as little as 100,000 IDR per person, you can hire a local guide to show you around the mangroves.
5. Snorkelling And Diving
One of the main reasons why Nusa Lembongan is worth visiting is its world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities. It’s the reason we visited!
The coral reefs surrounding Nusa Lembongan are vibrant and full of life. We saw a huge green turtle at a place called Crystal Bay which was happily munching its way through some corals. We stayed and watched it for a while but everywhere we looked the corals were teeming with life.
✅ There are PLENTY of snorkelling tours available. This Nusa Penida Snorkelling Adventure is hugely popular.
The other sites around the Nusa Islands offer exceptional water clarity too, it’s an ocean full of life and very healthy coral.
It was certainly an incredible few days of scuba diving!
✅ If you’re looking for some FUN DIVES and are ALREADY certified, check out this highly-rated tour with Dive Concepts!
6. You Can Get Dive Certificated
I’ve had my Open Water Cert for years now but Jack wanted to learn, and so we always knew that we would be doing a dive course at some point during the trip.
The great thing amount Nusa Lembongan is that there are so many dive centres to choose from and at the time of visiting, most of them seemed to be doing some sort of discount offer!
So we were in luck.
Before we left for the island, Jack and I had spent ages checking online and deciding which one we liked the most. We arranged it all with them only to be told the night before we left that they weren’t accepting card payments! So it was a mad dash to find another that would.
We messaged a handful that night and managed to get a better deal at one that could accommodate us at short notice and that would accept card payments too.
Was it luck or was it meant to be? Maybe both, because we ended up at Dive Concepts Lembongan who were AMAZING. If you’re heading to Nusa Lembongan and want to Scuba, we highly recommend them!
✅ Are you looking to go from your Open Water to Advanced? You can book it all through dive concepts here!
7. The Chance To Swim With Manta Rays
Manta Point is a hugely popular spot to swim with Manta Rays. There’s a high chance, we were told 90% chance, that you’ll get to see them and swim with them. So, of course, we were in the 10%! SIGH.
Unlucky for us.
Nevermind. Manta Point does offer good odds and I recommend booking a snorkelling trip to Manta Point online to get the best rates.
You’ll get to snorkel alongside manta rays and colourful tropical fish for an awe-inspiring underwater adventure!
✅ Discover the beauty of marine life with a 3 spot snorkelling tour and get the chance to swim with Manta Rays here!
8. Sensational Landscape And Views
As with most islands in Indonesia, the lookout points in Nusa Lembongan are incredible. There are a few noteworthy spots which I want to draw your attention to but in all honesty, all roads lead to amazing viewpoints!
SUNRISE POINTS
If you’re after a sunrise view head to Panorama Point. It’s a roadside location, nothing fancy but you’ll get to see the sunrise over the island.
If you prefer something a little more fancy head to Jenggala Hill Resort for sunrise. You don’t need to stay at the resort but to gain entry you will need to make a purchase.
If your budget allows for it you can also book a private room at Jenggala Hill Resort. You’ll get incredible views and a top-notch stay!
DEVIL’S TEAS BLOWHOLE AND TIDEPOOL
Devil’s Tears is a spot where the waves come in so fast that they hit against the rock face creating a spray of water and mist, which at times can reach a whooping 60ft!
As we sat there watching, the deep turquoise water rolled in as huge waves just before breaking on top of one another, foaming and then smashing up against the rocks.
From the pergola we sat on, we were gently sprayed with a salty mist followed by a low rumbling sound. It was a very peaceful experience as we sat there listening to the ocean.
It was a lovely stop and somewhere you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Nusa Lembongan.
ANY CLIFFTOP LOCATION
We did a fair bit of exploration and ended up down lots of dusty roads. One stop we made, as we were searching for a cliff jumping location (which we never found) which could of either been on Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan, brought us to this amazing cliffside location.
The view was tranquil, there was no one else around and we just sat there taking it all in. You’ll find spots like this all over the island!
9. Three Island Exploration
And for the price of one! They make Nusa Lembongan worth visiting! The Nusa Islands are made up of three islands with Nusa Lembongan being the most developed. I use that term loosely as in comparison to Bali it is much less developed.
One of the best reasons for visiting Nusa Lembongan is that you get easy access to the other two: Nusa Ceningen and Nusa Penida.
✅ You can do this by yourselves, or if you prefer, I’ve found this Lembongan and Ceningan Island Tour. You could combine this with a Nusa Penida Most Famous Spots Tour, and you’re all set!
All three islands are stunning, featuring their own charm and quirkiness. They all have breathtaking beaches, stunning viewpoints, and friendly locals and can all be explored in a day (or two).
To get to Nusa Penida you’ll need to arrange a boat but it’s easy to access Nusa Ceningan.
A DAY OF EXPLORING THE ISLANDS
Our final day on Nusa Lembongan was great! We had finished our diving and Jack was now proudly a PADI-certified diver. It was our opportunity to explore more of the island and so we rented a scooter.
⭐ Pro tip >> This is something I recommend doing even if you’re not sure how to ride. Nusa Lembongan is the perfect place to learn; less traffic, fewer people, and easy roads!
We had a blast!
First, we drove to the famous Yellow Bridge. It’s actually a really thin bridge barely squeezing two bikes through at a time. Watching the sweat drip from Jack’s face and maneuvering through that was fun, although maybe not for Jack, who was concentrating so hard to stay in line!
We hit a few popular photo spots before coming to that cliff overlooking the ocean. Then, some beaches stopped at a cafe or two or three and headed to another beach before finally making our way to Devil’s Tears.
You’ll notice seaweed being dried on the roadside too. Nusa Lembongan has quite a large seaweed farm at the north tip, close to the mangrove forest.
Seaweed farming is a very unique attraction to the island which was introduced in the ’80s and it was the main source of income for many locals residing here.
✅ If it’s a day exploring Nusa Lembongan, you might like this popular Nusa Lembongan Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots!
10. A Nusa Penida Day Trip
Reason number 10, why Nusa Lembongan is worth visiting, is due to its proximity to the popular Nusa Penida.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit Nusa Penida. I’m not entirely sure how or why we missed it but we didn’t go. Gutted, or is it just an excuse to go back? HEHE.
It’s possible to arrange day trips from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. I think this is a great way to explore especially if you’re not keen on doing it yourself or getting lost.
Nusa Penida is much more remote than Nusa Lembongan and has only started receiving tourists in recent years.
✅ In case you’re wondering, the one I would do is Nusa Penida Island Beach Tours
11. Rustic But Charming
Nusa Lembongan’s laid-back atmosphere and slower pace of life provide an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s so easy to embrace the island’s serene charm as you relax on its white sandy beaches and immerse yourself in the local culture.
It’s a rustic but charming location which we loved and in all honesty, is the main reason for making Nusa Lembongan worth visiting!
Cons: Reasons Not To Visit Nusa Lembongan
12. It’s An Island
And well, if you don’t particularly like boats or water crossings you might find yourself in a pickle. You have to take a boat to reach the Nusa Islands unless, of course, you can splurge on a helicopter.
Having to take a boat can be off-putting for some people. Jack, for example, hates boats and was s***ing himself about the crossing. He had read reviews coming out of his eyeballs and focused, as you do, on those which were disastrous.
On the day of our so-called fateful crossing, where he was dosed up to the max, we had a wonderful smooth crossing with nothing but blue skies and calm seas.
The journey is rarely bad and if you’re very worried I’d suggest catching the slow boat/ferry over rather than the private speedboats as they go a lot faster and are much more bumpy.
13. More Expensive Than Bali
The reality is that Nusa Lembongan is more expensive than Bali. Everything on the island arrives via the local ferry and is hand carried off at the beach. Expect prices to be higher than in Bali and locals less willing to bargain.
The good news, since Bali is so cheap for us tourists, a trip to Nusa Lembongan is unlikely to break the bank or anything. But, be prepared to pay anything up to 40% more than you would in Bali!
If you’re really looking to keep your holiday budget-friendly you’re better off staying in Bali, or better yet exploring other islands in Indonesia. One of our favourite locations was a place called Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra – it’s where you will find wild orangutans!
14. Less Developed Than Bali
For some, this is a good thing but for others, this might be something worth considering. The energy in Nusa Lembongan is much more chill. The oceanfront restaurants and bars are perfect for lounging but there’s no real party happening on the islands.
In some rare cases, there will be events going on and the energy levels spike but in general, you’re going to have a laidback, sunkissed, cocktail-in-hand kind of vacation.
You’re not going to find large resort hotels (although there are a few smaller ones dotted around), heavy crowds and loud unbearable tourists. Be prepared for cold showers and money shortages too!
15. No Shopping
Although there are a handful of small boutique shops there is by no means shopping like there is in Bali. It’s also worth noting that whatever you do find in Nusa Lembongan it will be more expensive than if you were to buy it in Bali.
To solve this, why not plan your holiday to Nusa Lembongan in combination with a few days in Bali as well? You can do all your main holiday activities in Nusa Lembongan before heading to Bali on a shopping spree.
After all, you have to fly home from Bali, right?!
Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan has some fun and quirky places to stay. It lovingly caters to everyone from budget-savvy backpackers to luxury travellers. There are plenty of options!
But for now, here are the top 3 places to stay in Nusa Lembongan according to your budget.
Budget-Friendly Option: Walet’s Paradise
Located a few steps from Mushroom Bay Beach, Walet’s Paradise offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace. With pool views and a balcony.
Mid-Range Option: Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas & Restaurant
Located in Nusa Lembongan, less than 1 km from Song Tepo Beach, Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas & Restaurant provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Breakfast included.
Top-End Option: The Shacks at Sandy Bay
Located in Nusa Lembongan, a few steps from Sandy Bay Beach, The Shacks at Sandy Bay provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Breakfast included.
Resources For Bali
Is it your first time visiting Bali? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Bali Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Another location we felt was worth visiting is Amed. It’s a sleepy fishing village on the east shores of Bali.
- Not far is Mount Batur Volcano, which is popular to climb at sunrise.
- Other popular attractions include visiting thermal baths, taking part in Melukat ceremonies, and exploring Ubud.
- If you want to go off the beaten track, visit Pemuteran, which is also great for diving or why not arrange a road trip around the island?
- Don’t forget to add ancient temple sites like Tanah Lot near the busy beach town of Canggu to your itinerary!
Tips On Visiting The Nusa Islands
Use A Scooter To Get Around
We rented a scooter for most of our trip to Bali, however, we only had it for one day in Nusa Lembongan. Mainly because we were busy diving but that one day was spectacular!
Renting a scooter is the most convenient way to explore the Nusa Islands, it allows you to easily navigate the island and visit popular spots. The narrow roads are fun to weave around and it’s a great way to reach attractions at your own pace.
✔️ Best Bali Bike Rental: BIKAGO
If you want to rent a scooter in Bali as we did, you’re going to need a comfortable bike. We recommend BIKAGO, they are a popular Bali-based bike rental company.
You Can Reach Nusa Ceningan By Foot
Don’t fancy renting a scooter in Nusa Lembongan? You can reach Nusa Ceningan on foot. Depending on where you are on the island it’s either going to be a short or long walk, but it’s connected to Nusa Lembongan by a yellow suspension bridge.
You’ll get stunning views of the island and more opportunities to interact with the locals if you choose to explore on foot!
Great For Vegetarians and Vegans
Lucky for us, and you if you’re a veggie too, the Nusa Islands offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dining options.
You’ll find heaps of cosy cafes to beachfront restaurants, which serve up delicious plant-based meals which not only satisfy taste buds but also look so pretty and colourful! (See below for our favourite places to eat in Nusa Lembongan)
ATMs Don’t Always Work
You really need to keep this in mind as it happens quite a lot. I think they generally just run out of money rather than not working. However, I would suggest carrying cash with you as ATMs on the Nusa Islands can be unreliable.
Although cards are accepted in most restaurants, be prepared to pay for meals, activities, and accommodation in cash.
Cash Is King
As I said, some establishments will accept cards but they seem to prefer you to pay in cash. Ensure you have enough Indonesian Rupiah on hand for a seamless experience!
Day Tours To Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, the largest of the Nusa Islands, offers breathtaking landscapes and attractions. Consider joining a private day tour, like this one from Nusa Lembongan to explore highlights like Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach for an unforgettable adventure.
How To Get To Nusa Lembongan
For us, it was an early start to make sure we caught the morning boat from Sunar. Jack had planned the trip to ensure the company we used had a sturdy and reliable boat, himself suffering a concoction of anxiety and dread.
However, after arriving at our ticket office we found it shut with no sign of life, Jack’s face dropped with a flash of panic, you should have seen him!
Anyways, this was due to COVID and for you guys, I’m sure things will go much smoother.
Luckily, the company down the street offered the same service and at a cheaper rate too. The boat looked great and with Jack’s approval, we were quickly making our booking.
WHERE TO CATCH FERRY
There are two ports which ferry people back and forth and you’ll have two options – the slow ferry or a speedboat. The main port is Sanur but the slow ferry will leave from Padang Bai as well.
✅ It’s not necessary to book your ticket in advance, although the port is pretty chaotic and so I would suggest that you do. You can book online here.
Otherwise, you might find a cheaper deal once you arrive at the port but be prepared to haggle and you’ll want to get there early to ensure you get a ticket for that day!
The ferry is extremely affordable (I think around 50,000 IDr) although Jack had safety concerns so we went on the fast boat. The fast boats, which are still quite big, transport a fairly large number of people across. You can get a private speed boat if you don’t mind paying a premium.
Once you set sail, the slow ferry takes around 2 hours. A fast boat will take 30 minutes (ish) but be prepared for long wait times as the boats rarely leave on time. In reality, it could take half a day of travel on the speedboat and a full-day journey on the slow ferry!
✅ You can book a transfer to Sanur Port (Option 9) using this link here.
WHAT WAS THE BOAT TRIP LIKE?
For us, the trip was a quick 30 minutes, most of which I slept. We were lucky with the weather too. It went pretty seamlessly, we didn’t have any issues.
The journey was calm and peaceful with a gentle breeze flowing through the windows, it was perfect sleeping conditions! Jack, now relaxed and calm, was also able to enjoy it.
I will say to him to remember this journey for next time instead of the bad ones! The loading, purchasing of tickets, and unloading of goods once we reached Nusa Lembongan was a bit chaotic but in the end, it’s all part of the experience!
ARRIVING AT NUSA
It was a mad dash getting off the boat, there was no jetty which meant jumping into the sea to reach the beach. There were lots of people there too, most were sellers and taxi-men trying to earn a fare.
We had arranged for the homestay to pick us up and were soon found by Robbie, our host. He had his little scooter to take us back which meant going one at a time. It was quick, not even 5 minutes for us to reach our new place for the next week!
Tip: Be sure to keep your shoes with you. They ask you to take them off and add them to a pile when you first get on, but in the chaos, they are easily lost. Just keep hold of them.
Places To Eat At Nusa Lembongan
I mean, who doesn’t love food? In another life, this blog would be all about food. We’re both huge foodies at heart and a large portion of our adventures are focussed around food!
We tried quite a few places in Nusa Lembongan to say the least and if you’re into healthy eating Nusa Lembongan is certainly somewhere worth visiting!
⭐ Pro tip >> Depending on the season, choose wisely when moving away from beachfront locations. Without the breeze coming over the water it can get very humid. Be conscious and head to places with fans and/or aircon.
OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS
- Bali Eco Cafe: Another spot we loved for breakfast. They do free water refill plus the restaurant is surrounded by greenery and the food choices are fantastic. Great for vegans!
- Sunksana: A restaurant of mixed western and home-cooked Indonesian cuisine where Jack ordered chips, fried chicken wrap and a Red Panang Curry. It was enough to feed four people!
- Ginger & Jamu: A wonderful, charming little spot for breakfast and lunch, they offer a lot of healthy options – great for vegans – and are located on the beachfront.
- Warung Bamboo: It’s hard to pinpoint a specific warung as they are all pretty good, but we enjoyed the Nasi Goreng here with beautiful ocean views.
- Agus Shipwreck Bar: Further down the beach and a great spot for dinner, good pizza and a delicious long island!
- The beach shack called Mola Mola: It doesn’t come up on maps but you’ll need to walk a while down the beach, some way past Agus Shipwreck, and it will be there… if it’s still there!
- Indiana Kenanga Boutique Hotel & Restaurant: For something more fancy you can’t go wrong. We popped in for ice cream, it’s extremely overpriced but the setting, view and atmosphere are totally instagramable!
- The Deck Café & Bar: Overlooking Jungut Batu Beach, The Deck Café & Bar is a great spot to indulge in hearty breakfast options, including fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict!
Budgeting and Expenditures
Our trip to Nusa Lembongan was NOT luxurious. We travelled on a shoestring budget and the expenditures below reflect that. We also got some really good deals and ate some meals at home.
If you’re planning to visit Nusa Lembongan and splurge these costs probably won’t be of much use to you, however, if you’re backpacking this is what we spent (more or less) during our visit to Nusa Lembongan.
I would love to go back and splurge!
BUDGET TRIP COSTS (FOR 2 PEOPLE)
All prices are indicative and here to give you an idea only. Please remember to check prices for your tours and accommodation.
| Transport – Boat trip | 1.000.000 IDR (500.000 each) $60/£50 (Booking online is much cheaper!) |
| Rajuna Homestay | 285.000 IDR (4 nights) $17/£13.50 |
| Scooter Hire | 70.000 IDR (1.5 days) $4.50/£3.50 |
| Mangroves Tour | 200.000 IDR $12.50/£10.00 |
| Extra night at homestay | 60.000 IDR $4.00/£3.00 |
| Hostel Pick up/drop off | 250.000 IDR $15.00/£12.50 |
| Day 1 – Food/Drinks | Lunch 50.000 IDR $3.00/£2.50, Snack 80.000 (cookies and juice x2) $5.00/£4.00, Dinner 200.000 (inc. cocktail each) $12.50/£10.00 |
| Day 2 – Food/Drinks | Breakfast 45.000 $2.80/£2.25, Snack 25.000 £1.25, Dinner 110.000 (2 people) $6.30/£5.10 |
| Day 3 – Food/Drinks | Breakfast 50.000 IDR £2.50, Snack 30.000 (Bakso), Dinner 175.000 (incl. dessert) $7.00/£5.50 |
| Day 4 – Food/Drinks | Breakfast 70.000 IDR $4.50/£3.50, Snack 20.000 £1.00, Dinner 80.000 $5.00/£4.00 |
| Day 5 – Food/Drinks | Breakfast 100.000 IDR £5.00, Lunch 105.000 (incl. 2 beers) £5.10, Cocktails 210.000 £10.50, Dinner 185.000 $11.50/£9.25 |
Is Nusa Lembongan Worth Visiting: Conclusion
Although Nusa Lembongan isn’t quite a hidden gem in Indonesia, it is definitely worth visiting for its breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil ambience. It’s certainly not as busy as Bali and sees much fewer crowds.
Things are changing, however, and it’s becoming busier, so now is the time to visit!
If you want to learn to Scuba Dive it’s one of the most affordable places around Bali and with its soft sandy beaches, azure waters and colourful corals, it’s one of the best island paradise to escape it all!
👉Read Next: Find out if the hugely popular Island of Gods is worth visiting for your next vacation here!
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