Nusa Lembongan lies just off the southeast coast of the Indonesian island of Bali. It is considerably smaller than Bali itself. Unlike Bali, Nusa Lembongan remains largely unchanged although not untouched by tourism. If you are just looking for a peaceful holiday without any hustle or bustle then this small island could be exactly the destination that you have been searching for. You can relax on the beaches or take part in water sports but entirely at your own pace, and without been put under pressure to do anything. It has the added the bonus of having some great views thrown into the bargain.
Remarkably considering that Nusa Lembongan only covers 8 square kilometers is the number of different activities that can be done on the island, or just of it’s shoreline, It is part of a trio of islands just off South Bali. The other two being the considerably bigger Nusa Penida, and the even smaller Nusa Ceningan. The sea surrounding these three islands provides ideal conditions for diving as well as surfing, although the latter is really popular. Therefore, do not be too surprised that you may have to wait to get a turn.
Getting Nusa Lembongan from Bali
The vast majority of tourists that reach Nusa Lembongan do so by boat from Bali, unless you have enough funds to hire a helicopter to take you there. It is recommended that you use a fast boat service to get to the island. The public ferry service is cheaper, slower, and definitely more dangerous than any of the fast boat services.
The cost of boats will vary depending on how fast they are, and there is little chance of landing with dry feet. Fast boat tickets can be brought online, direct from the companies, or sometimes via your hotel. Perhaps the best websites for buying tickets is lombokfastboats.com as they give you tickets for the same day and not the day after. Once the boat has dropped you off on the island there are a few beaches that you can go to, including:
- Paradise Beach is the first one you could try. Besides offering a great view of Mount Agung there is white sand not to mention mangrove trees.
- Mushroom Beach is the arrival point for most of the boats on to the island. It also boasts a white sand beach with clean sand and water.
- Perhaps the best beach for those people that only want to relax is the aptly named Paradise Beach. This is probably the most tranquil beach on the island, yet it is best not to swim here as the currents are really strong.
- Then there is Sunset Beach which is sometimes called Sandy Bay. It is next to Dream Beach, and is also fairly secluded. At low tide you can visit a cave, but remember to head back before the tide rises too high.
Some recommended Boats to Nusa Lembongan
Scoot Fast Cruise
Scoot Fast Cruise also operates five daily speed boat services between Bali and Nusa Lembongan. Four daily trips from Sanur to Lembongan with an approximate crossing time of 30 minutes and two daily trips from Padang Bai to Lembongan with a crossing time of 45 minutes. read more
Semaya One Fast Cruise
Semayaone Cruise will be unforgettable moment since they have managed to make excellent service and hospitality for their passengers for over two years. Having overcome matters regarding boat design, the company is now famous as one of the most trusted local fast cruise companies. read more
Bali Brio Cruise
The main destination of Bali Brio Cruise is to Nusa Lembongan. The boat to Nusa Lembongan departed three times per day and also return. Departed from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan at 9.15 am, 13.00 pm and 16.00pm, transfer duration about 25 – 30 minutes. Boat services include free pick up and drop service in Bali, cover ; Nusa Dua, Kuta, Seminyak, Legian and Sanur area. read more
Rocky Fast Cruise
Rocky fast boat is the specialist boat transfer that service between Bali and Lembongan. Lembongan Fast Cruises brings this magic island closer than ever with comfortable cruisers offering the fastest crossing time from Sanur to Nusa lembongan with four daily return departures for a 25-minute crossing, visitors on any schedule will have ampe time for leisurely exploration or recreation. read more
Activities on the island
For those people that want to do things apart from relaxing there activities available in and around the island.
Surfing
It was surfers that discovered Nusa Lembongan for tourists in the first place. Everything is in place for excellent surfing conditions most of the year round. The currents, and wind directions, as well as shipwrecks help to make the surfing good to very good.
Scuba Diving
The waters around the island are also really good for scuba diving. The water is crystal clear all year round, there is coral to explore, as well as shipwrecks. Care needs to be taken in some places with strong currents yet over all diving conditions are excellent.
