Everything You're Wondering About Nusa Lembongan, Answered
Nusa Lembongan sits 12km off Bali's southeast coast — close enough to see from Sanur Beach, far enough to feel like a different country. It's tiny (8 square kilometers), mostly flat, and moves at about one-tenth the speed of Bali's tourist machine.
First-timers arrive with the same questions. Here they are, answered straight.
Q: How do you get there?
Speedboat from Sanur Beach in . Several operators run daily: , , and are the most reliable. The ride takes 25-35 minutes. Cost: IDR 150,000-250,000 one-way (~$9.50-16 USD) depending on operator and season.
Book return tickets in advance — boats fill up, especially on weekends and holidays. They dock at Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay on Lembongan.
One heads-up: the crossing can turn rough, especially in the afternoon. Take the morning boat if you're prone to seasickness.
Q: What about ATMs?
There are ATMs on Lembongan — maybe five or six across the island. They work... sometimes. The machines frequently run out of cash, go offline, or eat cards. Bring cash from Bali. IDR 2,000,000-3,000,000 (~$130-195) covers 3-4 days for a mid-range trip. Some restaurants and hotels accept cards, but expect a 3% surcharge.
Q: Do you need a scooter?
Yes. Lembongan has no taxis, no Grab, no public transport. The island is small enough to cross on foot in theory, but in 30°C heat with humidity, you won't want to. Scooter rental: IDR 75,000-100,000/day (~$4.80-6.50).
The roads are narrow, sometimes unpaved, and shared with pedestrians, dogs, and other scooters. Drive slowly. Take extra care on the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan — it's narrow, and one-way alternates.
Q: Is the Yellow Bridge safe?
The current bridge (rebuilt after the original collapsed in 2016, in which nine people died) is concrete and structurally sound. It's safe for scooters and pedestrians. But it's narrow — one lane each direction — and gets congested. Don't stop for photos on the bridge. Pull over on the Ceningan side.
Q: What's Devil's Tears?
A natural blowhole on Lembongan's southwest coast where ocean swells slam into limestone cliffs, throwing massive sprays of water 15+ meters into the air. It's dramatic, photogenic, and genuinely dangerous — rogue waves have swept people off the rocks. Stay behind the barriers.
Free access. Best at high tide when the swells are biggest. Sunset here is spectacular, and crowded.
Q: Can you see mola mola (ocean sunfish)?
Maybe. Mola mola visit the waters around Nusa Lembongan during the cold season — July to November — when thermoclines pull nutrient-rich deep water close to the surface. They come to cleaning stations on the reef.
Sightings aren't guaranteed; they depend on water temperature and luck. Dive operators at Crystal Bay (on nearby Nusa Penida) run specific mola mola dives during the season. Two-dive day trips from Lembongan: IDR 1,500,000-2,500,000 (~$97-162).
Peak mola mola window: September-October. Water temperature drops to 18-22°C at depth — bring a 5mm wetsuit or rent one.
Q: What's the snorkeling like?
Excellent. Mangrove Point delivers crystal-clear water over coral gardens with turtles, reef fish, and sometimes manta rays. Crystal Bay (Nusa Penida side) is famous for marine life and clear water. You can snorkel right off the beach at Mushroom Bay, though the coral there is less impressive.
Snorkeling trips by boat: IDR 200,000-400,000 (~$13-26) for a half-day hitting 3-4 spots.
Q: What about the seaweed farms?
Lembongan's traditional seaweed farming creates a surreal landscape — underwater gardens of bright green seaweed glowing in the turquoise shallows. You can wade among them (carefully — don't step on the frames) and watch farmers harvesting at low tide.
The seaweed is exported for cosmetics and food products. It's a working agricultural landscape, not a tourist attraction — which is exactly what makes it worth seeing. Best viewed from the east coast near Jungut Batu.
Q: Dream Beach — worth it?
Yes, with caveats. It's a beautiful crescent of white sand flanked by limestone cliffs. Entry: IDR 20,000 ($1.30). Sunbed rental: IDR 50,000 ($3.25). The swimming is only safe when the sea is calm — strong currents and waves make it dangerous on rough days. Watch the red flag system.
Q: How long should you stay?
Minimum 2 nights. Three is better. That gives you a day for the Lembongan sights (Devil's Tears, Dream Beach, seaweed farms, mangroves), a day for Nusa Ceningan across the bridge, and a day for snorkeling or diving.
Combining with Nusa Penida (the big island)? Add 2-3 more days and take a boat between Lembongan and Penida.
Q: Is it cheaper than Bali?
Accommodation: about the same or slightly more (island tax). Food: slightly pricier because everything ships from Bali. Activities: comparable. Overall, expect to spend 10-20% more than equivalent quality on mainland Bali.
Budget: IDR 500,000-800,000/day (~$32-52) for basic accommodation, scooter, meals, and one activity.
Q: Temple ceremonies — what should you know?
Lembongan is Balinese Hindu, and ceremonies happen often — sometimes daily. If you encounter one, dress respectfully (sarong over swimwear), ask before photographing, and don't walk through it. Hotels can lend sarongs.
An invitation to participate is a genuine honor. Say yes — one unplanned ceremony can turn into the highlight of the whole trip.
Q: Any safety concerns?
Strong currents are the main danger — they claim tourists every year across the Nusa islands. Don't swim against a current. Don't snorkel unfamiliar areas without local guidance. The currents between Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida rank among the strongest in Bali.
Scooter accidents are the other risk. The roads beat Penida's but trail Bali's. Wear a helmet — the full 15 Nusa Lembongan tips go deeper on staying safe here.
Q: Nusa Lembongan vs Nusa Penida — which should you pick?
Different experiences. Lembongan is small, flat, relaxed — a place to chill, snorkel, and explore on a scooter. Penida is large, dramatic, rugged — famous for the Kelingking cliffside T-Rex viewpoint and Angel's Billabong.
For a chill beach break: Lembongan. For dramatic landscapes and adventure: Penida. Ideally: both, with Lembongan as your base and a day trip to Penida.
Quick Reference
Detail
Info
Getting there
Speedboat from Sanur, 30 min, IDR 150,000-250,000 (~$10-16)
Currency
IDR; bring cash from Bali
Scooter rental
IDR 75,000-100,000/day (~$5-6.50)
Budget per day
IDR 500,000-800,000 ($32-52)
Must-see
Devil's Tears, mangrove tour, Nusa Ceningan
Best snorkeling
Mangrove Point, Crystal Bay
Mola mola season
July-November
Base yourself in Bali and day-trip to Lembongan, or combine with Siargao in the Philippines for a two-island surf-and-snorkel circuit.
