Nusa Lembongan Travel Guide - Best Places to Eat, Stay & Play.

When deciding between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, it boils down to your travel preferences. Nusa Penida is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering dramatic landscapes, thrilling hikes, and iconic spots like Kelingking Beach. It’s the place for those who crave exploration and Instagram-worthy views. On the other hand, Nusa Lembongan provides a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding on serene beaches, easy snorkeling, and enjoying a slower pace of life. It’s ideal for travelers who want a mix of relaxation and mild adventure.

For those who want the best of both worlds, you might even consider splitting your time between the two islands, starting with the tranquil vibes of Nusa Lembongan before diving into the adventurous spirit of Nusa Penida. This way, you can experience the full spectrum of what the Nusa Islands have to offer.

For a detailed comparison, check out my blog post here.

For a well-rounded experience in Nusa Lembongan, I recommend spending at least three nights on the island. This gives you enough time to explore its stunning beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and soak in the laid-back vibe. However, if you have the time, you could easily spend a month here, enjoying the slower pace and discovering hidden gems at your leisure. Nusa Lembongan is a place where time seems to slow down, making it perfect for an extended stay.

To get from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida, make your way to the Yellow Bridge, where you can catch a boat ride that takes around 10 to 15 minutes. The boat fare is typically 50k IDR (about $3 USD). It's important to note that tickets are usually purchased in person and are not available online. This quick and scenic trip is an excellent way to explore both Nusa Islands during your visit, allowing you to experience the unique beauty and attractions each island offers.

While most places on Nusa Lembongan do accept cards, it's still a good idea to have cash on hand, as Bali generally operates on a cash-first basis. There are a few ATMs around Mushroom Bay, but they can sometimes run out of cash, especially during busy periods. To avoid any inconvenience, I recommend bringing enough cash from Bali before heading to the island. This ensures you’re prepared for any situation where card payments aren’t accepted.

Grab and Gojek are not available on Nusa Lembongan, so you’ll need to rely on local transport options. The island’s compact size makes it easy to walk around, especially in areas like Jungut Batu. If you prefer motorized transport, you can rent a scooter, though be aware that the roads can be bumpy. Alternatively, local buggies are available, and many spas, restaurants, and beach clubs offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off services, ensuring you can navigate the island with ease.

Ultimately, the best fast boat to Nusa Lembongan depends on your specific needs, including factors like departure times, pricing, and additional services such as hotel transfers. I've personally used several services, including Rocky Fast Cruise, D'Camel, Scoot, and Marlin Lembongan Cruiser, and found them all to be fairly similar in terms of reliability and comfort. Each offers a smooth journey with slight variations in service, so you can choose the one that best fits your schedule and budget.

Nusa Lembongan is surprisingly pet-friendly, making it a great destination to bring your fur baby along for the adventure. Here are some tips from our experience:

Check Fast Boat Pet Policies: Not all fast boats allow pets, so double-check before you book. We took Lilikoi in a pet carrier on Manta Express, and she loved it! There's even a special waiting area for pets at the harbor, and they get VIP treatment with priority boarding. 🐾

Book Pet-Friendly Accommodation: Use Airbnb to find a pet-friendly place to stay. We found a cozy bungalow right on Jungutbatu Beach that was perfect for us and Lilikoi.

Restaurant Etiquette: While restaurants on Nusa Lembongan can be a bit stricter about pets compared to the mainland, there are still plenty of pet-friendly spots:

-Ombak Zero Waste is extremely pet-friendly, even offering a special doggy plate.

- The Pontoon at Lago is another favorite, where they happily welcomed Lilikoi.

- Ohana’s is the best spot for sunsets, and you can relax on the beach bags with your pup.

- La Bianca and Oneeighty were also super dog-friendly, making dining out easy.

Street Dogs: The beaches are home to many street dogs, and while most are friendly, some can be territorial. Lilikoi enjoyed playing with most of them, but it’s important to stay mindful of those that might be more aggressive.

Pro-Tip: If your dog loves coconuts as much as Lilikoi does, grab one for them wherever you go! It’s a great way to keep them hydrated, freshen their breath, and maintain a shiny coat.

With these tips in mind, you and your furry friend are sure to have an amazing time exploring Nusa Lembongan together!

The best time to visit Nusa Lembongan is during the dry season, from April to September, when you can expect sunny skies and minimal rainfall. However, if you're traveling between November and March, Nusa Lembongan might still be a great option. Despite being only 15km from Bali, Nusa Lembongan has a unique microclimate that often results in longer dry spells and better weather year-round.

While Bali’s mountainous regions attract more rain, Nusa Lembongan’s low-lying terrain tends to stay drier. It's not unusual to see rain pouring down on Bali while Nusa Lembongan enjoys clear skies. This is especially true during the wet season, when southwest winds push rain clouds away from the Nusa Islands.

So, if you're looking to escape Bali's wet weather during the shoulder seasons, Nusa Lembongan could be your sunny retreat. Local experiences and even surf cameras often show a stark contrast between the two locations, with Nusa Lembongan basking in sunshine while Bali is drenched in rain.