Your Guide to Nusa Lembongan in Bali, Indonesia

Travelling to Nusa Lembongan is straightforward, with fast boats operating daily from Sanur Harbour in Bali. The crossing usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Sanur is the main departure point and is easily reached from popular areas such as Nusa Dua, Seminyak, and Ubud.

When planning travel to Lembongan Island, it helps to choose morning departures, as seas are often calmer earlier in the day. Boats typically arrive directly at the beach or a small jetty, giving travellers their first glimpse of the island’s laid-back atmosphere as soon as they step ashore.

Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak travel periods and school holidays. Sea conditions can vary, so flexible scheduling is useful if you are sensitive to motion. For travellers mapping out a broader itinerary, our Bali travel guide offers helpful context on combining island visits with time on the mainland.

Many travellers use Nusa Lembongan as a base to explore nearby islands. Nusa Penida, in particular, is known for its dramatic landscapes and is easily reached by boat. For a deeper look at that experience, see our Ultimate Guide to Nusa Penida Island.

Beach life is central to the appeal of Nusa Lembongan. Calm bays invite swimming and paddleboarding, while other coastal areas are ideal for relaxing with ocean views. Because the island is compact, it is easy to enjoy different stretches of coastline within a single day.

Away from the beaches, mangrove forests offer a quieter side of the island. Guided boat rides through these calm waterways provide a peaceful contrast to open coastal areas and highlight the island’s natural environment.

The waters around Nusa Lembongan are known for snorkelling and marine encounters. Coral reefs and tropical fish are visible close to shore, and local operators offer guided experiences that suit a range of comfort levels. Conditions vary by season, so local advice is helpful when planning water activities.

Nusa Lembongan can be visited throughout the year, though conditions vary by season. The dry months from May to October generally offer calmer seas and clearer days, making them popular for beach time and snorkelling.

The wetter months tend to be quieter, with fewer visitors and a slower pace, though rain and sea conditions can affect boat crossings. To align your island visit with favourable conditions across Bali, our guide to the best time to visit Bali provides useful seasonal guidance.

One of the advantages of Nusa Lembongan travel is the island’s small size. Many visitors get around on foot for short distances or hire scooters to move between beaches and villages. Roads are generally flatter than those on Nusa Penida, though some sections can still be uneven.

Local transport services and drivers are also available for those who prefer not to ride scooters. For travellers wanting to explore further, the Yellow Bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to neighbouring Nusa Ceningan, making it easy to extend your island experience without changing accommodation.

Most visitors explore Nusa Lembongan as a day trip or stay for one or two nights. A short stay allows time to enjoy beaches, coastal views, and nearby islands without rushing.

Nusa Lembongan works particularly well as a contrast to time spent in southern Bali or Ubud, offering a more relaxed rhythm before returning to the mainland. For travellers staying in Nusa Dua, Club Med Bali provides a convenient base for discovering Bali while planning optional island escapes.