Lembongan Day trip departure from bali

Exploring Nusa Lembongan from Bali: A Practical & Authentic Full-Day Adventure

This full-day tour from Bali to Nusa Lembongan offers a well-rounded introduction to one of Indonesia’s most charming islands. It’s perfect for travelers craving a mix of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and local culture, all within a manageable day trip. The highlight? Visiting Devil’s Tears, crossing the colorful Yellow Bridge, and wandering through lush Mangrove Point — all with a relaxed pace.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see some of Bali’s best natural sights without spending a fortune or committing to multiple days. Plus, the tour’s inclusion of hotel pickup, round-trip boat transfers, and a local Indonesian buffet lunch make it a convenient, fuss-free way to explore. That said, it’s worth noting that the transportation is in an open-air minivan without air conditioning, which might feel warm depending on the time of year or your comfort preferences.

This trip is ideal for those who want an authentic, value-packed day on Nusa Lembongan—perfect for families, solo travelers, or anyone looking for a leisurely excursion that hits the key highlights without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day experience: At $90 per person, it offers great value with many included activities.
• Highlights natural beauty: Devil’s Tears and mangroves provide stunning scenery and fantastic photo opportunities.
• Iconic bridge visit: The Yellow Bridge is a must-see for its vibrant lighting and romantic “Bridge of Love” vibe.
• Flexible itinerary: The stops are well-spaced, allowing ample time for photos, exploration, and relaxing.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and round-trip boat make transportation smooth.
• Limited snorkeling options: The tour doesn’t include snorkeling, but you can pay separately if interested.

An In-Depth Look at the Nusa Lembongan Day Trip

Starting the Journey: Early Morning Pickup and Transportation

Most travelers meet around 7:30 am, with hotel pickup from designated areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and nearby Ubud spots. The transport is in an open-air minivan, which might be a bit warm but keeps the atmosphere casual and breezy. The journey across the sea begins with a round-trip boat from Bali, giving you a true island-hopping feel from the start.

The boat ride itself is straightforward, with most visitors finding it smooth and scenic. Given the short travel time, it’s an easy way to escape the busier parts of Bali and step into a more relaxed island environment.

Devil’s Tears: Nature’s Spectacle and Photo Magnet

Devil’s Tears is the first major stop, and it’s a highlight for many. This natural wonder features rocky cliffs where powerful waves crash with thunderous force, creating a dramatic spectacle. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the sunlight hits the water just right, amplifying the vibrant blues of the sea and making photos pop.

The soundscape here is as impressive as the view—each wave crashes against the rocks with a deafening roar, which can be both exhilarating and a little humbling. The 30-minute visit includes an admission ticket, so you can get quite close to the action. Many guests comment on how photogenic the location is, especially when capturing the spray and waves at the right moment.

Cross the Colorful Yellow Bridge: A Photo Opportunity and Local Icon

Next up is the Yellow Bridge, a rebuilt structure that connects Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan. Known affectionately as the “Bridge of Love”, it’s become a favorite for visitors eager for memorable photos. The addition of colorful night lighting makes it especially attractive in the evenings, but daytime visits still offer fantastic views.

The 30-minute stop gives you time to walk across and snap plenty of pictures. The bridge’s bright yellow hue contrasts beautifully with the blue waters, and the experience of crossing from one island to another adds a sense of adventure. Guests often mention how the bridge’s vibrant appearance is a “photo magnet,” and it’s a perfect spot for capturing that classic Bali island vibe.

Mangrove Point: Nature’s Calm and Photography Goldmine

The tour’s third highlight is Mangrove Point, where you’ll get to see majestic mangrove roots that tower around 6 meters high. The mangroves are home to 11 different species, including Bako, Bakau Pitih, and Sonneritia Alba, making it a fascinating spot for nature lovers.

Spending around an hour here, you’ll walk through the mangroves, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and capture some fantastic photos of the intricate root systems. Many visitors agree that this stop is a “must-see,” especially since the mangroves look otherworldly in photographs. It’s a peaceful break from the more energetic stops, and it’s likely to appeal to those who enjoy flora and fauna.

Lunch and Relaxation

After the sightseeing, everyone gathers for a buffet Indonesian lunch from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The meal, which includes juice, tea, and coffee, is considered good value and is a chance to relax and refuel before the afternoon activities. Many reviews note the lunch as a highlight, appreciating the authentic flavors and generous portions.

Optional Extras: Snorkeling and Additional Fees

While snorkeling isn’t included in this tour, many guests might consider adding it on their own. If you’re interested in watersports, you’d need to pay separately for snorkeling, with prices varying depending on the vendor.

Be prepared for two additional fees: the Lembongan island harbor tax (around USD 2 per person, payable in cash) and the conservation fee of Rp.100,000 (about USD 7) per adult, which helps protect the marine environment. Both fees are collected upon landing or at the harbor, and it’s wise to have cash ready.

Ending the Day: Return to Bali

The tour wraps up with a smooth boat ride back to Bali, arriving in the late afternoon, just in time for a relaxed evening or further exploration. The shared group size is limited to 15 travelers, creating a more intimate atmosphere and allowing for better interaction with guides.

What Real Travelers Say

One reviewer shared, “Not into snorkeling but did an island tour and just loved it, went to the Famous yellow bridge, blow holes, dream beach for free time, a lovely lunch and canoeing down the mangoes just loved it.” This highlights how flexible and varied the experience can be, even for those not interested in water activities.

Another guest mentioned the stunning views at Devil’s Tears and the vibrant colors of the bridge, emphasizing the tour’s photo opportunities. The guide’s commentary and the relaxed pace seem to enhance the overall experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Practical Considerations

• The open-air minivan makes the trip more authentic but can get warm, so dress comfortably and bring water.
• The timing is well-structured, with most stops allowing enough time for photos and exploration without feeling rushed.
• The cost of $90 includes most major highlights and meals, representing good value compared to private tours.
• Be prepared for extra fees at the harbor and for conservation, and carry enough cash to cover these.
• The group size limits to 15 travelers, which is ideal for a more personal experience.
• Insurance coverage is for ages 10-65, with those over 60 or under 10 needing to sign a risk waiver.

The Sum Up

This Bali to Nusa Lembongan day trip offers a nicely balanced mix of scenic sights, local landmarks, and peaceful nature spots. It’s best suited for travelers who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning, and who value authentic experiences amidst stunning views. The included lunch, smooth transportation, and manageable group size make for a hassle-free adventure.

If your goal is to snap memorable photos of Devil’s Tears and the Yellow Bridge, enjoy the mangroves’ tranquility, and get a taste of island life, this tour delivers. It’s especially good for those who appreciate good value and straightforward logistics, rather than luxury or snorkel-centric excursions.

For travelers seeking a laid-back, visually rewarding day with a local touch, this trip strikes a fine balance. Just remember to bring cash for extras, prepare for warm weather, and keep your camera ready—you’ll want those memories to last.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup from select areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Ubud is included, making the trip convenient.

How long is the total tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, with most of that time spent exploring and enjoying the sights.

Does the tour include snorkeling? No, snorkeling is not included, but you can pay separately if you want to add water activities.

What is the cost? The tour costs $90.00 per person, which covers transportation, boat transfers, visits, and lunch.

Are there any extra fees? Yes, you’ll need cash for the harbor tax (around USD 2) and marine conservation fee (around USD 7) per adult.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is the transportation comfortable? The minivan is open-air and without air conditioning, which might be warm but adds to the casual, scenic vibe.

Can children join? Yes, but children under 10 need to sign a risk waiver, and insurance covers travelers aged 10-65.

In essence, this Bali to Nusa Lembongan tour provides a practical yet authentic way to enjoy some of Indonesia’s most stunning island sights. It’s ideal for travelers craving a relaxed, scenic, and culturally rich day without overcomplicating logistics or breaking the bank.