Nusa Lembongan One Day Itinerary: How To Spend A Day

Over 60% of travelers to Bali miss out on the pristine beauty of Nusa Lembongan, a gem just 30 minutes offshore. You’ll find this small island offers an impressive mix of adventure and relaxation that can be experienced in just one day. From dramatic cliff views to vibrant marine life beneath crystal waters, your day trip can capture the essence of island paradise without the mainland crowds. Let’s explore how to make the most of your limited time on this enchanting island.

Key Points

• Start at Mushroom Bay for swimming or paddleboarding, then visit the dramatic Devil’s Tear before it gets crowded.
• Book a morning snorkeling tour to Crystal Bay or Manta Bay to see vibrant marine life and possibly manta rays.
• Cross the iconic Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan for lunch at a local warung and stunning water views.
• Spend your afternoon relaxing at Dream Beach’s white sands or explore the island by scooter (70,000-100,000 IDR/day).
• End your day with sunset dining at The Deck Cafe or Hai Bar & Grill for panoramic views and fresh seafood.

Arriving at Nusa Lembongan: Transportation & Logistics

Getting to Nusa Lembongan is surprisingly straightforward despite its island status. Fast boats from Bali take just 15-30 minutes, with companies like Rocky Fast Cruises offering four daily departures from Sanur. Your ticket includes luggage (even surfboards) and hotel pickup to the port.

Once you’ve arrived at either Mushroom Bay or Lembongan Beach, you’ll need to contemplate your on-island transport options. Renting a scooter is the most popular choice at 70,000-100,000 IDR per day (about $4.50-$6.20). Most rental services include helmets and fuel with your rental.

If you’re not comfortable riding, golf carts and buggies are available alternatives. Many accommodations can arrange shuttle trucks with seating for getting around, while walking works fine for shorter distances between beaches and villages. For those seeking adventure activities, Nusa Lembongan offers thrilling options similar to mainland Bali but with less crowded conditions.

Morning Exploration: Mushroom Bay & Dream Beach

After settling into island life, your Nusa Lembongan adventure truly begins with a morning visit to its most enchanting coastal spots. Head to Mushroom Bay Beach near Jungut Batu Port, where you’ll find a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for swimming or paddleboarding with rental SUP boards.

The bay offers various accommodations with infinity pools and restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. For the best experience, arrive early to avoid crowds. While less crowded than Bali, maintaining safety awareness during your visit will ensure a worry-free experience. Consider exploring the area on an electric bike tour, which provides an eco-friendly way to navigate between beaches and viewpoints.

Next, make your way to Dream Beach on the southwestern side of the island. This picturesque spot features stunning white sand and is ideal for relaxation, photography, and sunset viewing.

You can reach it via a short walk from nearby hotels or by taxi. Remember to bring sunscreen and support local businesses during your visit.

Midday Adventures: Devil’s Tear & Yellow Bridge

As the midday sun reaches its peak over Nusa Lembongan, two iconic attractions await your exploration: the dramatic Devil’s Tear and the picturesque Yellow Bridge.

Head to the west coast to witness Devil’s Tear’s spectacular display of waves crashing against rugged cliffs. Named for the sea spray that resembles tears when waves hit the rocks, this natural blowhole-like phenomenon creates a mesmerizing sight. While you’ll find plenty of parking and nearby shops, exercise caution near the edges—the site’s growing popularity has unfortunately led to accidents. Consider hiring a car for comfort on the rough roads.

Respect Devil’s Tear’s raw power—stand back from edges and embrace the magnificent coastal spectacle safely.

Afterward, make your way to the vibrant Yellow Bridge connecting Lembongan to Ceningan. This landmark offers stunning water views and a glimpse into local island life.

Before crossing to Ceningan, take a moment to savor some Balinese cuisine flavors at one of the small warung restaurants near the bridge.

Don’t forget sun protection and respect local customs as you capture photos of both locations. Time your visit strategically to enjoy these sites before the afternoon crowds arrive.

Afternoon Activities: Snorkeling & Hidden Gems

The afternoon in Nusa Lembongan offers perfect opportunities to explore the island’s vibrant underwater world. For the best experience, book a boat tour to renowned spots like Crystal Bay with its clear visibility or Manta Bay where you’ll likely encounter majestic rays gliding through the water.

If you’re seeking less crowded alternatives, head to Mangrove Beach or Lembongan Bay, which is ideal for beginners. Mangrove Point features gentle sloping reefs with beautiful branching table corals that are perfect for leisurely exploration. Bali’s underwater beauty extends throughout these areas with colorful fish and vibrant marine ecosystems to discover. Always check weather conditions and be mindful of currents, especially at sites like Mangrove Point.

Remember to apply sunscreen, respect marine life by not touching coral or creatures, and consider combining your snorkeling adventure with beach relaxation or island hopping to nearby Nusa Penida.

Bring an underwater camera to capture the colorful fish and coral formations you’ll discover.

Sunset & Evening: Where to Eat & Best Views

Sunset hours transform Nusa Lembongan into a magical landscape where vibrant skies meet turquoise waters, creating the perfect backdrop for evening dining.

For unbeatable views, head to The Deck Cafe for wood-fired pizzas while enjoying live music, or Cloudland Bar’s elevated timber deck offering panoramic vistas with Indonesian sharing plates.

If you’re staying near Sunset Garden, Oishii Bar & Grill serves excellent sushi just 0.1 miles away.

Beach lovers shouldn’t miss Tigerlilly’s Beach Shack, where you can dig your toes in the sand during Happy Hour with an Aperol Spritz in hand. The relaxed atmosphere here offers a must-visit destination experience similar to what draws visitors to Sanur.

For higher-end dining, Hai Bar & Grill‘s bay-facing tables let you savor freshly grilled seafood as the sun dips below the horizon. Karana Lembongan offers an exceptional dining experience with best for views and delicious seafood dishes in a tranquil setting.

Last Words

Nusa Lembongan is a tiny island that packs an enormous punch. Like the dramatic waves at Devil’s Tear that transform into gentle ripples along Mushroom Bay, you’ll find both exhilaration and tranquility here in perfect balance. You’ve conquered the island in just one day, but don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your return before the sunset fades over The Deck. Some paradises simply can’t be explored just once.