While Bali has the beaches, cafes and chaotic mess, Nusa Lembongan is the complete opposite: blue waters, easy to book snorkeling trips and gorgeous accommodations.

It is not as disneyfied as Nusa Penida and also a great base to stay if you love calm places, and do not want the overstimulation like Bali.

I found gorgeous places to stay, kind locals and accommodation options that suit every budget. There are so many beaches to visit and I feel Nusa Lembongan would be a great place to stay instead of Uluwatu if it is your first Bali trip.

It is also a good idea to stay in Nusa Lembongan for 3-4 days and do Nusa Penida on a day trip or split your time evenly.

Another option is Nusa Ceningan but I felt there’s little less going on in that island and if you have a motorbike, you can also visit the places on a day trip.

Also read: Unseen Bali In 10 Days: A Complete Itinerary of What To Do

How To Get To Nusa Lembongan?

where to stay in nusa lembongan? Here are my accommodation options & best things to do in the island

The easiest way to get to Nusa Lembongan is to depart from Bali, Sanur harbor. You can book your tickets here.

There are few package options that you can take that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.

You can also pick your operator. I went with Rocky Express but I believe Arthamas Express and Tanis Express are equally good. They are all air-conditioned and manage your luggage and provide life jackets.

Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan?

the quaint and chic places in nusa lembongan

There are two main areas to stay in Nusa Lembongan: Mushroom Bay Beach and Jungutbatu Beach.

I found Jungutbatu to be the best place to stay, there are good eating options, and the beach looks super blue and amazing.

There are some corals which makes it a bit rocky hence not the most ideal beach to swim in but it is still a good base to have accessibility to all the things you would want to do and some awesome bakeries, yoga classes and bars.

The Most Affordable Accommodations in Nusa Lembongan

1. Helly Secret Garden Cottage

helly secret garden cottage Pc: Booking.com

If you want green settings in a chic place, you should absolutely stay in this green cottage. For such a great price, you get a spacious bathroom and easy access to the beaches and restaurants.

The staff goes above and beyond and you also get good value for your money here in a place that feels like a tropical paradise. Book it here.

2. Puspa Guest House Lembongan

This is a new guest house but it is so clean and relatively in a quiet place. To Jungutbatu, it is a 14 minute walk to the beach and the places to stay in is so clean and bright that makes you think what a steal it is to stay in places like this. Book it here.

Mid-Range Accommodations in Nusa Lembongan

3. Su Casa Boutique Hotel Lembongan

su casa hotel boutique in nusa lembongan Pc: Booking.com

If you want something that’s modern, clean and one minute away from the beach with access to a great range of cafes, you have to stay here. I found it really bright, clean and gorgeous.

It is also not your typical resort and feels really intimate with a gorgeous looking pool. Book it here.

4. Maha Di Nusa Lembongan

I stayed in this place and absolutely loved how clean and quiet it was. The best part was the pool, comfy room and access to beachside warungs which you absolutely must try when you are here.

Since it is a new-ish property, the place does go above and beyond to listen to your requests. It is also a nice place for long term stays. Book it here.

5. United Colours of Lembongan

United colours of lembongan Pc: Booking.com

Pink rooms, gorgeous interior and direct access to the beach with amazing spa facilities opposite the hotel. I wanted to stay here but it was fully booked and I highly recommend checking it out and don’t think there are places that look like this.

The air conditioning is pretty strong and the place organises everything you need for you from day trips to scooter rentals and so on. Book it here.

Unique Luxe Accommodations in Nusa Lembongan

6. Ketut Losmen Villas Lembongan

Villas in Lembongan are some of the best experiences you have to do. It costs way less than Bali, and starting with the first Ketut Losmen Villas has a gorgeous space, outdoor shower with a scenic walk right up to Coconut Beach.

The villa is also really spacious, the beds are comfortable, the bathrooms are modern and clean and the kitchen is huge. Book it here.

7. Mytongos Private Villa

While this villa is not in Jungutbatu, it deserves a special mention because of how tastefully it was designed.

The place has a whole Greek theme going on and has one of the most stunning places to stay in. All the little touches and service plus breakfast make it like such a dream accommodation. Book it here.

8. Naluna Lembongan

Imagine staying in a luxurious tent overlooking the ocean: just for this experience and the pure aesthetics of being in this place, Naluna Lembongan is probably the only place where they do glamping absolutely right.

The food is also amazing with great cocktails and various lounging spots. There’s even a sauna and infinity swimming pool. You don’t want to leave this place because of how gorgeous it is. Book it here.

The Best Things To Do in Nusa Lembongan

1. Rent a Scooter or Buggy Hire

easily rent a scooter to explore beaches like this

The roads are incredibly narrow and if you are travelling in pairs, I would highly recommend renting a scooter here.

But if you don’t want to rent a scooter and if you are a family of five, you should rent a buggy here. I saw a lot of families going with this option and it feels like one of those Thai tuk-tuks that’s bigger and catered to families.

P/s if you are short on time and want to take a day trip, there’s even an option to see all the places in Lembongan with a Mangrove tour and lunch. Super cool way to see the island!

2. Go On A 4-in-1 Half-Day Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise

go on a private snorkelling tour that’s amazing

I have to say this but snorkelling in Nusa Lembongan or in any one of the islands is a very choppy experience, sometimes scary. I highly recommend going with a tour operator and even a luxury version so you are under the care of a reputable organisation.

A great snorkelling cruise like this one can really elevate the experience as you are easing yourself into it and are not stuffed together with everyone else.

If you want a premium 4-in-1 cruise with snorkeling, dining, and onboard fun, this tour lets you relax in a floating beach club with paddleboards and sun lounge after snorkelling with the manta rays and turtles.

Also read: Honest Guide To Bali’s Best Snorkelling Spots: From Amed to Nusa Penida

3. Go to Nusa Penida on a Day Trip

The best thing about doing it from Nusa Lembongan is that you are not in a crowded boat and have more time to explore at your own pace.

I highly recommend doing this tour that lets you choose between East, West, or a combo tour to visit Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong.

4. See Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan In One Day

best way to make use of your time is to nusa penida & nusa ceningan in one day

The one day trip is a very well planned itinerary as you get to see all the beaches and do Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan in one day.

The roads are kinda bad which is why getting a tour instead of handling it yourself is a much better and safer experience.

On this tour, I got to visit Devil’s Tear and Dream Beach on Nusa Lembongan and see the waves crashing against the cliffs. On Nusa Ceningan, we explored the beautiful lagoon and the iconic Yellow Bridge.

5. Surfing in Nusa Lembongan

The waves are incredible and literally made for surfing in Nusa Lembongan. You can choose between beginner, intermediate or even private lessons.

You can book it over here.

6. Go On A Healing Soundscape/Yoga Class in Nusa Lembongan

enjoy a healing yoga in some of the best spots in nusa lembongan

The island is compact and easy to navigate that there are only a handful of places offering this.

A wonderful place to relax after all these activities was at Island Yoga Lembongan where they offer wonderful sound baths and healing classes. You can book it over here in advance as it is often sold out!

7. Explore Nusa Lembongan on an Ebike

I saw so many people doing this and I thought it was a fantastic way to check out the island instead of a big vehicle. You absolutely should do this if you want to see the island at a relaxed pace.

The compact roads make it easy and fun to go on an ebike across the island! You can book it here.

8. Check Out The Cafe Scene & The Book Cafe

I absolutely love the warungs and cafes here, it was not so crowded and we had amazing value for your money.

My favourite bakeries were Cookies Coffee Shop & Warung, Jungle Bakery, Tales Book Cafe (my absolute favourite), Bonzer Cafe & Warung Bambu for amazing seafood.

Read my other Bali posts:

Like this story? PIN IT!

Indonesia

Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan, Accommodation + Things To Do: The Ultimate Guide