A small island off Bali, and a regency within the Bali province, Nusa Lembongan is a must visit destination. There are many things to do on Nusa Lembongan if you have the right direction. I suggest three to four nights so that you have plenty of time to explore, eat, swim, walk & relax.
Although there’s lots to do on Jungutbatu the main beach, don’t get stuck there. Nusa Lembongan has many more cute bays, sunset spots and places to explore. This guide gives you plenty to do during a three night stay with two entire days.
Kayaking at Mangrove Forest
We stumbled upon this breathtaking boat ride through the mangrove forest at mangrove point by accident. We were not disappointed. As long as you have a scooter or your hotel can deliver you there, its relatively easy to find.
Getting there
Cruise north along Jalan Jungutbatu, which is the road that runs parallel to the main beach. Eventually the road will curve off to the right and along the northern side of the island towards Mangrove Point. On the righthand side of the road, you will eventually see a sign for mangrove tours at Mangrove Forest. You can kayak, paddleboard or have a guide take you on a boat through the mangroves. This is an affordable and stunning tour that takes around 60 minutes. With a bit of bargaining, we paid approx 100k / $10 nzd per person and loved every second.
Get pampered at Spring Spa
Picture a serene, white washed open aired sitting area which overlooks the ocean. Welcome to the reception at Spring Spa, Nusa Lembongan. I love to book seated treatments in the front area, simply because i want to drink in the setting. Go at sunset & watch the light change over the ocean. Catch up with a friend while having your feet rubbed and sip on an ice cold gin. In the morning, have your caffeine fix while a friendly therapist works the knots out of your shoulders.
For other equally divine treatments, a buggy will transport you up the cliffside. Here you will discover open air individual bungalows which also overlook the ocean. This spa isn’t just a spa, it’s an experience.
Getting there
You can walk to Spring Spa from Jungutbatu beach. It’s a decent hike if you’re at the northern end of the beach, but if the tide is out it is a direct route.
Once you arrive at the end of the beach, follow the path that leads to Coconut (Song Lambung) Beach. You’ll know it when you arrive at Spring Spa, it will draw you in & make the walk worthwhile.
Lago Pontoon at Coconut Beach
For a relaxing afternoon eating, drinking cocktails and floating on a pillow atop the ocean, the Lago Pontoon is fun. Go for a late lunch and grab the best sunset spot. Make sure you ask them which side of the pontoon has the best view. There’s even a fun jumping platform for the daredevils in your group. Laze the afternoon away, eating, drinking, listening to music, sunning & swimming.
Getting there
From Spring Spa head to Coconut Beach, which is a tiny but pretty beach good for swimming. Inquire at the Lago Beach Cafe about getting the boat ride (takes about 1 minute) out to the pontoon. All you need to do is buy 200k / $20nzd in food or drinks to spend the afternoon there. They’ll take you back to the beach when you are ready.
Coastal walk from Coconut Beach to Tamarind Beach
Probably one of my favourite beaches on Nusa Lembongan is Tamarind Beach. From Coconut Beach you’ll head further around the island. Behind the rickety old warung at the base of the cliff, you’ll see some steps. Go up the steps and you’ll be taken along a coastal walk towards Tamarind Beach. To the right you will see snippets of ocean from the cliff. About two thirds along the path (around 5 minutes stroll) you’ll eventually see some wooden doors to your left. These doors lead you to Morin Resort who do great coffee, breakfast, lunch & cocktails. Grab a refreshment & enjoy a swim in the pool which looks out onto the ocean.
Once you leave Morin, you are almost there. Tamarind Beach is a beautiful white sand, virtually deserted beach suitable for swimming. Lay out your towel and take a snooze under the shade of the trees. Cool off with a swim in the ocean before heading back along the path to Coconut Beach.
The walk from Coconut Beach to Tamarind Beach is around 10 minutes. If you stop at Morin Resort or pack a picnic, you could make a morning or an afternoon of it.
Things to note
There is a large unfinished hotel to the left of the ocean vista. The beach & the view to the right hand side are lovely, but the hotel is a little unsightly.
Visit an art gallery at Rai Art Space
If you want some Indonesian art as a memento of your holiday Rai Art Space is worth a visit. Even if you just want to browse, Rai will be happy to show you around.
Rai’s style is ‘modern contemporary & traditional Indonesian art’ and many of his pieces Nusa Lembongan inspired. I once asked him if he did commissions and he said he didn’t. “I only paint what flows through me”.
Getting there
Take the road called Jalan Raya Lembongan which leads toward the seaweed farms & the Yellow Bridge. Before you get to the bottom, there is a turn off to the left (you’ll need to use Google maps). The road is fairly rough, and you’ll think you’ve gone the wrong way. Perservere and the adventure will eventually lead you to Rai’s house, which has his art gallery in the front.
Things to note
Don’t get mixed up with Rai’s small shop on Jalan Raya Lembongan down by the seaweed farms. The shop is good, but the gallery is even better.
Lunch & swimming at Mushroom Bay
Another beach for your two day Nusa Lembongan Itinerary, is Mushroom Bay. The road leading to the beach has shops selling mementos, warungs, gelato & hotels and possesses a quaint island vibe. Take a stroll and then head down the small path which leads to the beach. The humble warung at Mola Mola house to your left does great food. Hai Bar & Grill to your right also does good cocktails and food. Sit, swim, eat & drink the afternoon away.
Watch the sunset at Cloudland Bar
Watch the sunset while relaxing on a beanbag perched high on a cliff and sip on a frozen daiquiri. Sound good? Well get yourself to Cloudland Bar nice & early (before 5pm) to snag the front row. This isn’t a party bar, is a small, rustic bar hidden away from the crowds.
Getting there
Work your way inland from Mushroom Bay, but turn off to the left (use Google Maps). Similar to getting to Rai’s place, you’ll ride though some bumpy back roads and think you’ve gone the wrong way. Aren’t all the best places hidden on the bumpy back roads? Cloudland Bar is, and it’s worth it for the elevated sunset view.
Day bed & eats at Sandy Bay Beach Club
There are plenty of great restaurants to eat at but Sandy Bay is a favourite. It has a chilled laid back vibe, great views & the food is good. The pool is teeny tiny, but still enough for a cool down dip. Grab a lounger or day bed and watch the crazy waves rip at the rocky Sandy Bay. Get some sun (don’t forget sunscreen) and enjoy the relaxed vibe. As the sun goes down the restaurant becomes even prettier with fairy lights strung above the tables.
These are only some of the great places that there are to explore on Nusa Lembongan. Don’t forget Cenigan too, which is just over the bridge, but that’s for another blog.
Nusa Lembongan is small but packed with sights & activities. Don’t waste your time with a day trip, stay a few nights.
Happy island hopping.
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