Last Updated on October 24, 2025
Dreaming of an island escape from Bali, but can’t decide which Nusa island to visit? You’re not alone — many travelers wonder, “Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, which one is better?”
There’s no correct answer…it mainly depends on your travel style. I was in the same spot just a couple of months ago, trying to choose where to take my not-so-adventurous parents on their first trip to Bali.
After spending time on Nusa Lembongan and exploring Nusa Penida, I now have a clear idea of what makes each island special — and which type of traveler will enjoy them most.
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know to decide which Nusa island is best for you — from accommodation and beaches to food, vibe, and crowd levels.
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Nusa Islands: What’s The Difference?
The three Nusa Islands — Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan — lie just off Bali’s southeastern coast, about 30 to 45 minutes away by fast boat.
Nusa Penida is the largest (around 200 sq. km) and most famous of the three, known for its dramatic cliffs and Instagram-worthy iconic beaches like Kelingking and Diamond Beach. Its wild, untouched beauty draws adventurers and day-trippers all the way from Bali (every single day!).
However, despite its popularity, it’s not where most travelers choose to stay overnight — the tourism infrastructure is still developing, and another downside is that distances between sights are very long.
Most visitors base themselves on Nusa Lembongan. It’s smaller (around 8 sq. km), quieter, and more relaxed, while still capturing that simple yet wild island vibe I love.
While it may not have Penida’s dramatic coastal cliffs and beaches, it’s a great option if you’re looking for comfort and simplicity, with boutique hotels, beachside resorts, and laid-back cafés.
Lastly, Nusa Ceningan — the smallest of the three (around 3 sq. km) — feels like an extension of Lembongan, connected by the iconic Yellow Bridge.
You’ll find charming pool clubs, ocean-view stays all along its northern coast overlooking the Ceningan Canal and seaweed farms, and some of the most beautiful sunsets on the Nusa Islands.
Planning Your Trip to The Nusa Island: FAQs
1. How to Get to The Nusa Islands?
Both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are easily reachable from Sanur, in Bali. The fast boat takes about 30 minutes to reach Lembongan and around 45 minutes to get to Penida.
On Nusa Lembongan, there are two main drop-off points — Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu Beach — which are also where most accommodations are located.
On Nusa Penida, boats usually arrive at the harbor on the west coast, the island’s central hub, where you’ll also find most hotels, restaurants, and cafés.
If you’re planning to book your boat tickets, here are a few useful links:
- Fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan (I highly recommend Dream Beach Express if you’re staying around the Dream Beach or Mushroom Bay area.)
- Fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida
2. How to Get Around Between The Nusa Islands?
Getting around between the islands is super easy. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are only about 20–30 minutes apart by ferry.
In Nusa Penida, the main departure points are Toyapakeh and Banjar Nyuh, while in Nusa Lembongan, boats usually leave from Jungut Batu or the Yellow Bridge port.
If you like to plan ahead, you can check websites like 12Go (from IDR 50.000-100.000), but it’s honestly very common (and easy) to book your ticket directly on the spot.
When I left from Nusa Lembongan, I took my ticket from a small, slightly sketchy-looking booth near the Yellow Bridge. If you’re departing from Nusa Penida, I’d recommend asking your accommodation to point you to the correct ticket counter.
💡 Tip: Pass by the ticket booth a bit earlier to check the current price and make sure you have the right amount in cash — cards aren’t accepted. (In my case, I joined a tour, so the ferry ticket was included.)
3. How Many Days To Spend On Each Nusa Island?
Ideally, you’d spend 2–3 days on Nusa Penida if you really want to see it all, and at least 2 days (with one overnight stay) on Nusa Lembongan. Of course, that’s if you have enough time in your Bali itinerary.
Day trips to both islands are also very common — though they tend to be a bit rushed, especially if you’re trying to cover everything in one day.
4. Can You Visit All The Nusa Islands in One Day?
I’ve actually seen some day tours that try to cover both islands in one day, but I personally wouldn’t recommend them. It’s already hard enough to experience the best of Nusa Penida in a single day — I can’t imagine how rushed it would feel trying to fit in both islands.
It would be a very packed itinerary, and you’d barely manage to see 30% of what each island has to offer.
5. Day Trip or Overnight Stay?
Planning a day trip to Nusa Penida is a popular choice, but it’s not what I’d personally recommend if you really want to experience everything the island has to offer.
You’ll need at least two days to properly explore both the east and west sides without rushing. By leaving early in the morning — before the day tours arrive — you’ll get to enjoy those iconic beaches and viewpoints without the usual crowds.
That alone makes staying overnight completely worth it. (Honestly, I’d even plan for two nights if you can — that way, you’ll have time to discover its beach clubs, relax at Crystal Bay, and explore a few of the island’s hidden gems.)
Funnily enough, Nusa Lembongan is where most visitors choose to stay overnight, but it’s also the one island where a day trip actually works well.
It’s the perfect quick escape from Bali — you can easily explore both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan in one day and still have time to relax on the beach or fit in a short snorkeling trip.
That said, Nusa Lembongan is also great for longer stays, thanks to its livable size, relaxed vibe, and wide choice of restaurants, cafés, and accommodation options.
Planning on exploring Nusa Penida without rushing? This is 100% the experience I’d book! it’s a slow travel experience that covers hidden paths, allowing you to get to know the island beyond the most touristy spots.
Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan: Which Island is Best?
1. Getting Around On The Islands
Your options for getting around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are pretty much the same.
A scooter is always the most flexible and affordable choice — especially on Nusa Penida, where traffic can build up around the harbor area when boats arrive.
Rentals start from around IDR 80,000 per day on both islands, and it’s the best option if you’re staying overnight and want to explore independently.
Your second option is to hire a driver for the day while still following your own itinerary. This is only possible on Nusa Penida, where cars are available. On Nusa Lembongan, instead, you can rent a golf buggy or hop on an open-air pickup taxi to get around.
The third option is to join a tour, ideal if you prefer not to handle logistics yourself and want a pre-planned route.
If you’re looking for more detailed transportation information, you can check out these articles:
- 7 Options to Get Around in Nusa Lembongan
- How to Plan a Day Trip to Nusa Penida – where I break down transport options not only for day trips but also for full days of exploring if you’re already staying on the island.
2. Road Conditions & Distances
Getting around is much easier on Nusa Lembongan. First of all, the island is way smaller, which means exploring independently by scooter is simple, and distances are short — even if you include Nusa Ceningan in the mix.
For example, riding from Dream Beach, one of the southernmost points, to the Mangrove Forest area in the north takes only about 20 minutes by scooter. And if you wanted to, you could actually explore the entire island on a long three-hour walk.
The main roads on Lembongan are also in better condition than most on Nusa Penida, especially compared to the eastern side.
Don’t get me wrong — rides can still be bumpy, roads are narrow, and you’ll occasionally find potholes — but nothing like the long, uneven stretches you’ll find on Nusa Penida.
In Nusa Penida, being much larger, the distances are significantly longer. For instance, it took me about 2 hours to drive from the harbor on the west coast to Diamond Beach on the east coast.
Crossing from one side of the island to the other means riding through hilly inland roads with constant ups and downs, and many uneven sections that can get tiring — especially on a scooter. Driving here isn’t exactly comfortable, even by car.
That said, scooters are still the most common way to explore Nusa Penida. But if you’re traveling solo and planning to cover a lot, those long rides can feel exhausting, so hiring a driver or joining a tour for a day might be your only option.
3. Accommodation: Which Nusa Island is Best To Stay On?
Nusa Lembongan
When it comes to accommodation, I can only speak from my own experience — and that’s on Nusa Lembongan, where I decided to stay.
I chose Lembongan mainly because everything is easier to reach. You’ll find plenty of beachfront stays, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly bungalows with pools, all within a short distance from beaches or restaurants.
Most accommodations on Lembongan are located along the coast between Dream Beach and the Mangrove Forest, with the most popular areas being Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu.
Mushroom Bay has a few beautiful beaches and beach clubs within walking distance — like Dream Beach Huts and Sandy Bay Beach Club — as well as beachfront restaurants, local warungs, and cafés (Mushroom Espresso and Cookies Coffee Shop are my favorites). There’s even a yoga and Pilates studio I loved — The Pilates Collective.
Jungut Batu, on the other hand, offers a longer stretch of beach, the possibility to cycle towards the Mangrove Forest, and more choices when it comes to restaurants and cafés, most of which are lined along the main road parallel to the beach (ideal if you don’t rent a scooter).
If you’re looking for places to stay on Nusa Lembongan, check out below:
- Pattri Garden: This is honestly the best budget-friendly option. Pattri Garden is just a 5-minute walk from Mushroom Bay and around you’ll find all kinds of restaurants and cafés.
- Dream Beach Huts: Perfect if you want to stay close to Dream Beach, with just a staircase separating you from the ocean. The garden and the pools are amazing.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, while still considered less developed, is catching up quickly. The island now offers a wide range of options — from budget-friendly hostels and mid-range hotels to luxury resorts.
Most accommodations are located on the north coast, around Toyapakeh Harbor, which is also where you’ll find most restaurants, cafés, and basic amenities.
If you don’t plan to rent a scooter, this is definitely the most convenient area to stay in to avoid feeling completely isolated — most tours depart from here, and Crystal Bay is not far.
4. Beaches & Swimming
The verdict here really depends on your travel style and expectations — and remember, it’s always possible to visit both islands on a day trip if you don’t want to miss out.
If you’re after adventure, exploration, and once-in-a-lifetime views, then Nusa Penida is the one for you — and it’s worth staying overnight.
Despite the crowds of day-trippers, its iconic cliffs and beaches are unlike anything else in Bali.
Nusa Penida is home to the famous T. rex–shaped Kelingking Beach on the west coast, along with Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong.
On the east side, you’ll find Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, and the stunning Thousand Islands Viewpoint. You can still enjoy a more relaxed island vibe by spending time at Crystal Bay or joining a snorkeling tour around Manta Bay.
Nusa Lembongan, on the other hand, is all about relaxation, light exploration, and easy access.
It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a more laid-back type of holiday: shorter scooter rides, many calm beaches to spend the day on, and beautiful but low-key sunset spots. If you’re looking for swimmable beaches, Lembongan might suit you better.
Across the bridge, Nusa Ceningan adds a few more scenic viewpoints like Blue Lagoon and Mahana Point, both ideal for watching the sunset — though you won’t find the dramatic coastal cliffs that make Nusa Penida so special.
🏖️ Note on Beaches in Nusa Penida: Most of Nusa Penida’s beaches are not ideal for swimming — except for Crystal Bay and Atuh Beach (during high tide). In places like Kelingking and Diamond Beach, the currents are too strong to swim safely. On top of that, reaching these beaches usually involves long, steep staircases.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, you might find the articles below helpful:
- From Sunset to Surf: The 5 Best Beaches in Nusa Lembongan for Every Mood
- 13 Unforgettable Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan: Beaches, Views & Island Vibes
- Nusa Penida: West vs East — Which Side Of The Island Is Worth Visiting?
5. Activities: What Can You Do on Each Island?
The activities you can experience on the Nusa islands are similar (with a couple of differences), but it’s the energy that changes — Nusa Penida is for those chasing adventure and epic landscapes, while Nusa Lembongan is for those who want to slow down and experience a more relaxed type of holiday.
Landmarks & Attractions
If you love staying active and easily get bored after a single day of sunbathing, then Nusa Penida might be more your vibe.
Beyond its famous coastal cliffs and beaches, the island hides a few corners that are well worth the visit — the natural pool at Tembeling Beach, the impressive Goa Giri Putri Temple (the most important Hindu site on the island), and the scenic Teletubbies Hills with their rolling green curves.
Nusa Lembongan, on the other hand, makes for the perfect no-FOMO kind of holiday. There’s less to “check off,” but still plenty of activities to enjoy at a slower pace.
Some of my highlights were crossing the Yellow Bridge with views over the Ceningan Canal, watching the sunset from Mahana Point, admiring the turquoise water at Blue Lagoon, and, of course, taking a snorkeling trip.
Snorkeling & Diving
Some of the most popular activities on both islands involve the rich marine life, and, actually, the majority of tours cover the same snorkeling spots: Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Gamat Bay (sometimes Mangrove Point on Nusa Lembongan).
Manta Bay is well known for the possibility to swim with the Manta Rays, while on Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay you can swim among colourful fish and explore the coral reefs.
On Nusa Lembongan, it may actually be easier to go snorkeling on your own, considering beaches are more accessible and the waters are calmer all throughout the island.
Surfing, Paddle Boarding & Kayaking
When it comes to other water sports, Nusa Lembongan is definitely more adapted, thanks to its calmer currents and easier access to the water.
Jungut Batu Beach is great for paddleboarding and surfing, with several surf spots to choose from — Playgrounds for beginners, and Lacerations or Shipwrecks for more experienced surfers.
Another popular activity is kayaking through the mangrove forest, where you can explore a completely different side of the island and enjoy its quiet, natural beauty.
Pool Clubs & Yoga Studios
On both islands, you’ll find plenty of beach and pool clubs, seaside restaurants, and cafés where you can enjoy a good meal or a sunset cocktail.
On Nusa Lembongan, I loved Dream Beach Huts, perched right above the iconic Dream Beach. On Nusa Penida, check out Nomé Beach Club or Penida Colada Beach Bar for a relaxed vibe and great views.
When it comes to wellness, both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offer lovely island-style studios — more like open-air yoga shalas than full studios — such as The Pilates Collective on Lembongan and Tishe House of Balance on Penida.
Shopping
While neither island is really a shopping destination, Nusa Lembongan has a few more options — you’ll find small beach boutiques around Jungut Batu (I recently discovered Buddha Wear and fell in love), local souvenir or hand-made crafts shops around Mushroom Bay.
Nusa Penida, on the other hand, has very limited shopping, mostly convenience stores and a couple of smaller souvenir shops near the harbor area. If you’re looking to do a bit of browsing or pick up souvenirs, Nusa Lembongan is definitely the better choice.
6. The Vibe: Crowds, Energy & Atmosphere
If I had to summarize the vibe of the two islands, I’d say that Nusa Lembongan embodies the pure, simple, and laid-back island lifestyle — everything feels easier, slower, and effortlessly relaxed.
Nusa Penida, on the other hand, is wild and rugged — the kind of place that calls for adventure, especially if you head inland or explore the eastern coast. Yet, it can still feel peaceful if you stay around Crystal Bay or the island’s western side.
When it comes to crowds, you might assume that because Nusa Lembongan is smaller, it feels busier — but not at all.
Despite being more popular for overnight stays, it’s surprisingly calm and peaceful, even around the main beaches and pool clubs. Visitors naturally spread out across the island’s different points of interest.
Nusa Penida, on the other hand, feels more crowded. Even though it’s the larger island, tourists tend to gather around the same sights, making places like Kelingking Beach or Diamond Beach feel packed between 9 am and 4 pm, when day trippers arrive. Beyond those areas, though, most of the island remains quiet and untouched.
7. Food & Restaurants
If you’re a foodie, and food is an “essential” part of your trips, then Nusa Lembongan could actually make you happier.
For such a small island, you’ll find a great variety of restaurants and cuisines satisfying all kinds of dietary requirements: from vegan to gluten-free.
Around Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay, you’ll find plenty of beachside spots serving smoothie bowls, fresh seafood, and great cocktails — some of my favorites are The Deck Café & Bar, Hai Grill & Bar, and Sandy Bay Beach Club.
Nusa Penida’s food scene is growing fast, with more and more western-style cafés and restaurants popping up around the harbor area and along the northern coast.
You’ll find healthy cafés like Penida Colada Beach Bar and Coco Penida, as well as local warungs serving great nasi campur or grilled seafood.
However, once you move away from the main areas, eating options get very limited — so it’s best to plan your meals before heading out to explore.
If you already know you’ll be planning your stay on Nusa Lembonga, you can’t miss the article below:
8. Tours & Day Trips
When it comes to tours, there are plenty of daily options departing from Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and even Bali itself. Most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, the fast boat ticket (if required), and all entry fees.
Nusa Lembongan is definitely easier to explore on a day trip, since there are fewer sights.
Most tours include stops at the island’s main viewpoints — Devil’s Tear, Blue Lagoon, Mahana Point, and Dream Beach — as well as a kayaking session through the mangrove forest, which you can also book separately if you prefer.
A day trip to Nusa Penida is by far the most popular option, especially from Bali (or from Nusa Lembongan). That said, it’s not for the faint-hearted — especially if you plan to visit both sides of the island in one day.
You can choose between a West Coast tour (the easier option, with less time spent in the car) and an East Coast tour (more challenging but rewarding, with longer distances).
Some operators offer full-island tours covering both sides, but I honestly wouldn’t recommend that — you’ll spend nearly two hours driving from one side to the other, and the road conditions can be quite rough.
From both islands, you can also easily book a snorkeling tour, and interestingly, they all visit the same spots — so whether you depart from Lembongan or Penida, you’ll experience the same beautiful reefs and marine life.
Best Tours On Nusa Penida & Lembongan
Here are a couple of tours you can consider joining if you don’t want to ride the scooter yourself:
🌅 Penida: East Side All-Inclusive Tour: This tour covers the main sights on the east side of Nusa Penida mentioned in this post, plus Teletubbies Hill — a landscape of stunning half-spherical green hills stretching for kilometers.
🌴 Penida: West Side All-Inclusive Tour: This experience covers all the sights mentioned above (those located on the west side), and includes pick-up and drop-off in Sanur, the ferry ticket, and even lunch.
🌏 Penida: East & West Side Tour: This is a very packed itinerary that includes Diamond and Atuh Beach on the east side, and Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Kelingking Beach on the west. Everything is included in the tour except for meals and optional photo fees.
🧭 Nusa Penida Off-The-Beaten-Path (Ideal for Second-Time Visitors): This tour takes you to the Goa Giri Putri Temple (the most sacred on the island), Teletubbies Hill, Semaya Village and its traditional seaweed farms, and the stunning Beaches on the east side.
🏖️ Nusa Lembongan 8-hour Tour From Bali: You’ll visit some of Nusa Lembongan’s most famous highlights — from the turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon on nearby Nusa Ceningan, to the dramatic waves at Dream Beach and the breathtaking cliffs of Devil’s Tears.
🐠 Snorkeling Tour From Nusa Lembongan: If you’re already staying on Nusa Lembongan, I highly recommend this snorkeling tour, which includes Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove Point.
Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan: My Verdict
If you are planning an adventure (and not a relaxing vacation) made of long, bumpy scooter journeys, difficult-to-reach but breathtaking beaches (and when I say difficult to reach, I mean steep, long stairways, up and down, every single time) and a wild, rugged island vibe, then Nusa Penida may be the right option for you.
You won’t get bored for sure — there’s so much to do and see on the island that you’ll actually need a holiday from your holiday.
On the contrary, if you want to relax, sunbathe on the beach, catch sunsets with an iced tea in your hand, and head to the beach with your sarong on and flip-flops in hand, then Nusa Lembongan is your island.
The atmosphere is so chill, it would actually be impossible not to slow down — and honestly, it’s the perfect calm escape from the crowds you’ll find in beach locations in Bali.
There you go — my take on the Nusa Penida vs. Nusa Lembongan debate! In the end, it really depends on what kind of traveler you are and what you’re looking for.
Don’t worry about missing out — even if you choose one island, it’s super easy to plan a day trip or even an unplanned overnight stay on the other. That’s the beauty of the Nusa Islands — they’re just a short boat ride apart.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it on Pinterest or with any friends planning a trip to Bali soon. And if you still have questions about traveling around the Nusa Islands or Bali in general, drop them in the comments — I’m always happy to help!
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