Spending just a couple of days in Nusa Lembongan feels like a breath of fresh air after months in the whirlwind of Ubud’s traffic and crowds, and I already know I will go back countless times.
On Nusa Lembongan, you get to experience the pure and simple island lifestyle at its best: a slow-paced life, bumpy scooter rides, and beautiful beaches within walking distance from your accommodation, perfect for catching the sunset after a day of exploring.
During this trip, I couldn’t resist going back to some beaches almost every single day. In this post, I’m sharing the 5 best beaches in Nusa Lembongan — each one with a different mood: sunset, surf, social life, swimming, or simply chilling.
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The Island Vibe in Nusa Lembongan
The moment you step off the boat at Mushroom Bay, you realize just how wild this island still feels.
Even with hotels and resorts scattered around, life here is wonderfully simple: a few tiny shops for visitors, stretches of greenery with scooters zipping through, and roads that are anything but polished.
Like every island, though, the air carries a sense of freedom — especially once you hop on a scooter and start exploring from south to north.
Unlike the Gili Islands, here a scooter isn’t optional. The roads twist and climb, full of bumps and potholes, but the sea is never far away. That closeness means you can decide at the very last minute to run down for a sunset swim.
Just flip-flops, a sarong, a fresh coconut in hand — and those breathtaking skies turning gold and pink right in front of you.
The 5 Best Beaches in Nusa Lembongan
1. Mushroom Beach: For Sun-bathing, Swimming & Snorkeling
Mushroom Bay was the first beach I set foot on when arriving in Nusa Lembongan, and I never expected it would become my favorite.
Maybe it was the fact that it was less than a 10-minute walk from my bungalow, or perhaps because it wasn’t nearly as crowded as I had imagined.
Every morning — and again at sunset — I couldn’t wait to spend a couple of hours stretched out on that soft white sand, dipping into the calm turquoise water for the most refreshing swim.
Mushroom Bay is one of the island’s main landing points, so you’ll see traditional boats anchored close to the shore. But they don’t disturb the view or the atmosphere — one comes and goes every now and then.
What surprised me most was how peaceful the bay felt. Despite being the island’s gateway, it was rarely busy and often felt like my own escape.
Here you’ll find some of my favorite restaurants in Nusa Lembongan, their chill music floating over the sand and creating the perfect backdrop for sipping a fresh coconut at sunset or enjoying dinner after a swim.
Where to Stay Near Mushroom Beach
I stayed at Pattri Garden Bungalows during my time in Nusa Lembongan, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of budget-friendly comfort and good service.
The bungalows are clean and spacious, with semi-open-air bathrooms, and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful — they even refunded us one night when we were unable to make it over from Sanur as planned.
Breakfast is simple but tasty, with three options to choose from: eggs, a fruit-topped crepe, or a local Indonesian dish. The real highlight, though, is the lovely swimming pool set right in the middle of the garden — the perfect place to relax after some island exploration.
2. Dream Beach: For Chilling & Wave-Watching
Dream Beach is probably the most scenic beach in Nusa Lembongan. The very first time you arrive and catch sight of the powerful waves crashing against a strip of pure white sand from above, it’s a view you won’t easily forget.
The bay itself has a wide sandy shore, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Unfortunately, it’s not the best beach for swimming.
The currents are strong, the waves can get quite high, and the seabed is mostly rocky, with only a tiny sandy patch where the bravest swimmers dip in — but always close to the shore.
The beach also gives its name to the nearby Dream Beach Resort & Beach Club, a great spot to spend the day if you want a mix of ocean and pool time.
Sunbeds cost around IDR 100K for the whole day, and you’ll find everything you need: shade, an infinity pool with ocean views, cheap massages (just 150K!), and a restaurant for a laid-back lunch.
3. Tamarind Beach: For Quiet Moments
Tamarind Beach feels like a hidden spot, tucked away at the end of a road lined with nothing but trees and village houses.
It’s only about a 10-minute walk from Mushroom Bay, yet it’s far less touristy. A narrow strip of sand is embraced by shady trees, with just a few small boats anchored in the distance.
Because the beach is so slim, high tide often swallows most of the sand — not the best place for sunbathing, but perfect if you’re after peace and solitude.
This is the kind of place where you can sit quietly, write in your journal, meditate, or just watch the sea with no sounds around you except the waves.
Swimming here isn’t ideal, though. The seabed is rocky, the currents are strong, and the waves can easily push you toward the rocks.
4. Sandy Bay Beach: For Sunset Watching
All the beaches and high cliffs on the west side of Nusa Lembongan are perfect for chasing sunsets, and Sandy Bay Beach is one of the best spots to watch the sky turn gold and pink.
The stretch of sand here is wide enough to sunbathe, but swimming isn’t really an option. The seabed is rocky, with sharp stones before you even step into the water, and the currents are strong.
Still, if this place captures your heart and you want to spend more time here, Sandy Bay Beach Club is right on the shore — one of the most vibey spots on this side of the island, with cocktails, good food, and front-row seats to those unforgettable sunset views and ocean waves.
5. Jungut Batu Beach: For Long Walks, Swimming & Surfing
Next time I’m in Nusa Lembongan, I’d love to stay on this side of the island — just to soak in the view of that endless stretch of sand you first glimpse while riding down the hill into the north.
On a clear, sunny day, you can even see Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano towering in the distance — a breathtaking sight that makes every moment here feel worth it.
Jungut Batu is the longest beach in Nusa Lembongan, stretching along the entire northwest coast. It’s ideal for sunbathing and swimming, with plenty of beach clubs, bars, and restaurants right along the shore.
It’s also a favorite spot for surfers. There are four main breaks here: Playgrounds for beginners, and Shipwrecks, Razors, and Lacerations for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Practical Tips to Explore Beaches in Nusa Lembongan
How to Get Around in Nusa Lembongan?
If you want to explore the island with complete flexibility, renting a scooter is the best way to move from one beach to another.
Most accommodations can either provide scooters directly or recommend a nearby rental if they don’t have any available.
The roads can be bumpy, full of holes, and go up and down — but driving in Lembongan is totally manageable as long as you take it slow and pay attention.
Bike taxis and small carts are also available on the island. While they’re not the most flexible option, they’re a good alternative if you’d rather not rent a scooter.
Is Nusa Lembongan Walkable?
Yes — but only if you’re planning to stay in the same area. For example, if you’re based near Mushroom Bay, you can easily walk to Dream Beach and Sandy Bay.
However, reaching Jungut Batu from there will require a scooter or a taxi, and the same goes for the other way around. If you’re staying near Jungut Batu, you’ll be able to explore that area on foot, but you’ll need some form of transport to reach the southern beaches.
High Tide vs. Low Tide: Important for Swimming & Snorkeling
In Nusa Lembongan, the sea level changes dramatically between morning and afternoon. You might even find your snorkeling trip delayed by a few hours simply because there isn’t enough water to reach the snorkeling points.
It’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re planning to swim at certain beaches (like Dream Beach) or join a snorkeling trip.
Usually, the tide is low in the morning and starts to rise around 10 a.m., but this can change from day to day.
Most accommodations are aware of the tide schedule and organize excursions accordingly — so if you have plans, just ask. I’m pretty sure they use one of those tide-tracking apps for Lembongan, which is precisely what happened during my stay.
And there you go — the best beaches in Nusa Lembongan for every mood, from sunset to surfing. After exploring the beaches, you may be wondering what are the best places to eat on the Island. Make sure to check out my small food guide, with the best restaurants I discovered in Nusa Lembongan.
I loved my stay on this little island. It was the perfect way to recharge after months in Bali (which feels funny to say, I know). The atmosphere here is so relaxing, laid-back, and slow-paced that it almost feels like a holiday from your Bali holiday.
…and what about you? Which Nusa Lembongan beach would fit your mood right now? 🌊 Let me know in the comments, and if you find it useful, make sure to share it with your travel friends!
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