Getting Around Nusa Lembongan: 7 Options for First-Time Visitors

Last Updated on October 21, 2025

Are you planning a trip to Nusa Lembongan and already stressing about how to get around once you’re there?

First of all — don’t stress! Getting around Nusa Lembongan is easy and doesn’t require any advance booking. You can figure everything out once you arrive, just like in most parts of Bali.

Still, it’s always good to know your options before you go ( after what happened to me in Kintamani, when I realized there was no Grab available, I learned that lesson the hard way!).

In this post, I’ll walk you through all the best ways to get around Nusa Lembongan — from the freedom of renting a scooter to the comfort of hiring a buggy if you’re traveling with kids.

I’ll also share a few tips on where to stay if you’d rather have cafés, beaches, and restaurants right at your doorstep.

Don’t have time now?📌 Save it for later!

Nusa Lembongan: Quick Arrival Guide

🚤 From Bali to Nusa Lembongan: The easiest way to reach Nusa Lembongan is by fast boat from Sanur, which takes around 30–40 minutes. Boats arrive at two main ports — Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu Beach. Choose the one closer to your accommodation to avoid extra transfers. You can book your ticket here.

🏨 Ask Your Accommodation: Most hotels and guesthouses on the island can organize the entire trip for you — from hotel pickup in Bali to the fast boat and drop-off at your place in Lembongan. The lovely staff at Pattri Garden arranged everything for us, making our transfer completely stress-free.

🚕 Taxi Drivers at the Port: When you arrive (especially at Mushroom Bay), you’ll likely find local drivers offering rides to your hotel. While there’s no official Nusa Lembongan taxi price list (and taxis are not taxis, but open-air cart), it’s a convenient option if you haven’t arranged transport in advance. Just remember to agree on the price before the ride, as there are no meters.

Getting Around Nusa Lembongan: 7 Options to Explore The Island

Nusa Lembongan may be a small island — especially compared to its big sister, Nusa Penida — but it’s not that small that you can walk everywhere.

If you plan to explore from Dream Beach in the south all the way up to the Mangrove Forest in the north, you’ll definitely want to think ahead about how to get around Nusa Lembongan.

On the other hand, if your trip is more about relaxing and soaking up that laid-back island vibe rather than full-on exploration, then choosing the right location for your accommodation is even more important. Picking the right area will save you from unexpected transport needs once you arrive.

1. Tours

Joining a tour is a great way to explore Nusa Lembongan if you don’t want to worry about how to get around or if you’re planning a day trip from Bali and want to make the most of your limited time on the island.

This 8-hour tour from Bali already includes your ferry tickets and transport. 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.

If you’re already staying on Nusa Lembongan, I highly recommend this snorkeling tour, which includes Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove Point.

Snorkeling is a must-do when visiting any of the Nusa islands — the marine life here is absolutely stunning. With a bit of luck, you might get to swim with manta rays at Manta Bay or Manta Point, spot colorful tropical fish around Crystal Bay, and finish your adventure gliding over vibrant coral reefs at Mangrove Point, a favorite spot among divers.

2. Walking

Walking around Nusa Lembongan is definitely possible — especially if you’re planning to stay within the same area.

The roads are what you’d expect from a small island: sidewalks come and go, and some paths can be a little uneven. But since there are no cars on the island (just scooters, bicycles, and a few buggies), it’s generally safe and lovely to explore on foot.

If you’re wondering where it’s easiest to walk without needing transport, the two main areas to stay are Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu Beach.

Both are great for exploring on foot:

• From Mushroom Bay, you can easily reach Dream Beach and Sandy Bay within a short 10–15 minute walk.
• Around Jungut Batu, you can stroll along the long stretch of beach, with plenty of cafés, dive shops, and yoga studios.

3. Cycling

Cycling around Nusa Lembongan is not as common. I did spot a few bicycles during my stay, but they’re not the most popular choice.

The main reason is that the road between the south (Mushroom Bay) and the north (Jungut Batu) has several uphill sections and a few potholes — not exactly ideal if you’re on a regular bike, especially under the sun.

That said, cycling can still be a great option within the same area. Around Jungut Batu, you can easily head toward the Mangrove Forest, while from Mushroom Bay you can go all the way to Nusa Ceningan — the road there is completely flat and runs along the canal, with beautiful views.

Just recently, e-bikes have started becoming more popular on the island. Companies like Unikat organize guided e-bike tours and also rent them out daily or weekly.

Expect to pay around IDR 50,000–70,000 per day for a regular bicycle, while e-bike rentals are more expensive at about IDR 400,000 per day.

4. Scooter

Riding a scooter is without a doubt the most common and easiest way to get around Nusa Lembongan.

I love exploring by scooter, despite the sometimes bumpy roads. You have the freedom to explore the whole island — from the beaches in the south to the mangroves up north — and even to cross the Yellow Bridge into Nusa Ceningan for sunset views.

The island is small enough that it only takes about 15 minutes to ride from Mushroom Bay to either Jungut Batu or Nusa Ceningan.

Renting a scooter is very affordable, starting from around IDR 80,000 per day for smaller models and up to IDR 100,000–150,000 for larger ones.

There’s no need to arrange it in advance — most hotels and guesthouses have scooters available for guests, and they’re used to renting them out daily.

As for safety, it’s generally fine during the day. Just be careful in the evening — some of the roads connecting the main areas aren’t well lit, and a few have uneven patches or small potholes.

5. Buggy Hire

You won’t find any traditional taxis or cars on Nusa Lembongan. Instead, you’ll see buggies — 4- to 6-seater golf carts, perfect for short or longer rides around the island.

Be prepared, though: from the back seats, you’ll definitely feel all the island’s bumps and dips!

Buggies are the most comfortable and family-friendly option for getting around Nusa Lembongan. Many resorts use them to transport guests, but you can also rent one privately if you’re traveling with family or prefer not to ride a scooter.

Rental prices are higher than scooters: expect to pay around IDR 800,000 for a 4-seater buggy for about 5 hours, or up to IDR 1,200,000 for a larger 9-seater.

You can easily book your buggy rental through your hotel or you can check this provider on the island, it has been recommended by the places I stayed at.

6. Open-Air Pick-Up Taxi (Lembongan’s Version)

As mentioned, there are no cars on Nusa Lembongan — so the island’s version of a taxi looks a little different.

You’ll find open-air pick-up trucks with two benches in the back, no seat belts, and the driver sitting up front. It’s a bumpy but fun way to experience the island — you’ll feel the ocean breeze and the scent of frangipani as you explore its roads.

These vehicles are what locals refer to as taxis, and you’ll see them advertised all around, especially near Mushroom Bay. You can also ask your hotel or guesthouse to arrange one for you — most have regular contacts with local drivers.

They’re great for both short and longer rides and are cheaper than buggies, though a bit less comfortable. Expect to pay around IDR 50,000–100,000 for short trips and up to IDR 250,000 for longer routes across the island.

If you want to organize one yourself once you’re there, check out Taxi Lembongan, a local provider often recommended by hotels.

7. Boat

Yes — you can absolutely get around Nusa Lembongan by boat (we’re on an island, after all!). While it’s a bit less “official” than renting a buggy or a pick-up taxi, hopping on a local boat can be a fun and authentic way to move around.

For example, if you’re staying near Mushroom Bay and want to reach the surf spots around Jungut Batu — like Shipwrecks or Lacerations — you can ask one of the locals if they’d be willing to give you a “ride” (btw, these surf spots are only reachable by boat). Most are happy to help for a small fee or even for free.

You’ll notice small, colorful wooden boats lined up along Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu Beach — they’re a familiar sight across Indonesia and Bali.

Cruising around the island this way offers a completely different perspective of Nusa Lembongan — a maybe more peaceful way of getting around from the bumpy roads and a chance to see the coastline from the water.

There you go! I hope this small guide on getting around Nusa Lembongan gave you all the options you need to plan your trip in the best way.

I love the surprise side of holidays, but when it comes to logistics and transport, it’s always better to know your options in advance—especially if you’re planning a bunch of activities and things to do around the island.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, these are the 13 things to do that made my stay in Lembongan unforgettable.

What are you most excited about for your trip? Maybe swimming with manta rays, or simply soaking in the island vibe with a coconut in hand? Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or doubts about Nusa Lembongan—just drop them in the comments below! 🌺

Other Articles You May Find Helpful

• My Favorite Beaches in Nusa Lembongan
• Where To Eat in Nusa Lembongan: 7 Restaurants You Have To Try
• 13 Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan: From Scooter Rides to Sunset Views

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