Nusa Lembongan Guide (2026): Best Things to Do & 4-Day Itinerary

Last Updated on January 24, 2026

Are you finally ready to plan your trip to Nusa Lembongan and looking for the best things to do on the island, as well as how to structure your itinerary?

I recently took my very first trip to Nusa Lembongan: five days filled with relaxation, ocean dips, fiery sunsets, and that tropical island vibe I love (which is sometimes hard to fully feel on the Bali mainland because of the crowds and traffic in the main hubs).

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to plan your trip in the best way possible: key things to know before visiting, the best things to do on the island, where to stay, where to eat… all the essentials.

Hopefully, this Nusa Lembongan guide will help you plan the tropical holiday of your dreams!

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Nusa Lembongan Guide: How to plan your itinerary and the best things to do.

Recommended in This Article

  • Ferry Tickets From Sanur to Lembongan: Ferries are usually packed (especially during the peak tourist season). Make sure to book them in advance to avoid bad surprises.
  • Pattri Garden Bungalows: This is where I’ve stayed during my trip to Lembongan, and it’s the perfect low-budget option. I’ve loved everything from the spacious bungalows, the beautiful garden with swimming pool, the simple breakfast, and the super helpful staff.
  • Best Snorkeling Tour from Lembongan: This is one of the highest-rated snorkeling tours from Lembongan. 3 hours of snorkeling, including Manta Bay, Manta Point, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove Point.
  • 1-Hour Tour around the Mangrove Forest: The best way to explore the unique ecosystem of the Mangrove forest is by booking a guided boat tour. This one is actually great because you’ll be able to choose between a SUP, a Kayak, or a Jukung (traditional Indonesian fishing boat).

Planning Your Trip to Nusa Lembongan

1. How to Get to Nusa Lembongan

Getting to Nusa Lembongan from Bali is super easy. Ferries depart daily from Sanur Harbour and take about 30 minutes to reach the island. Here’s what you should know about “landing” in Nusa Lembongan:

  • Most hotels can assist with ticket bookings. When planning your stay, ask your accommodation if they can help book your tickets. They usually arrange the taxi from your hotel in Sanur, the ferry tickets, and transportation from the port to your hotel in Lembongan.
  • There are two harbours in Lembongan: If your hotel doesn’t arrange transportation, make sure to check where your ferry company operates. The two harbours are Mushroom Beach and Jungut Batu Beach. Choose the one closest to your accommodation.
  • Both harbours have no jetty: You’ll have to step into the water when arriving in Lembongan, so wear something short to avoid getting completely soaked.
  • Purchase your tickets in advance: Ferries get crowded, especially during peak season. I recommend avoiding last-minute purchases at the harbour. You can buy your tickets in advance here.
Mushroom Bay is one of the two arrival port in Nusa Lembongan
Arrival at Mushroom Beach

2. How to Get Around Nusa Lembongan

The easiest (and cheapest) way to get around Nusa Lembongan is by renting a scooter. Exploring the island this way is the best feeling in the world. Imagine hopping from one beach to the next, wind in your hair, and not a care in sight.

The roads can be narrow, bumpy, and not well-lit at night, but since there’s almost no traffic and you can drive as slowly as you like, renting a scooter is also relatively safe (coming from someone who’s actually scared of driving in Ubud!).

Roads in Nusa Lembongan
Roads in Nusa Lembongan

Here’s what you should know about scooter rentals:

  • Day rentals start at around IDR 80,000/day (less than $5). Depending on the scooter’s size and condition, prices can range from IDR 100,000 to IDR 200,000 (still very affordable, especially if you’re sharing the cost with someone).
  • Most hotels offer scooter rentals: Since renting a scooter is so popular, most accommodations have several available. If not, they can usually recommend a nearby rental service.

Of course, there are other ways to get around Nusa Lembongan, including walking (though the island isn’t easily explored entirely on foot), bicycle rentals (mainly if you’re staying around the Jungut Batu area), and taxi or buggy hires for families (these tend to be more expensive).

If you’re looking for more on transportation, I’ve written a short guide with seven different options for getting around Lembongan.

4. Where to Stay Depending on Your Transportation

There are two main areas where most travelers choose to stay in Nusa Lembongan: Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu Village. Depending on how you plan to get around the island, one area may suit you better than the other.

  • Mushroom Bay: Located on the southeast side of the island, this is where I stayed during my trip. It’s lovely, quieter, and smaller, with fewer restaurants and shops compared to Jungut Batu. It’s perfect if, like me, you plan on renting a scooter and exploring freely. My favorite part was walking to Mushroom Beach every afternoon for sunset, with coconut water in hand.
  • Jungut Batu Village: This area stretches along the long sandy shore of Jungut Batu Beach. I think it’s ideal if you plan to walk, cycle, or rely on taxi pick-ups. Many restaurants are within walking distance, you can cycle up to the mangrove forest in the north, or arrange a pick-up so you don’t miss Dream Beach or Devil’s Tears on the southeastern coast.

Note: The road between Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu Beach is not well-lit at night. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to have dinner on the opposite side of the island.

I personally stayed at Pattri Garden Bungalows and loved it. The rooms were spacious and clean, breakfast was simple but delicious, and the staff was incredible — they arranged all our day trips, ferry tickets, and scooter rentals.

If you’re looking for more great hotels or more details on the best things to do in each area, make sure to check out my guide on where to stay in Nusa Lembongan.

5. How Long to Stay in Nusa Lembongan

How many days you should spend in Nusa Lembongan totally depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for.

You can easily see everything on the island in two full days. However, since you’re already there, it may be worth spending a couple more days to include a snorkeling tour or a day trip to Nusa Penida (or both).

I personally spent four full days in Nusa Lembongan (I had planned five, but the weather kept us stuck in Sanur longer than expected). Four days were enough, but I would have loved one more.

Overall, 2 days are great if you have a packed Bali itinerary and want to see as much as possible beyond Lembongan. Four or five days are ideal if you’re planning some day trips and full-on relaxation days.

6. Best Time to Visit Nusa Lembongan

If there’s something that always surprises me here in Bali, it’s how unpredictable the weather is, and Nusa Lembongan is no exception.

As a general rule, the best weather in Bali is from July to August (June was stormy this year). You can almost be sure to experience long, warm, sunny days with beautiful sunsets. However, this is also the most crowded period.

Prices do increase slightly during peak season, but nothing crazy. You’ll still find great deals, especially in Lembongan, which is usually less expensive than Bali.

Cloudy sunset on Mushroom Beach

I visited in September, and as I mentioned, bad weather kept us stuck in Sanur one night longer than planned. However, once we finally made it to Lembongan, the weather was amazing… and then back to cloudy skies when we returned, so you never really know.

If you want to be almost sure about the weather, pick July or August. If not, go with the flow…you’ll have a wonderful time even with a bit of rain.


Best Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan

1. Nusa Lembongan Beaches

The beaches in Nusa Lembongan are the very first thing you need to check out. You know those Bali beaches you’ve probably seen all over social media? Calm, turquoise, crystal-clear water and soft white sand? Many of them are actually in Nusa Lembongan.

Jungut Batu Beach

Jungut Batu Beach is the largest beach on Nusa Lembongan, a long stretch of sand starting from the popular Deck Bar all the way up north. It’s perfect if you’re planning long days doing nothing but sunbathing.

It’s perfect for swimming, casual snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Off the coast of Jungut Batu, you’ll find the most popular surfing spots on the island. Playground for beginners and shipwrecks, lacerations, and razors for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Jungut Batu Beach in Nusa Lembongan
Jungut Batu Beach

Mushroom Beach

Another beach, which is great for swimming and relaxing, is Mushroom Beach, located on the south-west side of the island. It’s a much smaller stretch of sand than Jungut Batu, and despite being very popular, it remains quiet even at sunset.

Around you’ll find great restaurants like Hai Bar & Grill or pool clubs with ocean view like Le Nusa Beach Club

Dream Beach

If you’re after dramatic ocean views with rushing waves and a picture-perfect backdrop, you shouldn’t miss Dream Beach. It was my favorite spot on the island (and where I spent most of my time). You can definitely sunbathe here, but swimming isn’t ideal due to the strong currents.

Dream Beach in Nusa Lembongan
Dream Beach

Secret Beach (Nusa Ceningan)

Another must-see is Secret Beach in Nusa Ceningan. I’ll be honest, the road to get there is an adventure on its own — it’s pretty bumpy — but the atmosphere of this slight, hidden, rugged stretch of sand is truly unique.S

There are plenty of other beaches in Nusa Lembongan, like Tamarind Beach, Mahagiri Beach (in the north), and Sandy Bay. But the four I mentioned above definitely stole my heart.

2. Snorkeling & Diving

The crystal-clear waters and rich marine life are another reason why so many travelers are drawn to Nusa Lembongan.

While you can definitely rent some gear and snorkel on your own — especially around Jungut Batu Beach — the most beautiful snorkeling spots are located between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.

The most popular way to explore them is by booking a snorkeling tour from either Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida (it doesn’t really matter which island you book from; all tours visit the same spots).

The highlight of snorkeling around Nusa Penida is, without a doubt, swimming with manta rays at Manta Point (where sightings are more likely) or Manta Bay, which is more beginner-friendly.

Soft corals in Nusa Lembongan

At Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay, you’ll swim above colorful reefs and tropical fish. These two bays are ideal if you’re staying in Nusa Penida and want to snorkel independently.

Other popular snorkeling spots include Mangrove Point (the only one just off Nusa Lembongan’s shore) and the Toyapakeh Wall, which you can only reach by boat and where you may even spot sea turtles.

Snorkeling day trips from Nusa Lembongan depend heavily on the tides. I couldn’t join my tour because the tide was extremely low that morning, and the trip was delayed, which no longer fit our plans. Make sure to plan for possible schedule changes.

3. Day Trip to Nusa Penida

If you’re not planning on staying on the bigger Nusa Island, organizing a day trip to Nusa Penida from Lembongan is absolutely worth it. Just make sure not to overload your itinerary.

Nusa Penida is very different from Lembongan: rugged, wild, dramatic, especially inland, and home to some of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen.

Rugged Coast in Nusa Penida

The highlight of my day trip was, of course, Diamond Beach on the eastern side. I’ll never forget reaching the top of the stone stairs leading down to the beach and seeing that view — the most vibrant turquoise water, the lush green of the palm trees, and the soft, glowing beige of the sand.

Getting there involved a 2-hour bumpy ride from the harbour, but it was completely worth it. When planning your trip to Nusa Penida, I recommend making clear choices about what you genuinely want to see and building your itinerary around that. It’s impossible to see everything in one day.

Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida

To help you decide, I’ve written an East vs. West Nusa Penida guide, where you’ll find the sights you can explore, the pros and cons of each area, the best organized tours and tips on how to plan your trip without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

4. Nusa Ceningan Viewpoints

Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the Nusa Islands and can be considered an extension of Nusa Lembongan. The two islands are connected by the Yellow Bridge, which you can cross on foot or by scooter.

Nusa Ceningan feels much calmer, and from its low-key beach clubs and hotels along the northern coast, you can admire the views over the Ceningan Canal and its seaweed farms.

Seaweed farms in the Ceningan Canal
Seaweed farms in the Ceningan Canal

From here, you can also witness just how dramatic the tide changes are. From low tide in the morning and late afternoon (with tiny fishing boats resting on the sand) to the higher tide during the day (finally allowing the boats to depart for Nusa Penida).

At the very end of Ceningan’s main (and only) road, you’ll find Blue Lagoon and Mahana Point — two unforgettable highlights. From this area, you can enjoy one of the best sunset views over both Lembongan and Ceningan.

Blue Lagoon, Nusa Ceningan
Blue Lagoon, Nusa Ceningan

Blue Lagoon is a small rocky bay where the water is an unreal shade of blue — the kind that gives the lagoon its name. You can only admire it from above, as there’s no path down (and no sandy area to stay on), but it’s absolutely unmissable.

On the other side of the cliff, Mahana Point is the perfect spot to watch the sunset while admiring the huge ocean waves crashing against the cliffs below.

6. Beach Clubs

You absolutely have to include at least one full day of pure relaxation at one of the many beach clubs around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. This is what Nusa Lembongan is all about.

I spent at least two days sunbathing on the loungers at Dream Beach Huts Pool Club, right above Dream Beach. This place truly offers the best of both worlds.

On one side, you’re just a couple of steps away from the stunning Dream Beach, where you can take a dip or sunbathe on the sand. On the other side, the pool club has two beautiful pools overlooking the ocean, comfortable loungers (only IDR 100K per day, with no minimum spend), a great restaurant, and even a spa with very affordable massages (from IDR 150K).

Loungers at Dream Beach Huts
Loungers at Dream Beach Huts

On the same side of the island, you’ll find Sandy Bay Beach Club, which has a very similar concept. Although the beach at Sandy Bay is beautiful, it is not ideal for swimming. You can still sunbathe on the sand, dip your feet in the water, or enjoy the pool and its views.

Over on Nusa Ceningan, Suku Beach Club feels like a dream. It’s tucked away at the easternmost point of the island, opening onto a hidden, secluded beach and known among surfers for its outer reef break. The beach isn’t really suitable for swimming, but the views from above are incredible.

The atmosphere here is so calm it almost feels like a secret. The beach club has a lovely swimming pool, plus sun beds and loungers set right on the sand. They do have a minimum spend, which varies depending on whether you choose the day beds or the poolside area.

7. Wellness and Yoga

I never miss the chance to include a relaxing yoga or energizing Pilates class whenever I travel, and Lembongan was no exception.

For such a small island, the options are honestly fantastic, with many studios and gyms located mainly around the Jungut Batu area.

When I visited, I took a wonderful Pilates class at The Pilates Collective Lembongan, located at The Yoga Garden (although I’m not sure they’re still operating). The Yoga Garden itself still offers daily yoga classes, including Power Yoga, Rise and Flow, and Yin.

The Yoga Garden Sala in Nusa Lembongan

Trying one is absolutely worth it, not only for the practice but for the setting. The Yoga Garden it’s a beautiful Sala surrounded by tropical nature and soothing sounds.

Another great option, and the only hot studio in Lembongan, is Shizaru. They offer both Bikram Yoga and Hot Pilates classes daily. You can check their schedule on their website.

The Yoga Garden

If you’re more into a full-on gym experience, head to 3 Monkeys. It’s one of the best places to go on a rainy day or if you want to slow down.

They offer a daily pass for only IDR 150,000, giving you access to their facilities, including the swimming pool, rooftop gym, and a recovery area with a sauna.

Restaurants in Nusa Lembongan

For such a small island, Nusa Lembongan offers plenty of dining options, diverse cuisines, menus that cater to all dietary needs, tropical island vibes, and even a few spots with gorgeous ocean views.

Seafood at Hai Grill & Bar

I noticed that most restaurants on Nusa Lembongan are located around the main tourist areas: Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu Beach.

Here are a few places you should definitely check out during your stay:

  1. The Deck Café & Bar – A favorite for its fresh, delicious food and stunning views overlooking the stretch of sand at Jungut Batu Beach, with Mount Agung in the distance.
  2. Hai Grill & Bar – Located on Mushroom Beach with a beautiful ocean view. I had some of the best seafood on the island here. Perfect for enjoying the sunset over Mushroom Bay.
  3. L Good Bar – I absolutely loved the atmosphere. They focus on grilled seafood and meat, and they offer the best value for money. Plus, some dishes include free access to their salad bar.
  4. Cookies Coffee Shop and Warung – Close to the Yoga Garden. I loved their smoothie bowls and salads. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something healthy and fresh.
  5. Soka Warung – One of the most popular warungs in the Mushroom Bay area (it’s always packed). Expect delicious Indonesian specialties.
  6. Fin Island Bar & Restaurant – A lively, charming restaurant with great food and live music. It gets busy, so try to go early.

If you’re looking for more options, I’ve actually written a dedicated blog post about all the restaurants I loved during my stay on Nusa Lembongan.

The Deck Café and Bar from Jungut Batu Beach

4-Day Nusa Lembongan Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Lembongan and need some itinerary inspiration, here’s a 4-day Nusa Lembongan itinerary based on my own experience.

Day 1: Arrival, Beach-Hopping & Devil’s Tears

Depending on your arrival time, you may have more or less time available on your first day in Lembongan. I personally arrived around noon, checked into my accommodation, and then headed for lunch at Soka Warung near Mushroom Bay.

In the afternoon, I rented a scooter and went on a beach-hopping adventure. I wanted to check out most of the beaches to see which ones were good for swimming or sunbathing, and which were beautiful but not ideal for a relaxing beach day.

Dream Beach
Dream Beach

I started from Mushroom Beach, then headed to Tamarind Beach, Sandy Bay, Coconut Beach, and continued all the way to Jungut Batu Beach. On my way back, I stopped at Dream Beach to check out Devil’s Tears, which is located right beside it.

I wrapped up my day with a late-afternoon dip at Mushroom Beach and then walked to Sunset Point just in time for sunset. Sunset Point is right next to Mushroom Bay, with a lovely open-air restaurant and bar perched at the top of the cliff, and the sunset view is truly unmatched.

Day 2: Mangrove Exploration, Beach Day & Sunset in Nusa Ceningan

The morning is perfect for heading to the Mangrove Forest area in the northeast of Nusa Lembongan.

The best way to explore the mangroves and learn more about this unique natural ecosystem (with the chance to spot some tropical wildlife) is by booking a tour with a local guide. Most tours last about an hour, and you can choose between a kayak, a SUP, or a gondola-style boat ride.

After that, since you’ll already be near Jungut Batu Beach, you can plan a relaxing beach day with sunbathing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or even a surf class. Along that whole stretch of sand, there are plenty of spots to settle in; just pick your vibe and grab a sun lounger for the day.

Sunset at Mahana Point

For lunch, Ginger and Jamu is one of my favorite places in the area, especially if you want a healthy meal with an ocean view.

After your relaxing beach day, you can wrap things up by heading to Nusa Ceningan just in time for sunset. Make sure to stop at Blue Lagoon, and then at Mahana Point. There is a bar called Mahana Point (Surf Place), which is perched on the cliff. From there, you can watch the waves crash below and enjoy the sunset.

Day 3: Trip to Nusa Penida

A day trip to Nusa Penida is not for the faint-hearted, which is why it’s great to plan it after a day of relaxation. The jukung boats heading there usually depart around 8 am from the Yellow Bridge (tide permitting) and reach Nusa Penida roughly 30 minutes later.

To plan your trip, you can either explore on your own by renting a scooter or book a guided tour. The staff at Pattri Garden arranged a tour for us that included Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, the Rumah Pohon Tree House, the Thousand Islands Viewpoint, and Kelingking Beach.

A Thousand Islands Viewpoint, East Nusa Penida
A Thousand Islands Viewpoint, East Nusa Penida

My biggest suggestion is to choose the one or two places you absolutely don’t want to miss and build your itinerary around them (for me, it was Diamond Beach). It’s impossible to see everything in one day.

If you’re opting for a tour, you’ll find all kinds: East Nusa Penida, West Nusa Penida, or even full-day tours that combine both. Here are some great options:

And if you’re planning your trip independently, make sure to check out my Nusa Penida day trip guide, where I break down the pros and cons of both sides of the island and help you understand what’s truly worth visiting in a single day.

4. Snorkeling Tour

No Nusa Lembongan itinerary is complete without a snorkeling trip. The marine life and coral reefs are what truly make the Nusa Islands so special.

Most snorkeling tours last around three hours, which makes them perfect to squeeze into your morning.

I personally wouldn’t recommend having a big breakfast (or breakfast at all), as the boats are usually small and the ride can be quite bumpy.

Most tours around the Nusa Islands include Manta Bay or Manta Point for a chance to swim with manta rays, Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida (famous for its colorful coral reefs and rich marine life), and then either Gamat Bay or Mangrove Point, depending on the tour.

Most accommodations in Lembongan can arrange a snorkeling trip for you—they usually work directly with local providers. But if you prefer to book in advance, here’s a highly rated and popular tour that includes Manta Bay, Manta Point, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove Point.

Depending on how much time you have on your last day, you can plan a relaxing afternoon at a beach club like Dream Beach Huts (and maybe treat yourself to a massage) or Suku Beach Club, or get ready to catch your ferry back to Bali.


What to Do in Nusa Lembongan When It’s Raining

I do wish you the best possible weather during your trip. But indeed, depending on the period you’ll be there, you may encounter rain. However, there are still a couple of activities that can fill up your day.

1. Treat Yourself to A Day Spa

Again, for such a small island, there are so many spa options, especially around the Jungut Batu area. From massages to wellness therapies, all the way to full-day wellness retreats.

Glow Spa (hosted by Sandy Bay Beach Club) and Spring Spa (in Jungut Batu) are two high-quality spa franchises found all over Bali, and you can be sure they’ll offer some of the best self-care and spa treatments on the island.

Another great option is Karuna Island Spa. It’s one of the few spas offering full-day packages, which are perfect if you happen to be in Lembongan on a stormy day.

2. Spend the Day At 3 Monkeys Beach Club

3 Monkeys isn’t just a beach club; it can easily become a full-day wellness experience. They offer daily passes for only IDR 150K, giving you access to their gym, recovery area with sauna, swimming pool, restaurant, and beach club. It’s such a great place to spend a rainy day or unwind after exploring the island.

3. Create Your Own Skincare

Ok, this is something that would actually make me hope for at least a rainy afternoon in Lembongan.

Dapur Alami is a small skincare laboratory based on the island, offering workshops where you can create six 150 ml skincare products using only natural ingredients.

The workshops last around two hours and have limited spots (only six people). It’s such a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon while learning about the benefits of locally sourced natural ingredients used in skincare.

4. Join a Cooking Class

A cooking class is one of my favorite activities to have in Bali, and luckily, you’ll find some options in Lembongan too.

Cooking in Indonesia is not only about preparing food, but it’s an entire ritual shared among family members. For travelers, it’s the best way to connect with locals, learn more about their culture, and try many delicious meals.

Lembongan Cooking is absolutely the best on the island. They offer different types of menus for both adults and kids, and they’re all so tempting.

What to Pack for A Trip to Nusa Lembongan

In Nusa Lembongan, you won’t need many clothes. You’ll easily spend your days in a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a sarong, so there’s no need to pack heavy.

I’d recommend bringing a bag instead of a suitcase, simply because it’s easier to carry around when getting on and off boats. It’s also useful to pack an extra microfiber towel, as it dries quickly and you’ll be in and out of the water often.

Here’s what I personally packed for a 4-day trip:

  • Swimsuits
  • Microfiber towel
  • Flip-flops
  • Sarong
  • Small purse
  • Shorts and crop tops
  • A couple of dresses (max 2)
  • SPF, mosquito spray, and sunglasses
  • Small toiletry and makeup bag (you won’t need much)

FAQ Section

1. What Are Some Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan at Night?

The nightlife in Nusa Lembongan is very laid-back; there aren’t any clubs or places that stay open very late. In the evening, the most popular activity is definitely catching the sunset from one of the many beaches (Mushroom Bay is my favorite) or sunset points.

You can plan a nice dinner with an ocean view at places like Hai Tide Bar & Grill, and then enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bars and restaurants on the island. Spots like Sanghyang Bay Bar often have live music and offer the perfect relaxed atmosphere to end your day.

2. Nusa Penida vs. Nusa Lembongan: Which One Is Better?

Here, the answer totally depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for.

Nusa Lembongan is very much relaxation-focused. Compared to Penida, there are fewer sights to check off and more opportunities to plan long days by the pool or at the beach.

Nusa Penida, on the other hand, is much larger, with plenty of things to see and a stronger focus on exploration rather than relaxation, even though you can still spend a couple of lazy afternoons at Crystal Bay.

If you’re really torn between the two Nusa Islands, you can check out my Nusa Penida vs. Lembongan comparison, where I break down the differences and the pros and cons of staying on each island.

3. Nusa Islands Vs. Gili Islands: Where Should I Go?

If you’re planning a 3–4 day island escape, the answer to this question will mostly depend on how long your overall Bali itinerary lasts. After visiting both island groups, I can confirm they’re both absolute paradises.

The main difference lies in how easy they are to reach. The Gili Islands are about a 2-hour ferry ride from Bali (departing from Padang Bai Harbor in East Bali, which is a longer journey from most tourist hubs on the island). The Nusa Islands, on the other hand, are just 30 minutes from Sanur, much quicker and easier to get to.

Broken Beach, Nusa Penida
Sandy Beach in Gili Trawangan

When it comes to things to do, the activities are more or less the same, although the Gili Islands are smaller and offer fewer things to see overall. It’s easier to get bored after a snorkeling trip and two full days of pure sunbathing (depending on the kind of traveler you are).

To help you choose what makes the most sense for your trip, I’ve written a short guide comparing the Nusa Islands and the Gili Islands, covering things to do, overall atmosphere, accommodations, and more.

4. Can I Plan a Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan?

A day trip to Nusa Lembongan is a great idea—whether you’re already staying in Nusa Penida or planning a quick island escape from Sanur.

As mentioned, Lembongan doesn’t have a long list of “must-see” attractions, which makes it perfect for a one-day visit. You can easily explore its most beautiful beaches, viewpoints, and highlights without feeling rushed.

You can book a Lembongan land tour or create your own itinerary. Another popular choice is joining a snorkeling tour directly from Bali if that’s what you’re after.

If you’re wondering what the best things to do and see in a single day are, I’ve put together a full Nusa Lembongan day trip guide to help you make the most of an 8–10-hour trip.


And there you have it…Everything I know and love about this paradisiac corner of Bali is wrapped up in one complete Nusa Lembongan Guide. I hope it helps make your trip smoother, easier, and truly unforgettable.

If you’re still planning your Bali itinerary or deciding where to go before or after Nusa Lembongan, don’t miss my guide to the best places to visit in Bali (for both first-timers and non).

When people tell me they didn’t enjoy Bali, I can’t help but wonder where they’ve actually been—because this island has so much more to offer than the usual spots. This guide is here to help you discover exactly that.

If you have any questions about traveling to Nusa Lembongan or Bali in general, feel free to drop them in the comments. I’m always happy to help.

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