8 Amazing Things to Do in Nusa Ceningan, Bali

Planning a trip to Nusa Ceningan island or all three Nusa islands on the Southeast Coast of Bali, Indonesia? That sounds like an amazing plan!

You must now be looking for all the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan. That’s great because you opened the right article, my friend. From the Blue Lagoon to Secret beach and cliff jumping at Mahana Point, get ready to read everything you need to know to visit Ceningan island!

If you’re planning an extensive trip to visit all three Nusa Islands, these two blog post will be useful to you as well:

Or, if you’re looking for a round-up on all three, this is the full blog post for you: 
Complete Guide to the Nusa Islands, Bali.

Where is Nusa Ceningan Island?

Nusa Ceningan Bali is a small island a short boat ride away from the Balinese coast in Indonesia. The boat actually drops you at the larger island of Nusa Lembongan, which is connected to Nusa Ceningan by a narrow yellow bridge.

Whether you choose to stay on popular Nusa Lembongan or prefer the more remote Nusa Ceningan, you can easily explore both by scooter as the islands are easily covered in a few hours or a day trip. 

With crystal-clear waters, palm trees, dramatic cliffs and fun, social beach club vibes, many come here in search of the tropical island life feel that Bali mainland seems to have lost.

Here’s a map of Nusa Ceningan to see exactly where the below places are located:

map of Nusa Ceningan and other Nusa Islands

Round up of the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan Bali is the smallest of the three islands, with a laid-back vibe, perfect for relaxation away from the crowds.

Keep in mind that there aren’t as many restaurants and bars here compared with the other two above. But still, with tons of awesome things to do, you won’t get bored! 

Here are some unmissable things to do in Nusa Ceningan by travel style:

1 – Cliff jump at the Blue Lagoon

Cliff jump at the Blue Lagoon Nusa Ceningan

The Blue Lagoon has one of the most beautiful shades of turquoise I have ever seen and it’s definitely up high on everyone’s itinerary for Nusa Ceningan.

But there’s more to the Nusa Ceningan Blue Lagoon than you might expect! If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill, this is the place for you. 

The rocky cliffs around the cove of the Blue Lagoon is the best cliff jumping point in Bali for experienced cliff jumping. I’m talking drops between 4 and 13 meters (wowcha!). 

Not feeling adventurous? If you’re not down for a cliff jump, you can just sit on the rocks and enjoy the view at Nusa Ceningan Blue Lagoon.

The glittering water, the scenic landscape, the waves crash into the cliffside, the setting sun… just hope you don’t see anyone belly flop!

2 – Swim with Manta Rays

Snorkelling diving with manta rays Indonesia

There are some incredible diving and snorkelling spots around the Islands. The most famous spot is Manta Bay. Here you can swim with a squadron of gigantic manta rays, amongst other sea life while exploring the incredible underwater world.

Private or group tours to Manta Bay can be arranged from any of the three Nusas.

Some great diving tours:

3 – Visit the best beaches in Nusa Ceningan

Secrect Beach Nusa ceningan

Everyone knows Bali has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and Nusa Ceningan, although such a small island, is no exception.

At the ends of the bumpy roads of Nusa Ceningan, you can find some incredible spots with different features, from paradisiac sandy beaches with quiet waters to rocky shores where the waves crash.

My favourite beaches are: Secret Beach (which is now not-so-secret-anymore) and Song Tepo Beach.

You can also add The Sand Nusa Ceningan as a notable beach with plenty of good reviews, but we didn’t get to visit it.

4 – Surf or cliff jump at Mahana Point

Mahana Point Nusa Ceningan

Mahana Point is a cliffside restaurant that offers amazing ocean views and three of the best cliff-jumping platforms on the islands. The restaurant has three cliff jumping diving boards and the system of pay-per-jump, where visitors can jump and climb back up using the ladder. 

Mahana Point is also the name of the surf spot, named after the restaurant, a reef break for intermediate level surfers.

In case you’re not interested in surfing the waves or taking the leap at Mahana Point cliff jump, you can simply chill out, grab a bintang (local beer) and admire the view. 

TIP: If you want to cliff jump, make sure you visit at high tide when the water is deepers.

Price: 50,000 IDR (3.50 US$) for the higher cliff jump and 25,000 IDR (1.75 US$) for the smaller cliff jump.

5 – Enjoy a cocktail at a beach club

Nusa Ceningan Swings
Nusa Ceningan Sea Breeze Beach Club

Beach clubbing is a rising trend and Bali provides some of the best. Whether you’re looking for a secluded poolside hidden gem or a fun and social atmosphere, Nusa Ceningan has some great beach club options for a sunny day session. 

My favourites in Nusa Ceningan are Sea Breeze Beach Club for its fun, social vibe, or if you are feeling something fancier, check out Klyf Club on the other side of the island with views of the Blue Lagoon and great food options.

6 – Take pictures with the beach swings

Dream Beach Nusa Lembongan

You’ll find sets of swings hidden across the beaches on the islands. Some set in the water, some on the white sand – either way, they’re fun for a chill or to take a photo!

Keep your eyes open for them!

Below are the ones we found:

RELATED READ: East Bali Adventure – My Recommended 10-Day Itinerary

7 – Cross the iconic Yellow Bridge to Nusa Lembongan

Things to do in Nusa Ceningan

Yes, the Yellow Bridge that connects Nusa Ceningan to Nusa Lembongan is an attraction by itself! I recommend crossing it in order to take some pictures, but also to visit Nusa Lembongan – it would be a shame not to!

Aferall, this famous yellow bridge is a landmark in itself!

The bridge isn’t wide enough to let cars cross, so you’ll need to take a scooter or walk.

RELATED READ: Instagrammable Bali – 15 Instagram Spots in Uluwatu

8 – Zipline across the water

Ziplining in Nusa Ceningan

Here’s another suggestion for the adventure-seekers: you can go zip lining across the cliffs at Abyss Zipline, which is right at Nusa Ceningan Resort.

Afterwards, you can unwind and enjoy the cliff top pool while sipping on a cocktail or a beer at the bar (Driftwood Bar).

RELATED READ: A Guide to Paragliding in Bali – Uluwatu

How to get to Nusa Ceningan

How to get to the Nusa Islands

You cannot get to Nusa Ceningan directly from Bali. The most popular route is via Nusa Lembongan (where most people tend to stay during their trip) to Nusa Ceningan.

Bali to Nusa Ceningan Island

First time coming here?If you want to find out how to reach Nusa Lembongan from Bali, I recommend reading my complete Nusa Lembongan guide – I explain everything here on how to book a direct ferry and how to make sure you get on a fast boat!

Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan Island

There’s a famous yellow bridge connecting Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan called the “The Bridge of Love” as it has been renamed after its reconstruction in 2017. You can easily cross it by scooter or walk, but it’s too narrow for cars.

Nusa Penida to Nusa Ceningan Island

If you, on the other hand, want to reach Nusa Ceningan from Nusa Penida island, you can take a local boat at Toya Pakeh harbour. The ride only takes 15 minutes and the price is 50.000 IDR (3.50 US$) per person one-way.

RELATED READ: 6 Unmissable Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

Where to stay in Nusa Ceningan Island

Here are my hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay on Nusa Ceningan during your trip:

RESORTS:

Twilight Ceningan

A gorgeous 4-star accommodation that has literally everything you can think of: beach access, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a bar, a restaurant and countless opportunities for snorkelling and fishing as well. A perfect place for some world-class relaxation!

Twilight Ceningan Resort

Blue Lagoon Avia Villas Nusa Ceningan

Located pretty close to Devil’s Tear, Blue Lagoon Avia Villas is a beautiful 4-star Nusa Ceningan hotel with an infinity pool where you can stay and splash all day. If you’re bored, you can relax in the garden or sip a cocktail at the on-site bar!

Blue Lagoon Avia Villas

MID-RANGE:

Le Pirate Beach Club

In case you’re looking for a good value beachfront accommodation, this one’s for you! They have free wifi, cute decor, excellent seating areas, sea views and everything in-between!

Le Pirate Beach Club Nusa Ceningan

Tatak Bunut Villa

This 3-star accommodation is not far from the Blue Lagoon Nusa Ceningan and it has a great on-site restaurant, yummy breakfast, an outdoor pool and even rooms with a sea view!

Tatak Bunut Villa

BUDGET:

Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas & Restaurant

A great location, pretty private rooms, private bathroom and a laid-back vibe – this accommodation is simply a good choice! They also have a sun terrace and the possibility to book various activities around the island through them.

Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas & Restaurant 

Ceningan Inn

The breakfast is included in the price here and this already sounds amazing! This cosy inn has great prices, clean rooms, free Wi-Fi and more and it’s also located very close to Song Tepo Beach.

Ceningan Inn 

How to get around Nusa Ceningan island

getting around Bali by scooter
how to get around Nusa Ceningan island

If you’re only visiting Nusa Ceningan, the good news is that you can easily explore Nusa Ceningan on foot or bike, without the need to rent a scooter. Walking is completely free (a great advantage) and bikes cost 60.000 (4.20 US$) for an entire day.

But if you want to visit Nusa Lembongan as well, for example, I recommend renting a motorbike or scooter, especially if you’re a confident driver.

It’s a fun and easy way to explore the island and see the hidden and hard-to-reach places. The roads are much quieter than on mainland Bali and with less traffic, it feels much safer too.

There is a small yellow bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan, so it’s easy to cover both islands in a couple of hours’ drive.

NOTE: Thinking about renting a car? Think again! You can only reach Nusa Ceningan by bike as the connecting bridge is not wide enough for cars to pass.

RELATED READ: 10 Best Things To Do in Uluwatu, Bali – A Complete Guide

Where to eat in Nusa Ceningan island

best restaurants in nusa islands

Although small, Nusa Ceningan offers enough good places to eat so you won’t get bored during your visit. Here are my best recommendations:

Nusa Islands Bali

This was my complete guide that contains all the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan as well as the best places to stay, restaurants and info about how to get there and how to get around the island.

From laying on the beach or splashing around in infinity pools to cliff jumping at Mahana Point or the Blue Lagoon, sipping cocktails at the beach bars and tasting all that amazing island food, I promise you won’t get bored on this beautiful island in Southeast Asia!

Nusa Ceningan is a perfect destination if you’re a couple, a digital nomad, for solo travelers, or if you’re visiting with your family and more!

Need more help with planning your Bali holiday? I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this place that I consider to be my second home. And here you will find all my articles and adventures in Indonesia.

xoxo

Melissa

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8 Incredible Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan Island, Bali

If you’re searching for a quieter, remote form of paradise in Bali, you need to jump on a boat and travel 30 minutes southeast to the three Nusa Islands. And if Lembongan is your main choice, this complete guide will tell you everything about the 8 unmissable things to do in Nusa Lembongan, Bali!

Where is Nusa Lembongan Bali?

Nusa Lembongan is one of the three Nusa islands off the Southeast coast of Bali. 

Known for its turquoise waters and soft white sand, Nusa Lembongan Bali sets the perfect island vibe. Even though it’s the most touristic of the three islands, it still has only a fraction of the crowds you find on Bali mainland and makes for the perfect island getaway.

Nusa Penida is the biggest, Nusa Ceningan the smallest and Nusa Lembongan the most popular, but each is worth a visit in its own right. 

Luckily, it’s very easy to travel between all three with boat transfers!

Here’s a handy Nusa Lembongan Map

Before we get started, here’s a useful Nusa Lembongan map that showcases all the places and spots I’ll be talking about below. Remember to save it for later!

Get to Nusa Lembongan Island

If you’re looking for complete, in-depth guides for the other two Nusa Islands, here they are:

And here’s a thorough guide on all 3 Nusa Islands that includes how to get there, how to get around the islands, where to eat, where to sleep and more:

Round up of the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan Island

Nusa Lembongan Things to do by travel style:

8 Best things to do in Nusa Lembongan, Bali

Nusa Lembongan Island Bali

Visiting Nusa Lembongan island is a great way to relax, unwind, sunbathe and swim.

Tourists usually visit Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan for one or two days, and then its a short boat trip over to Nusa Penida. If you want to relax and take it slow, I would suggest to stay for an entire week and explore all three Nusa Islands.

Keep scrolling for my shortlist of things to do in Nusa Lembongan island:

1 – Visit the best beaches in Nusa Lembongan

Dream Beach Nusa Lembongan

One of the top things to do in Nusa Lembongan is to rent a scooter and hop your way around the islands beautiful white sand beach. With crystal clear waters and stretches of empty sand, you’ll be living the life of a Bali beach bum before you know it.

Although some of them have too much of a local vibe or are too remote to reach, I’d say that there are enough pristine white sand beaches in Nusa Lembongan to check out during your stay!

My favourite Nusa Lembongan beaches:

FUN FACT: There are numerous swings (a famous Bali attraction, after all), on numerous Nusa Lembongan beaches such as Dream Beach, Sea Breeze and The Sand. Make sure to check them out for a little bit of fun and some cute photos!

2 – Go to the beach clubs

Nusa Islands Beach Clubs

Checking out a beach club is the second best thing to do in Nusa Lembongan after hitting the beaches. I mean… you’re already on the beach by now, right? A beach club is a perfect spot to drink a coffee or a cocktail or eat a delicious lunch while sitting in the shade and taking a break from the sun. 

Given the popularity that Nusa Lembongan has acquired over the years, tons of beach clubs have started popping up on the shores of the island.

MY FAVOURITE BEACH CLUBS:

RELATED READ: Complete Guide to the Nusa Islands, Bali

3 – Day trip to Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida

things to do in nusa ceningan

In case you get bored on Lembongan, a day trip to either of the other two islands, Nusa Ceningan or Nusa Penida island is an excellent choice.

Nusa Ceningan Island

This small island is located between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida and it’s tiny but charming. In order to get there, you just need to cross the iconic Yellow Bridge (this famous yellow bridge is a MUST visit during your trip) with a scooter, bike or by walking.

Nusa Penida Island

The biggest out of the three islands, this one can be reached on a 15-minute boat trip from Nusa Lembongan. There are MANY things to do there and I’ve covered them all in this article: 6 Top Things to Do in Nusa Penida.

4 – Snorkel or dive with manta rays

snorkeling tour diving with manta rays

The most special activity you can do during your visit to the Nusa Islands is to snorkel or dive with giant manta rays. These incredible, majestic creatures are found in the waters between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, along with sunfish and dolphins! 

There are countless companies across all three islands offering both private and group tours. Some excellent dive sites for great Nusa Lembongan snorkelling are Manta Point, Crystal Point and Mangrove Point, where you can see living corals too!

Most of these will require a short boat trip from the island to get to the exact location where it’ll be more likely to encounter some unique, colourful marine life.

Some great diving tours:

5 – See the sunset at Devil’s Tear or other viewpoints

Going to a viewpoint to admire the sea and the sunset is one of the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan at the end of the day! Here are my two favourite spots:

Day trip to Nusa Lembongan

Devil’s Tear

On the west coast of the island, Devil’s Tear is where you’ll probably see the best sunset in Nusa Lembongan! This iconic cliffside viewpoint called ‘Devil’s Tears’ demonstrates just how powerful the sea can be. With waves crashing hard against the rocks, the underwater caves spray out mist when filled by the water. You can get there by scooter in around 10 minutes from anywhere on Lembongan and it is best to arrive around 5 PM for the best experience. Be careful, mind the splash zone and keep an eye out for dolphins as I heard that they can often be spotted.

TIP #1: This blowhole can be dangerous, so make sure you don’t get too close to the edge!

TIP #2: By the way, while you’re here, make sure to check out the rock Pools / Tidal Pools (a little bit to the right of Devil’s Tear) for an amazing sunset view.

Panorama point on the island Nusa Lembongan

Panorama Point

Panorama Point is located between Jungut Batu Beach and Mushroom Bay and it’s a great spot to see the whole island from above and take some unforgettable pictures!

TIP: This place might be a bit hard to find; I recommend setting ‘Panorama restaurant’ as your destination on Google Maps in order to get there.

6 – Take a mangrove forest boat tour

mangrove forest in Nusa Lembongan

Taking a mangrove boat tour is definitely one of the most popular things to do as a Nusa Lembongan day trip.

They offer local boat trips of the Mangrove forest found on the northeast of the island. You’ll find tours offered on fishing boats (for around 50.000 / 3.50 USD, open to bargaining) or you can rent a canoe or paddle board if you’d rather go exploring the lush, dense mangrove forest solo – you’ll have fun either way!

RELATED READ: 6 Unmissable Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

7 – Check out the surf spots

surfing in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

Whether you’re already into surfing or you’re planning to give it a try, Nusa Lembongan has some amazing reef breaks, keeping the waves pretty consistent all year round. 

Two good intermediate Nusa Lembongan surf spots are Playgrounds and Tamarind. And if you want to take some surfing lessons, I recommend going to Coconuts Beach!

RELATED READ: East Bali Adventure – My Recommended 10-Day Itinerary

8 – Do some yoga

activities in nusa lembongan

Bali is a well-known spot for yoga – and Nusa Lembongan is, of course, no exception. If you’re up for a calming activity that requires some stretching, relaxation and meditation, you’ll feel right at home on this island.

One of the most popular spots for yoga on the island is Yoga Shack near Jungutbatu Beach. Another place with good recommendations is Serenity Yoga Lembongan – and they also accept walk-ins!

RELATED READ: A Guide to Paragliding in Bali – Uluwatu

Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan

Best hotel Nusa Lembongan with outdoor swimming pool
Where to stay Nusa Lembongan

Now that you know all about the best activities and things to see in Nusa Lembongan, let’s talk about where you’re going to stay during your time on the island. 

Below you’ll find my top hand-picked hotels in Nusa Lembongan:

How to get to Nusa Lembongan

Getting from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan

As I mentioned before, all three islands are easily accessible if you’re already in Bali – especially Nusa Lembongan! 

The most popular departing point to the islands is Sanur Harbour in Bali. Basically, once you arrive at the harbour, then the rest is a breeze. The drive to the harbour takes 60-90min from Ubud and Uluwatu, 60min from Canggu and 40min from Seminyak.

There are plenty of companies that can take you from Bali to Nusa Lembongan. The most reputable companies are: Scoot, Marlin and Rocky. The majority of boats leave from Sanur Harbour (it’s the most convenient) but some (Rocky) leave from Serangan Pier

TIP: Make sure to check with your accommodation on the island before you book. Often, they will include transportation in the cost of the stay or can help you to arrange the journey over.

Boat Ride Duration: 30 minutes

Ticket Price: 500.000 to 650.000 IDR (36 to 46 US$) for the roundtrip ride (including hotel pick up and drop off).

Schedule: there are normally 4 boats each day per company.

I have also found this very convenient fast boat to Nusa Lembongan that you can book in advance.

RELATED READ: 10 Best Things To Do in Uluwatu, Bali – A Complete Guide

How to get around the island

getting around nusa islands
Scooter rental Nusa Lembongan

Luckily, Nusa Lembongan is small and easy to zip around by motorbike, scooter or even a bike. You can also explore Nusa Lembongan by car if you would prefer, but you won’t be able to reach the other two islands with it (you can’t even cross the Yellow Bridge with a car, as it’s too narrow), which is why most tourists don’t prefer this means of transportation.

All in all, the best idea would be to get around with a scooter. I would 100% recommend it! It’s a fun and easy way to explore the island and see the hidden and hard-to-reach places. The roads are much quieter than on mainland Bali and with less traffic, it feels much safer too.

The average price of ascooter rental is around 70,000 IDR (5 US$) per day. The easiest option is to rent one from your hotel if they offer this price or something similar. If not, as you arrive at the harbour there will be people renting scooters for around this price. If you choose to opt for renting a scooter from the pier, remember two things: you can bargain the price and make sure to check the scooter’s condition before paying!

RELATED READ: 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Uluwatu, Bali

Where to eat on Nusa Lembongan

Where to eat in Nusa Lembongan

There are numerous good places to eat on Nusa Lembongan, but here are my favourites that I discovered during my trip:

TIP: It may sound surprising, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead, as many places offer a free transport service to collect and drop you off at your hotel. Perfect if you want to enjoy a couple of drinks or don’t want to drive your scooter home in the dark!

My top Nusa Lembongan tips

Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida

Now that you know everything there is to do, see and eat here, let me give you some of my most precious bits of advice before you leave:

TAKE CASH

Come prepared with enough cash for your stay as the ATMs across the island are not always reliable. Some of the beach clubs and restaurants accept card payment, but it’s better to play it safe!

EXPECT A HIGHER PRICE TAG

Island life comes with a higher price as everything has to be imported from mainland Bali. You can still find cheap warungs, but expect a general rise in prices, especially if you’re going to the beach clubs. It is what it is!

BRING SOME WET WIPES WITH YOU

This advice is especially good if you’re riding a scooter on the islands. The roads can be dusty so it’s good to have these on hand so you don’t look like you belong in the cast of Mad Max in all your photos. For the same reason, it’s also good to carry a mask with you so you can cover your mouth and nose.

BRING A SCARF TOO

Here’s a golden tip from someone that has driven lots of scooters in Bali (read: me!): leave a scarf to cover your scooter’s seat whenever you park. This way, the seat won’t be burning when you return to your scooter!

RELATED READ: Instagrammable Bali – 15 Instagram Spots in Uluwatu

Round up to my Nusa Lembongan guide

This was my complete list of unmissable things to do in Nusa Lembongan, together with my ultimate guide to the island!

In the article above I have told you everything you need to know about what to do, where to eat, where to stay, how to get around the island and more! From simply laying on the beach to drinking cocktails at a beach bar, spending your time in the swimming pool, taking a snorkelling tour at Crystal Bay or admiring the sunset, I promise you that you’ll never get bored on the island!

Regardless of whether you’re going to spend one day or one week on Nusa Lembongan or if you want to visit Nusa Ceningan as well or not, you’ll find lots of tips and information that will help you organise your trip!

If you need more help with planning your itinerary, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about Bali, my second home. And here you’ll find all my articles about Indonesia.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more before your trip to Bali?

Pin me for later!

A complete guide to Nusa Lembongan Bali Indonesia
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Complete Guide to the Nusa Islands, Bali – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan

If you’re looking for the ultimate island vibes while travelling around Bali, you need to hop on a boat and check out the Nusa Islands! In case you’re planning a trip to Nusa Lambongan, Nusa Penida or Nusa Ceningan soon or you simply don’t know which one of them to choose, this complete guide to the Nusa Islands is here to help you!

Even though they are getting more and more popular with tourists, the slower pace of the Nusa Islands is the perfect getaway from the bustling streets of Bali mainland. Think turquoise waters, hidden beaches, dramatic cliff sides and a rich ocean life. If you want to live the island life as a solo traveller or with your friends or if you want to plan a romantic getaway, these three superb islands are for you!

Scroll down to find everything about the Nusa Islands – which one of the 3 to choose, how to get there, what to do on the islands, where to say, where to eat and more!

Which one should you choose?

nusa islands map bali indonesia

The three Nusa islands are each pretty unique in their own way and offer different perks and advantages, so it all comes down to your own preference. Lembongan and Ceningan are connected by a bridge, so really you can explore them both together very easily. If you’re struggling to decide which one to use as a base, here’s a short breakdown to help you choose:

The good news is that all three are VERY easily accessible from mainland Bali – no more than 40 minutes by boat. I’d say to pick either Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan as your base and then visit the other two as a day trip using a boat. I’d personally choose Nusa Lembongan!

How long should you stay on each of them?

This post will offer you a pretty good idea about how many activities you may want to do in each spot, so you can better plan your itinerary.

How to get to the Nusa Islands

How to get to the Nusa Islands

As I mentioned before, all three islands are easily accessible if you’re already in Bali. And following my suggested plan above, let’s say that you want to make Nusa Lembongan your base for the trip. This works wonderfully, as you can visit Nusa Penida with a short boat ride and you can visit Nusa Ceningan easily as well with a scooter.

Okay, now let’s find out how to get to each one of them from Bali. First of all, you need to know that the most popular departing point to the islands is Sanur Harbour in Bali. Basically, once you arrive at the harbour, then the rest is a breeze. The drive to the harbour takes 60-90min from Ubud or Uluwatu, 60min from Canggu and 40min from Seminyak.

BALI TO NUSA LEMBONGAN

Wondering how to get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali? There are plenty of companies that can take you from Bali to Nusa Lembongan. The most reputable companies are: Scoot, Marlin and Rocky. The majority of boats leave from Sanur Harbour (it’s the most convenient) but some (Rocky) leave from Serangan Pier

TIP: Make sure to check with your accommodation on the island before you book. Often, they will include transportation in the cost of the stay or can help you to arrange the journey over.

Duration: 30 minutes

Ticket Price: 500,000 to 650,000 IDR (36 to 46 US$) for the roundtrip ride (including hotel pick up and drop off).

Schedule: there are normally 4 boats each day per company.

Alternative: I have also found this very convenient fast boat to Nusa Lembongan that you can book in advance.

NUSA LEMBONGAN TO NUSA PENIDA

If you’re wondering how to get to Nusa Penida from Nusa Lembongan (and vice-versa), you don’t need to worry about booking your tickets in advance – it’s easy! You can just buy them at the pier. The pier on Nusa Lembongan is called Yellow Bridge and the pier of Nusa Penida is ToyaPakeh Harbour.

Duration: 15 minutes

Ticket Price: 60,000 IDR each way (4.30 US$)

Schedule: from 8AM to 5PM, leaving very often.

Alternative: Or you can take this fast boat to Nusa Penida (and the other way around) that you can book in advance.

NUSA LEMBONGAN TO NUSA CENINGAN

Nusa Ceningan can only be reached via the other two islands, you cannot go there directly from Bali.

The most popular route is Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan. There’s a bridge connecting Nusa L to Nusa C called the “Yellow Bridge” (or “The Bridge of Love” as it has been renamed after its reconstruction in 2017) and you can easily cross it by foot or scooter. It’s all a matter of minutes!

Best organised tours to the Nusa Islands

Here’s a smart shortcut: if you don’t want to be bothered with all the planning yourself, you can book an organised trip and have a tour agency arrange everything for you. Easiest and most convenient option if you don’t mind paying a bit extra for the organisation! This is also an excellent choice if you don’t have a lot of time and you only want to visit these islands as day trips from Bali

Here are some of my best finds: 

ONE-DAY TRIPS

MULTI-DAY TRIPS

What to do on the Nusa Islands

After all this talking, you MUST be curious: what’s there to do on each of these islands? Why is everyone visiting them? Good news: you can find a short X-ray of things to do on each of the three Nusa islands below.

WHAT TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

I’m starting with Nusa Lembongan, of course, as this one will be your base (most probably!). Here are the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan island.

RELATED READ: If you want to read my detailed article about what to do here, I recommend clicking here: Best Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan, Bali.

WHAT TO DO IN NUSA PENIDA

God, there are SO many things to do here, I don’t even know where to start! Pssst: some people say that Nusa Penida is THE place to go if you want to experience real Bali island life. I don’t know ‘bout that, but it’s definitely worth seeing it with your own eyes.

RELATED READ: Here’s my shortlist below, but you can find many more recommendations for unmissable things on this island in this article: Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida, Bali.

I know, this list is pretty long as it is, but there’s actually so much more to see on this island!

THINGS TO DO IN NUSA CENINGAN

As I mentioned before, Nusa Ceningan is more laid-back and often seems like a secluded piece of Bali heaven. Although the list of things to do in Nusa Ceningan is not as huge as the other two, there are still some very exciting activities awaiting for you there.

RELATED READ: For the full article on all that there is to do in Nusa Ceningan, click the link here: Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida, Bali.

Where to stay in the Nusa Islands

Regardless if you choose to stay on Nusa Lembongan or any of the other two, you’ll find some very good hotel recommendations for your trip below. If you’re searching for even more options, you can check out this article: Where to Stay on Nusa Islands, Bali.

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

Bucket List Bungalows in Nusa Lembongan
Bucket List Bungalows in Nusa Lembongan

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA PENIDA

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA CENINGAN

How to get around the islands – scooter rental

getting around nusa islands
scooter rental at nusa islands in bali

Let’s talk about getting around the islands. Luckily, Nusa Lembongan is small and easy to zip around by motorbike or scooter. A small yellow bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan, so it’s easy to cover both islands in a couple hour’s drive. You can also explore Nusa Lembongan by car if you would prefer, but unfortunately you can only reach Nusa Ceningan by bike as the connecting bridge is not wide enough for cars to pass.

All in all, the best idea would be to get around with a scooter. I would 100% recommend it! It’s a fun and easy way to explore the island and see the hidden and hard-to-reach places. The roads are much quieter than on mainland Bali and with less traffic it feels much safer too.

You can rent a scooter in every town and through most hotels. The average price of a scooter rental is around 75,000 IDR (5.30 US$) per day. The easiest option is to rent one from your hotel, if they offer this price or something similar. If not, as you arrive at the harbour there will be people renting scooters for around this price. If you choose to opt for renting a scooter from the pier, remember two things: you can bargain the price and make sure to check the scooter’s condition before paying!

Where to eat on the Nusa Islands

There are numerous good places to eat and grab a drink on all three islands, so scroll down to find some of my recommendations!

TIP: It may sound surprising, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead, as many places offer a free transport service to collect and drop you off at your hotel. Perfect if you want to enjoy a couple of drinks or don’t want to drive your scooter home in the dark!

WHERE TO EAT IN NUSA LEMBONGAN ISLAND

WHERE TO EAT IN NUSA PENIDA ISLAND

WHERE TO EAT IN NUSA CENINGAN ISLAND

My travel tips for travelling to the islands

my top tips for visiting nusa islands in bali
nusa lembongan, nusa ceningan and nusa penida

Now that you know everything there is to do, see and eat on all 3 Nusa Islands, let me give you some of my most precious advice before you leave:

TAKE CASH.

Come prepared with enough cash for your stay as the ATMs across the island are not always reliable. Some of the beach clubs and restaurants accept card payment, but it’s better to play it safe!

EXPECT A HIGHER PRICE TAG.

Island life comes with a higher price as everything has to be imported from mainland Bali. You can still find cheap warungs, but expect a general rise in prices. It is what it is!

BRING SOME WET WIPES WITH YOU.

This advice is especially good if you’re riding a scooter on the islands. The roads can be dusty so it’s good to have these on hand so you don’t look like you belong in the cast of Mad Max in all your photos. For the same reason, it’s also good to carry a mask with you so you can cover your mouth and nose.

BRING A SCARF TOO.

Or a sarong. Oftentimes, you’ll need them in order to enter various sacred places such as the Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave and it’s better to have them than pay the small fee for nothing. And here’s a golden tip as well: leave a scarf on your scooter’s seat whenever you can. This way, the seat won’t be burning when you return to your scooter!

It’s been a long road but here we are at the end of my complete guide on the Nusa Islands! In this article I have told you literally everything you need to know about Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan, from what to do, where to stay, where to eat and more. Plus lots of tips that will help you choose one of them for your visit.

Or, even better, I hope this post helped you to decide to visit all three!

In case you want to read about more exciting places in Indonesia (Bali, Uluwatu, Komodo Islands and more), I recommend clicking here to read all about my year-long adventures in this incredible country.

xoxo,

Melissa

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