Nusa Islands

Top Attractions and Activities Bali's Nusa Islands

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a small island southeast of Bali, known for its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and unique cultural experiences. The island offers a variety of accommodations and dining options, making it accessible to all types of travelers. Some of the most popular beaches on the island are Dream Beach, Mushroom Bay, and Sandy Bay. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as visiting seaweed farms, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Nusa Lembongan is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and natural island experience in Bali.

• Dream Beach: This beach is located on the south coast of Nusa Lembongan and is a great spot for swimming and surfing. The waves here can get pretty big, so it's best for experienced surfers. There are also a few restaurants and bars nearby, making it a great spot for a day trip.

• Mushroom Bay Beach: This is another stunning beach on Nusa Lembongan, known for its calm and clear waters. It's a great spot for snorkeling, as there are plenty of colorful fish and coral to see. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, serving up fresh seafood and other local dishes.

• Sunset Beach: As the name suggests, this beach is known for its stunning sunsets. It's located on the west coast of Nusa Lembongan and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, making it a great spot to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

• Devil's Tear: Devil's Tear is a popular natural attraction located on the southwestern coast of Nusa Lembongan, where waves crash against the cliffs creating a spectacular display of water sprays and splashes. Visitors can enjoy the view from several viewpoints along the path leading to Devil's Tear. It's important to be careful as the rocks can be slippery, and visitors are advised to stay behind the barriers for safety. The place is also popular for sunset viewing.

• Mangrove Forest Tour: The Mangrove Forest Tour in Nusa Lembongan is an eco-friendly boat ride through the island's mangrove forests. A local guide will point out various mangrove tree species, wildlife, and even take you to a seaweed farm. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the island and support local eco-tourism initiatives.

• Pura Dalem Penataran Temple: Located on Nusa Lembongan, is a temple that is dedicated to the goddess of death, and visitors can witness traditional Balinese rituals and ceremonies here.

• Seaweed Farming: Nusa Lembongan is known for its seaweed farms, which are an important part of the island's economy and culture. Visitors can take a tour of the farms and learn about the traditional seaweed farming practices that have been passed down through generations. These tours often include a visit to a seaweed processing plant, where visitors can see how the seaweed is cleaned and dried before being sold. In addition to learning about the farming practices, visitors can also try some of the delicious seaweed-based dishes that are a popular part of the local cuisine.

Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the Nusa Islands, located between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Its main attraction is the beautiful Secret Beach, a secluded bay with turquoise waters and soft sand that can be accessed through a narrow path in the cliffs. The island also offers other attractions such as the stunning Blue Lagoon, the picturesque Yellow Bridge, and traditional seaweed farms. Nusa Ceningan is a beautiful and secluded island that's perfect for those seeking a peaceful and intimate island experience in Bali.

• Secret Beach: This hidden gem on Nusa Ceningan is a bit harder to get to, but well worth the effort. The beach itself is surrounded by towering cliffs and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, making it a great spot for a day trip.

• Blue Lagoon: A picturesque natural pool with crystal-clear blue water surrounded by dramatic cliffs. The lagoon is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping, and offers spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a dip in the refreshing water, explore the nearby caves and cliffs, or simply relax and soak up the scenery. The Blue Lagoon is also a popular spot for photography, with its vibrant blue water contrasting beautifully against the rugged landscape.

• Pura Segara Temple: Located on Nusa Ceningan and is known for its beautiful ocean views and stunning sunsets.

• Yellow Bridge: The Yellow Bridge is a landmark attraction on Nusa Ceningan, connecting the island to its neighbor, Nusa Lembongan. It is a suspension bridge painted bright yellow, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands. The bridge was originally built in 2016 to replace an older, wooden bridge that collapsed due to overcrowding. Since its construction, the Yellow Bridge has become a popular spot for visitors to take photos, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding islands. The bridge is also a popular spot for fishing, with locals and visitors alike casting their lines into the water below.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is the largest and most rugged of the Nusa Islands, located southeast of Bali. It's known for its stunning cliffs, pristine beaches, and natural attractions, such as Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, and Manta Point. Visitors can also explore traditional villages and temples, such as the Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple. Nusa Penida is an excellent destination for adventurous travelers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Bali.

• Atuh Beach: Located on the east coast of Nusa Penida, Atuh Beach is a bit more remote and secluded than some of the other beaches on this list. The beach itself is surrounded by towering cliffs, making for a dramatic and picturesque setting. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area, so it's a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Kelingking Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Bali, thanks to its iconic cliffside view of a T-Rex-shaped rock formation. The beach is only accessible by a steep and rocky path, but the view from the top is worth the effort. The white sandy beach and turquoise waters below are truly stunning.

• Broken Beach: It is a circular cove with a small natural arch that allows the sea to flow into the enclosed area, creating a pool of crystal-clear water. The beach gets its name from the fact that the arch was once a cave that collapsed, leaving a "broken" hole in the cliff. The scenery around Broken Beach is breathtaking, with steep cliffs and jagged rocks surrounding the cove, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. Visitors can also hike along the nearby cliffs to get even more stunning views of the beach and surrounding areas.

• Crystal Bay: This beach is located on the northwest coast of Nusa Penida and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The waters here are crystal clear and there are plenty of colorful fish and coral to see. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, making it a great spot to spend a day or two.

• Angel's Billabong Natural Infinity Pool: Located near the Broken Beach visitors can swim and enjoy the crystal-clear water surrounded by rocks and cliffs, but must be cautious of the strong currents during high tide. It's recommended to wear water shoes and visit during low tide for the best experience. The area is popular for photography and sightseeing.

• Manta Point: Manta Point is a popular snorkeling and diving spot located off the coast of Nusa Penida, known for its abundance of manta rays. The gentle giants of the sea can be seen swimming in the crystal-clear waters, often coming close to snorkelers and divers.

• Peguyangan Waterfall: a small but beautiful waterfall located on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida. The waterfall is known for its stunning blue water color due to the high mineral content. Visitors need to climb down over 500 steep steps to reach the waterfall, but there are several resting points with beautiful views. At the bottom, visitors can swim in the small pool below the waterfall, but they should be careful as the rocks can be slippery. It's recommended to bring water and be prepared for the climb back up the stairs.

• Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple: Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple is a Hindu temple located inside a natural limestone cave on Nusa Penida. Visitors must crawl through a narrow tunnel to enter and will find several shrines dedicated to Hindu deities inside. The temple is considered a sacred site and visitors must wear a sarong and sash. Photography is not allowed inside, and it's recommended to visit with a guide.

Surfing

The Nusa Islands are a surfer's paradise, with waves suitable for surfers of all levels. Playgrounds and Shipwrecks on Nusa Lembongan are popular spots for intermediate-level surfers, while advanced-level surfers will love the challenging breaks at Lacerations, Razors, and Ceningan Point. Surf schools and rental shops are available for those who want to learn or improve their skills. Surfing in the Nusa Islands is an exhilarating and fun experience that should not be missed.

Snorkeling & Diving

The Nusa Islands are home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Bali, where visitors can swim alongside manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish in crystal-clear waters. Crystal Bay, Manta Point, and Blue Corner are some of the most popular spots for snorkeling and diving, offering incredible visibility and diverse marine life. Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner snorkeler, the Nusa Islands offer an unforgettable underwater experience.

How to get to the Nusa Islands

To get to the Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida) from Bali, the most common mode of transportation is by fast boat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get there:

From Bali to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida:

Departure Points in Bali:

• The primary departure points in Bali are Sanur Beach, Padang Bai, and Benoa Harbor. Of these, Sanur is the most popular.

Booking a Fast Boat:

• There are several fast boat companies that operate multiple trips daily between Bali and the Nusa Islands.

• Some of the well-known companies are Scoot Cruise, Rocky Fast Cruise, and Marlin Lembongan Cruiser, among others.

• It's recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season. You can book online or through local travel agents in Bali. Many hotels and resorts on the islands also offer transfer services, which can be convenient.

• The boat ride typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes to Nusa Lembongan and around 40 minutes to 1 hour to Nusa Penida, depending on the sea conditions.

Arrival on the Islands:

• Most boats will dock at Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan or at Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbor on Nusa Penida.

• From there, you can take local transport or pre-arranged pick-ups to your accommodation.

From Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan:

• These two islands are connected by a yellow suspension bridge known as the 'Yellow Bridge' which is accessible by foot, bicycle, or scooter. It's easy to move between these islands.

From Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida:

• Although they are close, there's no direct boat service between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida for tourists. If you want to travel between the two, you'd typically need to go back to Bali (Sanur) and then take another boat to the other island.

• Alternatively, if you're adventurous and flexible with time, you might find local fishermen or boats willing to take you directly, but this is less conventional.

Notes:

• Always check the weather and sea conditions. The crossing can be rough, especially during the rainy season (typically from November to March).

• If you're prone to seasickness, take precautions. The boats are fast, but the journey can be bumpy.

• Ensure the boat company provides safety equipment like life vests, and it's a good practice to check recent reviews of the boat services before booking. Safety standards can vary.

• Lastly, be mindful of the tides, especially in Sanur. At low tide, you might need to wade through shallow water to get to the boat. Wear appropriate footwear and be prepared to carry your luggage.