After the buzz of Canggu and the culture of Ubud, we headed for the islands. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan sit right next to each other off the coast of Bali, but they feel completely different. Penida is big, rugged, and spectacular, with cliffs and beaches you’ll recognize from Instagram. Lembongan is smaller and more laid-back: an island of ocean, mangroves, and sunsets. We spent three nights on each island. This post expands on the Nusa stop from our 3-week Bali itinerary.
Taking the fast boat to the Nusa Islands
From Bali you take a fast boat to the islands. From Sanur, the crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Several companies run the route, so check the reviews online before you book. And keep an eye on the weather forecast: in bad weather, you’re better off staying on land, especially if you get seasick easily.
Nusa Penida: the rugged side of the islands
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa Islands. Some of the roads are in rough shape, so distances feel longer than they look on the map. Plan one side of the island per day to make the most of it.
Exploring the island
Rent a scooter and explore the island. Are you as handy as I am, and do you have a wife who’s great with the throttle? Then hop on the back 😉 Rather not ride yourself? Hire a car with a driver and let them take you to all the best viewpoints.
Kelingking Beach
On Instagram you often see photos of a deserted beach with a cliff shaped like a T-rex. Show up at the wrong time, though, and you’ll be stuck in a real traffic jam. So go early: the first day-trippers usually arrive around 9 or 10 a.m. Want to hike down to the beach? The trail is steep and tough, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are right next to each other, so they’re easy to combine. Broken Beach is a cove with a natural stone arch the ocean flows through. Angel’s Billabong is a natural rock pool on the edge of the sea. Only go in when the water is calm and the tide is low: waves can crash over the rocks unexpectedly.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is by far the most beautiful beach on Nusa Penida. White sand, turquoise water, and towering cliffs all around. You get down via a steep staircase, but you’re rewarded with pure paradise.
Snorkeling with manta rays
Snorkeling with manta rays is one of the best-known tours on the Nusa Islands. We went too, but sadly, not a manta in sight. On top of that, the water wasn’t very clear during our trip. That’s nature for you, so go without sky-high expectations. On a tour, you’ll usually see other fish and coral at the stops too.
A day of doing nothing
Need a day of doing nothing? Chill out at The Chill Penida beach club. From the infinity pool you have a gorgeous view over the ocean and the long beach.
Also check out Mambo Nusa Penida: a sleek beach club with comfy daybeds and a pool bar. And don’t forget your sunscreen, unless you want to earn the nickname “The Red Lobster” the next day, like I did.
Want to see the highlights of Nusa Penida in one day without driving yourself? This tour takes you everywhere:
Where we stayed: Villa Vilah
On Nusa Penida we stayed at Villa Vilah: clean, small-scale, and with a lovely pool. You sleep in beautiful huts. We paid about $85 a night. We prefer to book directly with the hotel; you can reach them through Instagram.
From Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan
From Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan we took a small speedboat. A short ride, fast and safe.
Nusa Lembongan: laid-back island life
Lembongan is smaller and quieter than Penida, and you can get everywhere quickly on foot or by scooter. Life here revolves around the ocean, the mangroves, and fishing. Our tip: explore Lembongan and Ceningan yourself by scooter. Traffic is light, so it’s very doable, even if you don’t ride a scooter every day.
Kayaking through the mangroves
Go kayaking through the mangroves on the north side of the island. You paddle slowly between the trees, a lovely contrast to Penida’s rugged cliffs.
Devil’s Tear
At Devil’s Tear, waves slam into the rocks with incredible force and spray shoots high into the air. Stunning to watch, especially around sunset. Keep your distance from the edge, though: the waves here are unpredictable.
The Yellow Bridge and Nusa Ceningan
The Yellow Bridge, a yellow suspension bridge, takes you from Nusa Lembongan to the tiny island of Nusa Ceningan. We crossed it by scooter, and it’s a great way to tick off a third Nusa island.
Nusa Ceningan is also home to Suku Beach Club, a stylish beach club on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. We rode there ourselves by scooter; without one, you can take the shuttle from the Yellow Bridge. This is where Edwin and I enjoyed an ice-cold Bintang in the pool.
Where to eat and drink on Nusa Lembongan
- Cocktails: Ohana’s beach club on Jungut Batu Beach. Sip cocktails with great tunes in the background.
- Food: at Sandy Bay Beach Club, the nasi campur is a must.
- On the beach: Bali High Tide on Mushroom Beach.
- Coffee: Tropical Coffee, a relaxed coffee spot in a tropical garden.
Where we stayed: Radiance Sunset Villas Lembongan
On Nusa Lembongan we stayed at Radiance Sunset Villas Lembongan, for about $58 a night. Here too, we prefer to book directly; you can reach them through their own links.
From Nusa Lembongan to Gili Trawangan
From Nusa Lembongan, a fast boat continues on to Gili Trawangan. The same applies here: check the reviews of the companies and keep an eye on the weather. Stay flexible, because rough seas can cause cancellations or delays. Read on in our 3-week itinerary.
Frequently asked questions about Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
How many days do you need on the Nusa Islands?
We spent three nights on Nusa Penida and three nights on Nusa Lembongan. That gives you time for Penida’s famous spots plus a day of doing nothing, and on Lembongan you can really unwind.
Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan: where should you stay?
Want to see the spectacular cliffs and beaches? Stay a few nights on Penida. Looking for peace and quiet, a relaxed vibe, and sunsets? Lembongan is the better pick. We recommend doing both.
Is the fast boat to the Nusa Islands safe?
Generally, yes, but quality varies by company. Check the reviews in advance and avoid sailing in bad weather, especially if you get seasick easily.
👉 Also read: Bali, the Nusa Islands, and Gili Trawangan in 3 weeks, Things to Do in Canggu, and Things to Do in Ubud.
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