This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Nusa Lembongan.
Nusa Lembongan is a quiet, little island off the coast of Bali, where the vibe is local and relaxed. The island is only a short ferry or speed boat ride away from Sanur or Padang Bai, but much less touristy than mainland Bali. You can relax by the beach, surf, and explore by scooter, or drink cocktails, eat local food, and watch shadows collect seaweed in wicker baskets each night.
There is also excellent scuba diving in the ocean surrounding Nusa Lembongan and the nearby islands and you can choose from a variety of local diving operations. Take a day trip out on the crystal blue water and swim with hundreds of colorful sparkling fish, an experience you are sure to enjoy.
The island is fairly small but has a few different areas to explore. Jungut Batu is the main beach and tourist destination offering many local and Western restaurants to choose from as well as Nusa Lembongan hostels, homestays, and resorts. The Nusa Lembongan hostels here are favorites for surfers who come to Bali in search of waves. Mushroom Bay is small white-sand beach that can be busy with day-trippers stopping over to snorkel for the afternoon. In the evening, Mushroom Bay is a great place to have dinner or relax. Dream Beach and Sunset Beach are a little more remote and require a walk through village paths or a short scooter ride. These beaches are rugged and beautiful with giant crashing waves and cliffs in the distance, you can catch incredible sunsets from the hills nearby.
There are plenty of small local restaurants in Mushroom Bay and Dream Beach as well as resort accommodation, budget bungalows, and homestays, however there are no Nusa Lembongan hostels on this part of the island. You can also easily walk or take a motorbike to the bridge that crosses to Nusa Ceningan, which is even more local than Nusa Penida. If you are looking for a quieter, more local alternative to Bali with great surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, Nusa Lembongan is a wonderful getaway.
Written by local enthusiast for Nusa Lembongan hostels
Amanda Haehl