Island Experiences
Things to do
in Lembongan and Penida
Nusa Lembongan is just 30 minutes from Bali by boat. Popular since the 1970s when surfers discovered the famous breaks, day-trippers have been visiting for over 30 years to enjoy the pristine white sand beaches, world-class snorkelling and diving and charming villages. Over the last ten years, the popularity of Nusa Lembongan has grown with many holidaymakers choosing to build on the island and a host of new restaurants, bars and adventure sports businesses setting up. Many of our guests now bypass Bali completely and head straight to the island for their holidays, lured by the laid-back charm of the villages, the turquoise bays and the incredible nature.
Boat trips are popular for swimming with the Manta rays, diving in the deep water, and exploring nearby Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan, our closest neighbour. For social butterflies, there are fabulous beach clubs and local bars and cafes, places to enjoy the views and activities for the kids.
Things to See and Do in Nusa Lembongan.
Stroll along the beach and across the rocks to Devils Tear, a craggy limestone outcrop on the southern tip of Sandy Bay; on a clear day, you can see Bali’s sacred volcano Gunung Agung looming in the distance to the north.
Cruise the coastline by boat with an experienced captain. Visit deserted beaches such as Gamat Bay on the neighbouring island Nusa Penida, enjoy a spot of snorkelling (fins and masks provided) or ask the villa manager to organise some scuba diving with one of the recommended dive companies on the island. The surrounding waters are spectacular, and you can snorkel or dive with the Manta Rays. At certain times of the year, you can spot the incredible Mola Molas (sunfish).
Head for Dream Beach, a 10-minute walk southwards along the cliff path, for a swim in a cove of shallow sloping sand, but watch out for the rip on the right-hand side of the beach.
Visit the deserted beaches and blue lagoons of Nusa Lembongan’s tiny neighbour, Nusa Ceningan, and experience island life unchanged over the centuries. The new Suku Beach Club is a great destination for a day out, overlooking the popular Ceningan surf break.
Adrenaline junkies can visit Mahana Point on Nusa Ceningan, and hurl themselves off the cliff top into the sea! Or order a cold Bintang beer from the café and watch the surfers cresting huge rollers below.
Take a leisurely scooter or golf buggy tour of the island: visiting temples, mangroves, beaches and the villages of Lembongan and Jungut Batu
Adventure out on a ‘Seadoo Safari’ jetski tour around the islands and be camera-ready for some amazing scenery
A stroll along the boardwalk on the Jungut Batu hillside admiring the super views is an absolute must-do – ending up on Coconut Beach for a refreshment and some fun out at the pontoon
Head into Mushroom Bay for a late afternoon swim followed by an early meal, or pop next door to Sandy Bay Beach Club for a superb cocktail (or 2!) followed by dinner. If you want to venture further afield many restaurants offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service. Bookings can be arranged by your villa manager. We have a list of recommended restaurants to satisfy every craving.
Visit the Underground House in Lembongan Village, a labyrinth of caves excavated from the limestone rock by local farmer and priest Made Biasa using only a hammer, chisel, and 15 years of patience and hard work.
Climb the steps to Pura Puncak Sari, a sacred hilltop temple that commands fabulous views over the neighbouring islands and Bali’s east coast.
Things to See and Do in Nusa Penida.
We have some recommended boats to take you to visit the neighbouring island of Nusa Penida. With its sky-high cliffs, spectacular bays and world-renowned diving, it has become an Instagram favourite in recent years.
Don’t miss the spectacular natural rock arch over the turquoise waters of Broken Beach (Pasih Uug). Hike or bike to get to this amazing cove on Nusa Penida’s northwest tip, and don’t forget your camera. Although you can’t swim here as there’s no access to the water, you’ll be able to cool off at nearby Angel’s Billabong.
Angel’s Billabong (Kolam Para Bidadari) is a natural infinity pool of crystal clear river water flowing into the sea, framed by craggy rocks and cliffs overlooking the ocean. Take a dip with the angels and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Enjoy the views as waves hit the rocks and send great plumes of water into the sky at Smoky Beach (Pasih Andus), just the place for a refreshing shower.
Take your mask and snorkel to Crystal Bay (Surganya Pecinta) where the water is clear, the waves are calm and beautiful clusters of coral are waiting to be discovered.
It’s a long steep climb down to the white sands and crystal clear waters of Kelingking Beach, but even if you just visit to take photos of the unique T-Rex-shaped cliff formation from the top, your trip will be worth it.
Nusa Penida is a wonderful destination for divers. Ask your villa manager to book a few dives at our recommended dive centre for your chance to get up close and personal with magnificent manta rays at the eponymously named Manta Point or, from late July to November, Mola-Mola, huge oceanic sunfish. For the less experienced diver, there are easier flat reef and wall dives in the crystal clear waters around Nusa Lembongan.
