Nusa Lembongan, along with Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, forms an archipelago of three islands situated southeast of Bali, commonly referred to as the Nusa Penida Islands. With an approximate area of 8 square kilometers, Nusa Lembongan has a permanent population of approximately 5,000 residents. A yellow bridge links Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, the smallest island among the three. Despite the collapse of the bridge in 2016, the Balinese government has reconstructed it, preserving its original appearance, making transportation between the islands convenient.
The eastern part of Nusa Lembongan is covered by a 212-hectare mangrove forest, with most of the tourism development, which began a decade ago, concentrated in a small part of the island. As a result, the island is relatively densely populated, featuring numerous hotels and restaurants along its north coast. Nusa Penida, however, which is 25 times larger than Nusa Lembongan, is attracting an increasing number of tourists due to its vast expanse and natural beauty. When choosing between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, it ultimately depends on your preferences and what you are looking for.
Tourism infrastructure
Nusa Lembongan boasts a more extensive and diverse tourism infrastructure due to its early development. The offerings of high-end hotels and villas, in particular, are more developed, with twelve luxury hotels in Lembongan compared to only one in Penida. Renting a good villa with a pool is also easier to find on Nusa Lembongan. However, it’s worth noting that you can still find excellent 4-star and local resorts on both islands. Read our article about where to stay in Nusa Penida to learn about my favorite hotels.
Nightlife is also more developed in Nusa Lembongan. The north coast of Penida, however, now welcomes many bars. New high-end projects are emerging, such as the Sunset Bar & Restaurant Amok, featuring a great pool.
Scuba diving and snorkeling
The majority of snorkeling and scuba diving sites are located in Nusa Penida, including Manta Point, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Toyapakeh, and SD Point, with a few sites in Nusa Lembongan, such as Mangrove and Blue Corner. However, in reality, dive centers from both islands visit the same dive sites. And both islands boast excellent dive centers, such as the PADI 5 Star dive center Dune Penida. Additionally, snorkeling tours are available in both islands and offer similar experiences.
Beach and surfing in Nusa Lembongan
The northern coast of Nusa Lembongan boasts a long, sandy beach that has become a hub for tourism. Among the most famous spots are Mushroom Bay Beach and Jungut Batu Beach. However, if you are looking for more varied and wilder beaches, Nusa Penida has plenty to offer. Atuh Beach and Suwehan Beach are particularly spectacular, although they may be less accessible, especially for families with young children.
For surfers, Nusa Lembongan is a surf destination with some good surfing spots, including Shipwrecks, Playgrounds, Lacerations, Montags, and Ceningan.
Landscapes
Nusa Penida offers some of the most iconic sites in Indonesia, including Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel Billabong. The island’s western coast features towering cliffs that provide a breathtaking backdrop for watching the sunset.
If you’re planning a trip to the Nusa Penida archipelago, be sure to check out my guide featuring 15 must-see sites. While the first 14 are located on Penida island, there are also plenty of stunning sights to explore on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Popular attractions on these islands include Devil’s Tears, the mangrove forests, and the iconic yellow bridge that connects the two.
Boat connections between Bali and Nusa Lembongan
Around 12 companies operate 40 daily fast boat connections between Bali and Nusa Penida. The trip is 5 to 10 minutes shorter for Lembongan but it is not really discriminating. The price from Sanur in Bali to both islands is similar. To my knowledge, however, there is no fast boat connection between Kusamba in Bali and Nusa Lembongan. And only 7 companies are going from Sanur to Lembongan.
Finally, for travelers who would like to bring their own scooter, there is no ferry boat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan. However, you can rent a scooter on the island.
Culture
Culture and history are much more present in Penida than in Lembongan or Ceningan. The famous Ped temple of PED, which shelters the spirit of the powerful demon Mecaling, is indeed located in Penida. For tourists, the temple of Goa Giri Putri, inside a very impressive cave, is also worth visiting. Festivals and ceremonies also occur in most Penida villages, if you are fortunate enough to be present for these occasions.
Seaweed farming was one of the main activities on both islands until recently. However, it has largely disappeared due to tourism development and global warming. You can still find some near Suana on Nusa Penida island.
Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan?
In summary, Nusa Lembongan is an excellent choice for passionate surfers or families seeking easy access to the beach.
However, if you’re looking to discover the authentic Bali, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, and indulge in a variety of exceptional experiences on land, in water, or underwater, then Nusa Penida is the perfect destination for you. There is an abundance of activities to enjoy, and I highly recommend spending several nights in the area.
You can also take a day trip to Lembongan from Penida, which is just a short 15-minute boat ride away, and rent a scooter to explore both Lembongan and Ceningan in two hours. However, I advise against splitting your two-day stay between Penida and Lembongan, as it would be a waste of time and offer no real benefit.
