Nusa Lembongan, along with Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, forms an archipelago of three islands southeast of Bali, commonly known as the Nusa Penida Islands. With an approximate area of 8 square kilometers, Nusa Lembongan has a permanent population of about 5,000. A yellow bridge links Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, the smallest island among the three. Despite the bridge’s collapse in 2016, the Balinese government has reconstructed it, preserving its original appearance and 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. For a deep dive into each island, see our full Nusa Lembongan guide, our Nusa Ceningan guide, and our complete Nusa Penida travel guide.
Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan: Which One Should You Choose?
Not sure whether to visit Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
- 🌄 Spectacular views → Nusa Penida
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly trip → Nusa Lembongan
- 🧭 Adventure and exploration → Nusa Penida
- 🤿 Easy snorkeling → Nusa Lembongan
- 📸 Iconic photo spots → Nusa Penida
👉 Tip: If you have time, the best option is to combine both islands for a more complete experience — they are only a 10–15 minute boat ride apart.
| What matters to you | Nusa Penida | Nusa Lembongan |
|---|---|---|
| Landscapes & iconic viewpoints | ⭐ Spectacular (Kelingking, Broken Beach) | Pretty but smaller-scale |
| Beaches (easy & family-friendly) | Wilder, harder to reach | ⭐ Calm & accessible |
| Easy snorkelling | Great, some currents | ⭐ Easy & sheltered |
| Diving sites | ⭐ Most sites here (Manta, Crystal Bay) | Same area — centres dive both |
| Surfing | Limited | ⭐ Shipwrecks, Lacerations… |
| Size & exploration | ⭐ 25× larger, days of road trips | Tiny — circled in 2 hours |
| Nightlife & dining | Growing fast | ⭐ More developed |
| Getting around | Rougher, hilly roads | ⭐ Short, easy distances |
| Short trip (1–2 days) | Rushed | ⭐ Ideal |
| 3+ days & adventure | ⭐ Ideal | Add a day trip from here |
Nusa Lembongan at a Glance
Nusa Lembongan is a small, easy-to-reach island near Bali, known for its relaxed atmosphere, calm beaches, surf spots, and crystal-clear water ideal for snorkeling. For everything to see and do there — beaches, Devil’s Tear, the mangrove forest, where to stay and eat — see our dedicated Nusa Lembongan travel guide.
On the eastern side of the island, a well-preserved mangrove forest covering around 200 hectares offers a peaceful escape. Tourism development, which began about a decade ago, is mainly concentrated along the northern coast, where you’ll find most hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs.
Today, Nusa Lembongan is a well-established destination, while nearby Nusa Penida — around 25 times larger — has become the top choice for travelers seeking more dramatic landscapes and iconic viewpoints.
Where Is Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan is located southeast of Bali, close to Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. The island can be reached in about 30 to 40 minutes by fast boat from Sanur, making it one of the most accessible island getaways from Bali.
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 in Nusa Penida. 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 8 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, 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 beach access.
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 are plenty 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. To plan each island in detail, use our Nusa Lembongan guide and Nusa Ceningan guide.
Additional resources
Nusa Lembongan Guide
Beaches, Devil’s Tear, the mangrove forest, snorkelling, where to stay and eat, and how to get there. Read more
Nusa Ceningan Guide
The Blue Lagoon, the Mahana Point cliff jump, Secret Beach, and the laid-back island across the Yellow Bridge. Read more
Nusa Penida Travel Guide
How to get there, where to stay, best beaches, temples, viewpoints and practical tips to plan your trip. Read more
FAQ – Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan: which is better?
It depends on your travel style. Nusa Penida is best for dramatic landscapes and iconic viewpoints, while Nusa Lembongan is more relaxed, easier to explore, and ideal for a stress-free stay. For a first short trip, Lembongan is simpler; for exceptional scenery and adventure, Penida wins.
Which island is more beautiful?
Nusa Penida is generally considered the most spectacular, with world-famous sites like Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach. Nusa Lembongan is smaller but offers harmonious, easy-to-reach tropical scenery.
Can you visit both islands?
Yes. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are only 10–15 minutes apart by boat, making it easy to visit both. Ideally allow at least 3–4 days to enjoy them without rushing.
How many days should you spend in Nusa Lembongan?
Ideally 2 to 3 nights. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, and relaxed island vibe, and to cross the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan.
Is Nusa Lembongan good for families?
Yes. Nusa Lembongan is generally the easiest and safest island for families, with shorter distances and calmer conditions than Nusa Penida.
Is snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan good?
Yes, snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan is excellent and easily accessible, with clear water and abundant marine life. Mangrove Point is particularly known for its visibility and reef fish.
Are there white sand beaches in Nusa Lembongan?
Yes. Popular white sand beaches include Dream Beach, Mushroom Bay, and Jungut Batu. They are generally more accessible and swimmable than those on Nusa Penida.
Which island is better for diving?
Both islands are equally good for diving, as they share the same world-class dive sites around Nusa Penida. Dive centres operate from both, so your choice of base matters little for diving.
Can you stay in Nusa Lembongan and visit Nusa Penida?
Yes. Many travelers stay in Nusa Lembongan and take day trips to Nusa Penida — though if you have time, spending a few nights on Penida itself is more rewarding.
Which island is best for a short trip?
For 1–2 days, Nusa Lembongan is the best choice as it is more compact and quicker to explore. For 3 days or more, Nusa Penida — or a combination of both islands — is recommended.
About the author — Blaise Jaeger
Blaise Jaeger discovered Nusa Penida in 2015 and opened the island’s first PADI dive centre, Dune Penida, in 2017. He lived on Nusa Penida in 2020–2021 and is now based in Bali, diving and snorkelling the channels around Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan constantly. He writes about the Nusa islands from first-hand, on-the-ground experience.