Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan. Activities, Experiences, Adventures

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the island's natural beauty through a variety of outdoor activities.

Water Sports & Activities

Snorkeling & Diving

Popular and accessible, with tours to Manta Bay, Mangrove Point, and Crystal Bay. World-world-class diving with manta rays and Mola Mola. Dive centers offer PADI/SSI courses. Consider a Snorkel set or Full face mask.

Surfing

Surf breaks include Playgrounds (beginner/intermediate), Lacerations (intermediate/advanced), and Shipwrecks (advanced). Surfboard rentals and lessons are available along Jungut Batu Beach.

SUP & Kayaking

Stand-up paddleboarding in calmer bays like Mushroom Bay. Kayaking is known for exploring the serene Mangrove Forest through winding channels.

Land-Based Adventures

Hiking & Trekking: Restricted formal trails. Most involves walking coastal paths or exploring less-trafficked areas by scooter. Paths to Devil's Tear are generally easy. No challenging multi-day treks.
Cliff Jumping: Popular at Mahana Point on Nusa Ceningan. A a dining establishment and bar provide a base for jumping (small fee).
Cycling: Possible on main roads and less hilly paths. Bicycle rentals are available. Mountain biking is not prominent due to challenging terrain.
Jet Skiing: Can be found at some beaches for a high-speed water experience.

Marine Wildlife

Manta rays sighted year-round.
Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) best seen July-October.
Turtles, reef sharks, colorful reef fish.
No land safaris; marine life is the main wildlife draw.

Community & Culture

Seaweed farming tours offer local insight.
Family-family-owned guesthouses for cultural exchange.
Observing local Balinese Hindu ceremonies.
Learn basic Indonesian phrases for social exchange.

Relaxation & Wellness

Spas with Balinese massage, reflexology, facials.
Yoga studios feature daily classes and retreats.
Seaside clubs and pool clubs for resting by the river.
No natural hot springs on the island.

Safety Alert for Cliff Jumping

Always assess conditions and your own abilities before cliff jumping. Powerful currents and shallow areas can present dangers.

Cultural Immersion

Opportunities for cultural immersion are more informal on Nusa Lembongan island than in Bali.

Workshops & Community Tourism

Informal cooking classes at guesthouses or restaurants.
Seaweed farming tours: Insight into traditional livelihood and local economy.
Family-run guesthouses: Personal contact with local families for cultural exchange.
Language learning: No formal schools, but learning basic Indonesian phrases is appreciated.

Cultural Performances & Events

Cultural Performances

Less frequent than in Bali. Traditional Balinese dance or music presentations are rare on Lembongan.

Traditional Ceremonies

Local Balinese Hindu ceremonies occur throughout the year. Visitors may respectfully observe, but always ask permission before photographing people during ceremonies.

Festival Dates

Be aware of dates like Galungan, Kuningan, and especially Nyepi (Day of Silence), as they can impact services and movement.

Respectful Tourism

Dress modestly while visiting temples and during ceremonies. Remove shoes before entering prayer areas.

Relaxation & Wellness

Nusa Lembongan island is a serene setting for rest and rejuvenation.

Spa & Wellness Options

Numerous spas offer traditional Balinese massage, reflexology, facials, manicures, and other treatments.
Many hotels and resorts have their own spas, like Glo Day Spa & Salon or Spring Spa Lembongan.
No natural hot springs are discovered on Nusa Lembongan. Wellness mainly focuses on massage, yoga, and natural therapies.
Traditional healing practices by local healers (Balian) are less commonly sought by tourists.

Yoga, Meditation & Beach Clubs

Yoga & Meditation

Several yoga studios offer daily drop-in classes and sometimes host longer retreats. Well-liked choices include Yoga Shala at Batu Karang and Serenity Yoga Lembongan.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Nusa Lembongan has a number of popular beach and pool clubs for relaxing by the sea, food, and drinks.

Popular Clubs

The Deck at Batu Karang (Jungut Batu) for sunset views, Sandy Bay Beach Club, Dream Beach Huts, and Mahana Point (Ceningan) for cliff jumping and views.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Many restaurants on the beach and bars in Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay feature live acoustic music, notably around sunset and in the evenings.

Nightlife Scene

Nusa Lembongan island does not have large nightclubs. Some beach clubs may have DJs and offer dancing, but the nightlife is generally low- and focused on casual drinks and conversation. Most establishments nearby 11 PM or midnight.

Bar Districts

No designated bar district. Drinking establishments are scattered along Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay beaches, often as part of restaurants or resorts. Easy to walk between several options.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping on Nusa Lembongan emphasizes local crafts and souvenirs rather than extensive retail.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

Small local markets exist mainly for locals to buy fresh produce and daily necessities, not geared towards tourist shopping.
Artisan workshops are limited. Some small shops may sell sarongs, simple jewelry, or wooden carvings.
Much of the art sold is imported from Bali rather than made on the island, but individual artisans can be found.
Look for local handcrafted jewelry as a souvenir.

Souvenirs & Ethical Shopping

Souvenir Recommendations

Look for local handmade jewelry, sarongs, small wood sculptures, t-shirts, and items related to surfing or diving.

Ethical Guidelines

Support local sellers and small family businesses directly. Be mindful of societal appropriation. Inquire about the origin of items.

Luxury & Shipping

Very limited luxury or boutique shopping. For serious shopping, Bali is the main destination. For big buys from Bali, shipping services are available. Be aware of your home country's customs regulations.