Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan In 2024 – By Bali Expats
Planning your Bali itinerary and wondering where to stay in Nusa Lembongan?
Nestled just southeast of Bali, Nusa Lembongan offers a serene retreat from the bustling, tourist-packed scenes of its more famous neighbour – Bali. This idyllic island is part of the Nusa Penida district, known for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant marine life (here you can swim with manta rays!), and picturesque landscapes. 🐡🌴☀️
Living in Bali, we often seek respite from the bustling life of Canggu, and Lembongan Island has been our go-to escape. So far, we’ve visited three times. We love the island’s tranquillity, and Robin particularly enjoys the island’s less crowded surf spots. For us, Lembongan is the perfect retreat to unwind and reconnect with nature.
In this post, we are sharing the best places to stay in Nusa Lembongan (hotels & areas) based on our personal experience.
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Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan – At A Glance
So, where is the best place to stay in Nusa Lembongan? Well, that really depends on what you are looking for. Before we dive deep into each part of the island, here is a short summary that already may give you a good idea.
📍Best place to stay in Nusa Lembongan for luxury and epic views ➡️The Acala Shri Sedana.
📍JUNGUT BATU – Best area to stay in Nusa Lembongan for nightlife and wide stretch of gorgeous beach. ➡️Ohana’s Beachfront Resort & Spa (comes with a fab beach club).
📍MUSHROOM BAY – Best for families. ➡️ Sunset Coin Lembongan (super affordable).
📍DREAM BEACH – One of the best places in Nusa Lembongan, boasting a scenic beach. ➡️ Dream Beach Huts (right on the beach!).
📍SANDY BAY – Best quiet neighbourhood & people-free beach ➡️The Shacks at Sandy Bay (family-friendly, charming colonial-style cottages).
📍NUSA CENINGAN – Stay for seclusion, tranquillity and small boutique hotels ➡️Blue Lagoon Avia Villas (overlooking the picturesque Blue Lagoon).
#1 Jungut Batu Beach – Best Place To Stay On Nusa Lembongan For Nightlife & Dining.
Located on the north-western shore of Nusa Lembongan, Jungut Batu Beach boasts the island’s most extensive and inviting stretch of sand. Renowned for being the premier beach destination in Nusa Lembongan, it draws visitors with its breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear waters.
It is also the beach where most boats from Bali arrive, so even if you don’t decide to stay here, you will most definitely see it.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Nusa Lembongan for a fun, activity-packed vacation, Jungutbatu is the perfect area.
Apart from sunbathing and swimming, there are a few decent surf spots located off the beach. If you’re a beginner, we recommend booking a class in one of the surf shacks. You will be taken to the surf break by a boat and practise riding your first waves under the supervision of an experienced instructor!
Here, you can also go diving and explore the rich marine life surrounding the island. We haven’t tried it ourselves yet, but we heard a lot of good things about Dive Concepts Lembongan.
This area is a hub for diverse accommodation, catering to every preference and budget, from luxurious beachfront resorts that offer the epitome of comfort and elegance to cosy private villas that promise a serene retreat close to nature.
Jungut Batu is the best place to stay on Nusa Lembongan for diverse dining options. Most restaurants and cafes line the main road (Jalan Jungutbatu) paralleling the beach. For those who enjoy health-conscious meals, there are numerous restaurants serving up delicious, nutritious options.
We particularly enjoy breakfasts at Bali Eco Deli, which is a modest cafe which takes eco-conscious efforts seriously and serves yummy smoothie bowls and excellent banana bread!
Another favourite is The Deck Café & Bar. We love it for its sea and beach views, and on a clear sky day, you can even see the volcano! We recommend arriving early to secure a spot on the deck!
And, as the sun sets, Jungut Batu transforms into a lively nightlife spot. Bars and venues along the beachfront come alive, each offering a unique vibe, from chilled-out music sessions to live DJ sets.
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Best Places To Stay Near Jungutbatu
Luxury – The Tamarind Resort
Located 1 km from Jungut Batu Beach, this 5-star resort boasts fantastic facilities, including a wellness centre and boho-chic suites (some with sea views), as well as private pool villas.
Mid-Range – Ohana’s Beachfront Resort
Boasting a beachfront location right on Jungutbatu, a spa and a relaxed-vibe beach club, two pools and boho-style rooms, Ohana’s Resort is a fantastic midrange option.
Budget – Megacahya Bungalow
Located a 2-minute walk to the beach, this property features a pool and simple ensuite and air-conditioned double rooms for a bargain price!
#2 Mushroom Bay – Best For Families.
Exploring Nusa Lembongan where to stay, leads many to the Mushroom Bay area, known for its scenic beauty and family-friendly swimming conditions (on most days).
The beach has soft sand, and the sea has shallow waters, suitable even for small kids to enjoy. Various cafes line the beach, and they all have a very chilled vibe, with no loud music or boisterous crowds, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and gentle seaside enjoyment.
You can find Mushroom Bay on the southwestern side of the island, just below Jungut Batu Beach. Unfortunately, this beach also receives a lot of boat traffic since it’s a second docking port where boats arrive from Bali. A lot of Nusa Lembongan visitors complain about the motor noise, but we still think that Mushroom Bay is idyllic and definitely worth your time.
Mushroom Bay neighbourhood is one of the best places to stay in Nusa Lembongan for delicious local food. We found here many fantastic local eateries, known as “warungs”. At Soka Warung, we had a delicious mie goreng, and Warung Tumpang Sari serves amazing tuna katsu curry, which is super yummy and costs only 50k IDR ($3).
Another thing we like about this area is that everything is super compact and walkable, so if you’re not planning on renting a scooter, it is the best place to stay Nusa Lembongan has to offer.
So, if you’re looking for where to stay in Nusa Lembongan with kids or near a beach where it’s safe to swim and where you can walk to various local restaurants, Mushroom Bay is ideal.
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Best Places To Stay Near Mushroom Bay
Luxury – The Palm Grove Villas
Located 180 meters from Mushroom Bay, this property is perfect for couples, featuring two outdoor pools, a spa, complimentary breakfast and services such as a candlelit dinner.
Boutique – The Acala Shri Sedana
This property is located 3 km from Mushroom Bay, but it earned its place for an epic hilltop location overlooking the beach and romantic luxury suites with excellent amenities.
Budget – Sunset Coin Lembongan
Situated a 6-minute drive from Mushroom Bay & 700 meters to Dream Beach, this hotel features charming thatched-roof cottages, a pool, a spa and complimentary breakfast.
#3 Dream Beach – Where To Stay On Nusa Lembongan For A Gorgeous Beach.
Tucked away on the southern coast of Nusa Lembongan, Dream Beach is celebrated for its stunning, secluded shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a pristine escape from the more crowded spots on the island.
Jungutbatu Beach is located 4 km away (a 16-minute drive), and Mushroom Bay is 1.8 km (a 7-minute drive) away.
This small yet breathtaking beach is framed by dramatic cliffs and offers soft, powdery sand, ideal for sunbathing and relaxing in a tranquil setting.
Though Dream Beach is less frequented by boats, offering a more peaceful ambience, the waves here can be quite powerful, appealing to those looking for a thrill in the water, though swimmers should proceed with caution due to strong currents. As a result, Dream Beach is not the best location to stay in Nusa Lembongan for families visiting with little kids.
However, if you’re fine with not swimming in the sea, several beachfront hotels boast amazing infinity pools, which are great alternatives to swimming in the sea.
The neighbourhood of Dream Beach is much smaller and offers fewer dining options compared with Jungutbatu or Mushroom Bay, but that doesn’t mean there are no restaurants.
Within walking distance, you will find Tropical Juice Corner & Foods, where we had colourful tropical smoothie bowls, which were delicious, but the restaurant is also a great option for lunch or dinner.
Another excellent option is Cookies Coffee Shop and Warung, with a large dining area, and D Tari Warung, which is a great restaurant if you fancy some local food such as mie goreng, gado gado, chicken satay or grilled fish.
So, if you want to overlook an amazing beach and hate boat traffic, Dream Beach is where to stay in Nusa Lembongan for you.
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Best Places To Stay On or Near Dream Beach
Mid-Range – Dream Beach Huts
Situated right on Dream Beach, this property features wooden huts packed with character and fantastic facilities, including an infinity pool facing the ocean, complimentary breakfast and a restaurant.
Budget – Komodo Garden
Located inland, 550 m from Dream Beach, Komodo Garden boasts double wooden bungalows that come equipped with air-con, a semi-outdoor bathroom and a private balcony, two outdoor pools, a restaurant and a spa.
#4 Sandy Bay – Best Area To Stay On Nusa Lembongan For A Quiet Beach.
Sandy Bay is located in the southern part of the island between Mushroom Bay and Dream Beach. Jungutbatu Beach is situated 4 km north or a 14-minute drive, and the iconic yellow bridge that connects the island with its smaller sister island, Nusa Ceningan, is 3 km away in the eastern direction.
What’s special about Sandy Bay, and why do we recommend staying in this area? The neighbourhood of Sandy Bay is one of the best places to stay Nusa Lembongan has to offer for travellers seeking peace and quiet. When we first visited, we instantly fell in love with this small but super charming place.
There is a handful of boutique accommodation options surrounding the beach and not many dining options nearby.
The beach at Sandy Bay is tucked in a small cove and boasts white, soft sand. But, due to its proximity to Devil’s Tear, the sea in the bay is rough on most days, making Sandy Bay not ideal for swimming.
Its highlight, however, is the Sandy Bay Beach Club, where we enjoyed spending the afternoons sipping cold beer from their infinity pool. We found the vibe very chilled, with no loud music, and also suitable for families. So, Sandy Bay is another excellent option for families where to stay in Nusa Lembongan.
We also found that accessing the beach from the street was a bit tricky due to the tightly built properties. However, we eventually discovered that you can access it from Devil’s Tear if you don’t want to pay for the beach club.
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Best Places To Stay Near Sandy Bay
Mid-Range – The Shacks at Sandy Bay
This property features a range of colonial-style cottages, a pool, and a family-friendly restaurant, and it’s located a 1-minute walk from Sandy Bay Beach Club.
Budget – D’Coin Lembongan
Located a 2-minute walk to Sandy Bay Beach Club, D’Coin features double wooden cottages and great facilities, including a spa, restaurant and a pool for a bargain price.
#5 Tamarind Beach & Coconut Bay – Another Quiet But Central Location.
Tamarind Beach is not the most popular place where to stay in Nusa Lembongan, but that may be its greatest appeal. This small beach is tucked between the more famous Mushroom Bay and the long stretch of Jungutbatu Beach on the western part of the island.
So, if you can’t decide between these two areas, Tamarind Beach, which is walkable from both, may give you a good compromise. The beach is cradled by rock formations on both sides, creating a sheltered haven where the sea remains calm and inviting, perfect for swimmers of any level, including kids.
There are a few beach restaurants here and some affordable hotels like D’Muncuk Huts Lembongan, right on the beach! But, apart from that, the beach remains super quiet all day long, so if that’s your idea of “perfect”, you should consider basing yourself here.
The only thing to keep in mind is that at low tide, you may have to walk a considerable distance to reach a sea level suitable for swimming. Additionally, at certain times of the year, a layer of seaweed may be washed up onto the sand.
There are a few dining options within walking distance from this area – Mushroom Espresso – good for your daily caffeine fix, and Warung Makan Kevin, where we absolutely loved their Soto Ayam (chicken noodle soup) and grilled fish wrapped in a banana leaf – a speciality of Nusa Lembongan.
To sum up, Tamarind Beach is one of the best places to stay Nusa Lembongan has to offer for families and travellers enjoying quiet locations.
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Best Places To Stay Near Tamarind & Coconut Bay
Luxury – Morin Resort
Located 700 meters from Tamarind Beach & an 11-minute walk to Jungutbatu Beach, Morin Resort offers fantastic facilities and a range of villas, including family, ocean-view and private pool accommodation.
Mid-Range – Lembongan Cliff Villas
This property boasts a range of suites, including one and two-bedroom villas perfect for families. There are two pools, one infinity overlooking the bar, a restaurant and a spa.
Budget – D’Muncuk Huts Lembongan
This budget accommodation boasts a fantastic location right on Tamarind Beach. There is an infinity pool, a restaurant and an optional breakfast. Rooms overlook the pool and sea.
#6 Nusa Ceningan – Best For Off the Beaten Track Experience.
Nusa Ceningan is not really a part of where to stay in Nusa Lembongan, but as the name suggests, it’s an entirely separate, neighbouring island. Nusa Ceningan lies to the southeast of Lembongan and to the northwest of the bigger – Nusa Penida island.
Its most iconic landmark is the famous yellow bridge that connects it with Nusa Lembongan. Nusa Ceningan is even quitter, and if you’re searching for the ultimate off-the-grid experience, it is an ideal place.
We do, however, recommend renting a scooter if you decide to base yourself here, as it offers the freedom to explore the island’s scenic spots and an easy connection with Lembongan for when you fancy a little more lively atmosphere.
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Best Places To Stay On Nusa Ceningan
Mid-Range – Blue Lagoon Avia Villas
Located in the picturesque Blue Lagoon, the property features a range of suites, including one and two-bedroom villas with private pools, a shared infinity pool and a restaurant.
Budget – Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas
Situated a 5-minute drive from the Yellow Bridge, this hotel features an infinity pool, a restaurant, complimentary breakfast and various suites suitable for couples and families.
Nusa Lembongan: FAQ
How to get to Nusa Lembongan?
Ferries and speedboats to Nusa Lembongan typically depart from Sanur Beach in Bali. This beachfront is lined with various operators offering daily trips to the island. Another popular departure point is the Padang Bai harbour, especially for those coming from the eastern part of Bali.
The cost of a one-way ticket to Nusa Lembongan varies depending on the operator and the type of service you choose. Prices generally range from IDR 150,000 to IDR 300,000 (approximately $10 to $20 USD) for a one-way journey on a speedboat. These prices are subject to change based on the season, demand, and specific services included, such as hotel transfers in Bali.
You can buy your tickets directly at the beach or harbour, through your hotel in Bali, or from travel agents scattered across the island. However, we usually prefer to plan ahead and secure our spots, so we normally buy our tickets online
We normally use 12go.com, where you can compare prices, departure times, and services from various operators, ensuring you find the best deal that suits your travel preferences. The prices on 12go.com are super competitive, so we don’t see any advantage in not doing it online.
How to get around Nusa Lembongan?
Here’s how you can get around to make the most of your stay:
Renting a Scooter
The most convenient and popular way to explore Nusa Lembongan is by renting a scooter. This is also our favourite way! Scooters are readily available for rent across the island, with rental prices typically ranging from IDR 100,000 per day (approximately $7 USD). The cost may vary slightly depending on the rental duration and the condition of the scooter.
The advantages of scooter rental are many. Firstly, the island’s relatively small size and the simplicity of its road network make scooters an ideal choice for adventurous travellers looking to weave through the island’s roads. Secondly, scooters offer the freedom to stop whenever and wherever you please, be it for a quick dip in the ocean, a photo op, or to stop for a snack at a roadside warung.
Taxis and Private Drivers
For those who prefer not to drive themselves, taxis and private drivers are available options, albeit less common than scooters due to the island’s compact nature. Hiring a private driver for the day can offer a personalised tour experience, with the driver doubling as an informal guide to the island’s best spots. The cost for a private driver or taxi service varies depending on the distance and duration of your journey, but expect to pay from 800k IDR ($51) for an 8-hour day.
Note on Ride-Hailing Apps
It’s important to note that popular ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are not available on Nusa Lembongan. This limitation means that planning your transportation in advance, whether it’s renting a scooter or arranging for a private driver, becomes even more crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable exploration of the island.
Is Nusa Lembongan worth visiting?
Totally! Nusa Lembongan is a serene island with a super relaxed atmosphere. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise, especially for those looking to swim alongside majestic manta rays. Beyond the underwater marvels, the island boasts stunning landscapes, a lush mangrove forest, quaint villages, and pristine beaches.
Can you walk around Nusa Lembongan?
While it’s quite a stretch to walk the entire island due to its size, it is possible to walk around neighbourhoods like Jungutbatu or Mushroom Bay. If you want to explore the whole island, you will need to rent a scooter or use a taxi.
It’s worth noting that modern conveniences like Go-Jek or Grab services are not available on the island, which adds to its untouched, relaxed charm.
How long to stay in Nusa Lembongan?
We recommend staying for at least three days. This timeframe will allow you a relaxed pace to visit key spots, including beautiful beaches, quaint villages, and the lush mangrove forest, as well as a snorkelling tour with manta rays.
Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan: Final Word
We hope this post helped you plan your trip and figure out where to stay in Nusa Lembongan! We love this small island for its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches not overrun by tourist crowds and friendly locals.
Whether you decide to stay around the lively Jungutbatu area or the tranquil Sandy Bay or Dream Beach, we are confident you will have a fab time!
See you in Bali (or the surrounding islands 🌴)
Mal & Robin
xxx
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