Just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Bali lies Nusa Lembongan, a gorgeous, idyllic island that some liken to Bali 30 odd years ago – before it became overrun with bogans, digital nomads and eat-pray-love types (you know who you are…🙋♀️).
On Lembongan, time passes a little slower, traffic isn’t so much of an issue, the surfing and diving are sublime, and the sunsets are unreal. What’s not to love? Here’s our LUXE guide to Lembongan, including where to stay, things to do, see and eat.
Getting there
There are plenty of ferry companies that depart from Sanur Pier to Nusa Lembongan, and many offer pick-up and drop-off service to and from your hotels in Bali and Lembongan (check ferry times here). Be warned that the ride can sometimes be quite choppy, so pop those seasickness pills before you board!
Where to stay
Batu Karang
This five-star luxury resort is built on a hill at the end of Lembongan island, with three pools, ocean-facing villa suites, a gym, spa and excellent F&B options –Muntigs for all-day dining (including romantic, candlelit dinners), The Deck for casual beachfront fare, and the Parad-ice Parlour for amazing homemade scoops (don’t miss the red dragonfruit flav).
The Tamarind
With 12 suites and three 3-bedroom villas, this modern resort is built around a 300-year old tamarind tree and located close to Paradise Point with panoramic views of Mount Agung. We love its sleek design, private balconies and complimentary shuttle bus that’ll make coming and going that much easier.
What to do
Yoga at Bliss Yoga Lembongan
Yoga Bliss is a calm and serene yoga studio with gentle, kind-hearted and knowledgeable instructors (shout out to Debbie and April!) and two classes per day – usually vinyasa or power yoga in the morning and a slower, yin yoga in the evenings. Known for their online and in-person yoga teacher trainings, Bliss Yoga Lembongan also offers business coaching for yoga teachers to get them up and running.
Looking for a yoga retreat? Sign up for their 4- or 7-day yoga retreats, which include accommodations, unlimited yoga, daily healthy breakfast (we’ve never seen bigger smoothie bowls), one a-maz-ing Balinese massage, an optional snorkelling excursion and free return transfers to and from your hotel in Bali.
Yoga and surf retreats are also available for those who want to go from mat to board and experience Nusa Lembongan’s legendary waves.
Diving
With manta sightings pretty much guaranteed (as long as the conditions are safe for accessing Manta Point), it’s no wonder that people flock to Nusa Lembongan and the neighbouring island of Nusa Penida for world-class diving. And while there is no shortage of dive schools and operators on Nusa Lembongan, our top choice is Legend Diving.
Not only do they have their own swimming pool for newbies to learn in a safe environment (which comes in handy for jumping into to get those pesky wetsuits on, or for a quick dip after dives), the equipment is also top-notch, the divemasters international and friendly, and the briefings thorough and informative.
Surfing
Ready to ride the waves? It’s always good to get some lessons in first, and some of the best surf schools on the island are WeSurf Lembongan and NewBro Surfing Lembongan.
What to eat
Ginger & Jamu
A must for healthy types, Ginger & Jamu sits right on the beach so you can enjoy your smoothie bowls and tempeh salads with your toes in the sand. Popular with those who can work-from-anywhere, bring your laptop for super smooth WiFi and excellent coffee, too.
Ombak Zero Waste
Like it says on the tin, Ombak Zero Waste Cafe is the island’s first zero waste cafe that serves up amazing healthy, foods as well as burgers and bar snacks for the most epic sunsets (we love the tempeh skewers!). Besides composting their organic waste and making their own condiments and plant-based milks, they give food leftovers to animals, purchase locally where possible and avoid all single-use plastics. Sweet!
facebook.com/ombakzerowastecafe
The Deck
Boasting some of the best views on Lembongan, The Deck is an oceanfront bar and restaurant where you can take in pic-perfect views of the entire island (and if you’re lucky, Mount Agung) with a cocktail in hand. Best for sunset drinks, we recommend the fish taco wrap, smoothie bowls and of course, their assortment of creamy, homemade gelatos, too.
Headed to the Island of the Gods? Get your hands on the LUXE Bali guide:
