The best international hotspots in Seminyak in Bali
January 31, 2025
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Just 30 to 45 minutes by boat from Bali are the paradisiacal Nusa Islands: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. These islands are an incredibly fun addition to your tour of Indonesiabecause you can relax, go on adventures and explore nature. Relax on the quiet beaches, feast your eyes on the spectacular cliffs and be amazed by the underwater world full of colorful coral. In this ultimate travel guide to the amazing Nusa Islands we share the best tips, such as what to do on the Nusa Islands, how to get there and where to stay.
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is the most popular and crowded island of the three Nusa Islands. The island is surrounded by coral reefs with snow-white sandy beaches and low limestone cliffs. For surfers, divers and snorkelers, Nusa Lembongan is the ideal travel destination. It is still sometimes said that Nusa Lembongan is undiscovered, but this is not entirely true. Compared to Bali, it may not be as touristy yet, but more and more travelers are now visiting Nusa Lembongan. It is also called the Bali of 15 years ago, and it is therefore a wonderfully relaxed island with a laid-back atmosphere.
The best things to do on Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is only a small island, but you certainly won't get bored there. With an area of only 8km², you can easily explore the island by scooter. We recommend visiting at least the following beaches and sights.
1. Mushroom Bay
Mushroom Bay belongs to one of the beautiful but also crowded bays of Nusa Lembongan. This is near the harbor, so there are many boats docked here. Therefore, it is not the most ideal beach for sunbathing and swimming, but you can find many nice restaurants here. Highly recommended is Hai Tide Bar & Grill at the Hai Tide Beach Resort. This beachfront restaurant made of bamboo is among the best restaurants in Nusa Lembongan. It is slightly more expensive compared to the local warungs, but you get delicious food and a beautiful view of the bay in return! You can also staying at the Hai Tide Beach Resort.
2. Devil's Tear
One of the most visited sights on Nusa Lembongan is Devil's Tear. The coastline of Nusa Lembongan is rugged with a raging sea and high cliffs where the water hits. Therefore, the best place to admire the wild sea is at Devil's Tear. Here you also have the chance to spot turtles. For the real daredevils, there is also the possibility of cliff jumping.
When a wave hits the rocks at Devil's Tear, it creates a spectacle of splashing water up to 10 meters high in which, with any luck, a rainbow can be seen. During sunset, this is also one of the most beautiful places to watch the sun set on the island.
3. Dream Beach
Located near Devil's Tear, Dream Beach definitely belongs in the list of beaches to visit on Nusa Lembongan. The beach has an amazing blue bay with green nature surrounding it. The waves there are very high and there are rocks in the sea. So you have to be very careful when you enter the water. Don't want to lie on the beach? Then this beach is also a nice place to end your day with a cold beer!
4. Jungut Batu
We found Jungut Batu beach to be one of the finest beaches on Nusa Lembongan. When you visit this beach you look out over Lembongan's lagoon and see Mount Agung volcano in the distance. We were able to enjoy the snow-white sand, clear blue sea and stunning view all day at this beach.
5. Secret Beach
Secret Beach, as the name suggests, is one of the quietest beaches on Nusa Lembongan. Therefore, you come to this beach mainly to relax. Secret Beach has a small bay with clear blue water and a fine white beach. With any luck, you will share this beach with only a handful of people. This beach is popular with surfers and you will spot local surfers here in addition to tourists.
6. Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is particularly known for the eponymous Sandy Bay Beach Club with restaurant, spa and luxury accommodations. This beautiful location is an ideal place to spend a day relaxing with a cocktail and relaxing music in the background. Sandy Bay beach is not as crowded as the other beaches.
You will also find the traditionally built Balinese bungalows of Komodo Garden. The bungalows are affordable (between €40 and €80 per night) and offer a heavenly overnight stay just a few meters from the beach.
The best places to stay on Nusa Lembongan
Are you looking for a luxury resort with all the amenities? Then Lembongan Beach Club & Resort highly recommended. This 5-star hotel is fully equipped and features a beautiful pool where you overlook the white beach of Jungut Batu Beach. Also at Komodo Garden look out over the beach, but over the quieter bay of Sandy Bay.
Looking for a fine, low-budget option? Then Dream Beach Hostel highly recommended.
Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is the (even) smaller sister of Nusa Lembongan. It lies between the other two islands and offers a pristine atmosphere and adventure activities.
The best things to do on Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan can be reached via Nusa Lembongan by crossing the yellow bridge. Therefore, it is not necessarily necessary to stay on Nusa Ceningan. You can easily visit the island in one day.
Did you rent a scooter on Nusa Lembongan? Then you can just take it with you to Nusa Ceningan.
1. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon on Nusa Ceningan is a place not to be missed! This rocky bay with the beautiful lagoon has clear turquoise water and is a popular spot for beautiful views and to watch the sunset. Cliff jumping is also a popular activity at the Blue Lagoon. However, keep in mind that it is easier to get into the water than to get out. This is because you will have to climb back up after diving into the lagoon. But a dip in this crystal clear water is well worth it! Still not convinced after the pictures? Visit the Blue Lagoon to see for yourself how clear blue the water is.
2. Le Pirate Beach Club on Nusa Ceningan
In our opinion, the most fun hot spot on Nusa Ceningan is Le Pirate Beach Club. Located right by the sea, this beach club has accommodations, a pool and a bar. You can staying overnight at Le Pirate in amazing blue-colored cottages with thatched roofs, but you can also choose to spend an afternoon relaxing at the beach club. Order a Bintang at the bar and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea in the pool!
3. Mahana Point
A famous surf spot and popular spot for cliff jumping. You will find Mahana Point about 200 meters from the famous Blue Lagoon. You should visit this place only if you are not afraid of a daring jump into the rough sea. In fact, you can dive from 13 meters high here. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, there is a ladder here to get back up easily after your dive. There is also a bar with a great view of the ocean.
The best places to stay on Nusa Ceningan
In addition to Le Pirate Beach Club there are still some wonderful accommodations to stay in on Nusa Ceningan. For example, you can stay in a private bungalow by the sea at The Brigde Huts for around €40 to €80 per night. Want even more luxury, but affordable? Then choose the four star hotel The Palms Ceningan Hotel.
Nusa Penida
Although Nusa Lembongan is traditionally the most visited island of the Nusas, Nusa Penida is rapidly gaining popularity. This is mainly due to the breathtaking viewpoints and iconic landscapes that are attracting more and more travelers. With an area of 200 square kilometers, Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa islands. Unlike the smaller-scale islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida offers more rugged, unspoiled nature with imposing cliffs, idyllic beaches and spectacular viewpoints.
The best things to do on Nusa Penida
The island is an oasis of tranquility and a stark contrast to lively Bali. You can easily spend several days here, and we recommend renting a scooter to experience the adventure at your own pace.
1. Kelingking Beach
You may have never heard of Kelingking Beach before, but you have most likely seen pictures passing by of this beautiful spot. Kelingking Beach is by far the most famous viewpoint in the Nusa Islands so you should put it on your list when you go to Nusa Penida. Do you also see a T-Rex in it?
2. Diamond Beach
Besides Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach is also one of the most popular attractions on Nusa Penida. Diamond Beach is a paradise white sand beach with turquoise waters and impressive rock formations. The descent to the beach is steep, but absolutely worth it.
3. Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong
Angel's Billabong is a natural infinity pool that is filled with water from the ocean as the waves crash over the edge. Previously you were allowed to swim in Angel's Billabong, but this is no longer allowed due to insecurity.
About a 10-minute walk from Angel's Billabong, you'll find Broken Beach. It is not a tropical sandy beach as you might expect, but a true natural phenomenon. At Broken Beach, a hole has been created in a cliff that causes the water to flow through a kind of natural bridge. This arch used to be a cave whose foundation collapsed, creating an arch. So we personally found Broken Beach a lot more special to behold than Angel's Billabong.
4. Crystal Bay
The place to snorkel and dive. Here you will spot a manta ray with a little luck! Crystal Bay is not the most beautiful beach on Nusa Penida, but it is a nice beach to spend a day relaxing and the place to arrange snorkeling and diving tours. From Crystal Bay (in the north) you can also take a scenic route to Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach in the east. It is about a 2-hour drive along the coastline with large rock formations and several small villages.
5. Bukit Teletubbies
During the route from Crystal Bay to Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach, you will pass Bukit Teletubbies. Bukit Teletubbies is a collection of green hills. The landscape looks suspiciously like the landscape of the children's series Teletubbies. Bukit Teletubbies proves that you should not travel to Nusa Penida only for the beautiful beaches, rock formations and cliffs. In fact, the interior is just as impressive.
The best places to stay on Nusa Penida
On Nusa Penida, there are several fine accommodations to stay in, from cozy bungalows to idyllic cottages. Crystal Bay Bungalows is just steps from the beach and is perfect for beach lovers. At Sunrise Vila Penida wake up to stunning views and a lovely pool. Looking for a cozy and charming place to stay? Then Petak Cottage an excellent choice!
How to reach the Nusa Islands?
The Nusa Islands are often combined with a trip to Bali, mainly because the islands are so close together. But you can also travel from Lombok and the Gili Islands to the Nusa Islands. How? We share our tips below!
Note: There are few ATMs in the Nusa Islands and some bank cards do not work. Bring enough cash with you from Bali.
From Bali to the Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands are most easily reached by speedboat from Sanur. Several crossings can be booked daily through Direct Ferries. Below is an overview:
Nusa Lembongan: about 30 minutes of sailing. The ferry arrives at Jungut Batu Beach.
Nusa Penida: about 45 minutes of sailing.
Nusa Ceningan: no direct ferry, reached via Nusa Lembongan.
From Lombok and the Gili Islands
From Lombok fast boats depart from Bangsal and Senggigi. The sailing time to Nusa Penida is about 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, you can take a speedboat to Nusa Lembongan and to Nusa Penida. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours.
From Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida
Nusa Ceningan: Reached via the iconic yellow bridge. You can walk or cross by scooter.
Nusa Penida: From Nusa Lembongan, small boats leave for Nusa Penida (about a 10-minute boat ride). Tickets can be purchased locally.
How many days stay in the Nusa Islands?
The best time to visit the Nusa Islands is from April through October. This is the dry season with pleasant temperatures and calm seas. But how many days is the best time to visit the Nusa Islands? We recommend 3-5 days!
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are small. In one day you can easily see all the highlights of both islands. Because Lembongan and Ceningan are connected by bridge, you can travel from one island to the other. You can therefore stay overnight on one of the islands and explore both from there. However, we would recommend staying several days. There is a lovely relaxed atmosphere here and you can easily spend a few days here.
Because Nusa Penida is a lot bigger, we recommend staying here for at least 2 days. That way, you can see the sights in the south in one day and explore the quieter but equally beautiful east side in the other.
Travel on to other places in Indonesia
Want to explore more of Indonesia? Then consider visiting the spectacular Komodo Islands, where you will come face to face with the famous Komodo dragons. Or explore the nicest places in Bali, from rice fields to temples and hidden beaches. Also highly recommended is a visit to Jatiluwih, one of Bali's most impressive rice terraces.
An unforgettable tour of Indonesia
Dreaming of a trip to Indonesia and want to discover the beautiful Nusa Islands? We would love to help you! From Bali to the Nusa Islands: we put together your dream trip completely tailor-made. From transportation and accommodations to excursions and unique experiences, everything will be arranged to perfection. Be enchanted by the breathtaking nature and idyllic beaches of these islands. Request your personal travel proposal now and experience Indonesia at its best!
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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