11 Reasons Nusa Lembongan Might Not Be the Right Destination for You — Honest Island Travel Guide

We’ve all seen the countless reasons why people fall in love with Nusa Lembongan — but like any destination, Bali’s little sister island isn’t for everyone.

Having welcomed thousands of guests to our resort, beach club, and private villas over the years, we’ve developed a well-rounded understanding of both the highlights and the realities of holidaying on Nusa Lembongan.

In this article, we take a candid and considered look at the Top 11 reasons (plus one bonus) why Nusa Lembongan might not be the right destination for your next holiday — so you can make an informed decision before you book.

REASON 1. You need to go on a boat to get there (or helicopter)

The only way to get to Nusa Lembongan is by sea, unless you are arriving by helicopter. For most travellers, that means taking a fast boat from Sanur across the Badung Strait. The crossing is short, usually around 30 minutes, and the moment you see the clear water and palm-lined beach of Lembongan appear, the island holiday starts to feel very real.

The fast boat is part of the adventure, but it is still worth understanding the practical details before you book.

The boats are all safe with qualified captains and safety gear (not that you should need to use it), so you don’t need to be concerned about that. All of the large fast-boats have 4-6 x 250hp-350hp engines making them powerful and fast to get you to the island quickly and safely. While the fast-boats are safe and carry literally hundreds of thousands of passengers to and from the Nusa Islands each year, they do have a few downsides that can’t be ignored:

Bali to Nusa Lembongan on fast-boat

Cost - The fast boat is an extra cost you would not have if you stayed only on mainland Bali. Return tickets vary depending on operator, season and inclusions, but reputable operators generally include the boat ticket and transfers either side. If you are staying with us, our team can help arrange fast boat transfers so you are booked with a reliable operator and arrive on the right service for your accommodation.

Time - The crossing itself is around 30 minutes, but you should also allow time for hotel pickup, traffic to Sanur, check-in, boarding, luggage handling and arrival on Lembongan. It is not difficult, but it is a proper island transfer rather than a taxi straight to a hotel lobby.

Sea sick - If you are susceptible to getting sea sick, then this might be a turn off for you, though we do have a couple of tips to help.

Just remember, the trip is only 30 minutes each way, and you can see land the entire time. Plus there's the big carrot that once you arrive in Nusa Lembongan you are literally in paradise!

INSIDER TIP If you’re susceptible to getting sea sick, the best time to travel is in the mornings as the seas are generally calmer and there is less wind chop. If it is a bumpy crossing, sitting towards the back of the boat reduces the up-and-down bouncing effect, giving you a smoother ride.

Traditional boats are great for photo opportunites and for snorkelling trips, but we'd suggest a fast-boat to the Nusa Islands

You need to get your feet wet to board the boat - The fast-boats will usually back up to the beach, meaning to board the boat you will need to walk a few feet through the water to board the boat. The staff working for the boat companies are generally helpful with assisting you to board the boat, though remember to wear shorts and footwear that is easy to take off so you can board the boat easily.

If you do decide Nusa Lembongan is the right destination for you after reading this, then let our team organise your fast-boat transfers when booking your accomodation so you end up with the most reputable operators and on the right boat!

REASON 2. Nusa Lembongan is more rustic than Bali

Nusa Lembongan is a more rustic experience than Bali. What we mean by this is the roads are full of potholes, and generally unmarked. There are less cars on the island. The electricity can go out from time-to-time, and there is no main fresh-water infrastructure. Everything on Nusa Lembongan happens a little slower.

This of course brings a unique charm to the island, and is part of the reason why so many come to Nusa Lembongan, though it is not for everyone.

If you are looking for a big city experience with all the bells and whistles, or if your cup of tea is walking into a huge foyer of a stiff 5-star hotel, pretending you're Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City with the new knock off Louis Vuitton handbag bought in the backstreets of Legian, then Nusa Lembongan might not be the place for you.

No red heeled Louboutin's required. Effortless luxury at Villa Chantique - a luxury villa by AQUA NUSA - www.aquanusa.com

COMMON QUESTION - Is Nusa Lembongan suitable for families and children? Yes, Nusa Lembongan is an excellent destination for families and children of all ages!

Whether it be relaxing by our pool with a cocktail in hand, whilst the children play on the beach or in the pool, exploring on a golf buggy, having a round of mini golf, snorkelling or learning to surf, you'll never be short on wonderful activities on Nusa Lembongan that are fun for the whole family. Even the boat ride over to Nusa Lembongan is a novelty and adventure for youngsters! What's even better, is the most you'll need to travel to get anywhere once on the island is about 15 minutes, so no long or boring car rides! At Ohana's our 3-bedroom villa, Suites and Junior Suites are all great options for families, and with our two pools (both with shallow ends) and beachfront location in the heart of the main town parents can enjoy working through our cocktail menu whilst the kids are having a ball.

Check out our blog on the best activities for kids whilst on Nusa Lembongan, as well as the activities page of our website where there is a specific section about activities for kids.

Ohana means family!

REASON 3. It’s a bit more expensive than Bali

Nusa Lembongan is more relaxed and rustic than mainland Bali, but that does not automatically mean it is always cheaper.

Almost everything on the island has to travel here first: building materials, furniture, equipment, produce, alcohol, maintenance items, fuel, specialist labour and everyday supplies. That extra transport, handling and storage cost is part of doing business on a small island.

At better venues, pricing also reflects more than the food, drink or room itself. It reflects location, infrastructure, staff training, reliable power, fresh water systems, quality ingredients, maintenance standards, design, fitout and the overall guest experience.

The Nusa Islands are a little more expensive, but it might just be worth it!

That does not mean Nusa Lembongan is only for one type of traveller. The island still has simple local warungs, casual cafes, boutique villas, beach clubs, surf stays, family resorts and luxury accommodation. There are options across a range of budgets. The key is understanding that small island logistics affect almost everything. For example, a scooter, a bag of rice, a bottle of wine, a replacement pool pump, a fridge part, a mattress, a chef, a tradesperson or a box of fresh produce all have to get across the water somehow. That extra movement adds cost before the item even reaches the guest.

Beachfront hangs at Ohana's beach club

For most travellers, the small premium is worth it. You are paying for clear water, white sand, sunsets, surf, slower days, fewer crowds and the feeling of being somewhere just far enough away from Bali to properly switch off.

Nusa Lembongan is best understood as an island destination where value comes from the full experience — not simply comparing every price line-by-line with mainland Bali. We guess that's the price to pay to be in paradise!

REASON 4. The ATMs don’t always work Don’t ask us why. We find it just as frustrating as the next person as to why the banks seem to have so much trouble maintaining their ATMs on Nusa Lembongan. At the time of writing, there are a few small bank branches on Nusa Lembongan, and a handful of semi-reliable ATMs. Our recommendation is simple: bring enough Indonesian rupiah for small daily spending, tips, local transport, markets and backup. Then use your card at established venues where card facilities are available.

Life can be tough on Lembongan, but someone's got to do it!

REASON 5. The internet is pretty good - but not the best

Internet on Nusa Lembongan has improved significantly over the past few years. Many premium villas, resorts, restaurants and cowork-friendly venues now have much better connections than visitors might expect from a small island.

For most guests, the internet is more than enough for emails, WhatsApp, video calls, browsing, streaming, posting holiday content and keeping up with work when needed. There are also plenty of expats, business owners and digital nomads who live and work from the island.

That said, this is still island infrastructure. Speeds and reliability can vary depending on the property, provider, weather, power supply, backup systems and how many people are using the connection at once.

If you need to upload huge files, run live gaming sessions, host critical webinars, trade markets in real time, or rely on uninterrupted internet for high-pressure work, check with your accommodation before arrival.

For everyone else, the internet is generally more than good enough to stay connected — although we would argue the real luxury of Nusa Lembongan is putting the laptop away and enjoying the view.

REASON 6. There are no taxi’s with air-conditioning

Nusa Lembongan has no closed, sedan style taxi’s. Taxi's around Nusa Lembongan are usually a small truck with bench seats in the back. There are plenty of drivers around to drive you places, though just don’t expect to be chauffeured around in an air-conditioned limousine. Whilst there is no air-conditioning, these trucks do provide a great open air and elevated way to see the island, and no trip really takes more than 15-minutes, even whilst cruising at a leisurely 20-30km/h to take in the scenery.

At least the rooms have air-conditioning!

REASON 7. The barrels MIGHT be too mechanical

Between the five surf-breaks on Nusa Lembongan, you might find that if you have a partner that is into their surfing, they are out in the water all day. Good or bad? We'll leave that up to you to decide.

In all seriousness, Lembongan is home to some of the most mechanical and perfect right hand barrels in the whole of Indonesia.

Good quality right hand reef breaks are somewhat of a rarity in Bali (as most of the best known Bali waves in the Bukit are lefts), and Nusa Lembongan is home to two of the best right-handers in the whole of Indonesia, especially without needing to get too remote.

If you haven't surfed Lacerations or Shipwrecks surf breaks on Nusa Lembongan in a good swell, you're seriously missing out!

Your partner might be too busy surfing all day

Sure, you could go deep into the Mentawai's chasing waves, but there really isn't much to do there outside of a hardcore surf mission. Nusa Lembongan offers something for everyone with loads of restaurants, coffee shops and things to do, aside from just surfing. And even if you're new to surfing or have never surfed before, there are waves for people of all skill levels and fabulous learn to surf schools and coaches on the island. If you check out the activities section on our website, you'll see ideas for all sorts - couples, families, groups and more!

Left and right hand barrels in abundance

The downside to Nusa Lembongan is all your friends and family will want to come along, which might cut into your surfing time.

REASON 8. No major department stores

There are no major department stores on Nusa Lembongan.

If you’re looking for a big department store or shopping centre, you’re not going to find it on Nusa Lembongan. Sorry guys, no Zara, no Gucci, not even Woolworths or Costco in this neck of the woods... What you will find on Nusa Lembongan is lots of boutiques storing trendy Bali based-brands, local knick-knacks, markets, small grocers and corner shops. And of course there are loads of great restaurants, coffee shops and places to pamper yourself!

International-Indo fusion @ Ohana's. Did you know they also have a wood-fired pizzeria at the rooftop bar?

REASON 9. There are 3 islands to explore

Nusa Lembongan is one of the three islands that make up what is known as the "Nusa Islands". The other two islands that complete the Nusa Islands are Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. Once on the Nusa Islands, it is cheap, quick and easy to travel between the islands, though there is a lot to see and explore! Nusa Lembongan is the most developed of the three islands, has most of the accommodation and dining options, and is the most popular of the three islands for people to base themselves for exploring the Nusa Islands. It also has the best surf.

Surrounded by crystal clear water, yep that's Lembongan!

To get to Nusa Ceningan from Nusa Lembongan, you will need to cross the famous “Yellow Bridge”. From our properties, it takes about 15-minutes to get to the Yellow Bridge. Trucks currently cannot get across the bridge to Nusa Ceningan. If you are on a scooter you can ride across the Yellow Bridge, however if you are on the back of a taxi truck, you will need to walk across the Yellow Bridge (about 200m) and get another taxi on Nusa Ceningan.

The famous "Yellow Bridge" connecting Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa Islands, though it has the least accommodation, restaurants and there is also no surf on the island, so most people tend to stay on Nusa Lembongan and explore Nusa Penida as a day trip. To get to Nusa Penida from Nusa Lembongan is a short 10-minute boat ride across a calm channel (about 500m) to get there for a day of exploring. You can then hire a scooter or arrange a driver to take you exploring on Nusa Penida for the day to many of its famous natural landmarks such as Kelingking, Angels Billabong and Crystal Bay.

COMMON QUESTION - how long should I spend on Nusa Lembongan? Once on the island, most people would spend 3 or 4 nights on Nusa Lembongan for their first trip, though we typically find on return trips guests spend 5-7 nights on the island or even skip Bali entirely and spend their whole holiday on Nusa Lembongan! Nusa Lembongan is possible as a day-trip from Bali and short stays 1 or 2 nights are also great, though don’t expect to be able to do everything there is to do on the island in that time. We have some great packages with planned activities for those short-trips that are worth a look.

Angel's Billabong on Nusa Penida is just one of natural landmarks to visit whilst on the Nusa Islands

REASON 10. No fresh water

There is no central fresh water infrastructure in Nusa Lembongan. This means that water is drawn out of the “brackish” water table. Generally, the water table will be more “salty” towards the end of the dry season as there has been less rain to replenish the fresh water. Some properties, such as our resort at Ohana’s have a desalination system, that turns salt water into fresh water, meaning that you can still enjoy clean fresh water out of the showers and taps all year around!

REASON 11. There is a wet season

Being in the tropics, Nusa Lembongan has a wet season. The wet season is generally from the beginning of November to the end of March. Nusa Lembongan has less of a wet season than Bali however as it is less mountainous, meaning you can often see rain clouds on the island of Bali during the wet season months, and it will be a perfect shining sunny day on Nusa Lembongan. If you're looking for an Indonesian escape in the traditional wet season months, you’ve got a better chance of more sunny days on Nusa Lembongan than in Bali - no guarantees apply however!

Deluxe Garden Room at Ohana's beachfront resort. Pool view suites & private villas also available!

REASON 12. The clincher - The holiday hangover is real!

Once you’ve experienced what Nusa Lembongan has to offer, not only are all of your photo's going to make all of your friends jealous, it is simply going to make it that much harder for you to get back to your normal life as you’ll constantly have this little slice of paradise in the back of your mind. The only solution then will be to book to visit again... and again... and again...

Paradise is waiting!

Quick reference - Frequently asked questions about visiting Nusa Lembongan

Is Nusa Lembongan worth visiting?Yes. Nusa Lembongan is worth visiting if you want clear water, beaches, surf, snorkelling, sunsets, relaxed island dining and a slower pace than mainland Bali. It may not be the right fit if you want shopping malls, big nightlife, air-conditioned taxis and city-style convenience.

Is Nusa Lembongan good for families?Yes, Nusa Lembongan is excellent for families. The island is compact, travel times are short, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities including beach days, pools, snorkelling, mangrove tours, mini golf, surf lessons and relaxed dining. At Ohana’s, families also have access to beachfront accommodation, two pools with shallow ends, a playground, beach club spaces and family-friendly dining.

How many nights should I stay on Nusa Lembongan?For a first visit, three or four nights is a good minimum. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beach, explore the island, visit Nusa Ceningan, take a snorkelling trip and still relax. Many return guests stay five to seven nights or skip mainland Bali completely.

Is Nusa Lembongan more expensive than Bali?Some things can be more expensive than Bali because nearly everything has to be transported to the island. That includes produce, building materials, furniture, fuel, equipment, alcohol and maintenance supplies. There are still options for different budgets, but visitors should expect small island logistics to affect pricing.

Do I need cash on Nusa Lembongan?Yes, it is best to bring some cash. Many established venues accept cards, but smaller warungs, local shops, drivers and activity providers may prefer cash. ATMs are available, but they can occasionally run out of cash or be temporarily offline.

Is the fast boat to Nusa Lembongan safe?Reputable fast boat operators carry large numbers of guests between Bali and the Nusa Islands every year. The crossing is short, usually around 30 minutes, but sea conditions can vary. Choose a reputable operator, travel in the morning if you are prone to seasickness, and let your accommodation team help arrange the right boat.

Does Nusa Lembongan have good internet?The internet has improved a lot and is generally fine for emails, browsing, calls, streaming and normal remote work. However, reliability can vary between properties and providers, so guests who need very high-speed or uninterrupted internet should check with their accommodation before booking.

What is the best area to stay on Nusa Lembongan?For first-time visitors, families and guests who want convenience, staying close to Jungutbatu Beach and the main village area is ideal. You are close to boat arrivals, restaurants, beach clubs, surf breaks, sunset views and island activities. HAVE WE TALKED YOU OUT OF VISITING NUSA LEMBONGAN? If we haven't yet been able to talk you out of why Nusa Lembongan might not be for you, then you might be ready to book your next holiday - Paradise is waiting! Don't forget to sign up for our member's program to take 5% off your next direct booking at AQUA NUSA or Ohana's beachfront resort & beach club. It's free to join. AQUA NUSA - COLLECTION OF LUXURY PRIVATE VILLAS

Follow on Instagram @aquanusalembongan

OHANA'S - LEMBONGAN'S FAVOURITE SUNSET SESSIONS & BEACH FRONT RESORT

Follow on Instagram @ohanaslembongan

Ohana's beachfront resort & beach club, rooftop sunset bar, wood-fired pizzeria, luxury boutique accommodation, two resort pools and swim-up bar- Book now!