Best Areas to Stay in Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a tropical paradise that attracts travellers from all corners of the world. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, perfect waves, stunning coral reefs, and laid-back vibe it’s no wonder that it features on most people’s bucket lists. But where are the best areas to stay in Nusa Lembongan to make the most of your visit?
Let’s explore the island’s most popular areas to help you find the perfect pad for your dream holiday.
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay, located on the western side of Nusa Lembongan, is known for its tranquillity and stunning natural scenery. This area is perfect for those looking for a more secluded getaway.
Sandy Bay is renowned for its pretty sunsets, dramatic cliffs, and secret beaches. The rocky landscape and fewer crowds make for a peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation. The famous Devil’s Tear is a highlight in this area, where waves crash against the cliffs, creating blowholes and impressive sea sprays.
While Sandy Bay doesn’t have as many dining options as other parts of the island, the quality of the available restaurants is exceptional. The Sandy Bay Beach Club is a popular spot, offering delicious meals with a beachfront view. The dining experience here is more intimate and upscale, perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Since Sandy Bay is further away from the action, you might need to rent a scooter to get around, but don’t worry, Nusa Lembongan is small, making everything easy to get to.
Our accommodation picks: Villa Tranquilla (4 bedrooms) is ideal for families whilst couples will like Sea Shanty (1 bedroom), and young families or friends love Kokomo (2 bedrooms), or Lagarto (2 bedrooms).
Jungutbatu – Village
Jungutbatu, positioned on the northern coast of Nusa Lembongan, is the hub and the main entrance to the island. This area is ideal for those who want to be in the middle of the action, with easy access to activities, restaurants, and ease of getting around.
Jungutbatu has the longest stretch of beach on the island, perfect for morning or afternoon strolls, sunbathing, and swimming. With a variety of cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs lining the beach, it is easy to get comfy and spend the whole day lounging on the sand.
For surfers, Shipwrecks and Razors surf breaks are located just off Jungutbatu Beach and can be reached either by paddling out or by taking a surf taxi. Alternatively, Playground and Lacerations are best accessed from Coconut Beach, which is conveniently connected to Jungutbatu by the boardwalk.
Numerous dive shops and tour operators are located on and around Jungutbatu Beach, offering a variety of excursions, from snorkeling, and scuba diving, to surf lessons, jet skiing, and much more.
Staying in Jungutbatu is great for travellers who enjoy being in a social environment with plenty of amenities and activities at their fingertips.
Jungutbatu offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every type of traveller. From cozy bungalows to the best Nusa Lembongan resorts and luxurious villas, there’s something for everyone.
The area also boasts the most extensive selection of restaurants on Nusa Lembongan. From local warungs serving delicious Indonesian food to international restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, you’ll never run out of places to eat.
Many restaurants are either beach or cliff-front, providing a wonderful setting for enjoying meals with a view of the ocean.
Getting around Jungutbatu is easy, with well-paved roads and a variety of transportation options, including scooters, bicycles, taxis, and even buggies.
Our accommodation picks: Villa Kasih is a 3 bedroom private villa located on a quiet alley of Indiana Kenanga. Those looking for a more affordable option can consider Gecko Villa & Bungalows and Tropica Tranquility, both are minutes away from the beach and Jungutbatu’s eat street.
Jungutbatu – The Hill
Perched between Jungutbatu Beach and Coconut Beach, The Hill is littered with luxurious accommodations and offers panoramic views of the ocean and the iconic Mount Agung.
This slice of the island is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a serene and upscale retreat with convenient access to a variety of amenities.
Most of the Nusa Lembongan villas have private pools, spacious living areas, and modern finishings. They often come with multiple bedrooms, large living spaces, private pools and fully equipped kitchens, making them ideal for your island getaway.
Wondering where to eat on Nusa Lembongan while staying on the hill? A wide selection of restaurants can be found on the boardwalk that cater to various tastes. From traditional Indonesian dishes to global favourites, you’ll find something to satisfy every palate. The restaurants offer spectacular views and a unique dining experience where you can enjoy your food while staring out over the island and the ocean.
Coconut Beach is easily reachable via the boardwalk on the Hill. This boardwalk not only offers a convenient route but also provides a pleasant stroll with beautiful coastal vistas, making it a highlight for both tourists and locals.
Our accommodation picks: Enjoy panoramic ocean and mount Agung views from Lembongan Island Beach Villas, Casa Batu, Tenang Villas, and Beach Tonic. Surfers and beach goers will love its close distance to Playground and Laceration surf breaks, Coconut & Jungubatu beach, restaurants and day spas.
Bukit
The Bukit area, just east of Jungutbatu Hill, offers breathtaking views of Jungutbatu Village and the majestic Mount Agung. It’s a peaceful retreat, ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds while still being close to the island’s main attractions. The area’s elevated position offers tranquil surroundings, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.
Our accommodation picks: Villa Madu (1 bedroom) offers a romantic and intimate setting that makes it ideal for couples, while Villa Madu Dua (2 bedrooms) provides more space for families or groups.
Tamarind Bay
Tamarind Bay is a real slice of our Island paradise, perfect for those who love to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Home to some of the best Nusa Lembongan luxury villas, Tamarind Bay is especially popular with families or groups looking to spend quality time in the villa.
Most of the villas in the area offer multiple bedrooms and facilities such as bunk room, game room as well as in-villa dining options so you can enjoy delicious meals prepared by the staff without having to venture out to eat.
From the beach, you can paddle to Playgrounds and Lacerations surf breaks in just a few minutes, making it a favourite locale for surfers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
Tamarind Bay is also a great spot for snorkelling tours on Nusa Lembongan, with boats departing directly from the beach (depending on sea conditions).This makes it an ideal base for exploring the underwater wonders of the island without having to go too far from your front door.
If you are in the mood for a unique dining experience, head over to The Playful Table, a mostly plant-based restaurant just a short walk over the nearby headland.
For a change of scenery, continue your stroll over the headland to Coconut Beach, which connects you to the boardwalk and Jungutbatu Beach. Here you will find countless restaurants and activities for the whole family. While making your way along the boardwalk, you’ll find Spring Spa, touted as one of the best spas on Nusa Lembongan.
With its blissful ambience, luxurious accommodations, and convenient access to activities, staying in Tamarind Bay should definitely be on your list when choosing your next Nusa Lembongan private villa.
Our accommodation picks : Villa Pantai is a haven for families with absolute beachfront location, 6 bedrooms and a bunk room and a private pool. Right next to it is White Horse, a stylish compound of 8 villas and 2 pools. Jipsi Beach House, Villa Coral and Villa Celagi feature 4 bedrooms each with private pool and stunning ocean and Mount Agung views. And not to be forgotten, set on the headland of Tamarind Beach with views to Bali and Mount Agung is Villa Sayang, which offers luxury accommodation sleeping up to 14 people.
Mushroom Bay
Mushroom Bay in Nusa Lembongan is situated on the southwestern coast of the island and strikes a perfect balance between seclusion and convenience. It is a great spot for those who want to unwind but still have easy access to what the island has to offer.
The Bay itself is one of the main entry points to the island and offers visitors the chance to roll out their towels and enjoy a refreshing swim. If you wake up early enough, you may be the first one in the water. On the other side of Mushroom Bay’s main beach, you’ll find another beautiful shoreline that provides a fantastic spot to lay out on the white sand and take dips in the turquoise seas.
Dream Beach, which is a popular attraction, is found in the Mushroom Bay area and is a must-visit.
There are numerous scuba diving shops, snorkelling centers, and tour operators scattered around the area. These shops offer everything from beginner diving courses to advanced dive trips, allowing you to explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life that Nusa Lembongan is famous for.
Snorkelling tours are also popular, providing an easy and enjoyable way to discover the underwater world. And if you’re looking for something else, you can book various other excursions, such as fishing trips, sunset cruises, and island-hopping tours.
The area has a mix of accommodations, from lavish villas to beachfront bungalows, ensuring that every visitor can find the perfect place to stay.
Mushroom Bay also offers a good selection of restaurants and cafes, many of which are located right on the sand.
You won’t have a problem finding your way around here and if you want to explore further, everything else is just a short scooter or taxi ride away.
Our accommodation picks: Family-favourite Hai Tide Resort spoils children with activities whilst couples will enjoy Castaway Boutique Resort or Good Day Villas.
Spoiled for Choice
Nusa Lembongan is a versatile destination with something for every preference. Whether you’re looking for the secluded luxury of Sandy Bay or the energy of Jungutbatu, each area offers unique landscapes, great beaches, and easy access to dining and activities. Each spot ensures that your stay on this beautiful island is nothing short of amazing.
Now that we’ve answered your questions about where to stay in Lembongan for your next visit, what are you waiting for? Get packing! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for updates on the best stay recommendations in Nusa Lembongan.
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