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Sidemen: A Tranquil Retreat

Sidemen, often referred to as the “Ubud of old,” is a serene escape in Bali’s eastern valley, surrounded by terraced rice fields and stunning views of Mount Agung. This peaceful village is perfect for those looking to experience traditional Balinese life at a slower pace. Stay at Samanvaya Resort, an adults-only haven offering luxurious bamboo villas and infinity pools that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The resort’s focus on privacy and comfort makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Beyond the resort, Sidemen invites you to explore its own version of Bali’s famous yellow bridge, a hidden gem that adds to the village’s charm. Whether wandering through rice paddies, visiting small temples, or taking a Balinese cooking class, Sidemen offers an authentic and tranquil experience. Other accommodations such as Wapa di Ume Sidemen, Camaya Bali, and Veluvana Sidemen also provide a range of luxurious and cozy options, ensuring there’s something for everyone in this peaceful retreat.

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Medewi: Surfing’s Best-Kept Secret

Medewi, located on Bali’s west coast, is a hidden gem for surfers seeking long, uncrowded waves and a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its gentle left-hand breaks, Medewi is perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers looking to refine their skills away from the crowded lineups of Bali’s more popular surf spots.

While the waves draw surfers from around the world, Medewi also offers a chance to experience the island’s traditional charm in a serene setting. Bombora Medewi Wave Lodge stands out as a top choice for those seeking modern comforts combined with spectacular ocean views, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Newly opened Lost Lindenberg offers an edgy, sustainability-focused alternative, with a minimalist design and eco-friendly practices like offering electric vehicle charging energy and locally sourced organic produce. The boutique hotel also promotes communal dining and immersive experiences that connect guests with local culture, making it perfect for eco-conscious travelers seeking something unique.

As you explore Medewi, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush rice paddies and breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The village’s unspoiled beauty, black sand beach and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal retreat for those looking to unwind in an authentic yet luxurious environment.

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Munduk: A Highland Escape

Munduk, in Bali’s northern highlands, is a serene retreat known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and beautiful waterfalls. Ideal for nature lovers, the area offers hiking trails leading to spots like Munduk and Melanting Waterfalls, surrounded by dense tropical forests.

A short trip from the village, the Bali Botanical Gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. For a memorable dining experience, Munduk Farmhouse serves the best rendang and margaritas, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers.

Accommodations like Elevate Bali and Munduk Moding Plantation provide stunning views and luxurious comfort, making Munduk an ideal destination for tranquility in Bali’s highlands.

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Amed: Dive into Tranquility

Amed, located on Bali’s northeastern coast, is a diver’s paradise, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. The highlight for many is exploring the USAT Liberty shipwreck, one of Bali’s most famous dive sites, teeming with colorful coral and diverse sea creatures. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, Amed offers some of the best underwater experiences in Bali.

Beyond diving, Amed’s tranquil vibe makes it a perfect escape. The area has evolved from a quiet fishing village into a laid-back destination with luxury accommodations that cater to discerning travelers. The Griya Villas and Spa and Palm Garden Amed Beach & Spa Resort offer elegant beachfront villas, stunning ocean views, and high-end amenities, providing the perfect base for your underwater adventures.

With its combination of world-class diving, volcanic black sand beach and boutique accommodations, Amed is a must-visit for those looking to explore Bali’s underwater treasures in style.

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Nusa Lembongan: Island Bliss Just 30 Minutes from Bali

A short 30-minute boat ride from Bali, Nusa Lembongan offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, it’s an ideal destination for surfers, snorkelers, and anyone looking to unwind in a serene island setting.

Surfers can catch some of Bali’s best waves at spots like Playgrounds, Lacerations, and Shipwrecks, which cater to all skill levels. For those who prefer underwater exploration, snorkeling and diving at Manta Point is a must, where you can swim alongside majestic manta rays.

When it comes to accommodation, Nusa Lembongan has something for everyone. Families will appreciate spacious villas like Lembongan Island Beach Villas, offering child-friendly facilities, while couples might prefer the seclusion of Villa Madu, which features luxurious suites with stunning ocean views. For a more authentic island experience, charming bungalows like Tropica Tranquility provide a cozy stay.

The island’s food scene is diverse, offering everything from fresh seafood to plant-based options at beachfront restaurants. And for those looking to relax, Nusa Lembongan boasts several spas and yoga studios, providing the perfect setting to find your zen.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Nusa Lembongan offers the ultimate island escape, just a short trip from Bali.

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Time to Escape

So, if you are planning your dream trip and deciding where to stay in Bali, these 5 places won’t disappoint.

Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, we encourage you to step off the beaten track and uncover the true spirit of the island.

1. Getting to Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is 30 minutes boat ride from Sanur. We can assist with your boat and land transfer with our recommended boat companies: D’Stars Fast Ferry, Rocky Fast Cruise, Setia Fast Ferry and Morin Private Transfer.

If you’re traveling with toddlers or elderly family members, we recommend booking the Rocky Fast Cruise for its hassle-free jetty-to-jetty service. With four daily departures, Rocky Fast Cruise ensures a seamless journey to Lembongan. You can also get 20% off for boat transfers when you book your accommodation with us.

Group travel can sometimes be challenging to coordinate. To guarantee a smooth trip from the airport or your Bali hotel to your villa in Nusa Lembongan, we strongly recommend booking land transfers for both legs of your journey. This precaution also minimizes the risk of missing the boat due to traffic to Sanur port. Please note that private land transfer applies only to the Bali portion; in Lembongan, you will share the pickup vehicle with other passengers.

For those seeking flexibility and an exclusive experience, consider booking a private boat transfer with Morin. If your flight schedule doesn’t align with D’Stars, Rocky or Setia’s services, Morin and Rocky Fast Cruise Private Transfer can arrange a boat transfer at your preferred time with capacity up to 12 people.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation options in Nusa Lembongan cater to various family sizes and budgets, with choices between small resorts, beachfront bungalows and  private villas. Resorts offer more amenities, room types, and on-site restaurants, bungalows offer an authentic island experience, while villas provide privacy, larger living spaces, and kitchen facilities perfect for Nusa lembongan Family Holiday.

Resorts

Perched above Jungutbatu Beach, Lembongan Island Beach Villas (LIBV) offers 10 spacious two- and three-bedroom villas—perfect for families or groups travelling together. Each villa features open-plan living, full kitchens, and generous balconies. Some villas include private plunge pools, and all guests have access to the shared infinity pool overlooking the ocean and majestic Mount Agung. With a prime location near surf breaks and beachfront restaurants, LIBV combines comfort, convenience, and excellent value.

Batu Karang Resort, just minutes from Coconut Beach, is a five-star haven featuring three pools, three restaurants, a bar, and an on-site spa. Families will find the Two Bedroom Apartment particularly appealing, as it includes a living room and accommodates up to five people.

All-time favourite resort Hai Tide in Mushroom Bay offers a variety of family-friendly accommodation in Lumbung or Villa style. Their Family Lumbung can comfortably accommodate two adults and two children, while the 2 Bedroom Private Villas provide a more exclusive experience with two bedrooms, a private pool with Australian standard pool fence, and an open-air living room. Plus, families can enjoy complimentary activities such as the pontoon with slide, banana boat rides, and mountain bikes.

Villas

Nusa Lembongan boasts numerous beautiful villas, a few are designed specifically families with younger children in mind.

Sandy Bay is a home to Villa Tranquilla, a peaceful four-bedroom haven perched on the cliffside with sweeping ocean views. This villa features generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, a spacious garden, and a dramatic infinity pool. One of the bedrooms includes bunk beds, perfect for younger guests, making this a luxurious yet family-friendly option in a quiet, scenic corner of the island.

If you want to stay on the coastline, Villa Pantai and Villa Sayang at Tamarind Bay are your perfect choice. Villa Pantai is a beachfront favourite with bunk beds for the kids, a rumpus room, in-villa dining, a small gym, and a massage bale — ideal for relaxed family living. Meanwhile, Villa Sayang offers a classic Balinese-style estate with three- and four-bedroom options, two infinity pools, a massage room, and full-time staff — perfect for large groups wanting to settle in and stay awhile.

On Jungutbatu Hill, Tenang Villas overlook the turquoise sea and Mount Agung with its one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas each with their own private pool, making it perfect for families who want flexibility and stunning views of Jungutbatu Beach and the mountain.

But, if you want to stay right in the heart of the village, Villa Kasih provides a cosy, central base just a short stroll from the beach and nearby eateries. With three bedrooms, a private pool and inviting open-plan design, it’s a great option for families wanting to stay within walking distance of everything.

Looking for more family-friendly stays?
Click here for the full collection of stays to suit every family size, style and budget.

3. Dining with Ease

Thanks to the continuously expanding list of restaurants, dining out in Nusa Lembongan is more fun than ever. There are multiple cuisines on offer, from Indonesian, Mediterranean, Italian, even plant-based menus. Head to our EAT page for a list of restaurants in each area, or find family-friendly restaurants on the island on our blog.

Make family dining an enjoyable affair for all and let the venue take care of the pick up and drop off as part of their service. Restaurants which offer complimentary transport include Sandy Bay Beach Club, Ohana’s, and Hai Bar & Grill. Now all you need to do is just pick which menu to order 😊

4. Maximizing Your Family Time

With a decade of experience organizing Lembongan holidays, we understand the challenge of ensuring everyone in the family is comfortable, safe, and happy.

We’ve listed a couple of services that you may consider when planning your family holiday :

Getting around:

• Contact Made Transport or D’lesung Lembongan Transport for Island Tour, Buggy Hire or Scooter Rental services

Baby care:

• Our trusted partner, Nusa Baby Care, offers everything from pool fence installation at your villa to baby equipment hire and nanny services — so you can enjoy peace of mind during the day and a little grown-up time in the evening.

Groceries:

• Pre-order your groceries or special dietary  with Island Fresh or drop by to their charming store in Jungutbatu for fresh fruits, vegetables and more

Shop:

• Anak Shack is your one stop shop for all things fashion, health & wellness, souvenirs, swim accessories and essentials for your island child.

Birthday cakes & treats:

• Nothing beats an island birthday celebration! Koa Donut is happy to provide you with birthday cakes and treats.

5. Keeping the Family Engaged

Now, let’s dive into the fun part of Nusa Lembongan Family Holiday, you have the freedom to do as much or as little as you like.

Active travellers can revel in water activities in the island’s crystal-clear waters. From snorkelling, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and diving to Jet Skiing, visitors of all ages will find something enjoyable. And what better way to infuse fun into sports than enrolling the family in surf lessons? Explore our blog on surfing in Nusa Lembongan to learn more.

For those who prefer relaxation, there are pristine beaches to explore and beach clubs to unwind in Lembongan. Alternatively, you can attend one of the island’s Movie Nights.

Engaging in activities as a family not only brings you closer but also offers an excellent opportunity to learn something new. Playing mini golf at The Coconut Hut is a fantastic way to keep the young ones entertained and educated.

For more information about any of the above please contact our reservations team, our office in Lembongan is open 7 days a week.

Email us: holiday@thelembongantraveller.com

Call us or text us on WhatsApp: +61 478 928 925