Travel Tips
Can I exchange money on Nusa Lembongan?
There are a number of places you can exchange money on the island. The large resorts & restaurants accept credit cards however some places operate on a cash only basis. There are a number of ATMs on Nusa Lembongan, but please note they have a cap on the amount you can withdraw & do sometimes run out of money. So best to bring CASH!
Is there a doctor on the island?
There is a general medical clinic in Jungut Batu with a doctor & onsite dispensary. There is also a new private medical Clinic in Mushroom Bay which we highly recommend for any serious medical issues. Their contact number is 0813 3955 5515
How you can help the environment?
As with so many places, Lembongan is trying to minimise the use of plastic on the island. There are some easy ways you can do your bit to help; bring a re-usable water bottle to avoid having to use plastic water bottles. Also say no to plastic bags when you shop locally, bring a carry bag you can use rather than accepting a plastic bag. Every little bit counts.
Water Safety
Care is to be taken when swimming in any waters around Nusa Lembongan as there are extremely variable tides and strong currents. Mushroom Bay and the area around the mangroves in the north are safest for swimming. Swimming at Dream Beach and Sunset Beach (in particular) should be avoided by all but the very strongest of swimmers, and even then with caution. Due to strong currents and tidal changes surfing at all four breaks can be challenging for beginners.
Getting around on foot
Nusa Lembongan is a great place to walk (approx. 4km from end to end), with roads linking villas, hotels, restaurants, & attractions. The less developed south-western area of the island has coastal paths which provide walking, great views back towards Bali, and spectacular sunsets. You can cross by foot to the small neighbouring island of Nusa Ceningan via a suspension bridge. Nusa Lembongan has a diverse terrain and landscape, be aware that there are some extremely hilly areas and also long flat stretches.
Getting around by scooter & golf buggy
Scooters are widely available for rent and are the main form of transport around the island. Scooter hire includes fuel. For those not comfortable driving themselves, willing locals are also more than happy to transport you on the back of their motorbike for a fee. In one day, you could easily tour the island and cross over to the smaller island of Nusa Ceningan. And if scooters are not for you, Golf Buggies are available for hire and guided tours.
Getting to and from Restaurants
The majority of restaurants on Lembongan offer a FREE pick up and drop off service. This is very handy for families and also those wanting to have a couple of cocktails. Our Restaurant Guide as menus, locations and contact details for all our favourite restaurants on Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan.
Should I bring or rent a surfboard?
This is a personal decision and depends upon many factors including how long you plan to stay, your daily budget and, no doubt, how heavy and long your board is!! There are a number of Surf Schools along the beach in Jungut Batu & Mushroom Bay which rent surf boards. The boards are generally in good shape and a selection of sizes and styles are on offer, including long boards, boogie boards and stand up paddle boards.
Is Lembongan a good place for children?
Nusa Lembongan is a great place to bring children of all ages. It’s a very safe island and the locals adore children. Be sure to always supervise your children when swimming as the tidal movements and currents can cause issues when unaware of the changing conditions. Choosing your accommodation to suit the needs of your children is one way to ensure the whole family have a great holiday. Decide if you are best suited to a resort style set up with a larger swimming pool or prefer a villa with a private pool.
Getting to and from Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is approximately a 40 minute boat trip form Serangan, Bali. Boats leave 4 times daily. Depending on your flight schedule or travel plans it is sometimes necessary to overnight in Bali to make connecting boat / flight times. We choose to use Rocky Fast Cruises for all our guests, they offer the only “jetty-to-jetty” service to and from Lembongan. Please take a look at our boat transfers page for detailed information about boat options to and from Nusa Lembongan.
Internet
Wireless internet capability is widespread, with the majority of restaurants and accommodation offering FREE WiFi access to guests. However, be mindful that download speeds do vary and can be slow at times, it’s one of the joys of island life!
Visa on Arrival
Visa On Arrival in Bali is now free for Australians and many other nationalities.
Ensure your passport has 6 months validity other wise you will not be able to travel to Indonesia.
Indonesian Departure Tax of IDR 200,000 / person is added to your air ticket price when booking your flights.
Lembongan locals
Nusa Lembongan is a remote idyllic island and some things are not the way we are use to at home. The power is not 100% reliable and the island can experience interminent power cuts, many accommodation and restaurants have generators to assist at these times. Religious & cultural ceremonies always take precedence over work for the local people, so please be patient if things happen on “island time”.
Most importantly please don’t forget..….the two local villages of Jungut Batu and Lembongan are home to the beautiful, hard working people who have embraced visitors and allow us to share their island paradise.
Religion, Culture & Language
The majority of local people are Hindu. Traditions and religious ceremonies are part of everyday life, and you will undoubtedly see at least one during your stay. They are extremely colourful, lively (and loud) events. Respect for the locals during these occasions is appreciated and best shown by thoughtful observance. Balinese is the most common language of communication between local residents. English is widely understood and spoken, often with an Australian accent!
FREE Island App
Our FREE Island App is your essential guide to Nusa Lembongan. With all our favourite restaurants, surf schools, yoga, diving pLUS a currency converter, weather / surf report and ATM locations. DOWNLOAD NOW from the App Store and GooglePlay.