Just off the southeast coast of Bali, you’ll find the laid-back island paradise of Nusa Lembongan. It is only 8km² in size and one of three neighboring islands, the others being much larger Nusa Penida and tiny Nusa Ceningan.
If you’re used to the craziness of Kuta and Canggu or even the Gili Islands, you’ll be surprised by the quiet atmosphere on Lembongan. Almost no hawkers and very few cars.
I’ve been coming to Lembongan for more than 14 years and have stayed all over the island in everything from budget straw huts to upscale resorts. So these days I see myself as a Nusa Lembongan accommodation connoisseur.
You can easily visit Nusa Lembongan on a day trip from Bali, however, If you can I recommend staying for at least two nights. Let’s take a look at the best places to stay on Nusa Lembongan for every budget.
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Article overview
How to get to Nusa Lembongan
Easily reached by speedboat in only 30 minutes from one of Bali’s ports like Sanur or Padang Bai, Nusa Lembongan should be included in your Bali itinerary. The boat ticket is usually around $55 for a round-trip. You can book your tickets in advance here.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in certain areas in Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Ubud Center, Denpasar, Sanur) and on Nusa Lembongan are included in your return ticket. So all you have to do is be packed and ready to go in front of your hotel at the agreed-upon time.
🌟 Check price and availability here >> Fast boat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
Where to stay on Nusa Lembongan
The two main tourist areas on Lembongan are Jungut Batu in the northwest and Mushroom Bay to the southwest.
Jungut Batu Beach is the longest stretch of sand on the island and is where I always choose to stay. It’s so nice to wake up in the morning and have breakfast on the beach while watching the turquoise water glittering in the sun.
Even though there are hotels and restaurants all along the beach, it doesn’t feel like a touristy area. Fishing boats are coming in, seaweed farmers working, local kids playing and surfers paddling in and out to one of the four surf breaks on Lembongan.
Here you can also walk to everything you might need like cafés, bars, boutiques, yoga studios, surf shops, etc.
You’d think since Lembongan is such a small beautiful island that they would charge ridiculously high prices for accommodation, but the prices are among the best value I’ve experienced anywhere in Indonesia.
You can read more about the different areas on Lembongan, mostly centered around the different beaches, in my Nusa Lembongan Beach Guide.
Nusa Lembongan budget accommodation
We all have different ideas about what is considered budget, but for me, in Southeast Asia, it is below $50 a night for a double room or bungalow.
Lembongan Summer
Lembongan summer is one of my all-time favorite budget accommodations on Nusa Lembongan. Take a look at everything you get for a ridiculously affordable price, just a few minutes from the beach. I’m talking private villa/room with a large bathroom and private plunge pool!
🌟 My top budget accommodation choice >> Lembongan Summer
Bamboo Bungalows
If you are lucky enough to find an opening at Bamboo Bungalows, book it. I love this place because the beautiful bohemian bungalow is set in a private garden. It feels much more expensive than it is. The open-air bathroom in the back is also so cute.
You are within easy walking distance of some of the best restaurants on Nusa Lembongan, yoga studios, shops and dive centers. I can’t tell you how many photoshoots I’ve had in this garden, on the macrame hammock and porch swing.
Tarci Bungalows
The place I’ve probably stayed most on Nusa Lembongan is Tarci Bungalow, which I highly recommend because of the location right on the sand. I can’t tell you how many days I’ve spent working on the table above. I just love this view.
You can literally go from the pool to the ocean in like 10 seconds. Their staff is also amazing, the food delicious and to top it off they have super fun live music and BBQ nights. I recommend booking the queen rooms, as the standard rooms are a bit too basic in my opinion.
Lembongan high-value accommodation
I used to be a budget traveler but the older I get the more I value comfort. So these days I fall into the mid-range bracket, I still look for great value but also require great design, better mattresses, views and amenities.
The Acala Shri Sedana
You have to see this place! The Acala Shri Sedana is not in my favorite location of Jungut Batu, but it’s so worth the drive. The boutique hotel is set on a hill close to the famous Yellow Bridge, overlooking the shallow water that separates Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
The suites are light and bright, boasting the most incredible view from the terrace, especially in the morning light. Some even come with a private plunge pool and bathtub.
I highly recommend spending a few days here, if you’re comfortable on a scooter you can easily zip over to Ceningan or down to the beach for dinner.
🌟 My top choice for high-value accommodation >> The Acala Shri Sedana
Lembongan Harmony Villas
Lembongan Harmony Villas is another one of my favorite places to stay on Lembongan, especially when I’m bringing someone who hasn’t been to the island before.
Because the view from this place is insane and a big wow moment for those who haven’t seen the view of Jungut Batu Beach with Bali in the background before!
And the villas even have private plunge pools. If you want to secure one of these gems, you usually have to book months in advance.
Tigerlilly’s Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for a super chic hotel perfect for a little shoot for the Gram, you should check out Tigerlilly’s Boutique Hotel. Set right in the heart of Jungut Batu, within walking distance of two of my favorite places to eat, Maria’s Boemboe Warung and Bali Eco Deli.
Their lush, tropical garden and pool area are just gorgeous! Even if you don’t end up staying there, be sure to have dinner in their beautifully decorated restaurant one night.
Lembongan upscale accommodation
So Nusa Lembongan thankfully isn’t known for huge luxury resorts, it’s all about the laidback vibe here. But there are some upscale and absolutely gorgeous properties.
The Tamarind Resort
The Tamarind Resort sits smack bang in the middle of Jungut Batu Beach. This is definitely one of the most upscale resorts in the area or even on the island. It has been around since the first time I visited Lembongan 14 years ago.
The rooms are spacious with large comfortable beds and furnished patios overlooking lush greenery. There are also 2 and 3-bedroom villas, perfect for families or groups of friends.
🌟 My top choice for high-end accommodation >> The Tamarind Resort
Ohana’s
Right next door you’ll find Ohana’s Beachfront Resort & Beach Club, boasting a little cooler and younger vibe than its neighbor.
If you’re in the mood for some day drinking and people-watching, this is definitely the place to be. I tend to stay clear as it often gets a bit too crowded for my liking.
I do, however, enjoy staying here, as the rooms are beautifully outfitted in a modern Balinese fashion. In addition to the beach club, there’s also a private pool for guests. And again, the resort is within walking distance of everything you might need.
Best time to visit Nusa Lembongan
The best time of the year to visit Nusa Lembongan and Indonesia, in general, is February to April (avoid Easter). That’s when everything is lush and green after the rainy season, while the weather is mostly clear and sunny.
The rainy season runs from November to February, peaking in January, and the main tourist season runs from July to August and during Christmas. I have been to the island during these times as well and have had a great time, however, I prefer February to April.
More Nusa Lembongan guides
- How to get around on Nusa Lembongan
- My “secret” spot on Nusa Lembongan
- A first-timer’s guide to surfing Nusa Lembongan (best surf spots)
- Top 9 best beaches on Nusa Lembongan
- The Nusa Lembongan Restaurant Guide – Top 10
- A perfect day at Sandy Bay Beach Club
Remember to Pin for later! 😀
I can’t wait to go myself. Planning for May of next year. Can you take a longboat there as a cheaper option compared to the speedboat? I think I’d be willing to sacrifice time to save a little money.
How fun, your gonna have such a great time! Last time I was there the slow boat departed from Sanur at around 10.30. I don’t think it’s worth it though. You save about 200k each way, but then you have to get to the harbor by yourself. Hotel transfer is included in the fast boat ticket. So I don’t know how much you’ll save all in all. Hope this helps! 🙂
Very lovely place. I like it !
Thank you for posting.
Great post! Thank you for sharing. My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to Bali, and looking into the neighboring islands to spend a couple of nights. Would you recommend Nusa Lembongan over Lombok or the Gilli Islands?
Thanks again!
Nusa Lembongan is one of my favorite islands I’ve ever visited, so yes I would recommend Lembongan over the Gilis any day 🙂 I think the Gilis are too small and gets boring pretty quick. While on Lembongan you have the opportunity to spend time on Ceningan and the almost untouched Nusa Penida as well. So much more to see and do there! Feel free to ask if you have any more questions. Congratulations on your wedding and have fun in Indo 😉
Hey Charlottte,
I’ll be travelling with my husband (surfer) and two girls (8 and 11 years).
Just wanted to get your thoughts on accommodation. We’re looking to stay on lembongan for a week.
Would we be best staying in Jungut Batu or is Mushroom bay nice too?
Thanks
Hey Al,
How exciting that you’re going to Lembongan for a week! Personally I would just stay in Jungut Batu where you can walk to all the best cafés and restaurants, surf shops and yoga. This is also where you’ll find all the best surf spots on the island, so your husband can just walk out the door and paddle out. Did you check out my Lembongan beach guide? I talk a bit more about Mushroom Bay here https://www.sunshineseeker.com/destinations/top-9-best-beaches-nusa-lembongan/
It’s such a hard decision to decide where to go and where to stay. So many place to choose from, wish I could go everywhere. It’s very educational though, thank you!
Yes it really is ☺️ Thanks, Sandy!