Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the southeast coast of the main island of Bali. Fast becoming one of Bali's most popular attractions, this island is a world away from the hassle and hectic pace of South Bali. Neither hawkers nor traffic mar the magnificent scenery; this is a fine place to just put your feet up and relax. Main activities include surfing, diving and snorkeling. The water is some of the clearest you will find anywhere, and a vivid aqua blue in colour.

Nusa Lembongan is approximately 8 km² in size, and is one of three neighbouring islands, the others being much larger Nusa Penida and tiny Nusa Ceningan (also covered by this article). The three islands are separated from Bali by the Badung Strait. Some visitors may find Nusa Lembongan a little slow after the pace of South Bali.

Many areas around the island are good for diving and snorkeling, with abundant marine life and healthy coral. Surfing can get a bit crowded, but the waves are good. There are several white sand beaches away from the main centres which are virtually never crowded. There is a flourishing and well established seaweed farming industry here, and many visitors find it interesting to learn about this.

Two main beach areas have traditionally attracted visitors.

Jungut Batu in the northwest is the bigger of the two, and has myriad hotels and cheap eateries. This is the area which traditionally attracted backpackers and surfers to the island. The white sand beach here is pleasant enough but nothing to get too excited about, and it is a little narrow in places. In more recent times, the hillside to the south of Jungut Batu known as the Bukit (the hill) has been developed and has attracted some higher level hotels and private villas. The views from the Bukit are perhaps second to none on Nusa Lembongan. Sunsets are best viewed along the main Jungut Batu beachfront.

Mushroom Bay to the southwest of Jungut Batu is a quaint, attractive and sheltered bay. It is an especially nice spot after 15:00 when the day trippers have returned to Bali, and it has a great white sandy beach, along with some cozy little water-side restaurants.

Further south, the lesser known beaches either side of the Devil's Tear outcrop, known as Dream Beach and Sunset Beach (or Sandy Bay), are increasingly drawing more visitors. The coastal landscape in this part of the island is mostly low-lying limestone cliffs, and there are some dramatic cave formations.

The north end of the island is fringed by an important mangrove forest, and the eastern side of the island is separated from neighbouring Nusa Ceningan by a shallow estuarine channel.

The main population centre of the island is Lembongan Village in the southern interior, and it is here that you will find the homes of many traditional island families.

The climate of Nusa Lembongan is similar to neighbouring 'mainland' Bali, but it is noticeably drier here, particularly in the period of May to September. If there is a time to avoid, it would be the height of the rainy season in January and February.

The local Lembonganese are Hindu and visitors will notice little or no difference from the prevailing culture on the Bali mainland.

Balinese is the most common language of communication between local residents, with Bahasa Indonesia a distant second. The Balinese spoken here is a distinct dialect, and sharp-eared linguists would certainly notice this. English is widely understood and spoken, often with an Australian accent!

The attractions here are mostly natural. The beaches and other coastal landscapes are obviously a key draw, as are the sunsets. There are a limited number of man-made attractions, most notably temples and the rickety suspension bridge.

• Dream Beach. A wonderful secluded beach with powdery, white sand, located on the south coast. From the main accommodation areas on the west coast, head southeast towards Lembongan Village where you should turn west, and then look for the signposted small track leading south to Dream Beach. There is a cafe attached to the single resort here, and this makes Dream Beach a great place to spend the whole day doing nothing. Be very careful though about entering the water here as the rips can be fierce. Only the strongest swimmers should consider this and even then, avoid the eastern end of the beach.
• Sandy Bay. A small but spectacular beach with white sand and crashing waves, located just to the north of Dream Beach, and easiest reached via the same route. The excellent Beach Club at Sandy Bay is located here and this should encourage visitors to spend the day. At low tide a dramatic cave is exposed in the low limestone cliff at the eastern side of the bay. Approach carefully and make sure you are not cut off from the beach by a rising tide. All-in-all, this is a delightful spot which is as laid back as anywhere in the whole of Bali.
• Tamarind Beach. Good views back to Bali, and of Mount Agung especially.

Dream Beach. A wonderful secluded beach with powdery, white sand, located on the south coast. From the main accommodation areas on the west coast, head southeast towards Lembongan Village where you should turn west, and then look for the signposted small track leading south to Dream Beach. There is a cafe attached to the single resort here, and this makes Dream Beach a great place to spend the whole day doing nothing. Be very careful though about entering the water here as the rips can be fierce. Only the strongest swimmers should consider this and even then, avoid the eastern end of the beach.

Sandy Bay. A small but spectacular beach with white sand and crashing waves, located just to the north of Dream Beach, and easiest reached via the same route. The excellent Beach Club at Sandy Bay is located here and this should encourage visitors to spend the day. At low tide a dramatic cave is exposed in the low limestone cliff at the eastern side of the bay. Approach carefully and make sure you are not cut off from the beach by a rising tide. All-in-all, this is a delightful spot which is as laid back as anywhere in the whole of Bali.

Tamarind Beach. Good views back to Bali, and of Mount Agung especially.

• Marine Megafauna Foundation. A marine research centre set up to monitor the manta ray and mola mola populations around Nusa Penida. MMF works with the Lembongan dive shops to gather information about these magnificent creatures and their critical habitats that will eventually be used to help protect them. MMF lectures are given on Tu and Th at 18:30 the Yoga Shack. You will get an in depth look at the exciting marine life around the islands.
• Devil's Tear. A rocky outcrop on the south western coast. Spectacular crashing waves and water plumes.
• Mangrove Forest. Northern Nusa Lembongan has an extensive forest of mature mangroves which can be explored in a jukung outrigger boat. Also great for families at high tide as perfect lagoon for kids swimming.
• Puncak Sari Temple, Lembongan Village (just north of Lembongan Village on the main route back to Jungut Batu. The largest and grandest Hindu temple on the island. Good views over the straits back to Bali from this area.
• Seaweed Farms. Seaweed farming takes place in many parts of the island, but the most accessible farms are on the southern side of Lembongan Village. Most of the seaweed grown here is destined for the Asian cosmetics industry.
• Sunsets. One thing not to miss on Nusa Lembongan. The Sunset over Bali is awe-inspiring, and can be viewed from any west facing part of the island, but the beach at Jungut Batu is especially popular. A more rural alternative is to go over the bridge to Nusa Ceningan and view the sunset from one of the west-facing high ridges. Being just a few degrees south of the equator, sunset times do not vary much throughout the year here. Look to be in place between 17:30 and 18:00.
• Suspension Bridge. This quirky yellow suspension bridge should not be missed by any visitor. You can walk or bike across the bridge to neighbouring Nusa Ceningan. The noise it makes can be quite scary, and contributes to what is an all-round Indiana Jones-type experience. Although it is definitely getting more and more rickety as the years pass, the bridge is still safe, and there are many thousands of incident-free crossings every year. There are very rare occasions when the bridge is off-bounds to motorbikes due to maintenance. At such times boats, offer transport across the channel for you and your bike. Free.
• Scoobydoo Beach. A wonderful secluded beach with powdery, white sand, located on the northwest coast of Nusa Lembongan, near Jungutbatu Village.

• Nusa Ceningan. A tiny island between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, which is easily reached via the suspension bridge on foot or by bicycle/motorbike. The original bridge collapsed in October of 2016. The new bridge called the "love bridge" was opened in February 2017. There is a notable surf break off Nusa Ceningan which attracts some surfers away from the more crowded breaks on Nusa Lembongan. Otherwise the island offers some scenic roads and paths, and the westward views back over Nusa Lembongan to Bali are impressive. Viewing the sunset over Bali from the central Ceningan ridge is very much worth the effort. The estuarine channel between Lembongan and Ceningan is home to many seaweed farms. Very few visitors choose to stay on Nusa Ceningan, but there is a small bungalow complex.

Marine Megafauna Foundation. A marine research centre set up to monitor the manta ray and mola mola populations around Nusa Penida. MMF works with the Lembongan dive shops to gather information about these magnificent creatures and their critical habitats that will eventually be used to help protect them. MMF lectures are given on Tu and Th at 18:30 the Yoga Shack. You will get an in depth look at the exciting marine life around the islands.

Devil's Tear. A rocky outcrop on the south western coast. Spectacular crashing waves and water plumes.

Mangrove Forest. Northern Nusa Lembongan has an extensive forest of mature mangroves which can be explored in a jukung outrigger boat. Also great for families at high tide as perfect lagoon for kids swimming.

Puncak Sari Temple, Lembongan Village (just north of Lembongan Village on the main route back to Jungut Batu. The largest and grandest Hindu temple on the island. Good views over the straits back to Bali from this area.

Seaweed Farms. Seaweed farming takes place in many parts of the island, but the most accessible farms are on the southern side of Lembongan Village. Most of the seaweed grown here is destined for the Asian cosmetics industry.

Sunsets. One thing not to miss on Nusa Lembongan. The Sunset over Bali is awe-inspiring, and can be viewed from any west facing part of the island, but the beach at Jungut Batu is especially popular. A more rural alternative is to go over the bridge to Nusa Ceningan and view the sunset from one of the west-facing high ridges. Being just a few degrees south of the equator, sunset times do not vary much throughout the year here. Look to be in place between 17:30 and 18:00.

Suspension Bridge. This quirky yellow suspension bridge should not be missed by any visitor. You can walk or bike across the bridge to neighbouring Nusa Ceningan. The noise it makes can be quite scary, and contributes to what is an all-round Indiana Jones-type experience. Although it is definitely getting more and more rickety as the years pass, the bridge is still safe, and there are many thousands of incident-free crossings every year. There are very rare occasions when the bridge is off-bounds to motorbikes due to maintenance. At such times boats, offer transport across the channel for you and your bike. Free.

Scoobydoo Beach. A wonderful secluded beach with powdery, white sand, located on the northwest coast of Nusa Lembongan, near Jungutbatu Village.

Nusa Ceningan. A tiny island between Nusa Lembongan and [[Nusa Penida]], which is easily reached via the suspension bridge on foot or by bicycle/motorbike. The original bridge collapsed in October of 2016. The new bridge called the "love bridge" was opened in February 2017. There is a notable surf break off Nusa Ceningan which attracts some surfers away from the more crowded breaks on Nusa Lembongan. Otherwise the island offers some scenic roads and paths, and the westward views back over Nusa Lembongan to Bali are impressive. Viewing the sunset over Bali from the central Ceningan ridge is very much worth the effort. The estuarine channel between Lembongan and Ceningan is home to many seaweed farms. Very few visitors choose to stay on Nusa Ceningan, but there is a small bungalow complex.

Activities are very much water-based, with surfing and scuba diving being especially notable.

• Yoga Shack Lembongan, Secret Garden Bungalows, Jungutbatu, +62 81353136861. Tu-Su 08:00 & 16:00. Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin drop in classes. No booking required. All levels of experience. Multi-class discount cards available.

Yoga Shack Lembongan, Secret Garden Bungalows, Jungutbatu, +62 81353136861. Tu-Su 08:00 & 16:00. Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin drop in classes. No booking required. All levels of experience. Multi-class discount cards available.

Nusa Lembongan was first opened up as a tourist destination by surfers, and it has long been an established part of the Bali surf circuit.

There are three main breaks, all off the top half of the west coast, with another less well known just to the southwest off Nusa Ceningan. Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks are all close offshore and reached via an energetic paddle from the beach, or in a more leisurely fashion, by a local boat (perahu) which can be chartered from the nearest beach.

Whilst the breaks usually suit intermediate to experienced surfers given they all break over coral reefs, the aptly named Playgrounds is a little more forgiving and can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. All the surf breaks become extremely crowded during the dry season

Although surfable all year round, waves are best when winds are in the southeast quarter, normally from April to September/October.

There is a thriving surf scene in Jungut Batu. When compared to its tiny population, Nusa Lembongan has produced a remarkable number of international competition-quality surfers. Any keen surfer will certainly not be short of company here.

• Monkey Surfing, Jungutbatu, +62 82 146147683. 08:00 - 19:00. The first surf school to open on Nusa Lembongan. Certified instructors and lifeguards. They teach in small group for beginners as well as intermediate guiding and also private lessons. Lessons include all the gears and boat to the surf spot. Surf boards and SUP for hire. Surf lessons are available in English and French
• Newbro Surfing School, Jungut Batu (Near the beach close to public boat office, +62 81 337 346 056. Friendly surf school that provides the whole package: surfboards, boat, photography and instructors that have been surfing for over 20 years. Professional staff speak English and provide great lessons ranging from beginner level to advanced. Lessons to small groups or one on one.

Monkey Surfing, Jungutbatu, +62 82 146147683. 08:00 - 19:00. The first surf school to open on Nusa Lembongan. Certified instructors and lifeguards. They teach in small group for beginners as well as intermediate guiding and also private lessons. Lessons include all the gears and boat to the surf spot. Surf boards and SUP for hire. Surf lessons are available in English and French

Newbro Surfing School, Jungut Batu (Near the beach close to public boat office, +62 81 337 346 056. Friendly surf school that provides the whole package: surfboards, boat, photography and instructors that have been surfing for over 20 years. Professional staff speak English and provide great lessons ranging from beginner level to advanced. Lessons to small groups or one on one.

Diving is of excellent quality in the crystal clear waters around the island. A number of reputable dive shops are present, and this is a notable teaching destination. Many hundreds of visitors have learned to dive here.

For more experienced divers, the most interesting sites are off neighbouring Nusa Penida. There are some challenging drift dives here, and dive operators will visit certain sites only when the sea conditions are safe. There are plenty of options for easier flat reef and wall dives as well. Marine highlights include large manta rays all year round, spectacular, massive oceanic sunfish (mola-mola) in season (July–October), white-tipped reef sharks, nurse sharks and the odd hammerhead. Whale sharks are far from regular, but the odd migrant is seen. Last but certainly not least, four species of sea turtle can be found here. All operators offer scheduled trips to the prime dive sites around all three islands.

Prices vary little from shop to shop. Course fees run from about US$60 for a half-day Discover Scuba introduction, to US$395 for PADI Open Water certification. A fun dive will cost approximately US$35-45 including all equipment, with discounts offered for multiple dives. Dive shops have variable opening hours according to seasonal demand. Night dives are widely offered and offer a fantastic underwater experience.

• Bali Diving Academy, Jungut Batu (within Bungalow #7, +62 366 24302. A PADI 5* resort established in 1991, offering a full range of PADI courses in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian and Indonesian. Up to 4 departures per day to the region's best dive sites, keeps the group sizes small and all dives are guided by experienced PADI professionals. Night dives are also available. Divemaster/diver ratio 1:4.
• Big Fish Diving, Jungut Batu, +62 813 5313 6861. A PADI 5* dive resort based at the Secret Garden Bungalows offering daily diving, scuba diving courses in multiple languages and manta/mola specials. Also, daily yoga classes (Vinyasa Flow, Hatha Flow and Yin Yang classes to suit all levels of experience, 08:00 and 16:00, drop-in classes) at the Yoga Shack and home to MMF, Lembongan's dedicated marine research center.
• Blue Corner Dive, Jungut Batu (on the beach at the north-west corner of Lembongan Island, +62 819 16231054. Beach-front PADI eco-resort (PADI 5-Star IDC Resort #22557), owned by a marine biologist. Specialises in guiding small dive groups around the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area. Naturalist and scientific diving courses. They also conduct ongoing coral reef monitoring at several sites around Nusa Penida and Lembongan. Beginner to professional dive training.
• Indo Divers Lembongan, Mushroom Bay (at the crossroad Mushroom Bay / Tamarind Beach, beside the Money Changer, +62 823 4022 8744. Small PADI dive school in Mushroom Bay offering a range of courses in English, German, Dutch and French. All dives guided by experienced PADI dive professionals. Small groups.
• French Kiss Divers, Jalan Raya Jungutbatu (at puri nusa resort, +62 813-3737-1818. 8am - 7pm. SSI Dive Center, and only SSI Instructor Training Center of Nusa Lembongan. French Kiss Divers opened in September 2017, and is located on jungut batu with Puri Nusa resort, and has also a booking office on the main road. With also dive centers in Thailand and the Philippines, FKD is an international company, focused on quality, fun and security. The team is international and teach mainly in english, french, german and spanish. They have their own swimming pool and boat.
• Legend Diving Lembongan, Jalan Raya Jungutbatu (Main road, +62 812 3620 0028. PADI Dive Center S-25289 offering daily diving trips to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida marine protected area. Personalized service with small diving groups adapted for Manta rays and Mola Mola dives. Full range of PADI courses in various languages from beginner to professional divemaster internships. Snorkeling and private tours available. Transportation to/from Bali mainland or Gili Islands can be arranged.
• Lembongan Dive Adventures, Jungut Batu, +62 819 36287232. A locally-owned dive resort catering to small groups, PADI courses from open water through to divemaster in several languages, taught by international instructors, using the resort training pool.
• Lembongan Dive Center, Jungut Batu (on the main beach beside Scooby Doo Bar, Restaurant and Bungalows, +62 821 45352666. Locally-owned PADI dive resort #S-22362 with local guides experienced in diving the waters around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Small groups preferred. Individual service with a range of PADI courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster. Snorkelling trips and transport can also be arranged to and from Bali and the Gili Islands.
• Planet Nomadas, Jungut Batu Village, +62 361 270314, +62 822 37286446. This dive and surf resort is located at the end of the Jungut Batu village on the beachfront. Besides diving, this company also has a surfing school, yoga classes, snorkeling and land tours. The resort has all in one facilities such as restaurant, pool and bungalows. Courses and guiding given in several languages.
• World Diving, Jungut Batu (at Pondok Baruna, +62 812 390 0686. The island's first full PADI 5 Star dive centre. All courses are offered from Discover Scuba through to Assistant Instructor.

Bali Diving Academy, Jungut Batu (within Bungalow #7, +62 366 24302. A PADI 5* resort established in 1991, offering a full range of PADI courses in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian and Indonesian. Up to 4 departures per day to the region's best dive sites, keeps the group sizes small and all dives are guided by experienced PADI professionals. Night dives are also available. Divemaster/diver ratio 1:4.

Big Fish Diving, Jungut Batu, +62 813 5313 6861. A PADI 5* dive resort based at the Secret Garden Bungalows offering daily diving, scuba diving courses in multiple languages and manta/mola specials. Also, daily yoga classes (Vinyasa Flow, Hatha Flow and Yin Yang classes to suit all levels of experience, 08:00 and 16:00, drop-in classes) at the Yoga Shack and home to MMF, Lembongan's dedicated marine research center.

Blue Corner Dive, Jungut Batu (on the beach at the north-west corner of Lembongan Island, +62 819 16231054. Beach-front PADI eco-resort (PADI 5-Star IDC Resort #22557), owned by a marine biologist. Specialises in guiding small dive groups around the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area. Naturalist and scientific diving courses. They also conduct ongoing coral reef monitoring at several sites around Nusa Penida and Lembongan. Beginner to professional dive training.

Indo Divers Lembongan, Mushroom Bay (at the crossroad Mushroom Bay / Tamarind Beach, beside the Money Changer, +62 823 4022 8744. Small PADI dive school in Mushroom Bay offering a range of courses in English, German, Dutch and French. All dives guided by experienced PADI dive professionals. Small groups.

French Kiss Divers, Jalan Raya Jungutbatu (at puri nusa resort, +62 813-3737-1818. 8am - 7pm. SSI Dive Center, and only SSI Instructor Training Center of Nusa Lembongan. French Kiss Divers opened in September 2017, and is located on jungut batu with Puri Nusa resort, and has also a booking office on the main road. With also dive centers in Thailand and the Philippines, FKD is an international company, focused on quality, fun and security. The team is international and teach mainly in english, french, german and spanish. They have their own swimming pool and boat.

Legend Diving Lembongan, Jalan Raya Jungutbatu (Main road, +62 812 3620 0028. PADI Dive Center S-25289 offering daily diving trips to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida marine protected area. Personalized service with small diving groups adapted for Manta rays and Mola Mola dives. Full range of PADI courses in various languages from beginner to professional divemaster internships. Snorkeling and private tours available. Transportation to/from Bali mainland or Gili Islands can be arranged.

Lembongan Dive Adventures, Jungut Batu, +62 819 36287232. A locally-owned dive resort catering to small groups, PADI courses from open water through to divemaster in several languages, taught by international instructors, using the resort training pool.

Lembongan Dive Center, Jungut Batu (on the main beach beside Scooby Doo Bar, Restaurant and Bungalows, +62 821 45352666. Locally-owned PADI dive resort #S-22362 with local guides experienced in diving the waters around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Small groups preferred. Individual service with a range of PADI courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster. Snorkelling trips and transport can also be arranged to and from Bali and the Gili Islands.

Planet Nomadas, Jungut Batu Village, +62 361 270314, +62 822 37286446. This dive and surf resort is located at the end of the Jungut Batu village on the beachfront. Besides diving, this company also has a surfing school, yoga classes, snorkeling and land tours. The resort has all in one facilities such as restaurant, pool and bungalows. Courses and guiding given in several languages.

World Diving, Jungut Batu (at Pondok Baruna, +62 812 390 0686. The island's first full PADI 5 Star dive centre. All courses are offered from Discover Scuba through to Assistant Instructor.

Non-divers should not feel left out, as good snorkelling is available close inshore at various spots around the island. Perhaps the two best areas are Mushroom Bay on the west coast, and the mangroves on the northern tip. Equipment can be hired from your hotel or on the beach, and depending on the quality of the gear, you should expect to pay Rp 20,000-50,000 for renting a mask, snorkel and set of fins.

If you fancy getting further offshore, dive shops may sell you a snorkeling space on a scheduled dive boat, subject to availability.

Also, local boatmen are willing to take you by boat to various snorkeling spots. Depending on the number of snorkeling spots you want to visit, a boat trip can be arranged for about Rp 200,000-300,000 (including snorkeling gear). An enjoyable snorkelling spot reached by boat only is the west coast of neighbouring Nusa Penida, with Crystal Bay being especially rewarding. There is a strong current along this coast. The boatman will drop you off at the beginning of the current, and you can drift while snorkeling along the drop off wall with beautiful coral and loads of fish. The boatmen will follow you and pick you up at the end of the drift.

• Lembongan watersport, end of the mangrove beach (Jungutbatu Village, +62 8155773999. 07:00-19:00. Located end of the Mangrove beach, this place offers snorkelling day trips, scuba diving, stand-up paddling and kayak trips. Rp 250,000-975,000.
• D&B Ocean Dreams, +62 81 999 237390. Boat Captain Diasa is locally famous for his snorkelling trips. PADI dive master, he is very good guide and takes pride in his safety and environmentally awareness. He swims with his clients, especially beneficial when trying to spot manta rays. Based in Jungutbatuat at D&B Warung and Bungalows. Rp 200,000.

Lembongan watersport, end of the mangrove beach (Jungutbatu Village, +62 8155773999. 07:00-19:00. Located end of the Mangrove beach, this place offers snorkelling day trips, scuba diving, stand-up paddling and kayak trips. Rp 250,000-975,000.

D&B Ocean Dreams, +62 81 999 237390. Boat Captain Diasa is locally famous for his snorkelling trips. PADI dive master, he is very good guide and takes pride in his safety and environmentally awareness. He swims with his clients, especially beneficial when trying to spot manta rays. Based in Jungutbatuat at D&B Warung and Bungalows. Rp 200,000.

Families with children will not be short of options. The full gamut of typical resort-type, mechanised water sports are available, including wake-boarding and banana boats. Those who care a little about the environment may be keener to patronise the sea kayaking option. Your hotel will be able to assist with booking any of these activities. Alternatively, just head down to the beach at either Mushroom Bay or Jungut Batu, and figure it out for yourself. Costs start at about Rp 150,000 for a single banana boat ride.

• One Breath, Jungutbatu, +62 821 46147683. 08:00-19:00. AIDA freediving courses for beginners and advanced. Surfers will grow in confidence and handle wipeouts in big waves while divers will be pleased to reduce their air consumption and try a different approach.

One Breath, Jungutbatu, +62 821 46147683. 08:00-19:00. AIDA freediving courses for beginners and advanced. Surfers will grow in confidence and handle wipeouts in big waves while divers will be pleased to reduce their air consumption and try a different approach.

This is an excellent island for walking and keen visitors should not hesitate to just head off and explore the myriad tracks that criss-cross the island.

The low cliffs in the south offer some splendid coastal walking routes. Perhaps the best of them starts at Dream Beach, from where you should take the obvious footpath north over the Devil's Tear outcrop, pausing to see some of the most dramatic wave formations anywhere around the island. The crashing plumes are sometimes huge here, so be prepared to get wet! Continue northwards to Sunset Beach and explore the cove. If you time your arrival for low tide, the cave at the eastern end of the beach may be accessible.

At the opposite end of the beach you will find the Beach Club. From here follow the footpath leading northwest up the hill always keeping the private villas to your left, until you again hit the cliff line. From here you will see right across the Badung Strait to Bali. Follow the cliff path northwards and then around to the east, all the time pausing to appreciate the dramatic coastal formations. Birdwatchers should lookout for flashes of turquoise and white, as spectacular sacred kingfishers are common in this area, and offshore it is worth keeping an eye out for huge frigatebirds. Keep following this path eastwards, and you will drop down into Mushroom Bay where the suggested walk ends and refreshments are available.

• Lulur Spa, Jungut Batu (at Batu Karang Resort, +62 3662 4880. 10:00-20:00. Complete spa with rooms for facials, massages, pedicure, manicure and hair treatments. Local products are used as well as some imported from Australia. Each room is set with ambient music and A/C. Changing rooms with clean treated hot water and a relaxation room are provided. From about Rp 200,000.
• Mushroom Spa, Tanjung Sanghyang Bay, +62 366 24515. 08:00-20:00. Relaxing massage, body scrub, pedicure or manicure overlooking the clear waters of Sanghyang Bay.

Lulur Spa, Jungut Batu (at Batu Karang Resort, +62 3662 4880. 10:00-20:00. Complete spa with rooms for facials, massages, pedicure, manicure and hair treatments. Local products are used as well as some imported from Australia. Each room is set with ambient music and A/C. Changing rooms with clean treated hot water and a relaxation room are provided. From about Rp 200,000.

Mushroom Spa, Tanjung Sanghyang Bay, +62 366 24515. 08:00-20:00. Relaxing massage, body scrub, pedicure or manicure overlooking the clear waters of Sanghyang Bay.

Some hotels and scuba shops will accept credit cards, although many of them charge a fee of 3-5% for charges to a credit card.

There is now one MasterCard ATM here but it doesn't always have cash so visitors should bring enough cash with them. Money changing facilities are available at hotels, but the rate given is always unfavourable, so don't bring just cash, but rupiah. If you do run out of cash, a same day return ATM run to Sanur is possible. Alternatively, some hotels will do a cash advance on your credit card for a fee of 8%-10%.

Small shops are widespread, and they are geared towards basic visitor requirements, stocking sun-block, cheap knock-off boardshorts and hats, as well as the usual range of snacks, beer, soft drinks and cigarettes. Do not though expect anything too sophisticated. There is little in the way of souvenir type shopping on the island, and there is nothing of this nature which would not be better purchased on the Bali mainland.

• ATM - Bank BRI. This is only ATM on the island, but it is often out of service, so don't rely on it.

ATM - Bank BRI. This is only ATM on the island, but it is often out of service, so don't rely on it.

Virtually any place you stay on Nusa Lembongan will have a cafe or restaurant attached to it, and the majority of these encourage non-staying guests to eat with them. These can be of hugely variable quality and any casual visitor could be forgiven for thinking the food on this island is terrible! Some of the better budget options can be found at Linda's Bungalows, Mainski, and Dream Beach Huts.

There are a few good local warungs to choose from, but by-and-large there have not been many decent independent restaurants on Nusa Lembongan. That is now changing at a pace though and the more notable exceptions to the old rule are listed below. Fish is naturally a great option.

• Warung 99 Meals House, Jungut Batu village (by the beach. Tasty local style warung with all the usual Indonesian favourites. Cheap and cheery. The owner might sit and have a chat with you. Rp 20,000-30,000 per person.
• Green Garden Warung Coffee Juice and Food, Jungut Batu village (follow the sign which is opposite the cinema in the middle of jungut batu towards the football field, +62 813-3741-9282. Offers cheap and tasty Indonesian and Western food. The owner Dodi is extremely kind and some of the menu items are grown in his garden. The Warung is around 75 m off the main road (about half way down and turn to the right) but there is a large sign and getting there is pretty easy if you pay attention. Nice ambiance. Free wifi. Rp 20,000-30,000 per person.
• Acha Surf Warung, Jungut batu beach, +62 821 47147396. Surf & sea view restaurant with western and Indonesian food.
• The Beach Club at Sandy Bay, Sunset Beach (Call for transport from Jungut Batu (10-15 min) and Mushroom Bay (5-7 min)—it is free if you make a phone or email booking., +62 828 9700 5656. 8AM-10PM. A large open bar and restaurant area with a beach-front pool abutting a white sandy beach. Daily BBQ with seafood and steaks, extensive range of cocktails, the beer is very cold and they have a wine cellar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. The quality of food here is extremely high for Nusa Lembongan and would not be out of place in top restaurants in mainland Bali. Free WiFi.
• The Bar at Mushroom beach, Mushroom Beach, +62 821 44682551. 12noon-11PM. Mexican traditional dishes such as quesadillas and nachos to fajitas with a range of lovely fillings. Cocktails such as mojitos and fresh or frozen margaritas.
• Juice Bar & Coffee Corner, Jungut Batu (southern side of the main road. Breakfast foods and snacks during the day. All you can eat buffets and enjoy traditional Indonesian foods with some western favorites. Everything is made fresh on site and sourced locally in Indonesia.
• Ketut Warung, Jungut Batu (behind Mainski Lembongan Resort. About 11:00-21:00. Great atmosphere, huge plates, good Indonesian and Thai food at really cheap prices. The owners, the Ketut Malom family, are friendly hosts. Rp 20,000-30,000 per head.
• Maria's Boemboe Bali Warung, At the north end of the island, on the beach, close to the mainroad. 10:00-22:00. Fresh, delicious local food, fish and seafood; also has western dishes like pasta, burgers and pizza. Possibly the best value eatery on the island. Best time to go is probably around sunset until closing. Try the rosella tea, calamary fritty, tuna bamboe bali combo Rp40k, small Bintang beer Rp22. up to Rp40,000.
• Mangrove Restaurant. About 12:00-21:00. At the eastern end of the only spit of land that runs through the northern mangrove forest. From Jungut Batu, take the beach road north and turn into the mangroves (possible by motorcycle or of course on foot). Just keep going for about 1½ km and you will find the restaurant. Alternatively, arrive by boat - any boat captain will know the way. Indonesian meals and some European options. Rp 50,000-80,000 per head.
• Nyoman's Warung. Nyoman's Warung is on the north beach of the island with sweeping views of Mount Agung. The traditional Lembongan menu changes daily to reflect the catch of the day. Rp 20,000-30,000 per head.
• Pisang-Pisang, Jungutbatu, +62 812 38441996. 07:90-21:00. A very chill hang out place. Delicious smoothies, fresh juices, and healthy meals all day. Friendly staff, fast service. Free Wi-Fi. 40,000 - 80,000.
• Nano Nano restaurant. Nicely located almost at the end of the mangrove road. This place is located directly opposite the best sporkelling spot on the island, which is accessible for only about an hour before and after high tide. Otherwise you will be walking on coral. If you want to snorkel, then it's probably best to book a half day snorkeling trip visiting 3 or 4 of the best snorkelling spots in the area and perhaps get to see a manta ray. Walking in is likely to result in damaging coral and mangrove. They sell reasonably priced food and drink in a pleasant spot alongside the mangrove beach. They also rent snorkelling gear. Sunrises can be viewed from here.
• The Deck cafe and bar. Located along the boardwalk waterfront with lovely views. They serve gourmet baguettes, paninis, freshly baked pies, pizzas, home baked cakes, gelato ice cream, fresh juices, smoothies and real coffee.
• Lembongan Reef restaurant, +62 8214 5393 419. A restaurant with views over the sea
• Ohana's beach lounge & boutique resort, On the beach front in Jungut Batu village, +6281139600787. 07:00-23:00. Ohana’s is on the beach in the front of Shipwrecks surf break in Jungut Batu. The venue looks out over the beach and ocean – it faces west for watching Lembongan's incredible sunsets. It features sun lounges, day-beds, bean bags and offers casual dining under cover and under the stars. There is a swimming pool for guests. Bookings are strongly recommended for day beds or dining.

Warung 99 Meals House, Jungut Batu village (by the beach. Tasty local style warung with all the usual Indonesian favourites. Cheap and cheery. The owner might sit and have a chat with you. Rp 20,000-30,000 per person.

Green Garden Warung Coffee Juice and Food, Jungut Batu village (follow the sign which is opposite the cinema in the middle of jungut batu towards the football field, +62 813-3741-9282. Offers cheap and tasty Indonesian and Western food. The owner Dodi is extremely kind and some of the menu items are grown in his garden. The Warung is around 75 m off the main road (about half way down and turn to the right) but there is a large sign and getting there is pretty easy if you pay attention. Nice ambiance. Free wifi. Rp 20,000-30,000 per person.

Acha Surf Warung, Jungut batu beach, +62 821 47147396. Surf & sea view restaurant with western and Indonesian food.

The Beach Club at Sandy Bay, Sunset Beach (Call for transport from Jungut Batu (10-15 min) and Mushroom Bay (5-7 min)—it is free if you make a phone or email booking., +62 828 9700 5656. 8AM-10PM. A large open bar and restaurant area with a beach-front pool abutting a white sandy beach. Daily BBQ with seafood and steaks, extensive range of cocktails, the beer is very cold and they have a wine cellar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. The quality of food here is extremely high for Nusa Lembongan and would not be out of place in top restaurants in mainland Bali. Free WiFi.

The Bar at Mushroom beach, Mushroom Beach, +62 821 44682551. 12noon-11PM. Mexican traditional dishes such as quesadillas and nachos to fajitas with a range of lovely fillings. Cocktails such as mojitos and fresh or frozen margaritas.

Juice Bar & Coffee Corner, Jungut Batu (southern side of the main road. Breakfast foods and snacks during the day. All you can eat buffets and enjoy traditional Indonesian foods with some western favorites. Everything is made fresh on site and sourced locally in Indonesia.

Ketut Warung, Jungut Batu (behind Mainski Lembongan Resort. About 11:00-21:00. Great atmosphere, huge plates, good Indonesian and Thai food at really cheap prices. The owners, the Ketut Malom family, are friendly hosts. Rp 20,000-30,000 per head.

Maria's Boemboe Bali Warung, At the north end of the island, on the beach, close to the mainroad. 10:00-22:00. Fresh, delicious local food, fish and seafood; also has western dishes like pasta, burgers and pizza. Possibly the best value eatery on the island. Best time to go is probably around sunset until closing. Try the rosella tea, calamary fritty, tuna bamboe bali combo Rp40k, small Bintang beer Rp22. up to Rp40,000.

Mangrove Restaurant. About 12:00-21:00. At the eastern end of the only spit of land that runs through the northern mangrove forest. From Jungut Batu, take the beach road north and turn into the mangroves (possible by motorcycle or of course on foot). Just keep going for about 1½ km and you will find the restaurant. Alternatively, arrive by boat - any boat captain will know the way. Indonesian meals and some European options. Rp 50,000-80,000 per head.

Nyoman's Warung. Nyoman's Warung is on the north beach of the island with sweeping views of Mount Agung. The traditional Lembongan menu changes daily to reflect the catch of the day. Rp 20,000-30,000 per head.

Pisang-Pisang, Jungutbatu, +62 812 38441996. 07:90-21:00. A very chill hang out place. Delicious smoothies, fresh juices, and healthy meals all day. Friendly staff, fast service. Free Wi-Fi. 40,000 - 80,000.

Nano Nano restaurant. Nicely located almost at the end of the mangrove road. This place is located directly opposite the best sporkelling spot on the island, which is accessible for only about an hour before and after high tide. Otherwise you will be walking on coral. If you want to snorkel, then it's probably best to book a half day snorkeling trip visiting 3 or 4 of the best snorkelling spots in the area and perhaps get to see a manta ray. Walking in is likely to result in damaging coral and mangrove. They sell reasonably priced food and drink in a pleasant spot alongside the mangrove beach. They also rent snorkelling gear. Sunrises can be viewed from here.

The Deck cafe and bar. Located along the boardwalk waterfront with lovely views. They serve gourmet baguettes, paninis, freshly baked pies, pizzas, home baked cakes, gelato ice cream, fresh juices, smoothies and real coffee.

Lembongan Reef restaurant, +62 8214 5393 419. A restaurant with views over the sea

Ohana's beach lounge & boutique resort, On the beach front in Jungut Batu village, +6281139600787. 07:00-23:00. Ohana’s is on the beach in the front of Shipwrecks surf break in Jungut Batu. The venue looks out over the beach and ocean – it faces west for watching Lembongan's incredible sunsets. It features sun lounges, day-beds, bean bags and offers casual dining under cover and under the stars. There is a swimming pool for guests. Bookings are strongly recommended for day beds or dining.

As with restaurants, there are few independent drinking establishments. Most cafes and restaurants attached to hotels also double as bars. Nusa Lembongan is known as being very quiet for nightlife. A few beach parties are advertised around the island during high season, and there is sometimes a small monthly full moon party.

• Bali Eco Deli, JL Raya Jungut Batu (North side, at the end of Jungut Batu village, 50 m after the temple corner and 100 m before the World Diving, Big Fish & Two Fish area. 07:00-18:00. A cozy place on the main road, behind the busy Jungut Batu beach. One of the few places on the island serving real espresso & mixes (cappuccino, latte, mocha), chillers, iced teas & coffees, slow juiced fruits and twice daily baked treats such as cookies, muffins, brownies & Belgian waffles. Open from early morning to mid-afternoon. Eat-in & take-away. Everything is home made using ingredients sourced from organic & fair-trade farms across Indonesia. Free mineral water refills & free WIFI for customers.
• Barbarella's. Mushroom Beach. The new bar on the island. Open noon till late. Serving tapas, cold beer and cocktails, including the best margaritas on the island. Wifi available. Good music, too.
• Blue Corner Bar, On the beach north of Jungut Batu. mid-day until 22:00, Fridays open until 03:00. Bar and restaurant located on the beachfront by Blue Corner Dive Resort. Bean-bag chairs with umbrellas on the beach, WiFi, and free use of swimming pool. Sunset beach volleyball every day, Wednesday night pub trivia quiz. On Friday nights expats, the dive community and tourists party here with a beach fire and drinks until very late.
• Cafe Bali, Mushroom Bay (eastern end of the bay. Usually 09:00-21:00. A great place to have a beer and watch the view back to Bali. Restaurant serving pasta and other options.
• Scooby Doo Beach Bar, Jungut Batu. Variable hours, but often busy 6PM-10PM. Beachside bar which is especially popular with the Australian surfing crowd. Expect cold beers, lots of chat about waves and sport on the television.
• WBM Coffee Shop and Grill Ribs, Jalan Raya Lembongan Jungut Batu (near top of hill, +6285238347999. 07:00-23:00. They have all homemade recipes and fresh ingredients. They make great coffee, freshly brewed every day. They have many combinations of espresso served hot or cold. Their specialty food is American style pork ribs.
• Mickey Sports Bar and Grill, Jungut Batu. Maybe the only sports bar on the island.
• Two Towers coffee shop. Coffee shop on the hill. Not much of a view from there.

Bali Eco Deli, JL Raya Jungut Batu (North side, at the end of Jungut Batu village, 50 m after the temple corner and 100 m before the World Diving, Big Fish & Two Fish area. 07:00-18:00. A cozy place on the main road, behind the busy Jungut Batu beach. One of the few places on the island serving real espresso & mixes (cappuccino, latte, mocha), chillers, iced teas & coffees, slow juiced fruits and twice daily baked treats such as cookies, muffins, brownies & Belgian waffles. Open from early morning to mid-afternoon. Eat-in & take-away. Everything is home made using ingredients sourced from organic & fair-trade farms across Indonesia. Free mineral water refills & free WIFI for customers.

Barbarella's. Mushroom Beach. The new bar on the island. Open noon till late. Serving tapas, cold beer and cocktails, including the best margaritas on the island. Wifi available. Good music, too.

Blue Corner Bar, On the beach north of Jungut Batu. mid-day until 22:00, Fridays open until 03:00. Bar and restaurant located on the beachfront by Blue Corner Dive Resort. Bean-bag chairs with umbrellas on the beach, WiFi, and free use of swimming pool. Sunset beach volleyball every day, Wednesday night pub trivia quiz. On Friday nights expats, the dive community and tourists party here with a beach fire and drinks until very late.

Cafe Bali, Mushroom Bay (eastern end of the bay. Usually 09:00-21:00. A great place to have a beer and watch the view back to Bali. Restaurant serving pasta and other options.

Scooby Doo Beach Bar, Jungut Batu. Variable hours, but often busy 6PM-10PM. Beachside bar which is especially popular with the Australian surfing crowd. Expect cold beers, lots of chat about waves and sport on the television.

WBM Coffee Shop and Grill Ribs, Jalan Raya Lembongan Jungut Batu (near top of hill, +6285238347999. 07:00-23:00. They have all homemade recipes and fresh ingredients. They make great coffee, freshly brewed every day. They have many combinations of espresso served hot or cold. Their specialty food is American style pork ribs.

Mickey Sports Bar and Grill, Jungut Batu. Maybe the only sports bar on the island.

Two Towers coffee shop. Coffee shop on the hill. Not much of a view from there.

This is a safe island and reports of crime, major or minor, are rare. Most common is the theft of items left in unlocked rooms, so as you would anywhere in the world, just be sensible.

Drugs are not especially widespread here, but you may be offered marijuana or mushrooms, and more rarely, harder drugs. Be aware that the former is highly illegal in Indonesia and penalties are harsh. The Indonesian legal position on mushrooms is unclear but to be totally safe, visitors should steer clear.

The biggest dangers to visitors are related to the sea. Swimming is not be taken lightly in any waters around Bali, and Nusa Lembongan is no exception. Mushroom Bay and the area around the mangroves in the north are largely safe for swimming, but still take care. Swimming at Dream Beach and Sunset Beach (in particular) should be avoided by all but the very strongest of swimmers, and even then with great caution. Surfing at all four breaks is challenging for beginners.

There is a small medical clinic in Jungut Batu with an attendant doctor. This is a perfectly good facility for treating minor ailments, but visitors with anything approaching a serious problem should get back to Bali as quickly as possible. Opening hours are erratic and unpredictable. Ask at your hotel.

Like all of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is officially a malaria-free zone. Dengue fever is a potential problem. Unlike in mainland Bali, there are no recent cases of rabies.

It is possible to make phone calls from Nusa Lembongan. Although a little pricey, public telephone offices (wartels) can be found at the Scoot boat office and at Bungalow No7.

• International phone operators: 101.
• International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008.
• The area code for Nusa Lembongan is officially 0366, although 0361 is also widely used.
• Landlines are not that common, and even many well-established businesses operate with mobile telephones only. All of the major Indonesian mobile networks have coverage of the island.
• For directory inquiries, dial 108 from a landline or 0361-108 from a mobile phone.

Nusa Lembongan receives good 3G coverage by all the major Indonesian networks.

Most places to stay and some restaurants now have wireless internet capability for guests but it's often very slow.

There are a couple of basic, well signed public internet cafes at the southern end of the main coast road in Jungut Batu. Look for the signs and expect to pay about Rp 30,000 per hour. Service is sometimes very slow. Most of the internet cafes also have a download limit in addition to charging for time, so save your media streaming activities for Bali.

The national phone company, Telkomsel, provides a decent 3G connection, however it may default to GPRS.

• The vast majority of visitors leave the way they came in, i.e. back to Sanur and then on to elsewhere in Bali.
• For the adventurous, a side trip to Nusa Penida island will get you well off the beaten path.
• There is a daily direct boat service to mainland Lombok and Gili Trawangan.