Should I Stay on Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, or Both?
You’re coming to the Nusa Islands and wondering: should I stay on Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida? The short answer: both islands share the same dive sites. What makes them different is the lifestyle and vibe you’ll get on land.
Nusa Lembongan: Small, Laid-Back Island with Surf and Social Vibe
If you want slow island living mixed with chilled social vibes, Nusa Lembongan is a great choice. It’s small, easy to get around, and connected to Nusa Ceningan by the Yellow Bridge.
When you’re not diving, you’ll have plenty to do: surfing (the only Nusa Island with proper surf breaks), stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking through mangroves, and watching striking sunsets on Jungutbatu beach. The island has a relaxed social scene, enough cafés and bars and pool tables to keep you entertained (including one at Blue Corner Dive!), but nothing overwhelming.
Exploring by motorbike is the easiest, but roads can be rough in places. Not a confident rider? That’s no problem, taxis are always available. Also, if you don’t mind being on foot, nothing’s ever far in Nusa Lembongan!
You’ll also find some great spots for a day of exploring, while never being too far from home, like Devil’s Tear with its dramatic crashing waves and Dream Beach with its wide stretch of sand. Both are easy to reach and perfect for an afternoon adventure.
Nusa Penida: Scenic, Spacious and On The Move
Nusa Penida is a better fit if you’re after more of a tourist vibe. The island is much larger (not hard considering how small Lembongan is), so attractions are more spread out.
Foot travel between famous viewpoints is not possible, so for comfortable exploration, plan on renting a motorbike, car, or hiring a driver. Along the way you’ll pass through local villages and beautiful scenery, which makes up for the occasional slow vehicle on the narrow roads.
Highlights include Teletubbies Hill for wide, rolling landscapes, the Instagram-famous Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach, and countless “hidden” beaches and viewpoints. Penida has more restaurant options than Lembongan, but no clear central area. Other popular spots include Crystal Bay, known for its snorkelling and sunsets, and Diamond Beach, a white sand cove framed by dramatic cliffs and rockforms. Both give you a taste of Penida’s natural beauty beyond the iconic viewpoints.
Travelling Between the Islands
Getting from Lembongan to Penida is simple. A small local boat service runs between the Yellow Bridge on Lembongan and Toya Pakeh harbour on Penida. The ride takes about 10 minutes and is 50.000 Rp per person. There’s no fixed schedule, so the boats leave once they have enough passengers, usually within 30 minutes. They run all day until about 4pm, and you don’t need to book in advance.
Just show up, wait until you’re called, and you’ll be on your way. It’s best to carry small cash for the fare, and be prepared to get your feet wet as boarding often means stepping into shallow water before climbing on.
Why Not Both?
If it’s your first time in Bali, or you simply want a bit of everything, visiting both islands is a great option. Nusa Lembongan gives you quiet beaches, mangrove forests, and some of Bali’s best surfing.
Nusa Penida offers dramatic cliffs, famous viewpoints like Kelingking, and plenty of hidden corners to explore. Add in diving, snorkelling with manta rays, beachside dining, sunset bars, and exploring by scooter, and you’ve got a trip that balances relaxation with adventure.
With the short boat ride connecting the two islands and Blue Corner Dive operating on both, it’s easy to base yourself on one, spend a few days on the other, and experience the best of both worlds.
