(updated June 2026)
If you’re planning a trip to the Nusa Bali Islands of Indonesia, you will experience a true beach lover’s paradise. Nestled amidst the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, just off the southeast coast of Bali, lie the enchanting Nusa Islands. Comprising three Nusa islands – Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan – this tropical paradise offers an idyllic escape. With their pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoons teeming with vibrant marine life, the Nusa Islands are a not so hidden gem in Bali’s crown.
The Nusa Islands of Bali are some of Indonesia’s most scenic locations. If swimming in aqua blue water, diving with Manta Rays, watching phenomenal sunsets, and experiencing raw natural beauty all sound good to you, the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan in Bali are worth visiting.
While it takes a little coordination to make the journey to the Nusa islands of Bali, it’s less complicated than you might think. We recently made the trip with the kids in tow and it was completely worth it. So, don’t worry! I’m here to help you navigate to the islands and explain all the details, so visiting the Nusa Islands of Indonesia is easy! Keep reading for a thrilling four day Nusa Islands itinerary and Nusa Islands guide.
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
Where Are the Nusa Islands, Bali?
The Nusa Islands of Bali are located approximately 30 minutes off the coast of mainland Bali. Keep reading to find out how to reach the Nusa Islands.
Read This Blog Post for Tips for Sleeping on Long-Haul Flights Before You Visit Bali!
Are the Nusa Islands of Bali Worth Visiting?
Perhaps you are wondering whether it’s worth visiting the Nusa islands of Bali. Yes, it is COMPLETELY worth visiting Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, laid-back atmosphere, lively beach bars, and exciting activities.
Dream Beach, Mushroom Bay, or Jungut Batu Beach are picturesque spots for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the breathtaking views on Nusa Lembongan. In addition, Nusa Lembongan is a haven for snorkelers and divers at Manta Point and Crystal Bay. It’s also an ideal destination for surf enthusiasts.
On Nusa Ceningan, cross the Yellow Bridge to see the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool of crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Try Cliff jumping at Mahana Point for a thrill or visit Devil’s Tear where waves crash against rugged cliffs creating impressive water sprays.
Journey off the beaten path to Nusa Penida. Soak up the sun and views at Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach or Kelingking (famous for its unique dinosaur shape). Explore gorgeous cliffs and crashing waves at Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. Or delve into Penida’s marine life snorkeling with Manta Rays.
Keep reading to find out more about all of these destinations!
Reaching the Nusa Islands of Bali, Indonesia
To get to the Nusa islands, you will need to book a transfer from the dock in Sanur (near Nusa Dua, Bali) to the dock in Jungut Batau on Lembongan. I recommend using the “fast-boat” option to reduce travel time. We used Rocky Fast Boat and had a positive experience. The trip across is about 30 minutes (in the fast boat). They offer multiple departures daily.
Check the sea conditions before you depart. Depending on the time of year, you may experience massive swells. Morning departures are usually calmer. Consider medications for seasickness if you are prone to it. Fortunately, our trip was smooth and we did not have any issues with motion sickness.
Seeking Stamps Tip: You will have to wade into the water to board the boat, so consider wearing a bathing suit, board shorts and water-safe shoes. It is tricky to manage heavy luggage (although there is assistance), so consider bringing a smaller duffle for this portion of your trip, if possible.
Check Out These Blog Posts For Nusa Dua Indonesia and Visiting Ubud, Bali!
Day 1 Nusa Bali Islands- Explore Nusa Lembongan
We stayed on Nusa Lembongan first, and it was one of the highlights of our time in Indonesia. Lembongan is a smaller island compared to Nusa Penida, but it has more hotels, restaurants and development. Nusa Penida is experiencing rapid growth, so who can predict what it will look like in years to come.
Where to Stay on Nusa Lembongan
Consider booking a villa at the five star Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa. Batu Karang overlooks the stunning blue ocean with imposing Mount Agung in the background. We absolutely loved our stay at this resort and would return in a heartbeat.
Batu Karang has a variety of room choices to accommodate every traveler. However, if spacious accommodations are what you desire, check out the gorgeous 3 bedroom villas. Villa Frangipani boasts an enormous 3,200 square feet. It feels like a home away from home with a kitchen, family room, and balcony with expansive views. The lower level has open air en suite bathrooms that surround you in the natural environment.
Spend your first day on the island decompressing and enjoying the slower pace of island life. Consider booking a traditional Balinese massage at the fabulous Lulur Spa. Or chill at the pool and swim-up bar for the afternoon.
Where to Eat On Nusa Lembongan (Night 1):
Whether you decide to stay at Batu Karang or not, dine at The Deck to enjoy great views of Jukung fishing boats bobbing in the harbor of Jungut Batu Beach and relax while you listen to live music.
Day 2 Nusa Bali Islands- Snorkeling and Visiting Devil’s Tears
Snorkeling In the Mangroves or Manta Point
On your second day in Nusa Lembongan, snorkel or scuba dive to see the fabulous aquatic environment. There are numerous tours and locations to choose from. If you have a nervous snorkeler with you, try the Mangroves (not to be confused with the muddy Mangrove Forest) for a calmer area. Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Manta Point, is another exhilarating option, but swells can be higher and everyone needs to be a strong swimmer. Sadly, our youngest son just didn’t feel comfortable with the experience, so we had to miss this one.
I highly recommend Newbro Surfing for any tours you are considering on the Nusa Islands. They have surfing trips and several day tours to Nusa Penida. Again, these are not affiliate posts. Newbro is a highly ranked, locally owned company. We were so impressed with our Newbro snorkel tour that we booked a second tour to Nusa Penida.
Read This Blog Post For the Best Beaches in Nusa Dua!
Visiting Devil’s Tears
After finishing your snorkel, drive over to see the explosive waves at The Devil’s Tears. This is an outcropping of rocks that gets obliterated by waves when the tide is in. It’s impressive to watch the power of the ocean here. Make sure to keep your distance from the edge- apparently people have been taken out to sea by unexpected waves.
Where to Eat on Nusa Lembongan (Day/Night 2)
A great place to grab some apps or lunch is at Thai Pantry restaurant overlooking Jungut Batu Beach. Its quirky Bali vibe is super fun and they have a stellar bar inside a repurposed VW Bus. You won’t be able to get enough of the view here!
After recuperating for a few hours, plan to dine at HAI Bar and Grill. It’s an open air, beach-front restaurant, with amber sunsets that are perfect for photos. They offer a driver (aka pick-up truck) that will pick-up/drop off at your hotel.
Day 3 Nusa Bali Islands- Visit Nusa Ceningan
Today, plan to walk or rent a scooter to cross the very narrow “Yellow Bridge” that links Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Ceningan is the smallest of the three islands, so you do not need as much time to explore here. Explore the island at your leisure and make your way back to Lembongan for dinner.
Soak Up the Sun at Secret Beach & The Blue Lagoon
Some of the island highlights are visiting Secret Beach- although clearly the “secret” is out because everyone knows about this spot. Adventure lovers should try cliff jumping at The Blue Lagoon or Mahana Point Cliff Jump– it’s not for the faint of heart.
Where to Eat On Nusa Ceningan (Day/ Night 3)
After walking around, you will work up a sweat and be ready for lunch. Sea Breeze Cafe Ceningan, with its brightly painted interior, is the stuff that Instagram dreams are made of (if that’s what you’re into). Here you can sip fruity tropical drinks and swing over the sea.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Try to time your visit when the tide is in, or the swings over the water will be over rocks instead. That’s NO fun!
For dinner back on Nusa Lembongan, go over to Indiana Kenanga. We loved its Bali-aesthetic vibe with sandy floors, dimly lit lanterns, and draped white curtains blowing in the sea breeze. It has an expansive menu with plentiful appetizers, fresh fish, tacos, and steak.
Day 4 Nusa Bali Islands- Day Trip To Nusa Penida Island
Next on the agenda- plan to visit gorgeous Nusa Penida. You will depart from Nusa Lembongan and arrive at Toyapakeh Harbour after a quick twenty minute boat trip.
We opted to do Newbros East Side Nusa Penida Tour because we had less time than we realized. If you want to see more of Penida, give yourself at least two full days.
Travel around the island is slow and roads are not well developed. We had a driver for our tour (with heavenly air conditioning), but you can also rent scooters if you dare ride over the rugged roads. It’s about 50 minutes to get over to Atuh and Diamond beaches (unless you get stuck in a traffic jam on the one way road like we did, ugh!)
For More Asia Island Hopping Travel Check Out This Other Blog Post!
Atuh Beach
Our first stop of the day was to Atuh Beach. Take the road to the east side of the island where you will also find Diamond Beach and the Famous Rumah Pohon Tree House.
To get down to Atuh Beach, you have to walk down 166 steep steps with a sketchy rope handrail. I’m not going to lie, it was nerve-wracking getting to the bottom.
The cove below is the perfect place to spend the day. It typically has small waves and is suitable for swimming. There are lounge chairs available to rent and a few vendors selling snacks and drinks (making it a bit nicer to relax and hang out for a few hours). The Bintang beers really hit the spot in that heat! The way back up was much harder than we expected, so save some energy for the return trip.
Seeking Stamps Tip– You will be hot and sweaty by the time you get to the beach. Pack extra water with you for the day.
Diamond Beach
Adjacent to Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach is conveniently located just across the parking area. There is a scenic viewpoint where you can see the famous diamond shaped rock jutting from the sea below. Diamond Beach is known to be more dangerous for swimming because of currents and jagged coral, so we decided not to make the trip all the way down the steps. Even if you don’t trek down, the views up top are TO DIE FOR.
Kelingking Beach
Our final stop of the day was really the pinnacle of Nusa Penida and all the sites we enjoyed in Bali. Kelingking Beach, also known as T. Rex Beach, is named for the shape of the peninsula that looks like the head of a dinosaur. Rightfully named after the king of dinosaurs, Kelingking is the “king” of beautiful viewpoints on Nusa Penida.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Make sure to visit here first thing in the morning, or at sunset (like we did) to avoid the crowds. Otherwise, you and hundreds of people queuing down the rustic stairs, kills the vibe!
There is a parking lot near the stair entrance and small warungs selling snacks and drinks. Bathrooms are available, but plan to pay for their use (and bring some tissue with you to be safe).
The hike down takes about 45 minutes down and 1.5 hours or so to get back up, depending on your pace. The stairs have been modified and are more secure than the old rickety bamboo and mud stairs, but they are still treacherous.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the hike down. It’s sketchy enough without trying to do it in flip-flops!
Swimming at Kelingking Beach can be quite dangerous, so do not enter the water if you are not an experienced swimmer in strong currents. There are no lifeguards here, so use caution.
Additional Things to Do on Nusa Penida
If you have additional time, here are some other things to do on Nusa Penida:
- Visit Giri Putri Cave on the eastern side of Nusa Penida
- Explore the Friends of the National Parks Foundation Wildlife & Conservation Centre
- Check out beautiful Peguyangan Waterfall
Where to Stay on Nusa Penida
Day Trips to the Nusa Islands From Mainland Bali
When planning your visit to the Nusa Islands Bali, it is possible to take day trips from mainland Bali and Ubud. However, I don’t recommend trying to see these islands in such a short time frame. Staying overnight at either Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan will allow you more time to see the best of each location.
You Might Also Enjoy This Visitor’s Guide to the Water Blow in Nusa Dua!
Ultimate Nusa Bali Islands Itinerary: Final Thoughts
I hope this Nusa Bali Islands travel guide helps you plan an amazing visit to Bali, Indonesia! Visiting the Nusa Islands will prove to be the highlight of any Indonesian itinerary. That wraps up your Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan ultimate 4 Day Bali itinerary!
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