Sitting off the south coast of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a tiny island in the sun-kissed Badung Strait. It’s famous for its world-class waves, which has led to a laid-back surfer community. While there are still plenty of rustic beach shacks and warungs to choose from, Nusa Lembongan has enjoyed a tourism renaissance, where you can now find boutique hotels, organic cafes and yoga studios.

Things to do

Thanks to its warm tropical waters, Nusa Lembongan is home to year-round schooling manta rays and seasonal sunfish. This alluring combination makes it a bucket list destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.

Nusa Lembongan can get steamy, so why not cool off with a surf lesson? Jungut Batu is the island’s busiest beach, lined with hotels, restaurants and surf schools. At sunset, it’s a great place to sip on a coconut and enjoy a plate of fresh seafood.

Mushroom Bay sits to the south-west of Jungut Batu and is both sheltered and secluded. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a motorbike to unlock access to secret beaches, limestone cliffs and hidden sea caves.

Nearby Nusa Ceningan is just a stone’s throw away, accessed via a rickety suspension bridge. The hike to its hilltop temple is well worth the trip, with sparkling views of the Indian Ocean.

Getting around

Other than chartering a helicopter, the only way to reach Nusa Lembongan is by boat. High-speed services leave from Sanur Beach, with slower public boats running from Padang Bai and Kusamba. Once on the island, coastal paths link most beaches, while you can also rent a bike, scooter or motorcycle. If you want to visit hidden beaches, local fishermen are happy to charter out their boats for a few hours.