Whether you're here for two days or two weeks, a little local knowledge goes a long way.
After years of visiting and living on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, we've collected the questions visitors ask most often. From getting around and finding cash to medical clinics and boat transfers, here's what you need to know before exploring the islands.
Nusa Medica is located in on the main street of Jungut Batu down near The Sampan restaurant.
East Medical Care Centre is over on the Mushroom Bay side opposite Toki Teppenyaki Japanese Restaurant
While the islands are small, medical services are available on both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
You will find:
Medical clinics
Pharmacies
First aid supplies
Basic treatments and consultations
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
For anything serious, patients may be transferred to Bali by fast boat.
Heading to Bali and the Nusa Islands? Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be very glad to have if plans go sideways.
Island Pulse has partnered with AllClear Travel Insurance, offering cover for Australian travellers, including options for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.
Island Pulse partners with selected travel brands we believe may be useful to our readers. We may earn a commission when you purchase through our partner links, at no additional cost to you.
The famous Yellow Bridge connects Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
Important:
Cars cannot cross the bridge
Only scooters, bicycles and pedestrians can use it
The crossing takes less than a minute
If you're staying on Ceningan, don't worry. Everything is still easily accessible.
Cash is still widely used across the islands.
You'll find:
ATMs
Money changers
Card payment facilities at most businesses
Some smaller businesses are cash only
ATMs occasionally run out of cash during busy periods
Carrying a little cash is always a good idea
All prices are listed in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
ATM Locations:
Jungut Batu main street;
next to Mickeys Sports Bar
next to Fin Island
opposite Rip Curl
B'Fresh Juice Bar will exchange money using card.
Mushroom Bay also have 2 ATMS next to L'Good Bar and Restaurant.
The ocean around the Nusa Islands is beautiful, but conditions can change quickly.
GETTING HERE
Fast boats run regularly from Sanur throughout the day. Despite what you may hear, the time of day doesn't determine whether you'll have a smooth crossing. Sea conditions are influenced by tides, moon phases, and wind, and on Nusa Lembongan the wind is just as likely to settle by midday as it is to increase.
Most crossings are calm and uneventful. In the rare event that conditions become too rough for safe travel, the harbour authorities will temporarily suspend services until it is safe to operate. The last two harbour closures both took place early in the morning, with boats resuming later that same day.
SWIMMING
There are no lifeguards or 'red flagged' area's here, so swimming is at your own risk and current dependant.
Always:
Check local conditions before swimming
Be cautious of strong currents
Ask locals if you're unsure
Some beaches are ideal for relaxing and swimming, while others are better suited to surfing or experienced swimmers.
The tropical sun here means business.
Even on cloudy days, UV levels can be high, and a quick scooter ride, snorkelling trip or beach walk can turn into a surprise sunburn faster than most visitors expect.
Make sure you bring:
Reef-friendly sunscreen
A hat
Sunglasses
Plenty of water
And when it comes to sunscreen, what you wear into the ocean matters. With Lembongan surrounded by incredible reefs and marine life, choosing sun protection with the ocean in mind is something we strongly encourage.
Island Pulse has partnered with Australian brand SunButter, whose SPF50 mineral sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide and are made with people and the marine environment in mind.
Sunscreen can also be considerably more expensive on the islands, so this is one travel essential worth sorting before you leave home.
Island Pulse may earn a small commission when you purchase through our partner link, at no additional cost to you.
Most visitors arrive via fast boat from Bali.
Popular departure points include:
Sanur
Serangan
Padang Bai
For more information on boats please visit Island Transport
There is also a helipad for those wishing to arrive via helicopter
Island Pulse tip: Set up your Bali eSIM before you leave home so you're connected from the moment you arrive. We use The Sim Shop & Saily⬇
Many visitors choose to explore Nusa Penida during their stay here as we are co close to Nusa Penida.
From the Yellow Bridge area, local boats can take you across the channel in around 10 minutes, depending on conditions.
Nusa Penida is much larger and more rugged than Lembongan or Ceningan, making it popular for day trips and sightseeing adventures.
The islands are home to:
Friendly beach dogs and cats
Chickens / Roosters
Geckos (you will hear them)
Sea turtles
Reef fish
Remember that animals have right of way around here.
Please do not transport dogs around the island if they want to hop on your scooter. They all stay close to their local home.
One of the things that makes Lembongan and Ceningan special is that they're not purpose-built tourist destinations. They're living island communities where people work, worship, raise families, and maintain traditions that have existed long before tourism arrived. Please read our Island Culture for further information.