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.
Scooters are the most popular way to get around the islands, but they're not for everyone.
If you've never ridden a scooter before, this is not the place to learn.
Roads can be narrow, uneven, and busy with local traffic. Many visitors don't realise that insurance may be invalid if you're riding without the correct motorcycle licence from your home country.
A few local reminders:
Wear a helmet
Drive slowly
Expect dogs, chickens and the occasional wandering cow
Don't assume anyone will indicate before turning
Keep left
Not confident? Buggies and taxis are available across the islands.
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
However:
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.
Be sure to take these essentals with you:
Reef-safe sunscreen
A hat
Sunglasses
Plenty of water
A short walk can turn into a surprise sunburn faster than most visitors expect. Sunscreen is also expensive here, so be sure to bring it from home.
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
Most accommodation, cafés and restaurants offer Wi-Fi.
For mobile data:
- Telkomsel generally provides the strongest coverage
- Tourist SIM cards are easy to purchase in Bali before arriving and allso available on the island.
Coverage across both islands is generally good.
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.