How to get to Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan has no airport and no car ferry from Bali's south coast that most visitors use. Almost everyone comes the same way: a fast boat from Sanur, on Bali's east coast, about half an hour across the Badung Strait.

Step 1: get to Sanur

From the airport, Sanur is a drive across south Bali. Traffic decides how long it takes, so leave plenty of time and don't book a boat too soon after a landing. Many boat tickets include a pickup from your hotel in south Bali; ask when you book.

Step 2: the fast boat

Several companies run fast boats from Sanur to Lembongan through the day, with most departures in the morning. The crossing takes roughly 30 minutes when the sea is kind. You can book ahead online or through your accommodation, which is the safer choice in the busy months of July, August and around Christmas.

Boats leave from Sanur and arrive on the beach at Lembongan, mostly at Jungutbatu or Mushroom Bay. A few use a private pier, so ask when you book, but for most there is no pier, which means one thing:

Step 3: wade ashore

Expect to step off the back of the boat into knee-deep water, and to walk your bag up the sand. Wear shorts or something you can roll up, carry shoes in your hand, and keep phones and passports in a dry bag. The boat crew usually hands bags ashore, and open taxi trucks wait on the beach to take you and your luggage to where you are staying.

When to cross

The strait is usually calmer in the morning. In the afternoon the wind picks up and the ride gets bumpier. If you get seasick, take an early boat, sit at the back, and look at the horizon. In rough weather, crossings can be delayed or cancelled, so leave a spare day before an international flight home.

One day a year, no boats at all

On Nyepi, Bali's Day of Silence, nothing runs: no boats, no flights, no traffic. In 2027 it falls on Monday 8 March. Boats also stop for Nyepi Laut, a separate day of silence at sea. Check both dates before you book. More on seasons and Nyepi.

Fees on arrival

Foreign visitors pay Bali's tourist levy once, online, and a small separate levy for the Nusa islands. The fees explained.

Where to stay

Most boats land at Jungutbatu or Mushroom Bay, the two easiest areas for a first stay. The areas compared.

Going on to Ceningan and Penida

Nusa Ceningan is joined to Lembongan by the Yellow Bridge, so no boat is needed. Nusa Penida is across a narrow channel: local boats cross from Lembongan for day trips, snorkelling and diving.