Nusa Lembongan – A Perfect Family Getaway
We had decided to spend a few days away from Bali, and our choice fell on Nusa Lembongan. First we considered the Gili Islands, but given the weather in summer 2018, we were glad we picked Lembongan. That year the sea was particularly rough, and the day we were due to leave, the waves were very high. As a consequence we couldn’t dock at the usual spot on Lembongan, we had to dock on the other side of the island, which made the journey a little longer.
We had booked our boat tickets with Rocky Fast Cruise, which I can only recommend. Read more about the crossing to Nusa Lembongan here
Upon arrival, Rocky Fast Cruise also arranged tuk-tuk transportation to our hotel, since we had docked on the far side of the island.
Staying at Bersantai Villas
We stayed at the wonderful Bersantai Villas, where the staff was really amazing. Our villa was fantastic – a great, clean pool with a beautiful view, and comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces. This was truly amazing!
Bersantai Villas is a small, welcoming resort on Nusa Lembongan, just a short walk from the beach. The property has a few private villas, each with its own pool, giving a relaxed and peaceful feel. The villas are a mix of traditional Balinese style and modern comforts, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the views over the water and tropical gardens. We stayed in Villa Kundalini.
The villas have free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and access to a shared pool and spa treatments. They are located close to local cafés and restaurants, making it easy to explore the island. It’s a great spot for families.
Every morning we had breakfast at The Deck Lembongan, overlooking the water – and yes, they had WiFi, which isn’t always a given here! But nice to have with small children. The Deck Lembongan is a lovely spot for breakfast or a coffee, with tables overlooking the water. The views are amazing, and it’s a great place to relax and watch the boats and waves while enjoying a fresh meal. We also had dinner there one night, which was great as well.
The Thai Pantry, a small, charming restaurant where a colourful VW camper van has been converted into a bar. We enjoyed ice cream and pancakes there while taking in the views – it was a fun, quirky spot that really added to the island’s relaxed vibe. We also tasted their famous pad thai one evening.
My husband, who had been to Bali in 1999, said that Lembongan reminded him of Bali before it became so touristy. We spent five amazing nights here, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Exploring Nusa Lembongan
We booked all our trips through Bersantai Villas. One day, we hired a tuk-tuk and two local boys with the help from Bersantai Villas to guide us around the island. It was a fantastic day, and we visited some of the highlights:
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Devil’s Tear – The waves crash dramatically against the rocks here, sending up sprays of water. It was exciting to watch and listen to the ocean in action – the kids loved it.
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Dream Beach – A beautiful sandy bay with clear blue water. The children loved splashing in the shallows and exploring the small caves at the edges.
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Mushroom Bay – A calm bay perfect for a relaxed stroll along the sand and a quick drink or snack while enjoying the view.
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Yellow Bridge – Connecting Lembongan to Ceningan, this bright bridge makes for a fun photo stop and a great way to see both islands at once.
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Mangrove Forest – The boys arranged for us to take a small boat through the mangroves. Gliding quietly between the trees and calm water was peaceful and gave another perspective of the island.
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Small shops and cafés in Jungut Batu – A charming area to explore on foot, browse little shops, and enjoy local snacks and drinks.
We ended the day at the famous sunset viewpoint – Panorama Point, where we enjoyed a drink and took a photo with our sweet guide before we went back to our villa in the early evening.
On another day, we explored the island on our own – swimming in the sea and wandering the small shops. Our last day, we booked a boat through Bersantai for a trip to Nusa Penida. Read more about our Nusa Penida trip here
The journey back to Bali was much easier – the sea had calmed after the earlier earthquake. The combination of beautiful villas, friendly locals, and small family-run restaurants made these days truly special.
Other Family-Friendly Hotels on Nusa Lembongan
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Lembongan Beach Club & Resort – Beachfront, with family-friendly pools and villas.
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Hai Tide Beach Resort – Quiet location, good for families, private pool options.
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Jetian Private villas – sits just a couple of minutes’ walk from Paradise Beach, offering spacious villas with private terraces, air-conditioning and pool views. With free WiFi, two outdoor pools and rental bikes available
Tips and Takeaways from Nusa Lembongan
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Book boats and hotel transfers in advance, especially in high season – it saves a lot of waiting time.
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A tuk-tuk and local guides can give you a full day experience, showing hidden spots and local viewpoints as well as supproting the local families. Our guide’s family had lost everything in the 2004 tsunami, and now they had earned enough to buy two tuk-tuks and made their living as guides.
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Exploring on foot is also great – bring swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
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WiFi isn’t guaranteed everywhere – check in advance if you need it.
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Peak season (July) is busy – plan ahead for accommodations, tours, and meals.
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The island is small, but roads can be bumpy – if travelling with children, consider hiring local transport rather than scooters.
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Sunrise or sunset viewpoints are not to be missed
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