Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan: mangroves and the yellow bridge

A small, laid-back island of white sand, seaweed farms and mangrove channels, with a bridge to its tiny neighbour.

Area

Nusa islands

Start from

Sanur

Distance

about 30 minutes by fast boat

Time needed

2–3 days

Best season

Best April – October

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Fast boat; walking, bicycle or scooter

Tickets & rules

Small fees for mangrove tours

Why go

Nusa Lembongan is the gentle sister of Nusa Penida: smaller, flatter and easier to explore. It has white-sand beaches, clear water and a relaxed atmosphere.

In the north-east, mangrove forests can be explored by canoe or with a boatman poling through the channels.

A yellow suspension bridge connects Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan, with its blue lagoon and cliff jumping spots.

The story

Lembongan's economy was long based on seaweed farming, and you can still see the farms in the shallows at low tide, with people tending the lines.

The original yellow bridge collapsed in 2016 during a ceremony, a tragedy that is still remembered; a new bridge was built afterwards.

The island has an underground house, Rumah Gua, dug by a local man over many years, which visitors can explore.

Getting there

Fast boats from Sanur. On the island, walk, cycle or rent a scooter.

A suggested plan

1. Day 1Arrive, Mushroom Bay and sunset at Devil's Tear.
2. Day 2Mangrove tour and snorkelling.
3. Day 3Cross to Ceningan; blue lagoon; boat back.

Where to stay

Plenty of guesthouses and beach resorts.

Good to know

• Morning boats are usually calmer.
• Bring cash; ATMs exist but can be unreliable.