About the ride from Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan
Travelers seeking transport from Gili Air to the equally beautiful Nusa Lembongan have one option: a ferry.
The two- to four-hour ride will speed you across the Bali Sea, taking in unforgettable views as the boat floats ever closer to this dreamy destination, just 77.4 kilometers (48 miles) from Gili Air.
As you dash across sapphire-blue waters, you’ll whiz past fishing boats luxuriating on the open water and catch glimpses of the other Nusa Islands. Arriving on the shores of Nusa Lembongan, visitors will immediately see why this precious island is known worldwide for its remarkable beauty.
What is Nusa Lembongan like?
Sitting on the outer rim of the three islands, with views of the edge of Bali on clear days, Nusa Lembongan is essentially one big cliffside.
Magnificent cliffs drop into the ocean or down onto white-sand beaches, offering stunning views everywhere you look. It may require a hike to reach them, but the island has numerous breathtaking beaches that lead into some of the bluest, clearest waters you’ll ever see.
Many visitors to the Nusa Islands just stop over for a day trip, which is a waste! There is so much to see here. It’s a dream for those searching for tranquility in this chaotic world.
Stay over for a few nights to see the island in all its glory, especially in the mornings and late afternoons when all the temporary visitors return to Bali.
Five amazing activities on Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a tiny island, but it’s still full of unique attractions and adventures to entertain you.
Here is everything you should check off when on the island:
Learn to surf: Nusa Lembongan is popular among surfing experts and newbies hoping to master this unique skill. Bring your board to catch some waves or take some lessons to learn how to ride the surf with ease.
Go on a hike for the views: It’s worth sweating it out under the sun to experience the mesmerizing landscapes around Nusa Lembongan. Hike to popular viewpoints like Devil’s Tears or Sunset Point to experience the island’s visual magic.
Explore the island’s fantastic beaches: When visiting the Nusa Islands, you have to spend as much time as possible on the beach. Prioritize the appropriately titled Dream Beach on the southern edge and the awe-inspiring Jungubatu Beach.
Prepare for some hiking, though; most beaches are at the bottom of a cliff!
Visit the mangrove forests: This is a little off-the-beaten-track, but it’s worth it. Spend an afternoon floating down the river, marveling at the stunning mangrove forests surrounding you.
Book a snorkeling tour: No trip to Nusa Lembongan is complete without an adventure under the sea. Join an excursion to see the best sights. You’ll see a fantastic selection of vibrant fish, colorful coral, and even manta rays.
How do I get from Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan?
The only way to get from Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan is to take a ferry across the Bali Sea.
Most boats pick passengers up from the Gili Air Harbor but arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes early to find your ship.
Drop-off locations vary by operator, as does the duration, which takes between two and four hours to arrive.
Many ferries have indoor and outdoor seating so you can enjoy the views en route. Tickets start around $19.
Some ferries have a WC on board, but not all.
Generally, the luggage allowance is one 44 lb (20 kg) and one 15 lb (7 kg) bag.
Most boat stops at other islands en route while passengers unload and reload. Bad weather or a higher volume of passengers unloading and reloading their luggage can extend the duration of the trip.
If you stop at Nusa Penida, don’t be surprised if you get shuttled to a smaller boat to complete your journey.
Pro tip: If you are prone to seasickness, the smaller ferries are not the best option, as you’ll feel rough waves more intensely. Just to be safe, take precautions.
The best things about the ride from Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan
Riding the waves between Gili Air and Nusa Lembongan is a feast for the eyes.
When the sun is shining, the sparkling azure waters perfectly reflect the blue skies above, drawing the eye to the seemingly endless horizon.
As the gloriously beautiful yet tiny island of Gili Air retreats into the distance, travelers will ride across the waves, passing fishing boats and fellow ferries along the way.
Keep an eye on the horizon through the window, or grab a seat atop the deck to watch the Nusa Islands come into view. You’ll know Nusa Lembongan is close when the cliffs and the Yellow Bridge rise over the skyline.
When is the best time to visit Nusa Lembongan?
Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Nusa Lembongan is during the dry season, which starts in May and ends in October.
These months invite less rainfall, enjoy lower humidity levels, and bask its visitors with glorious sunshine. Expect the sunniest days between June and October.
Surfing lovers eager to ride the waves around the island should avoid visiting between November and March. Monsoon season arrives in full force, making the waves more difficult and dangerous to surf in.
How many days should I spend in Nusa Lembongan?
Book at least three to four days on Nusa Lembongan to make the most of your trip.
It’s a small island, so there isn’t much to do, but three to four days is enough time to visit a few of the beaches, hike to a viewpoint, and spend a few days relaxing.
If you are seeking a whole week of switch-off time, consider booking up to a week’s accommodation. You’ll genuinely sink into the relaxing island atmosphere and take home a little piece of that serenity home when you leave.
Where should I go after Nusa Lembongan?
Once you’ve mined all the beautiful treasures Nusa Lembongan offers, hop to the neighboring islands to expand the Nusa magic.
Lembongan is just one of three gorgeous islands clustered together in an archipelago in the Bali Sea. The other two are Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan.
Sail over the straits between them to discover more spectacular beaches, delicious seafood, and dazzling viewpoints.
If you’re ready to move on from the smaller islands of Indonesia, take a ferry to Bali to explore the vast island’s many attractions.