Are you searching for the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan? We have you covered! Trust me, Nusa Lembongan is like a holiday from your Bali holiday—there’s just something about those island vibes! A lot of people say its what Bali used to be like back in the 70s.
After spending time catching waves at a surf retreat in Canggu and exploring the lively beach clubs in Uluwatu, a quick escape to Nusa Lembongan offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. We also wrote a full Nusa Lembongan guide if you are searching for more things to do and where to stay.
Nusa Lembongan is a dreamy island getaway just a short boat ride from Sanur Harbour in Bali, offering crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and an escape from the mainland crowds. We recently visited Nusa Lembongan for the 3rd time with our 3 yr old son for our Honeymoon. We spent 5 nights relaxing and exploring the best beaches Nusa Lembongan offers.
Whether you’re keen on sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or just chilling out with a coconut in hand, the Nusa Lembongan beaches should be on everyone’s Bali itinerary. We’ve explored every corner of this island to bring you the best beaches in Nusa Lembongan, including where to stay and why each spot is unique.
The beaches here are genuinely different from Bali’s — calmer, clearer, more varied in character than most visitors expect. Some are swimming beaches; some are surf beaches; some are just for sitting and watching the ocean do its thing. Knowing which is which saves you time and keeps you safe — so we’ve included swim conditions and tide notes for every beach on this list.
This is our honest guide to the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan after three visits. Every beach here is one we’ve been to ourselves.
Plan your Bali Trip
How to Get to Nusa Lembongan
Getting to Nusa Lembongan is super easy and part of the adventure. The most popular route is by speed boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan. Boats depart regularly from Sanur Beach (Bali) and take around 30-45 minutes to reach Jungutbatu Harbour on Lembongan.
Our recommendations are boat companies:
- Rocky Fast Cruises
- Scoot Fast Cruises
- D’Camel Fast Ferry
💡 Tip: Book your tickets in advance during high season.
➡️ Fast Boat From Bali to Nusa Lembongan – Check price and availability here
At a Glance — Which Beach is Right for You?
| Beach | Best For | Swimming | Tide Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mushroom Bay | Families, snorkelling, calm water days | ✅ Safe | Good at most tides |
| Coconut Beach (Song Lambung) | Snorkelling, couples, kids | ✅ Safe | Best at high tide for snorkelling |
| Jungutbatu | Sunbathing, surf lessons, eating | ⚠️ Coral at low tide | Avoid swimming at low tide |
| Dream Beach | Photography, watching waves | ❌ Strong currents | Check conditions before entering |
| Sandy Bay | Sunsets, beach club, low-key days | ⚠️ Tide-dependent | Mid-low tide best for swimming |
| Mahagiri (Pasir Putih) | Long walks, quiet mornings, sunrise | ✅ Calm | Good year-round |
| Tamarind Bay | Couples, snorkelling, seclusion | ✅ Calm | Good at most tides |
| Secret Beach | Scooter day trips, surfers, views | ❌ Strong swell | Watch for rip currents |
| Hidden Beach | Off-the-beaten-path, swimming | ✅ North end safe | Best at low to mid tide |
Nusa Lembongan Beaches Map
We’ve pinned all nine beaches in this guide on the map below. Filter by “Beaches” to see just the beach locations so you can plan your days geographically — it makes an enormous difference to know that Dream Beach, Sandy Bay, and Secret Beach are all within a 5-minute scooter ride of each other before you start planning your loop.
Save the map to Google Maps on your phone before you leave your accommodation — signal between beaches can be patchy, especially on the southwestern end of the island.
1. Jungutbatu Beach
Welcome to Jungutbatu Beach, the main hub of Nusa Lembongan. It’s the first spot you’ll see when arriving by boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, and it’s bursting with life. Long stretches of white sand meet calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunset strolls.
Jungutbatu Beach offers the best mix of local village vibes and tourist conveniences making it one of the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan. You’ll find dive shops, restaurants, beach bars, and plenty of spots to rent a board for your first Nusa Lembongan surf lesson. We spent the day at Ohana’s Beach Club, the vibey little spot is perfect for a swim and lunch, or cocktails at sunset.
🏊 Swimming: The coral shelf makes Jungutbatu tricky at low tide — stick to the northern end of the beach where there’s more sandy bottom. At high tide the water is clearer and more forgiving. This beach is better for sunbathing and eating than dedicated swimming.
⏰ Best time to visit: Afternoon for the buzz and beach bar energy; early morning for a quiet walk along the full length of the sand before the boats arrive.
🏄 Surf note: Four surf breaks accessible from Jungutbatu — Lacerations, Shipwrecks, Playgrounds, and Razors. Beginner lessons available from multiple schools along the beach.
Where to Stay Near Jungutbatu Beach
📍 Where to stay in Jungutbatu Beach:
- Indiana Kenanga Villas – Luxury beachfront suites with private pools.
- Nyoman Guesthouse – Budget-friendly with amazing views.
- Tigerlillys Boutique Hotel – Cute, tropical bungalows just back from the beach.
2. Song Lambung Beach (Coconut Beach)
Nestled between Jungutbatu and Mushroom Bay, Song Lambung Beach, often called Coconut Beach, is a quiet little cove with crystal-clear waters and amazing snorkelling right off the sand. It’s a bit hidden, which makes it feel super exclusive.
This spot has a laid-back vibe, great for snorkelling and paddleboarding, and you can even hop on a boat to Nusa Ceningan from here. Coconut beach is one of our top picks and one of the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan. Make sure you go check out Muntigs or The Deck for a bite to eat.
🏊 Swimming: One of the safest swimming beaches on the island — calm, shallow, and protected. The waters directly off Coconut Beach are ideal for young children and non-confident swimmers.
🤿 Snorkelling: Excellent right off the beach at high tide — bring your own mask or rent from any of the nearby guesthouses. The reef starts in very shallow water.
⏰ Best time to visit: Mid-morning before the day-trippers arrive.
Where to Stay Near Song Lambung Beach (Coconut Beach)
- Song Lambung Beach Huts – Affordable and right on the sand.
- Batu Karang Lembongan Resort – Luxury with views over the bay.
3. Mushroom Bay
Mushroom Bay is one of the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan, and its my personal favourite! Think gentle waves, soft white sand, and plenty of water activities, from paddle boarding to kayaking. Oh and we can;t forget snorkelling which should be on everyone’s Bali Bucket list.
Mushroom Bay has super clear, shallow waters, perfect for swimming. It’s a favourite spot for day-trippers and families. Plus, the sunsets here are dreamy.
🏊 Swimming: Safe and calm — Mushroom Bay is consistently one of the most swimmable beaches on the island due to its protected position. The shallow, clear water is excellent for kids.
🚣 Water sports: Paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkelling all work well here at most tide levels.
⏰ Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon — the light on the water is extraordinary.
Where to Stay in Mushroom Bay
- Bay Shore Huts – Cute wooden huts with ocean views.
- Mushroom Beach Bungalows – Budget-friendly and steps from the beach.
- The Palm Grove Villas – Mid-range villas with a tropical vibe
Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Day Tour
🏆 Recommended by 94% of travellers
Don’t want to drive yourself between islands? This highly-rated day tour covers the best of both Lembongan and Nusa Penida — including Kelingking Beach / snorkelling / all transfers!
4. Tamarind Bay
Hidden between Mushroom Bay and Song Lambung, Tamarind Bay is often overlooked, but it’s a gem! The beach is lined with lush trees and has calm, clear water, great for swimming or just floating around.
Tamarind Bay feels like your own secret spot—fewer crowds and fantastic snorkelling make it worth the trek.
🏊 Swimming: Calm and clear — good at most tides, though the beach narrows at high tide so check before you go if space matters.
🤿 Snorkelling: The reef off Tamarind Bay is among the best on the island for casual snorkellers — good visibility and coral health.
⏰ Best time to visit: Weekdays for genuine seclusion. Weekend day-trippers from Coconut Beach sometimes wander over.
Where to Stay Near Tamarind Bay
- Batu Karang Lembongan Resort – A luxurious option with easy access to Tamarind Bay.
- Lembongan Cliff Villas – Affordable yet with stunning views.
- Cascada Organic Restaurant & Villas – Wellness vibes and a beachfront view.
5. Dream Beach
If there’s one photo that screams Nusa Lembongan, it’s probably from Dream Beach. This small but stunning cove is surrounded by cliffs and turquoise waves. Depending on the tide It may not be the best for swimming due to strong currents but makes for a killer photo-op and a relaxing spot to watch the surf.
It’s called Dream Beach for a reason! This place looks like a postcard. Don’t miss the nearby Devil’s Tear, where waves crash against the cliffs.
🏊 Swimming: Not recommended as a general rule — the currents here are strong and the waves unpredictable. Even on calmer days, exercise extreme caution before entering the water.
📸 Best use: Photography and watching the waves. The cliff walk to Devil’s Tear is a 5-minute walk and one of the best combinations on the island.
⏰ Best time to visit: Late afternoon — the light through the cliffs at 4pm is extraordinary.
⚠️ Safety note: Don’t enter the water without checking current conditions. The beach looks calm from above and is not.
Where to Stay Near Dream Beach
- Dream Beach Huts – Stay in a classic Balinese hut right above the beach.
- D’Pagi Guest House – Budget-friendly and close to the action.
- Devil’s Tear Cliff Villas – For epic sunset views and private pools.
6. Sandy Bay
Next door to Dream Beach is Sandy Bay (also called Sunset Beach). This beach has a more rugged vibe, but there’s one epic beach club and amazing sunset views. The waves here can get pretty wild, so sometimes swimming isn’t an option. Check the tides, though and you can time it correctly. We got to swim here with our 3 yr old and it was beautiful clear waters with little waves.
Sandy Bay is home to The Sandy Bay Beach Club, one of the coolest spots on the island to grab a cocktail and watch the sun dip below the horizon, a hidden gem in Indonesia.
🏊 Swimming: Tide-dependent — at mid-low tide the south side calms enough for a swim and we’ve done it with Kylo. At high tide the swell picks up and the water becomes unsafe. Always check conditions before getting in.
🌅 Best use: Sunset cocktails at Sandy Bay Beach Club — one of the best sunset spots on the island with clifftop views and a great drinks menu.
⏰ Best time to visit: Late afternoon for sunset. The beach itself is less crowded than Dream Beach despite being right next door.
Where to Stay Near Sandy Bay
- Sandy Bay Beach Club Villas – Chic and perfect for a romantic stay.
- Villa Chantique – Private villa with all the luxe feels.
- Sunset Coin Lembongan – Cosy bungalows near the beach.
7. Mahagiri Beach (Pasir Putih)
If you want long stretches of white sand, head to Mahagiri Beach, sometimes called Pasir Putih. This is the largest beach on the island and is great for long walks and peaceful vibes.
It’s super quiet and offers incredible views of Mount Agung on Bali. Perfect if you want to escape the crowds.
🏊 Swimming: Calm and safe year-round — this is the longest beach on the island and the water stays relatively sheltered. Good for a morning swim before the heat of the day.
🌄 Sunrise: One of the best sunrise spots on Nusa Lembongan — the views toward Mount Agung on Bali are clearest in the early morning.
⏰ Best time to visit: Sunrise or early morning — the beach is at its quietest and most beautiful before 9am. 💡 Tip: Walk the full length of the beach at low tide — at around 1.5km it’s the best long beach walk on the island.
Where to Stay Near Mahagiri Beach (Pasir Putih)
- Mahagiri Resort Nusa Lembongan – Right on the beach with a pool.
- Pondok Baruna Frangipani – Budget-friendly with an authentic feel.
- Tarci Bungalows – A beachfront bargain with everything you need.
8. Secret Beach
Secret Beach earns its name — you have to know it’s there to find it, and getting there on a scooter down a narrow track is half the fun. Tucked on the southwestern tip of the island near the Mahana Point surf break, it’s a small white-sand cove with clear rock pools and a completely different energy to the more accessible beaches further north.
It’s not a swimming beach — the swell off the open Indian Ocean is strong and the currents around the point are serious — but it’s a spectacular place to sit, watch experienced surfers work Mahana Point, and feel genuinely far from the tourist circuit. The rock pools at low tide are beautiful for exploring, and if you’re there with an experienced surfer, this is their beach.
On our most recent trip we made the scooter run out here late afternoon and had the rocks almost entirely to ourselves. The view back across the cliffs toward Dream Beach at golden hour is one of those quiet Lembongan moments that stays with you.
🏊 Swimming: Not recommended — strong swell and open ocean currents
🏄 Surf: Mahana Point break, best for experienced surfers
📍 Getting there: Scooter essential — follow the track past Sandy Bay continuing southwest. No signage — ask locals for directions or use Google Maps pin “Secret Beach Nusa Lembongan”
⏰ Best time: Late afternoon for the light and fewer visitors
💡 Tip: Combine with Dream Beach and Sandy Bay in a southwest scooter loop — all three are within 10 minutes of each other
9. Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is exactly the version of Nusa Lembongan that people imagine before they arrive and sometimes struggle to find once they do. Remote enough to feel like a discovery, accessible enough to reach without a serious hike, and — crucially — safe for swimming on the north end of the beach when conditions are right.
The sand is white and soft, the water is clear, and the contrast with the more built-up beaches on the island is stark. There are no beach clubs, no vendors, no loungers for rent — just the beach and the ocean and whatever you brought with you. The southern end can get rough with unpredictable currents, so stick to the north end where the water settles.
We haven’t had the chance to get here on our last two trips with the kids — the logistics of timing a swim beach with nap schedules and Zadi’s fear of anything she can’t see the bottom of means we tend to default to Mushroom Bay. But it’s firmly on the list for next time, and everyone we’ve spoken to who’s made it out here says the same thing: stay longer than you think you need to.
🏊 Swimming: ✅ Safe on the north end — check conditions before swimming on the south end
📍 Getting there: Scooter recommended — follow signs toward the northwest coast, past Jungutbatu village. Ask at your accommodation for the current best route as tracks change seasonally.
⏰ Best time: Morning — the walk in is more comfortable before the heat peaks and you’ll likely have it to yourself
⚠️ Note: No facilities — bring water, snacks and everything you need for the day
FAQs — Nusa Lembongan Beaches
What is the best beach on Nusa Lembongan for swimming? Mushroom Bay is consistently the safest and most reliable swimming beach on the island — calm, clear, shallow, and protected from the open ocean swell. Coconut Beach (Song Lambung) is a close second, with excellent snorkelling right off the sand. Both are great for families and non-confident swimmers.
What is the best beach on Nusa Lembongan for families with young kids? Mushroom Bay for swimming and water play, Coconut Beach for snorkelling, and Jungutbatu for the beachfront restaurants and surf lesson vibe. We’ve taken Kylo to all three — Mushroom Bay and Coconut Beach are the most practical for little ones because the water stays calm and shallow. Sandy Bay at mid-low tide was a lovely surprise swim too.
Which beaches on Nusa Lembongan are not safe for swimming? Dream Beach and Secret Beach should not be used for swimming — both have strong currents and unpredictable swell that catches people off guard. Sandy Bay needs a tide check before you enter. If in doubt, ask your accommodation about current conditions — tidal movements around Lembongan are significant and can change quickly.
Is Nusa Lembongan better than Nusa Penida for beaches? They serve different purposes. Nusa Lembongan is calmer, quieter, and more family-friendly — the beaches are accessible, the island is small enough to scooter in a day, and it genuinely delivers on the relaxed pace that Bali’s south no longer can. Nusa Penida has more dramatic clifftop scenery (Kelingking, Angel’s Billabong) but the beaches themselves are harder to reach and the island is significantly busier. Our recommendation: base yourself on Lembongan and do Penida as a day trip.
How do you get between beaches on Nusa Lembongan? Scooter is by far the best way — the island is small (roughly 8km²) and most beaches are within 10–15 minutes of each other. Rental costs around IDR 80,000–100,000 per day and is available from most guesthouses and rental shops near the harbour. If you’re not comfortable on a scooter, the communal open-air taxis that roam the main roads are a reasonable alternative — flag one down and agree on a price before getting in.
When is the best time to visit Nusa Lembongan? May to October (dry season) for the calmest seas, best snorkelling visibility, and most reliable swimming conditions. The wet season (November to April) brings occasional rough swells that can limit beach access on the more exposed southern beaches like Dream Beach and Sandy Bay. We’ve visited in multiple months and the island is beautiful year-round — but if you’re planning specifically around swimming and snorkelling, aim for June to September.
Whether you’re surfing at Jungutbatu, sipping cocktails at Sandy Bay, or snorkelling at Coconut Beach, the Nusa Lembongan beaches offer something for every kind of traveller. And with easy access from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, there’s no reason not to add this paradise to your Bali itinerary.
Ready to explore? Pack your sunnies, grab a sarong, and dive into the highlights of Nusa Lembongan!
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