Nusa Lembongan
Surf SpotsOf the three islands that make up the Nusa Islands (Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida), each is better than the other for various reasons. However, when it comes to surfing Lembongan is the clear winner where in amongst the pontoons, floating water parks and leisure craft you’ll find some epic surf. Located within 40 minutes by speedboat from Bali many people travel to Nusa Lembongan for the day and end up staying for over a week. Although there are surfable waves on all three Nusa Islands, it is Lembongan and Ceningan where there are serious waves to be had. For the specifics on all three of the Nusa Islands check out or spot guides for each island below.
WHERE TO SURF NUSA LEMBONGAN, CENINGAN & PENIDA
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SURFING IN NUSA LEMBONGAN
In general, the surf gets the best when it’s medium to high tide. With the tide lowering, the waves around Nusa Lembongan become very shallow and the sharp reef is a major hazard even for seasoned surfers. When it’s crowded lineups can become quite frustrating so it’s best to pick your moments in the surf and be patient.
Be prepared to spend more time relaxing out of the surf than you would in Bali considering your wave count is going t be considerably higher while in Bali. Be sure to take your booties as they come in handy at any one of the surf spots on Nusa Lembongan.
BEST BEGINNER SPOTS
Crystal Bay
While Nusa Penida is certainly not renowned for its surf, it is possible to score some motion in the ocean. In a medium-size swell or greater, you could snag a couple of little waves running across the reef at the southern end of Crystal Bay in warung corner. On the days when there is a wave to be had, you may see a couple of local kids out there straight-lining it to the beach on anything that is coming through. Other than that it will be empty. Just beware, even though it is a beginner wave, don’t head out here on your first attempt at surfing, due to the reef bottom, there is the potential to hurt yourself and there most likely isn’t anyone experienced around to help you out.
Lacerations (small and high-tide)
Lacerations has many moods and while it is well renowned for heaving hollow right-hand barrels over a shallow reef, there are also common conditions for learner surfers with the proper guidance. When it’s small and on a high tide you will find surf schools taking advantage of the soft peak which splits left and right in small swells at Lacerations. However, as a learner surfer in soft and kind conditions at Lacerations you must only access this break with a surf guide or surf school. Considering the break is far from shore and it is a reef break you need to access it by boat and will require guidance and a watchful eye from someone experienced.
BEST INTERMEDIATE SPOTS
Playgrounds
Playgrounds is the closest break to land and generally the most mellow out of the stretch of surf breaks off of Nusa Lembongan. It produces a super fun peak that breaks left and right and is suitable for most types of surfers. It is also the most crowded spot on Nusa Lembongan, however, the constant current moves the lineup around leaving plenty of opportunities to snag a few waves. Playgrounds breaks on any tide, however, at certain tide intervals the size of the wave can be double that of the opposite tide so keep checking it throughout the day. The left is much better than the right and enables a smores board of performance surfing and powerful carves. Outside of where the right pitches is a favourite for surfers of less ability but beware, you will still hit the reef if you fall off in the wrong spot.
Lacerations
When Lacerations reaches head-high it is a super fun wave for intermediate surfers. At this size, the left on the peak that beginners are fond of no longer exists and is closing out. Instead, you’ll find long-running right-hand walls of water built for speed and down the line surfing before the shoulder starts to soften and slow up for some big turns or aerials if you’re skill full enough to execute them over the reef. Depending on where you are staying pay for a boat ride out from Jungut Batu Beach or Mushroom Beach. It bets making the long paddle across from Playgrounds, where you have to time the long paddle in between boats and large ferry’s going through the channel.
Ceningan (Mahana Point)
Ceningan is predominantly a left-hand point break which picks up a lot of swell as it rolls into Mahana Point. Ultra-consistent, this long left-hander dishes out big bowls in the pocket and wide-open faces, perfect for power surfing when it works well. Unfortunately, strong trade winds from the southeast and currents can easily turn the waves soupy. Although Mahana Point does provide some protection from the winds in the dry season. Ceningan works best on smaller swells where it forms an A-frame which bowls left and right, and is often a spot to get away from thick crowds on Nusa Lembongan. It also makes a great low tide option when all the main breaks on Nusa Lembongan aren’t working
BEST ADVANCED SPOTS
Shipwrecks
Shipwrecks surf spot is the farthest from shore on Nusa Lembongan and the last in the lineup surf breaks spread along Jungut Batu Bay. Shipwrecks gets its name from an old rusted ship bow that sits on the exposed reef. The wave breaks right serving up a variety of short sections, high and tight barrels that are super easy to set up for and make as well as large open faces ripe for big carves and maneuvers. The size of the wave grows with the incoming tide and the currents can make sitting in the line-up a work out in itself at times. When paddling out be careful of metal spikes forged into the reef from the seaweed farms that were once operational but have ceased due to more lucrative incomes in the Lembongan tourism industry.
Razors
Razors surf spot is a long left-hander with a medium-sized swell and loves the SE trade winds in the dry season. Hollow and fast on lower tides for experienced surfers and long walls on higher tides. At size, Razors is a challenging wave for the hardcore surfer. The No Man’s section of the reef bares the brunt of any sets that hit this section of reef and the wide sets bend around the reef a little to provide long left-hand waves that break down the remainder of the wide reef. On the highest tides, Razors can be a great surfing option for mini-mals and longboards for intermediates surfs and above, if you enjoy some power under your feet and hurtling you down the reef. Although it isn’t surfable all the time when the swell lines up right there will be plenty of waves to pick off. Paddle out through the same channel as Shipwrecks, for more information on this read on further down the page.
Lacerations
In optimal conditions, Lacerations is a draining and very critical right-hand barrel where you take off on rail under the lip and race the next section for a three or more second barrel over a sharp and shallow reef. Hence the name Lacerations. The end section slows up for a couple of turns as it approaches the channel. It can easily handle a solid five-foot on the Hawaiian scale in the biggest swells if the direction of swell is optimal. Lacerations can be the most challenging of all the waves on Nusa Lembongan, but that doesn’t usually deter the crowds. The local boys have got this wave dialled down and put on a spectacular show when Lacerations is maxing out.
FAQ
Can I get surf lessons on Nusa Lembongan?
There are many surf school options available for beginners who want to learn to surf while visiting Nusa Lembongan. Be sure to do your research to see which options are going to suit you best based on your needs and ability.
One that comes highly recommended is Monkey Surfing Surf School.
Monkey Surfing Surf School focus on providing a quality experience and most importantly with safety first. Beginner surfers in the water consist of a maximum of three students per surf instructor. All surf instructors are ISA certified and have a lot of experience in the water. All classes follow ISA Standards.
Is there surfboard hire on Nusa Lembongan?
Yes, there are a few options available to hire surfboards. You will find local stalls set up to hire surfboards on Coconuts Beach where you paddle out to Playgrounds. Along Nusa Lembongan’s main beach in Jungut Batu Bay where you access Lacerations, Razors and Shipwrecks surf spots from there are various surf schools and board rental shops.
If you want to pre-book a board before arriving try contacting Eddy at Nusa Lembongan Surfboard and Sup hire or Monkey Surfing.
Is there a surf camp on Nusa Lembongan?
Mojo Surf provides a specialised surf camp on Nusa Lembongan for all abilities. The camp consists of shared and private rooms, all with modern facilities such as air conditioning, western amenities, and spectacular views. From their pool, you can see most of the surf on Nusa Lembongan and their surf guides pick you up from your doorstep and take you out to the surf in the Mojo speedboat. If you are looking for a hassle-free surf trip with everything preorganised by a well-established surf adventure company then Mojo Surf will suit you perfectly.
How do I get a boat out to the surf at Nusa Lembongan?
Where the fast boats drop you off on Jungut Batu Beach you can kindly ask a local or anyone at the surf schools. If you are staying on Mushroom Beach or any of the other beaches you can do the same there. The price you pay for a ride out to the surf will vary depending on if you want the boat to hang around for when you come in or whether you just want to be dropped off and picked up later. For example, some might pay IDR400,000 for half a day and others 50,000 one way from Jungut Batu. If it’s a once-off expect to pay more than what you would if you are going to use the same boat over a few days. Find a friendly local, tell them what you want and for how many days and work it out from there.
How to get around Nusa Lembongan?
One of the small luxuries of Nusa Lembongan is the fact that the island is easy to get around with a few different options to cater to any kind of traveller.
1. On foot – Depending on how far you want to venture and where you are staying you can easily get around by foot in the Jungutbatu Beach area.
2. Bicycle – Bicycles are a cheap way to get around if you have got the energy to burn and can be rented from many accommodations and shops in the resorts of Jungutbatu and Mushroom Bay. Depending on how good you are at bartering a full day’s rental should cost no more than a few dollars. Some places like Mainski Inn have a good variety of well-maintained bicycles and on the flat areas of Nusa Lembongan getting around by bicycle is quite enjoyable.
3. Scooter – Hiring a scooter is a great option to get around quickly and efficiently. Scooters are also perfect for getting up and down the hills once you venture out of the main beach area around to Mushroom Bay and the other side of the island. Scooters are also the only form of transport that you can use to cross the small bridge to Nusa Ceningan from Nusa Lembongan.
4. Golf Buggy – If you aren’t comfortable on a scooter than Island Buggy Hire provides a great alternative. Hiring buggies to venture around the small island is quite common and makes for a great form of transport if you are in a group and want to discover the nooks and crannies of beautiful Lembongan.
Are there cars and taxis on Nusa Lembongan?
You won’t find any cars on Nusa Lembongan. The vehicles are predominantly made up of scooters, golf carts and the fast boat trucks which are small trucks designed to carry passengers, luggage and supplies transported by boat from Bali. It is possible to hitch a ride with the fast boat trucks when they are empty for a small fee. As far as booking a taxi goes you will not be able to organise one as you do in Bali. However, if you speak with your accommodation they will be able to organise a fast ferry truck for you if that’s how you prefer to get around the island. Or if you want to get to a restaurant that isn’t within walking distance you can contact them to see if they are able to arrange for you to be picked up.
Where is Nusa Lembongan?
The small and very beautiful island of Nusa Lembongan in Indonesia is just 30 minutes southeast of Bali by fast boat and is situated immediately alongside two other small islands known as Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.
Is Nusa Lembongan part of Bali?
Although separated from Bali by the Badung Strait the answer is yes. The group of 3 small islands collectively form the Nusa Penida District and are part of the smallest region of Bali known as the Klungkung regency. To the east Lombok Strait separates Lombok from the Nusa Lembongan.
Of the three Nusa Islands which is best?
The Nusa Islands are made up of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Cenigan and Nusa Penida. Lembongan is the second largest, the most developed and by far the best option for quality of surf. Nusa Cenigan is the smaller island in between the two and has the least crowded surf but you’ll compromise on quality. It’s also a lot more relaxed than the other two islands making it the best option to chill out on. Nusa Penida, on the other hand, is larger than both the other islands put together. There is a lot of sights to see on Nusa Penida, however, the surf is almost non-existent.
When is the best time to go to Nusa Lembongan?
If you’re looking to score the best conditions for surfing while you visit Nusa Lembongan, the best season for surf is in the dry season from April to September. However, this is also when the crowds are the thickest. Considering the breaks on Lembongan are sheltered from open ocean swells they need a medium size swell or bigger to start working to their true potential. If you’re a beginner surfer, visiting outside of April to September is a good option as you’ll have favourable conditions of surf to match your ability and the crowds in the lineup will be lighter.
Are there ATM’s on Nusa Lembongan?
Yes, you will find several ATM’s in the central Jungut Batu Bay area. However, unfortunately, card skimming/cloning at ATM’s on Nusa Lembongan is common. Take extra precautions to minimise the chances of this happening to you.
- Get some cash out from an ATM attached to a bank in Bali before you travel to Nusa Lembongan. They have the best security.
- The next best ATM option is branded stand-alone ATMs. For example, BNI stand-alone ATMs are generally serviced frequently and are well kept in Bali. However, this isn’t the case so much in Nusa Lembongan so be mindful of that.
- Avoid independently owned ATMs such as those located in convenience stores. Not only do they charge higher transaction fees, but they are also the number one target of fraudulent activity, such as the installation of skimming devices.
- Transfer small amounts of money into the bank account connected to the card you use to withdraw money as you need it.
How to get to Nusa Lembongan?
The best way to get to Nusa Lembongan is from Bali by fast boat.
Step 1. Book your fast boat from Sanur in Bali to Nusa Lembongan online with one of the many companies to choose from. (Fast boats also travel from Benoa harbour and Padang Bai port in Bali as well as the Gili Islands).
Step 2. If you did not opt for a shuttle service when booking your fast boat get yourself to Sanur Beach yourself with plenty of time to spare.
Step 3. When your fast boat is ready your luggage will be loaded and then you can board.
Step 4. The trip across to Nusa Lembongan from Sanur usually takes approximately 35 minutes arriving at Nusa Lembongan.
Note that if there are large ocean swells then all fast boats will be cancelled. In these circumstances, it is not uncommon for travellers to charter a helicopter on their return trip.
THE SURFERS FIRST AID KIT
The essential tools every surfer needs for first aid
