Lembongan Surf Spots

In amongst the pontoons and floating water parks, Nusa Lembongan consists of at least five surfable breaks.

Located just an hour by speedboat from Bali many people travel to Nusa Lembongan for the day… and end up staying for a week. There are three main spots and two fickle waves that work every once in a while. Some are serious waves that will challenge all levels of surfers like the barreling waves at Lacerations or Shipwrecks. While there are more playful options to suit everyone as well. However, surfing is only one element of many that draw daily crowds of tourists from Bali to Nusa Lembongan.

Shipwrecks

Razors

Lacerations

Playgrounds

Tamarind

Ceningan Point

Crystal Bay

WAVE INFO

What kind of wave is Playgrounds?

Playgrounds is the closest break to land and the most mellow surf break in the area. It produces a super fun peak that breaks left and right and is suitable for most surfers. But it’s also the most crowded spot on Nusa Lembongan. However, the constant current moves the lineup around leaving plenty of opportunities to snag 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, enabling a smores board of performance surfing sections. The right is a favorite for surfers of less ability, but beware, you’ll still hit the reef if you fall in the wrong spot.

What kind of wave is Lacerations?

In optimal conditions Lacerations is a draining 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. The end section slows up for a couple of turns as it approaches the channel. It can get up to about 5 foot on the biggest swells with the right direction. Lacerations also has a left-hand wave, but only when the surf is small where it forms a peak that breaks left and right, and can be suitable for less experienced surfers. 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 which can be seen from land when enjoying a Bintang at the likes of The Deck Cafe & Bar.

What kind of wave is 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 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, 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.

What kind of wave is 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.

What kind of wave is Tamarind?

Tamarind Point surf spot is a very fickle break and even when it is working it’s not the most appealing wave. Due to it being extremely protected from the open ocean, Tamarind needs a huge swell to start breaking and even then the feathering lip will crumble and send a fat wall of wave slowly around the point for a short ride if your on a longboard or something similar that can get you up and ripping. Even though it is the ultimate burger of a wave, in the peak season when the biggest swells roll in you will often see a lone surfer out there having some fun.
Wave type:

  • Playgrounds: A-Frame

  • Lacerations: Reef Break

  • Razors: Reef Break

  • Shipwrecks: Reef Break

  • Tamarind: Point Break

Wave difficulty:

  • Playgrounds: Intermediate

  • Lacerations: Intermediate

  • Razors: Intermediate

  • Shipwrecks: Intermediate

  • Tamarind: Beginner

Wave direction:

  • Playgrounds: Left,Right

  • Lacerations: Right

  • Razors: Left

  • Shipwrecks: Right

  • Tamarind: Right

Wave bottom:

  • Playgrounds: Reef

  • Lacerations: Reef

  • Razors: Reef

  • Shipwrecks: Reef

  • Tamarind: Reef

Booties:

Playgrounds: Can be useful
Lacerations: Handy when small
Razorsr: Personal preference
Shipwrecks: Personal preference
Tamarind: No

Surfboard type:

Playgrounds: Shortboard
Lacerations: Shortboard
Razorsr: Shortboard or mini-mal
Shipwrecks: Shortboard
Tamarind: Longboard

Crowd factor:

  • Playgrounds: Crowded

  • Lacerations: Crowded

  • Razors: Empty

  • Shipwrecks: Medium Crowds

  • Tamarind: Empty

Hazards:

Playgrounds: Crowds, sharp reef
Lacerations: sharp shallow reef
Razorsr: Reef, currents
Shipwrecks: Seaweed farm spikes
Tamarind: Current in big swell

Best swell direction:

Playgrounds: WSW
Lacerations: SW
Razorsr: SW
Shipwrecks: Seaweed SW
Tamarind: SW

Best wind direction:

Playgrounds: E
Lacerations: E
Razorsr: SE
Shipwrecks: E
Tamarind: SE

What tide is best:

Playgrounds: High tide
Lacerations: High tide
Razorsr: Mid tide
Shipwrecks: High tide
Tamarind: Any

Best tide movement:

Playgrounds: High to mid
Lacerations: High to mid
Razorsr: Rising
Shipwrecks: Rising
Tamarind: Rising

Wave consistency:

Playgrounds: Consistent
Lacerations: Consistent
Razorsr: In-consistent
Shipwrecks: Consistent
Tamarind: Fickle

Best time of year:

Playgrounds: April – September
Lacerations: April – September
Razorsr: April – September
Shipwrecks: April – September
Tamarind: May – August

Lineup vibe:

Playgrounds: Mixed
Lacerations: Hustle
Razorsr: Mellow
Shipwrecks: Competitive
Tamarind: Vacant

Other names for spot:

Playgrounds:
Lacerations:
Razorsr:
Shipwrecks:
Tamarind:

How do you get in and out of the surf at Playgrounds?

From Song Lambung beach it’s an easy paddle out to the line up at Playgrounds which is just a couple hundred metres away. When you come in if there is plenty of swell and a higher tide you can straighten out and go in as far as you can over the reef (just be careful the inside does get shallow especially if you kook it and fall off) then paddle across to Song Lambung beach, that way you avoid paddling against the current when you try to come in. On the small days, the current isn’t as bad.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Lacerations?

Depending on where you are staying pay for a boat ride out from Jungut Batu Beach or Mushroom Beach. Or you can make the long paddle across from Playgrounds, just watch out for boats and large ferry’s coming in and out through the channel between Playgrounds and Lacerations.

How do you get in and out of the surf at Shipwrecks and Razors?

Shipwrecks is a 500 metre plus paddle directly out front of Yogi Beach Bungalows.

Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Proper planning prevents unnecessary time out of the water, and the best place to start is a first aid kit.

The Surfers First Aid Kit
What is the beach like?

Nusa Lembongan has a tonne of beautiful beaches for you to choose from. With many beaches tucked away in different nooks and crannies when you go searching you can usually find a nice spot to kick back by yourself. The most popular beaches like Dream Beach draw visitors daily and are truly just as beautiful as any other beach in the world with soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. The beaches on Nusa Lembongan are a sure winner with even the most hardcore beachgoers and sunbathers.

Where should I stay?

cheap-accommodation-nusa-lembongan
Cheapest Price Range – Megacahya Bungalow

Great location to access Shipwrecks by foot in a minute or two. Situated just off the beach it is not beachfront but very close to it. The accommodation is also very close to some of the best food on the island such as Ginger and Jamu, Kayu or Ohana’s. Medacahya is very clean, well managed, has a pool and the complex is quiet most evenings. Great option at a great price.

→ GET THE LATEST PRICES HERE

Affordable Price Range – Yogi Beach Bungalows

Yogi’s is a great beachfront accommodation option offered at good value for money and located directly in front of the surf at Shipwrecks and Razors. Family-run set of five bungalows with the essential comforts such as air conditioning and high-speed internet. It is also located near great eating options so you won’t have to venture far if you are wanting to clock up some time in the surf out front.

→ GET THE LATEST PRICES HERE

lembongan-accommodation
Mid Price Range – Lembongan Cliff Villas

Arguably the best view on Nusa Lembongan with easy access to the waves at Playgrounds and great views over Shipwrecks and Lacerations. Choose from one or two-bedroom villas and expect spacious rooms with quality furniture and chattels to make your stay all the more enjoyable. When you’re not surfing relax in the infinity pool or enjoy a meal overlooking the ocean.

→ GET THE LATEST PRICES HERE

Mid Price Range – Playgrounds Wave Lodge Lembongan

Playgrounds Wave Lodge provide modern comfort and practicality with Balinese touches and highlights of Nusa Lembongan. Inside the rooms, you experience a laid back feeling while enjoying the views of the sea and even the surf at Lacerations, Razors and Shipwrecks from your balcony or patio in most rooms. You’ve also got some great eating options directly across the boardwalk in front of the lodge.

→ GET THE LATEST PRICES HERE

Luxury Price Range – Lembongan Beach Club & Resort

Lembongan Beach Club is an award-winning resort and one of the leading Nusa Lembongan accommodation options when looking for luxury. Made up of 42 private villas, most with swimming pools, designed with natural materials in a modern Balinese style each villa provides ample personal space to retreat. The Beach Club Restaurant overlooks Razors and Shipwrecks surf breaks and provides international and local cuisine. Situated on the beachfront, you can relax in the infinity pool in between surfs or while enjoying the sunsets and their signature cocktails.

→ GET THE LATEST PRICES HERE

DEALS ON PLACES TO STAY IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

nusa-lembongan-penida-tour
Booking.com

Faq

How do I get a boat out to the surf in 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.

Is there food nearby?

Although the cafe and restaurant scene on Nusa Lembongan isn’t as good as Bali’s cafe scene in the likes of Canggu it is getting there. You will find some trendy cafes like Ginger & Jamu or The Deck Cafe & Bar scattered across the island and when you get onto something you like, you’ll no doubt visit every day during your stay!

How to get around?

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.

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 go 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.

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.

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.

What else is there to do in the area?

Panorama Point is one of the high points on the island where you overlook Jungutbatu Beach. It’s a spot you will naturally stop at to take advantage of the views for a moment before continuing along the road over to the other side of the island to the likes of Devil’s Tear Bay, Dream Beach, or the yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan. One thing to be prepared for is the persistent local kids looking to make a quick buck by selling bracelets.

Devil’s Tear Bay is a great spot to see the raw power of the ocean as sets of waves crash into the jagged rock cliff face. It is a nice location to watch the sunset and walk around the rocks.

Dream Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that has become a very popular tourist attraction and therefore isn’t as peaceful and relaxing as it once was. It is not the best for swimming due to strong currents. There are many other beautiful beaches if you go a little further over the yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan where you will escape the crowds.

 

Diving is one of the biggest attractions in Nusa Lembongan. There are various diving companies where you can organize snorkeling or scuba diving trips to many locations around the islands in the area. Marine life you can expect to see includes marble stingrays, ribbon and moray eels, reef sharks, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, sea snakes, turtles, and seasonal Mola Mola (Sunfish).

What else
do I need
to Know?

Some great spots to watch the surf from are…
Playgrounds – Coconut beach or the Coconut Beach Resort.
Lacerations – The deck – multiple levels with a cool hip vibe. Lembongan Reef Bungalow, Bar and restaurant. Oka 7 the deck and rooftop bar make for great viewing of lacerations as the sun goes down and you can see surfers silhouette in the barrel with the light shining through the back of the wave.
Razors and Shipwrecks – Blue Corner Bar & Restaurant is a great spot to watch the surf.

Travel Insurance

Location

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.

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, 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 30-60 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.
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