Bali: Nusa Lembongan Island Tour with Lunch & Transfers

Exploring Bali’s neighboring islands can be a highlight of your trip, and the Nusa Lembongan Island tour offers a great way to experience a slice of paradise without straying too far from the main island. This tour combines scenic boat rides, visits to natural wonders like Dream Beach and Devil’s Tears, plus a relaxing lunch, all wrapped into an 8-hour package. Whether you’re after stunning scenery or a taste of local charm, this trip delivers.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it blends travel logistics with authentic sights. The fast boat ride offers a quick but exciting transition to a more tranquil, tropical setting. The guided stops at Dream Beach and Devil’s Tears are genuinely Instagram-worthy, boasting dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and clear waters that tempt you for a swim or just a good photo. Plus, the included lunch and access to the snack bar make this feel like a well-rounded, value-packed outing.

One potential consideration is the short amount of time at each stop—about an hour here, 45 minutes there—which might leave some travelers wishing for a bit more relaxation or exploration. Also, the tour’s timing from 9:00 am to around 4:00 or 5:00 pm means you’ll want to plan carefully if you have tight schedules back on Bali.

This tour suits travelers looking for a convenient, guided day trip that showcases some of Bali’s most photogenic and natural sites. It’s especially ideal for those who prefer a structured schedule over self-guided wandering but still want authentic, picture-perfect moments.

Key Points

• Scenic boat transfer: Enjoy a 30-40 minute fast boat ride from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, offering stunning views of Bali’s coast.
• Iconic sights: Visit Dream Beach, Devil’s Tears, and Yellow Bridge, each offering unique landscapes and photo opportunities.
• Guided stops: Tours are led by guides who can deepen your understanding of each site, making the experience more meaningful.
• Lunch included: Savor a Indonesian set menu, adding local flavor to your island adventure without extra fuss.
• Flexibility: The tour includes pickup and drop-off options, plus free pool access at the end, making for a comfortable day.
• Limited time at stops: About 1–1.5 hours per site, so plan your photo-taking and exploration accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting and Ending Point: Convenience Matters

The tour begins with a pickup from your Bali hotel if you choose the included shuttle option. The meeting point for everyone is marked by a signboard reading “Arthamas Express Fast Boat” near Sanur harbor’s parking gate. This simple but clear instruction helps avoid confusion—an important detail since some reviewers have mentioned trouble locating the agency initially. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, with drop-off at Ubud, Denpasar City, or Badung Regency, making it flexible for different travelers’ plans.

The Fast Boat Ride: Quick and Picturesque

The 30-40 minute boat crossing is arguably one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. With scenic views of Bali’s coastline and open water, it’s a thrill for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. The boat is generally well-organized, and the provided refreshing towels and welcome drinks add a nice touch of hospitality. It’s a lively start that prepares you for the natural beauty ahead.

Dream Beach: A Tropical Haven

Once on Nusa Lembongan, the first major stop is Dream Beach—a favorite for its powdery white sand and calm, turquoise waters. The guided tour here lasts about an hour, giving you time to relax, snap photos, or take a quick dip. We loved the way the guide highlighted the beach’s tranquility, contrasting nicely with the sometimes busy Bali mainland.

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Devil’s Tears: Nature’s Spectacle

Next is Devil’s Tears, a site famous for its crashing waves and dramatic cliffs. It’s a place where the power of nature is on full display, and the spray from the waves creates a mist that often leaves visitors scrambling for photos. The guided sightseeing here lasts around an hour, giving ample opportunity to soak in the views and maybe get a close-up shot of the natural “blowholes”—a favorite among travelers according to their reviews.

Yellow Bridge and Mangrove Forest

The tour then moves to the Yellow Bridge, an iconic wooden bridge connecting Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan. It’s a fantastic spot for panoramic photos and a quick walk across to enjoy the views. Some tours include a boat ride through the Mangrove Forest, which adds an element of quiet exploration and natural serenity, though the review mentions a boat tour of the mangroves as part of the experience.

Lunch and Relaxation

After a morning of sightseeing, you’ll enjoy a set Indonesian menu at a local restaurant. Reviewers report the meal was a highlight—generous, flavorful, and a good chance to refuel. Plus, you get free access to the pool at Arthamas Snack Bar, providing a relaxed spot to unwind before heading back to Bali. It’s a perfect way to extend the tropical feel even after the tour ends.

Return Journey

The boat ride back to Sanur is another 40-minute crossing, giving you time to reflect on the day’s sights and perhaps save a few more photos. The last boat typically departs around 4:00 to 5:00 pm, so planning your schedule on Bali is wise to avoid missing the return.

What the Reviews Tell Us

One reviewer, Stephane, mentioned some initial trouble with locating the agency— a reminder to stay alert for the signboard and clear instructions. Once on the island, his group saw the main sights within two and a half hours, which shows how efficient the tour is. He praised the meal quality and enjoyed the pool access, though noted a laundry oversight meant the promised towels weren’t available, a small hiccup but hardly a deal-breaker.

Another aspect travelers appreciate is the stunning views—from the beaches to the cliffs—making every stop postcard-worthy. The guides, according to reviews, are knowledgeable, adding context that enriches your understanding of the sites.

Transportation and Timing

The timing is designed for efficiency, with the entire day covering key highlights in 8 hours. The group size tends to be manageable, and the included hotel shuttle simplifies logistics. For those staying in Bali, this setup minimizes hassle and maximizes sightseeing.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, guided day trip that covers the best sights of Nusa Lembongan without the need to plan every detail. It suits those who appreciate stunning scenery, photo opportunities, and some local flavor through lunch. It’s also suitable for first-timers to Bali or visitors who want a break from the busy streets of Bali.

However, if you’re someone who prefers more time at each site or a less structured experience, you might find the schedule somewhat tight. Also, the tour isn’t designed for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, given the nature of transportation and site access.

The Sum Up

The Bali: Nusa Lembongan Island Tour offers a value-packed day filled with stunning vistas, natural wonders, and cultural touches like local lunch. It’s a great way to see some of Bali’s most photogenic coastal sites without the hassle of organizing your own transfers or boat rides. The included amenities—refreshing towels, lunch, pool access—add comfort and convenience, making it a good choice for travelers seeking a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

While the time at each stop is limited, the tour’s efficiency and scenic highlights make it worthwhile. Perfect for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of island life.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel return shuttle service if you select that option, plus the fast boat tickets for the transfer to and from Nusa Lembongan.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, starting around 9:00 am, with the last boat returning by 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
The tour follows a set itinerary, but check with the provider if you have specific questions. The schedule is designed for efficiency, so modifications might be limited.

Is lunch included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a traditional Indonesian set menu, which provides a good taste of local flavors along with the sightseeing.

What sites are visited during the tour?
Highlights include Dream Beach, Devil’s Tears, Yellow Bridge, and the Mangrove Forest, providing a mix of natural beauty and iconic scenery.

Is there free time to explore on my own?
The stops are guided and timed, so free time is limited, but you’ll have enough to take photos, enjoy the views, or dip your toes in the water.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with walking and short tours. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those over 70 years due to site access and mobility considerations.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear if you want to swim, and your camera. Towels are provided at the snack bar, but you might want your own if you plan to swim.

You can check availability for your dates here: