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Nusa Lembongan vs Nusa Penida

Choose Nusa Lembongan for surfing and dining; choose Nusa Penida for nature.

Nusa Lembongan

Small island, big ocean. Best for: Divers, surfers & couples.

Choose Nusa Lembongan for surfing, dining.

Beach: White-sand coves (Dream Beach, Mushroom Bay); swimming depends on the tide and currents.
Nightlife: Sunset bars and a few beach bars; mostly early nights.
Prices: $$ · Moderate. Moderate: a little pricier than mainland Bali, since everything comes by boat.
To the airport: 1½–2 h. Drive to Sanur, then 30 minutes by fast boat
Climate: Hot & humid · coast
9 resorts on Balisama, from about $80 a night

Dramatic cliffs & untouched nature. Best for: Adventurers, divers & photographers.

Choose Nusa Penida for nature.

Beach: Spectacular beaches (Kelingking, Diamond, Crystal Bay), but many need steep climbs, and swimming is banned at Kelingking and Diamond Beach.
Nightlife: Very little: a few bars near the harbors.
Prices: $$ · Moderate. Moderate: food is cheap, but drivers and boat transfers add up.
To the airport: 1½–2½ h. Drive to Sanur, then 30–45 minutes by fast boat
Climate: Hot & humid · coast
17 resorts on Balisama, from about $77 a night

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are about 7 km apart, with a boat trip between them.

Beaches: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Nusa Penida Very good (4/5)
Calm-water swimming: Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Surfing: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Nusa Penida Poor (1/5)
Diving & snorkeling: Nusa Lembongan Excellent (5/5), Nusa Penida Excellent (5/5)
Sunsets: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Nusa Penida Good (3/5)
Nightlife: Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5), Nusa Penida Poor (1/5)
Restaurants & cafés: Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Culture & temples: Nusa Lembongan Poor (1/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Nature & landscapes: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Nusa Penida Excellent (5/5)
Yoga & wellness: Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Family-friendly: Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5), Nusa Penida Fair (2/5)
Peace & quiet: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Nusa Penida Very good (4/5)
Remote work: Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5), Nusa Penida Poor (1/5)
Walkability: Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5), Nusa Penida None (0/5)

Our ratings, from 0 (none) to 5 (excellent), compare Bali's areas with each other.