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Nusa Lembongan vs Sanur

Choose Nusa Lembongan for nature, sunsets, surfing and diving; choose Sanur for walkability, a shorter airport transfer, families and culture.

Nusa Lembongan

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

Choose Nusa Lembongan for nature, sunsets, surfing, diving.

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

Relaxed coastal charm. Best for: Families, retirees & those seeking tranquility.

Choose Sanur for walkability, a shorter airport transfer, families, culture.

Beach: Reef-protected beaches with calm, shallow water; very low at low tide.
Nightlife: Relaxed pubs, live music and beachfront bars; quiet by 11 pm.
Prices: $$ · Moderate. Moderate: good-value restaurants and plenty of mid-range hotels.
To the airport: 16 km · 20–35 min
Climate: Hot & humid · coast
45 resorts on Balisama, from about $22 a night

Nusa Lembongan and Sanur are about 21 km apart, with a boat trip between them.

Beaches: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Sanur Good (3/5)
Calm-water swimming: Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5), Sanur Very good (4/5)
Surfing: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Sanur Fair (2/5)
Diving & snorkeling: Nusa Lembongan Excellent (5/5), Sanur Good (3/5)
Sunsets: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Sanur Poor (1/5)
Nightlife: Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5), Sanur Fair (2/5)
Restaurants & cafés: Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5), Sanur Good (3/5)
Culture & temples: Nusa Lembongan Poor (1/5), Sanur Good (3/5)
Nature & landscapes: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Sanur Poor (1/5)
Yoga & wellness: Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5), Sanur Good (3/5)
Family-friendly: Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5), Sanur Excellent (5/5)
Peace & quiet: Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5), Sanur Very good (4/5)
Remote work: Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5), Sanur Good (3/5)
Walkability: Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5), Sanur Excellent (5/5)

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