Visiting Nusa Lembongan is almost like a vacation from your Bali vacation. Even though I’ve seen an increase in the number of tourists on the island over the recent years, it’s still a calm and peaceful oasis compared to most parts of Bali. One of my favorite things to do is to relax at one of the stunning warungs up by the Mangrove Forest. It’s almost like I shouldn’t write about this place, cause’ I want to keep it a secret.
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Okay, I might be exaggerating a little bit, it’s not really a secret as I see photos from the area all over social media. But on every occasion, we’ve visited one of the warungs, both in high and low season, we’ve had it all to ourselves. Anyways, they deserve all the business they can get, so I’ll try to tempt you to make the trip.
The Mangrove Forest is located north on the island with only one bumpy road leading to it. And when I say bumpy, I mean more potholes and sand than actual road! It doesn’t look too bad in the photo but trust me it isn’t easy to navigate. Usually, I rent a bicycle because of the scenic route and to get a bit of exercise, but since we were living a bit further away this time we opted for a scooter.
If you don’t want to go to Nusa Lembongan by yourself or you just want to go on a daytrip, check out these tours!
Once there arrange with one of the locals to take you on a little 20-25 minute boat trip through the Mangrove Forest. There are signs throughout with names of the different species and sometimes you can see brightly colored fish and corals. It’s not the most exciting thing to do, but super relaxing early in the morning and you support the locals. A lot of the warungs also offer water sports like stand up paddle boarding, canoeing and snorkeling.
My absolute favorite of all the warungs is Warung Agung Beach Cafe. They’ve really put in a lot of effort when decorating this place, it’s a beachy boho haven. Think corals, seashells, pink flowers and driftwood, all set in a tranquil picture perfect location. They turned two old turquoise boats into a seating area, all decked out with a seashell chandelier and cushions to sit on. I want my backyard to look like that or even my house.
Have some delicious sate and a fresh coconut and soak up some sun on the beach loungers. The best time to visit is on high tide, so you can actually swim and enjoy the water. We usually spend a half day up there, having lunch, some snacks and a couple of drinks each. It usually comes out to around 100k Rp / 63 nok / $8, which is what you pay for a single cocktail at one of the hotspots like The Deck. So don’t miss out on this place if you’re ever on the island.
Related post: Where to stay on Nusa Lembongan & how to get there
Have you ever been to Nusa Lembongan?
14 Comments
Eli
21. April 2016 at 09:43Oh my.. ?! Looks so beautiful! Love your posts!
Charlotte
21. April 2016 at 10:43Thanks for the kind words Eli! ?
Eu
22. June 2016 at 01:06I never heard of Nusa Lembongan but I want to go right now! Awesome pictures! 🙂
Charlotte
22. June 2016 at 14:13Thanks Eu! You definitely should, it’s amazing! I’ll check out your blog now 😉
Rosie
7. July 2016 at 12:13Thanks for the tip. As you so beautifully expressed it, we’re just back from our ‘vacatation from our Bali vacation’ ?. We visited Nanu Nanu Warung up by the Mangrove forest which although not as picturesque as Agung serves amazing fish with a beautiful big Balinese smile. Can wait to go back next year.
Charlotte
7. July 2016 at 20:06Thanks for taking the time to comment Rosie 🙂 Happy to hear you had a great experience!!
Isabelle Winter
20. July 2016 at 10:11These pics look amazing! Where exactly is the Warung Agung Beach Cafe? I can’t find it… Thanks 🙂
Charlotte
20. July 2016 at 14:59Thanks Isabelle! Warung Agung is up by the Mangrove Forest on Nusa Lembongan island. It’s not listed online nor does it have an exact address. One just have to drive along Mangrove Forest Road and look for the turquoise sign 😉
Pajam
29. October 2017 at 13:23Really beautiful pictures with perfect light and colors. Have you done any editing on them? Curious on what equipment you use if you do not mind sharing?
Charlotte
30. October 2017 at 13:37Thank you, Pajam! Yes, I edit all my photos in Lightroom. I’m working on my own set of presets which I will release in a couple of weeks, so editing can be easy for everyone 😀
Lee Wigg
21. September 2018 at 01:14We went to NL for the first time recently and stayed up towards the mangrove area. We loved it! It is so peaceful, chilled with lots of choices for meals, drinks and surf! Our friend Sophie is building a family fun place with food and drinks right near your first pic(guy with bike). Look out for The Coconut Hut mid October.
Charlotte
23. September 2018 at 01:21Right!? It’s such a nice area. Sounds great! Will definitely check it out the next time I’m on the island 😉
Nyoman Runa
20. November 2018 at 15:18Hi Charlotte,
Love to found your article. The picture is beautiful and one particular picture was a place I’d visit and I love that place. 🙂
Thanks for visit Bali and sharing all your tips and experience while you Bali especially Nusa Lembongan. Really appreciated.
You got nice stories and really had good times!
Charlotte
22. November 2018 at 19:14Hi Nyoman 🙂 Thank you so much for the lovely comment. Indonesia is one of my favorite places in the world, can’t wait to be back!