Nusa Ceningan, the smallest of the three Nusa Islands off Bali’s southeastern coast, is home to highlights like the vibrant Blue Lagoon, the hidden Secret Beach, and the iconic Yellow Bridge. It also offers experiences like zip-lining, visiting seaweed farms, cliff jumping and exploring the many beaches.
Nusa Ceningan Travel Guide
The island is nestled between Nusa Lembongan and the large island of Nusa Penida. This trio of islands is an awesome spot to explore and get away from the craziness of mainland Bali. I visited Nusa Ceningan not knowing what to expect but as surprised that it had quite a lot to offer for a day-trip or even a couple of relaxed days of exploration. In this article, I’ll share all of the top things to do on Nusa Ceningan, so you can plan your trip too!
How to get to the Nusa Islands
There are three main options to get to Nusa Penida depending on your budget and how many logistics you want to manage. Here are the three options with the cheapest first:
- Book your ticket: Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Lembongan – Book a regular ferry that leaves from Sanur to Nusa Penida on the reliable website 12go. You then need to moped or taxi across to Nusa Penida via another ferry/boat.
- Book a fast boat: Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida – This option is great as you go direct from Bali to Penida without having to stop in Lembongan. This option is only slightly more expensive than stopping in Lembongan. This is my favorite option of the three and can be booked on Klook.
- Book a fast boat with hotel pick-up: Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida – This option includes a fast boat from Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida but also includes pick-up from your hotel in Bali in a van. This option from GetYourGuide is a bit more expensive but takes all the hassle out of the transit from Bali to Nusa Penida.
Best Things to do on Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan has a lot to offer, especially as most tourists just visit for a daytrip. Even if you stay for a night or two, you’ll find there’s lots of hidden gems on Nusa Ceningan. Jump on a moped and get ready to explore this beautiful island. Let’s get into the list!
The Nusa Ceningan Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon on Nusa Ceningan is a spectacular natural feature known for its vibrant, crystal-clear, turquoise waters. This cliffside cove, located on the southwestern edge of the island, is not only a picturesque spot but also a popular place for thrill-seekers, as it’s a renowned location for cliff jumping. However, caution is advised due to unpredictable sea conditions. The lagoon’s mesmerizing hues and the surrounding cliff views make it a perfect spot for photography.
The Blue Lagoon isn’t just for looking at, you will find a prime cliff jumping spot at the entrance of the cove. There are relatively safe jumps from heights of 4m, 6m, 8m and 13m. The water was very deep and we didn’t could see the bottom was way too far to worry about touching it. If you love cliff jumping, I wrote a detailed guide about the 10 best cliff jumping spots in Bali.
Read the full blog post here: Blue Lagoon Cliff Jump on Nusa Ceningan
SWIM WITH MANTA RAYS ON NUSA PENIDA!
BEST TOUR: Enjoy swimming with Manta Rays on Nusa Penida Island with the most popular tour in Bali.
Option 1: Manta Ray Nusa Penida Tour (from Bali)
Option 2: Manta Ray Snorkel Tour (from Penida)
Driftwood Bar
After the Blue Lagoon we headed along the coast in search of ‘Secret Beach’. On the way, we came across the ‘Driftwood Bar’ and I definitely recommend stopping for a smoothie and enjoying the pool on your way to Secret Beach.
Driftwood Bar and Zipline is an all-in-one spot that’s loads of fun. This place has it all – a restaurant with a pool overlooking the ocean and even a zipline, which is a top activity on Nusa Ceningan Island. But remember, you can only use the pool if you plan to grab a meal there. The bar has a cool, earthy feel to it, making it a great spot to hang out with friends. They serve a mix of local and fast food, even offering desserts. It’s also a solid choice for drinks, stocking all kinds of alcohol. The zipline may not be very long, but for less than 100,000 IDR or 7 USD, it’s totally worth it.
BEST NUSA PENIDA TOURS!
These are the four most popular Nusa Penida Tours. I’ve done all four and they are AWESOME!
- Manta Ray Snorkel Tour (from Bali) – Most amazing experience to swim with Giant Manta’s.
- Manta Ray Snorkel Tour (from Penida) This is the cheaper option if already on Nusa Penida.
- BEST of Nusa Penida Day Tour (from Bali) Most booked day trip fro Bali to Penida with all highlights
- Nusa Penida Car Rental with Driver: Great way to see all the highlights and tourist spots.
Secret Beach Nusa Ceningan
The so-called ‘Secret’ beach on Nusa Ceningan isn’t exactly as hard to find as you might think. Despite being nestled in one of Bali’s most tranquil and picturesque spots, it’s relatively accessible. However, this secret beach doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. It’s home to a unique variety of plant life and has pristine white sands. Both locals and tourists love this spot, even though there’s not much promotion done for it.
At this beach, people usually chill, swim, stroll, or take photos. It’s an ideal place to put up a hammock, sit back and enjoy the day amidst the natural beauty and fresh breeze. It’s also a favorite among local families looking for some quality time. The short, narrow concrete road leading up to the beach adds to its relaxed vibe.
A shallow reef spanned almost the entire beach, which didn’t make for great swimming. However, one small strip of sand had us snorkeling in what was some of the clearest water on the Nusa Islands.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY ON LEMBONGAN
I’ve written a massive, detailed guide about the Best Places To Stay on Nusa Lembongan…BUT If you just want me three favorites right now, here they are!
- My TOP Pick: Indiana Kenanga – Stunning Boutique Hotel literally ON the beach
- Beach Bungalow: Dream Beach Huts– Stay on the beach, Infinity Pool
- Luxury: Tamarind Resort – Modern & Luxury Facilities, Beautiful Infinity Pool
Mahana Point Nusa Ceningan
Mahana Point cliff jump is the best hangout spot on Nusa Ceningan. A rocky outcrop hangs over the ocean making it the perfect spot for a restaurant and bar. There are a 10m and a 5m diving board and a ladder to climb back up safely.
Mahana Point cliff jump is a great little restaurant with epic views and lots of activities to give a crack after your lunch or dinner. They rent out surfboards, which you can use at the break just off the bar. The cliff jumps are obviously the main attraction but it’s also a great spot for sunset, so there is a lot of action going on at this bar and restaurant.
The Mahana Point cliff jump has a 10m diving board and a 5m diving board. There is a ladder to help you get out of the water and up onto the rocks with ease unlike the necessary scramble at the nearby Blue Lagoon Cliff Jump. They do charge per jump, unfortunately. The big 10m jump costs 50,000 rupiah and the small jump costs 25,000 rupiah, which is about $4 USD or $2 USD. Those prices have likely increased and that is up to the restaurant owners but $5 for a jump into the ocean is steep in my opinion.
The water was deep enough on both jumps but don’t pin drop as you may scrape the bottom ever so slightly. We backflipped and jumped multiple times off both boards without touching the bottom.
Read the full blog: Mahana Point on Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Ceningan Yellow Bridge
The Yellow Bridge, also known as the “Bridge of Love,” is an iconic structure that links Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan, two of the Nusa Islands off the southeast coast of Bali. This bright yellow pedestrian bridge spans the beautiful turquoise waters and offers impressive views, making it a popular spot for photography. The bridge is not just a picturesque landmark; it’s also a crucial part of the local infrastructure, providing an important connection between the two islands. Whether you’re crossing it on foot or on a scooter, the Yellow Bridge offers a unique and memorable experience. As always, remember to respect the local rules and regulations while using the bridge.
The Yellow Bridge, a vital link between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, collapsed on October 16, 2016. This tragic incident occurred during a religious ceremony that caused the bridge to exceed its maximum capacity. The bridge, originally designed only for bikes and pedestrians, could not bear the weight of the crowd, leading to the disaster. Unfortunately, this event resulted in several fatalities and injuries.
Following the collapse, the local government rebuilt the bridge, ensuring it was structurally sound and could safely carry the weight of pedestrians and scooters, which are the primary means of transportation on the islands. The new Yellow Bridge, still retaining its signature vibrant color, was reopened in 2017 and continues to serve as a vital link between the two islands.
Seaweed Farms on Nusa Ceningan
The seaweed farms on Nusa Ceningan are an integral part of the island’s local economy and culture. Many local families rely on seaweed farming as their primary source of income. These farms are typically found along the island’s coast, where you can see the farmers at work during low tide. They plant, grow, harvest, and dry the seaweed, which is then sold for various uses, including the production of cosmetics, food, and even biofuels.
Visiting these farms can be a unique and insightful experience. You can learn about the process of seaweed farming, see the way of life of the local communities, and appreciate the sustainable farming practices they employ. These farms also make for beautiful and distinct landscapes, especially at sunset, when the drying seaweed glitters under the sun’s last rays.
Remember, these are working farms, so it’s essential to respect the farmers’ space and not to interfere with their work. You should also consider hiring a local guide who can provide detailed insights and help communicate with the local farmers
I hope you enjoyed this guide of the top things to do on Nusa Ceningan Island, Bali.
MORE NUSA ISLANDS BLOG POSTS
There are a ton of epic things to do on Nusa Penida, but I also wrote detailed guides for all of the adventurous things to do on Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan. You can explore more of my guides by clicking one of the links below.
- NUSA ISLANDS GUIDE: LEMBONGAN, PENIDA, CENINGAN
- 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA PENIDA
- 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA LEMBONGAN
- 5 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA CENINGAN
- BEST CLIFF JUMP SPOTS IN BALI, INDONESIA
- WHERE TO STAY ON NUSA PENIDA: EAST & WEST REGION
- THE PERFECT 3-DAY NUSA PENIDA ITINERARY
- BEST NUSA PENIDA DAY TRIP TOURS FROM BALI
- HOW TO GET TO NUSA PENIDA FROM BALI VIA FERRY/BOAT
Lynne
Sunday 1st of March 2020
Thanks to your post, I have spent a wonderful day at Nusa Ceningan!
I admired the Blue Lagoon (WOW!). I visited Secret Beach. And I enjoyed a delicious meal at the Next Level Café.
All of this while walking from Nusa Lembongan.
Thank YOU for the tips!!
Jackson
Monday 2nd of March 2020
Epic! Glad you enjoyed Ceningan!
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