The Ultimate Guide to Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is the perfect travel destination for Bali travellers looking for some tranquility and a sliver of beach to call their own.

It's no surprise that Bali is one of the most popular beach destinations for tourists in Southeast Asia. But when you actually turn up on the island, it can feel overcrowded in some areas.

The nearby Nusa Islands, and especially the smallest island Nusa Ceningan, offer stunning beaches, excellent food, and smaller crowds.

Read my complete guide to what there is to see and do in Nusa Ceningan, how to get there, where to stay, and what to eat. Nusa Ceningan is a small island, so you have plenty of time to relax and experience everything, including the famous Blue Lagoon and Secret Beach.

Where is Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is of the three Nusa islands located just off the coast of the south coast of Bali in Indonesia. It is the smallest of the three and is located between the other two, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.

How to get to Nusa Ceningan

There are no direct ferries from Bali to Nusa Ceningan, so you need to make your way to the larger Nusa Lembongan island first to reach Nusa Ceningan island. You can catch a fast boat from Sanur Beach in Bali or get a boat transfer from Benoa Harbor, Balis's main port.

The fast boat ticket will cost between US$15 one way and US$30 for a return ticket and takes about half an hour. Morning boats leave just after 8 am, while evening boats leave between 4 and 5 pm.

Once you are in Nusa Lembongan, you have a variety of options to get to Nusa Ceningan. The most used is the famous yellow bridge, which you can walk across directly or get a motor taxi.

There are also small boats that will ferry you between the islands for a small fee. Some adventurous souls even choose to swim across the shallow channel between the two islands, but maybe not with your luggage!

Alternatively, you could also book a fast boat with a taxi transfer included for a slightly higher price which makes your journey hassle-free.

How to get around Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is only three square kilometers large, so if you have time, you can walk to all of your destinations. But don't forget sun protection! As an alternative, you can hire a motorbike to zip around to all the top spots.

Expect to pay around IDR70,000 (US$5) per day for a scooter rental. You might pay twice that for a motor taxi with a driver. Nusa Ceningan is more expensive than in Bali because there are few vehicles available and high demand.

If you are staying in Nusa Penida, how do you get from Nusa Penida to Nusa Ceningan? There are ferries that make the short sea journey several times a day when the weather allows.

Things to do in Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is a small island and it is possible to see all the most popular attractions in the space of a day. Of course, you could spend several days if you want to soak up the atmosphere and spend time on the beaches and partying.

The Blue Lagoon

The most notable thing to do on Nusa Ceningan is to visit the Blue Lagoon, which is located not far from the Yellow Bridge as you arrive on the island.

It is a spectacular light blue coloured lagoon surrounded by rocky cliffs. It is so pristine and the colour so vibrant that it looks like it has been photoshopped!

Sadly, you can't swim in the Blue Lagoon as strong waves crash against the rocks and can easily take you with them! But there is a cliff jump point into a neighbouring body of water. Jump from anywhere between four and 13 meters, depending on how adventurous you are feeling.

Mahana Point

Those looking for cliff-jumping adventures should head to Mahana Point cliff jump. Pay IDR50,000 (US$3.50) per jump for up to a 15-meter drop, or just get a beer and watch others scream their way down. If you plan on jumping, schedule it for high tide.

Manhana Point Beach looks out over the open ocean and is great for a dip and also fairly relaxed surfing. There is a place to rent a board if you fancy it. This is probably the most popular beach for a day of sun and sea on Nusa Ceningan Island.

Other great Nusa Ceningan beaches include Song Tepo Beach and Sand Beach.

Secret Beach

Despite the name, this is one of the most popular beaches on Nusa Ceningan island. Entry is via a small hotel and restaurant, and you will need to buy something or pay a pool use charge to get access to the beach.

As you pass through the hotel in the morning, you will find a lovely tree-shaded beach with paddle pool lagoons to cool off in.

The movement of the sun in the afternoon means that the shade can quickly disappear, so best make this a morning activity and head to Manhana Point in the afternoon.

Ceningan Cliff Point

Ceningan Cliff Point is another location that is accessed through a local restaurant, so you will need to buy something when you arrive.

But the food is excellent and it gives you access to a wooden footbridge out over the cliffs, which offers a great lookout view of Nusa Penida and a prime photo spot!

Ceningan Wall

While most serious divers will tell you that the best dive spots are on the other Nusa islands, the Ceningan Wall boasts near-vertical cliff faces blanketed in coral dropping down to a depth of 180 meters.

The soft coral and sea life are spectacular, but the currents are also strong, so Nusa Ceningan diving is only recommended for experienced divers.

Best places to eat in Nusa Ceningan

• Next Level Cafe: This is a top spot for breakfast, lunch, and brunch. We are talking eggs every which way, great burgers and wraps, and yummy smoothie bowls.

• Seabreeze Beach Bar: Pull up a beanbag as you wait for a turn on the sandy swings or the overwater hammock. This is also the best place for sunset views and happy hour cocktails.

• Dungki Bendega Resto: If you are looking for local dishes prepared with fresh seafood and decent coffee, this is the place for you. Located very close to Secret Beach.

Day tours from Bali to Nusa Ceningan & Nusa Islands

Because Nusa Ceningan is so small and sandwiched between the other two Nusa Islands, you should expect any day trips from Bali to Nusa Cenigan to be combined with either Nusa Lembongan or Penida.

Get Your Guide offers a Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan Island Tour day trip that takes in the Blue Lagoon, as well as top spots on Lembongan such as Dream Beach and the Devil's Tear.

Most other day trips to the islands from Bali focus on snorkelling and diving in the water around the three islands but won't give you time on Ceningan Island.

If you are staying in Nusa Lembongan and want to see Nusa Ceningan, one of your best options could be to ask a motor taxi to take you around. They will probably charge around IDR150,000 (US$10) for the day. Best places to take you to would be Blue Lagoon, Secret Beach, and a local restaurant serving fresh seafood.

Where to stay in Nusa Ceningan

Even though most people prefer to stay on one of the neighbouring islands, especially Nusa Penida, and then travel across to Nusa Ceningan for a day, there are a few nice accommodation options in Nusa Ceningan if you decide to stay.

($$$) Blue Lagoon Avia Villas

Blue Lagoon Avia Villas are located on the Nusa Ceningan cliffs overlooking the Blue Lagoon with luxury bungalows, an outdoor infinity pool, and a bar. The WiFi is reliable and family rooms are available for groups travelling together.

Check availability & best rates

($$) Le Pirate

This beachfront hotel has risen in fame in recent years. It is close to the Yellow Bridge and Nusa Ceningan's adults-only hotel. It has unique eco-friendly designed bungalows, an outdoor swimming and party area, and some of the best sunset views on the island.

Check availability & best rates

($$) Secret Point Huts

Perfectly located for all the best spots on Nusa Ceningan, this hotel offers raised chalets with sea views. The design makes good use of the surrounding environment with semi-outdoor bathrooms and a massage bungalow. This is the hotel that grants access to Secret Beach.

Check availability & best rates

($) Blue Lagoon Secret Villas

These deluxe but rustic rooms and villas come fully equipped with spacious bathrooms and complete kitchens. But you will probably prefer to eat at the restaurant, which offers an a la carte continental breakfast and incredible Nusa Ceningan views.

Check availability & best rates

($) Aurora Beach View

This is a more affordable but still beautiful accommodation option with an outdoor swimming pool, stunning garden, and in-house restaurant. The buffet breakfast is the icing on the cake and will set you up for a day of adventure on Nusa Ceningan.

Check availability & best rates

The Ultimate Guide to Nusa Ceningan – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Nusa Ceningan worth visiting?

Nusa Ceningan is worth visiting if you enjoy beautiful beaches and relaxation. Here the beaches are less crowded than on Bali or the neighboring islands, so you are more likely to find a peaceful spot.

☀️ What is the best time to visit Nusa Ceningan?

The weather is warm and inviting to travel the islands of Indonesia year around, but the best time to visit Bali and the Nusa islands is in the dry season, which goes from May to September. This means more sunshine and beach days during your time in Nusa Ceningan.

📅 How many days do you need in Nusa Ceningan?

Nusa Ceningan is a small island that only covers three square kilometers. You can tick all the major things to do off your list within a day, or even if you just have a few hours. But if you are looking for a place to relax by the beach, you will be rewarded if you stay here for a few days.

❓ Is Nusa Ceningan or Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan better?

While Nusa Ceningan is beautiful, there is certainly more to do on the neighbouring islands. Nusa Penida is best for wild beaches and rustic hikes. Staying in Nusa Lembongan means better surf and a bigger selection of hotels, restaurants, and bars. But a trip to the three islands is easily combined, so there is no need to choose just one.

The Ultimate Guide to Nusa Ceningan – Final Words

If you are looking to experience beyond Bali at your own pace and visit places without the crowds, then you should book yourself a trip to Nusa Ceningan.

The smallest of the Nusa Islands, it is the perfect place to find a secluded beach and enjoy a quiet cocktail when you need a day off from the crowded beaches and bars of Bali.

Don't forget to get all the Insta snaps of the iconic yellow bridge and the unbelievable Nusa Ceningan Blue Lagoon!