After spending a few months in Bali, we decided it was time to explore Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. We already visited Nusa Penida and we loved its stunning beaches and beautiful viewpoints.
Compared to Bali, Nusa Lembongan is more relaxed and the atmosphere is more laid-back. I was surprised to discover here a few stunning beaches and some pretty incredible places like Devil’s Tears.
One of the best beaches in Nusa Lembongan is the beautiful Dream Beach. A popular place for locals and tourists alike, Dream Beach is a must-see. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know when planning a visit to this beach.
1. What to expect at Dream Beach
We parked our car right on the edge of a cliff overlooking Dream Beach. We took a few moments to admire the beach and then we continued our way down the stairs.
The first thing that I noticed is that Dream Beach is a developed location, with many restaurants, bars and hotels nearby. It’s not one of those remote places, untouched by tourism. However, the beach is beautiful and very wide and the water is crystal-clear.
Once we arrived down at the beach, we laid our towels and stood for a few minutes to take in the view. We found shade near a cliff but most of the beach is in direct sunlight, so make sure to bring your sunscreen!
Towards the eastern part of Dream Beach there are a few natural caves where you can take some epic photos.
Most of the time, the beach is pretty crowded. It’s one of the most popular places in Nusa Lembongan. If you want to beat the crowds, I recommend arriving here early in the morning, before 10 am.
2. Swimming at Dream Beach
If you want to swim or snorkel at Dream Beach, Nusa Lembongan, I recommend checking the tide beforehand. When the tide is low, you can’t swim because the water is too shallow.
Also, keep in mind that on the bottom of the water at Dream Beach there are many rocks. Be very careful and bring your water shoes, if you have any.
When we visited, the waves were very powerful, making it difficult to swim. However we took a dip into the crystal-clear water and refreshed ourselves after a day of sightseeing.
3. Dream Beach Nusa Lembongan Viewpoint
The first viewpoint is right near the parking lot and is called Dream Beach Cliff. Here you can find two swings with awesome views towards Dream Beach. It’s a popular spot for photos so be patient.
There is another viewpoint on the other side of the beach with almost no tourists around.
4. Dream Beach Nusa Lembongan – Bars & Restaurants
There are a few restaurants and bars at Dream Beach Nusa Lembongan. However, keep in mind that prices here are a bit higher than at other restaurants on the island.
Head to Cafe Pandan and try their Nasi Goreng or fruit bowls. Another place where you can grab something to eat or drink is D’Byas Dream Beach Club.
I usually avoid touristy places when choosing a place to eat but these restaurants really offer a gorgeous view towards the beach.
5. Dream Beach – Infinity pools
One thing that makes Dream Beach unique are the gorgeous infinity pools located right by the beach. One of the infinity pools is part of Dream Beach Huts. The other one is is part of D’Byas Dream Beach Club and Villa.
Both infinity pools are beautiful but the most popular one is the one at Dream Beach Huts. This two-tiered pool can be used by outside visitors for a IDR 50 K fee.
If the tide is low or the waves are too strong, it’s good to know that at Dream Beach you have alternatives.
6. Entrance fee and opening hours
There is no entrance fee at Dream Beach and the beach is open 24/7.
7. Dream Beach Huts
If you’re looking for a unique accommodation close to Dream Beach, I recommend Dream Beach Huts. These wooden huts located right by the beach have all the amenities you need for a perfect vacation.
A few of these huts offer splendid views towards the ocean, perfect for a romantic getaway on this beautiful island.
8. Must-see near Dream Beach – Devil’s Tears
Just a short drive or walk away from Dream Beach is the impressive Devil’s Tears. As the name suggest, the natural phenomenon happening here is quite unique and dangerous at the same time.
The waves crash into the caves carved under the cliffs at Devil’s Tear while the water bursts with a lot of pressure. Over the years, many accidents happened here any many people died.
There are no safety fences, so don’t get too close to the edge of the cliffs. The waves are unpredictable and they can sweep you into the ocean.
Stay at a safe distance from the edge of the cliffs and admire the unique scenery here. Together with Dream Beach, Devil’s Tears is one of the top things to do in Nusa Lembongan.
9. How to get to Dream Beach Nusa Lembongan
The best way to explore Nusa Lembongan is on a motorbike. It gives you the freedom to manage your schedule any way you want. We rented our motorbike directly from our accommodation for IDR 80 K per day.
You can also find rental shops near the port, on the main street. The good news is that you can get anywhere on the island in less than 30 minutes by motorbike. Nusa Lembongan is quite small and easy to explore. Also, if you cross the Yellow Bridge you can also explore Nusa Ceningan and its incredible tourist attractions.
If you’re planning to visit this island as a day trip from Bali, keep in mind that most tours include transport. I’ll talk more about this below.
10. How to get to Nusa Lembongan
There are many boats running between Bali and Nusa Lembongan daily. The trip takes around half an hour and the price of a ticket is approximately IDR 100 K one-way.
Most boats depart from Sanur. To buy your tickets, you can head directly to the port or buy them online.
However, if you plan to spend one day exploring Nusa Lembongan, I recommend booking a guided tour that includes transport to and from Nusa Lembongan, transport on the island, an English-speaking guide and other activities.
You can find below 3 tour options, with excellent reviews.
- Nusa Lembongan snorkeling and mangrove day tour – click here
- Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan Full-day tour – click here
- Nusa Lembongan manta ray snorkeling experience from Bali- click here
11. Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected through a bridge, known as the Yellow Bridge. Therefore, access from one island to the other is easy.
There are plenty of stunning hotels and guest houses on both islands. I’ve been searching for the best options for each budget and below are my recommendations.
- Budget – Sunset Garden – beautiful and spacious rooms, awesome pool, friendy staff, good amenities
- Mid-Range – The Acala Shri Sedana – incredible infinity pool with a view, spacious and modern rooms, good amenities
- Luxury – Blue Lagoon Avia Villas – excellent location, incredible pool with a view, modern and luxurious villas, private pool
12. Final thoughts
Dream Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I visited, and trust me, I’ve seen quite a few beaches while traveling through Asia. The views are beautiful, the beach is clean and the water is crystal-clear – what can you possible ask for more?
While visiting Nusa Lembongan, make sure to also visit Nusa Ceningan. Click here to explore all the things to do in Nusa Ceningan.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!
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Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!