Also known as Bali’s offshore islands, there are also great waves a short boat ride from Sanur on the two islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These islands have some quality breaks that work best in the dry season as their north west-facing direction which is perfectly offshore for the south easterly trade winds.

These offshore islands pick up a lot of swell as there is very deep water in the Lombok Strait, which funnels any swell that passed by Bali. The depth of the Lombok Strait reaches more than 1,300 meters and it is a significant part of the Indonesian Throughflow, where water from the Pacific Ocean flows into the Indian Ocean. The movement of a large volume of water through the Lombok Strait leads to strong and unpredictable currents. For safety, it is not recommended to travel between Bali and Nusa Lembongan when there is a big swell running or strong winds and boats regularly sink here.

Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan surf spot information

Playgrounds

As it’s name suggests this is an easy wave very suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers. It breaks very close to the shore and tends to get very crowded. Breaks both left and right but the left is the better quality wave.

Lacerations

Lacerations is a right-hander that barrels over shallow water for advanced surfers. Be very careful here with wave selection as you don’t want to end up in the local hospital with lacerations. This is the most challenging wave to surf in this area, and as with all quality barrelling waves, it attracts surfers looking for a magic ride, so can get very crowded.

Razors

Razors is a quality left hander that can get very very good. On smaller days it is suitable for beginner and intermediates but when the swell picks up, it is advanced surfers only. At high tide it is suitable for longboarders. At low tide it gets very shallow and barrels, but be careful of the razor sharp reef.

Shipwrecks

Shipwrecks is a bit further to paddle than the other breaks nearby. It is a popular spot for shipwrecks, one of which is permanently in the location. It’s a short right hander that is very powerful and quite hard to make. It is a very popular wave for advanced surfers chasing the ultimate in surfing – getting barrelled.

Tamarind

Further up the coast, Tamarind gets less swell than the other spots on Nusa Lembongan. It’s a very small take off and a short ride, but it barrels and that is reason enough to want to surf here.

Ceningan

Ceningan is a left hand point break that is less crowded than the Nusa Lembongan breaks as harder to access. It is a soft wave but breaks with good definition and can be perfect for intermediate surfers.

Can beginners surf Nusa Lembongan?

Yes playgrounds and razors are suitable for beginners when the swell is small and the tide is high enough to clear the reef. The other breaks are too far from the shore and too dangerous for beginners to surf.

Can intermediats surf Nusa Lembongan?

Yes playgrounds and razors are suitable for intermediates when the swell size is in the shoulder-head high range.

When is the best time to surf Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan?

Dry season from October to March is best as the wind consistently blows from the South East which is offshore. During the wet season from November to March the wind is mostly onshore and the surfing conditions are not reliable.

Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan

Most people stay close to the famous surf breaks Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks. This is where the boats arrive from Bali and so offers the easiest access. As you would expect, accommodation on the coast is more expensive than inland. We can recommend Playgrounds Wave Lodge which has great views of the surf and has a Thai restaurant on-site. A cheaper option but with the same views is Ware Ware surf bungalow.

Ceningan is much quieter than Lembongan and there are not so many accommodation options. We can recommend Blue Lagoon Secret Villas which offers great value and service with a delicious breakfast included.

Where to eat in Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan

For dining on Nusa Lembongan we can recommend The Deck Café & Bar, Sandy Bay Beach Club and Lemongrass Bar & Restaurant. We highly recommend you try the fresh seafood. Whether you’re looking for local flavors or international cuisine, Nusa Lembongan has something to satisfy every palate.

What to do in Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan for non-surfers

These islands offer excellent snorkelling and diving. If you are lucky you will see manta rays. There are endless beautiful beaches and coves to explore.

One of the most iconic spots in the whole of Indonesia is Kelingking Beach located on Nusa Penida. The viewpoint is spectacular and very instagrammable. There are public boats which run frequently from Nusa Lembongan to Penida. You can also charter your own private boat.

Nusa Ceningan, though smaller and quieter than its neighboring islands, has some excellent dining options that offer a mix of local and international cuisines, often in beautiful, laid-back settings. Sea Breeze Warung is a popular spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning ocean views. Next Level Café is a trendy spot known for its healthy, plant-based options, smoothies, and fresh juices. It has a laid-back vibe and offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, making it a great spot for health-conscious travelers.