3-Days Nusa lembongan & Nusa Penida island Complete Tour

A 3-Day Adventure to Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan — Is It Worth It?

If you’re craving a quick escape from Bali’s busy streets, this 3-day tour to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan offers a tempting mix of breathtaking views, island-hopping, and snorkeling adventures. For $250 per person, you get hotel transfers, meals, and a chance to see some of Bali’s most iconic spots—think Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and the Yellow Bridge. We appreciated that the trip includes staying overnight on each island, giving you a break from the hectic day-tripping crowd.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to see Nusa Penida’s dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters without having to organize transport yourself. Plus, the snorkeling at multiple sites offers a wonderful underwater perspective. On the flip side, the tour can feel a little overcrowded, especially at popular stops, and involves a fair amount of bumpy transfers and stairs—not ideal if you’re mobility-challenged or seeking serenity.

If you’re someone who enjoys lively group excursions with a packed itinerary, this tour suits well. It’s especially good for those who want a rundown of Nusa’s highlights in a short period. But if you prefer more relaxed, less crowded experiences, you might want to consider other options or private tours.

Key Points

• Two islands in three days give you a compact but exciting overview.
• Iconic sights like Kelingking Beach and Devil’s Tears are included.
• Multiple snorkeling spots provide underwater fun—don’t forget fins!
• Overcrowding and busy roads are common complaints.
• The tour offers hotel pickup from key Bali locations.
• Additional fees include harbor taxes and marine park conservation fees.

In-Depth Review of the 3-Day Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida Tour

Setting the Scene: What’s Included?

This tour is designed for those who want to maximize their time exploring Bali’s neighboring islands. For $250, you receive two nights accommodation—each in a shared twin room—plus meals on days 1 and 3, transportation, snorkeling gear, and fast boat transfers. The pick-up service covers major Bali spots like Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Sanur, making it convenient for most travelers.

The trip’s duration—around three days—means you get a solid introduction to Nusa Penida and Lembongan without feeling rushed. But, keep in mind, the group size is limited to 15 travelers, which helps maintain some intimacy amidst the busy sightseeing.

Day 1: Nusa Penida’s Highlights Begin

Your adventure kicks off early with a 45-minute boat ride to Nusa Penida. The first stop is Kelingking Beach, famous for its dinosaur-shaped cliffs and spectacular views. We loved how the viewpoint offers a dinosaur T-Rex silhouette—a selfie classic—and the chance to spot manta rays from above, weather permitting.

The admission fee is included, but the steep cliffs and uneven terrain mean you should be comfortable with some walking and stairs. One reviewer described it as “a beautiful overcrowded ant hill”—which highlights how popular and busy it gets. The crowds can detract from the experience, but the view remains worth it.

Next, Pasih Uug or Broken Beach features a natural archway with ocean water flowing in and out, creating a dramatic scene. Here, you’ll explore the unique geological formations that make Nusa Penida so photogenic. We appreciated the admission included as it streamlines the visit, but it’s always good to be prepared for crowds at such popular stops.

The Angel’s Billabong is just a short walk away—a natural pool with turquoise waters surrounded by rugged rocks. The scenery here is both mesmerizing and slightly treacherous, so caution is advised, especially near the edges.

The day wraps up at Crystal Bay, a well-loved spot for snorkeling and relaxing on the sand. The rock in the middle of the bay is iconic, but the currents can be strong, according to seasoned snorkelers. The tour includes snorkeling gear, but you’ll need to be cautious and stay within the mooring areas to avoid dangerous currents.

Day 2: From Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan

After a hotel check-out and a breakfast, the journey continues with a visit to Raja Lima or Thousand Islands Viewpoint. This hilltop offers panoramic views and those quaint treehouses perfect for photos. The trek up involves steep, rocky paths, but the rewarding vistas make the effort worthwhile.

From there, you’ll visit Diamond Beach for some breathtaking views both from above and below. The beach itself isn’t as accessible for swimming but offers an ideal photo opportunity.

Next, a 20-minute boat ride takes you to Nusa Lembongan. The Yellow Bridge connects the main island with Ceningan, and it’s an Instagram-worthy spot, often crowded with travelers eager for a quick snapshot.

The afternoon features Devil’s Tears, where waves crash forcefully into the cove, creating a spectacle of spray and roar. One reviewer described it as “epic”, noting the powerful ocean makes for a thrilling stop.

Day 3: Snorkeling and Departure

Your final day involves snorkeling at three different sites, including Mangrove Point, Crystal Bay, and Gamat Bay. The sea conditions might change, but the underwater scenery is a highlight, offering a glimpse of vibrant marine life. We loved the way the tour allows flexibility depending on weather and ocean conditions.

After snorkeling, you’ll enjoy a lunch, then visit the Mangrove Forest—a peaceful ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Finally, it’s time to return to Bali via fast boat from Lembongan, with plenty of memories and photos to take home.

Practical Aspects: What You Need to Know

Transportation & Timing: The tour involves boat rides, road transfers, and some walking. The boat to Nusa Penida is about 45 minutes, and the Lembongan boat takes roughly 20 minutes. Expect bumpy rides at times, especially on open water.

Group Size & Guides: The tour is capped at 15 travelers, led by a driver/guide. The guide’s knowledge is often praised; they help make the busy stops more manageable and informative.

Additional Fees: Be prepared for harbor taxes (Rp.25,000 per person), marine park conservation fees (Rp.100,000 adult / Rp.50,000 child), and possibly extra charges for hotels outside the pick-up zone. All these costs are paid on the spot, so having cash ready will save time.

Age & Physicality: The minimum age for snorkeling is 8 years. You should be able to swim and comfortable with stairs and uneven terrain, as many stops involve steep paths.

Weather & Cancellations: The tour is subject to weather conditions. If canceled, you’ll get the option to reschedule, but no refunds are provided if you cancel last minute.

Real Traveler Feedback

One reviewer described the experience as “a beautiful overcrowded ant hill,” expressing concern over overcrowding and traffic congestion. This is a common complaint at popular sites like Kelingking and Angel’s Billabong, especially during peak hours.

Conversely, another traveler called it “a well-organized trip” they enjoyed immensely, praising helpful staff and the value for such a packed itinerary. The guides’ helpfulness and the scenic stops seem to be particular highlights despite some logistical challenges.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who don’t mind crowds and bustling sights. It’s especially suitable if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short time, with professional guidance and all logistics taken care of. It suits those eager to see iconic viewpoints and try snorkeling without the hassle of planning everything on their own.

However, if quiet, off-the-beaten-path experiences are your priority, or if you prefer less crowded environments, you might find this tour too hectic.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Nusa tour offers a solid introduction to Bali’s neighboring islands with stunning views, cultural sights, and underwater adventures. The value for the price is evident, especially considering the hotel transfers, meals, and all included activities. While it’s busy and sometimes overcrowded, the guides and scenery often make up for the hustle.

For travelers who love photography, adventure, and island exploration, this tour provides a concentrated dose of Bali’s unique island charm. If you’re prepared for crowds and a packed schedule, you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories—and perhaps a few spectacular photos.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup, two nights accommodation, meals (days 1 and 3), snorkeling gear, boat transfers, and entry fees for the key sites. Local taxes and facility fees are also covered.

How long is each boat ride?
The boat from Bali to Nusa Penida takes about 45 minutes, while the ride from Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch is provided on days 1 and 3. Additional dinners are not included.

Can I participate if I don’t swim?
Snorkeling is part of the package, and participants should be able to swim. Some sites have strong currents, so caution is advised.

What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour is weather-dependent. Clear, calm days will provide the best experience, especially for snorkeling and boat rides.

Is this suitable for children?
The minimum age for snorkeling is 8 years. Children should be comfortable with stairs and walking over uneven terrain.

What are the main drawbacks?
The common issues are overcrowding at popular sites and traffic congestion. Be prepared for bumpy rides and crowded viewpoints.

Is it worth the price?
Considering transport, accommodation, meals, and site visits, many find it good value—especially for those wanting an all-in-one experience.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for harbor and conservation fees, sunscreen, water, a hat, comfortable shoes, and swimming gear.

Can I customize this tour?
This specific tour is pre-arranged, but private options or alternative tours may offer a more relaxed pace or fewer crowds.

In essence, this tour packs in the highlights of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers eager to make the most of their Bali trip—despite the crowds. If you’re okay with a lively, guided experience and want stunning views and underwater fun, it’s a solid pick.