Nusa Lembongan

A small, laid-back island just off Bali's southeast coast, Nusa Lembongan offers the perfect blend of tropical beauty and easy-going island vibes without the overwhelming crowds. Budget accommodation in typical Bali-style huts starts from around $20/night, often steps from the beach. The island's turquoise waters, mangrove forests, and seaweed farms (the largest export product before tourism and still an important source of income) paint a picture of a simpler, slower life — yet it still delivers world-class surfing at Playgrounds and Lacerations, plus the spectacular Devil's Tears blowhole where ocean swells explode against jagged cliffs, sometimes revealing sea turtles riding the high waves. Dream Beach lives up to its name with pristine white sand, and Jungut Batu is the center of island life with the best restaurants, shops, and hotels. The island is small enough to explore by scooter (~$5/day) in a day, with sunset viewpoints and hip bars around every corner. From Lembongan, you can easily cross the iconic Yellow Bridge to neighboring Nusa Ceningan, and a 20-minute boat takes you to the much larger Nusa Penida.