Are you a digital nomad looking for a new home?
Are you on the hunt for an ideal tropical paradise that offers a comfortable working environment right next to epic reef breaks?
If the answer is yes, then you are on the right page! Read on to discover what it’s like to live, surf, and work remotely from the picturesque Indonesian island of Nusa Lembongan.
The Popularity of Nusa Lembongan With Digital Nomad Surfers
Speaking as someone who has lived and worked remotely in Nusa Lembongan for over 2 years, I can confidently tell you that this is one of the best surf towns for digital nomads!
Being just a 30-minute boat ride away from the island of Bali, Nusa Lembongan offers the perfect balance between tranquility, accessibility, and convenience. It’s an ideal home base for those seeking a peaceful escape without feeling too remote. Unlike Bali, Nusa Lembongan remains refreshingly uncrowded while providing easy access to the amenities of its larger neighbor.
The Surf
Regardless of whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer, the waves in Nusa Lembongan will provide something to get your adrenaline pumping. So, let’s get into the good stuff!
There are four main surf breaks on Nusa Lembongan that are all within a 5-minute scooter ride of each other, located along the coastline of Jungutbatu Village. Each is a reef break that can be paddled out to (within 5 to 15 minutes), however, there are also boat taxi services that will transport you to these waves. The price of this service generally begins at about $US 2 one way.
The best time to surf in Nusa Lembongan is during the dry season months of May to September. This time of year sees larger and more consistent swells with offshore conditions due to the trade winds. However, the trade-off is that this time of year is also peak tourist season. Crowds can double from 15/20 to 30/40 people in the line up. Luckily, it is possible to get waves all year round on Nusa Lembongan – you might just have to account for the wind when planning your surf sessions.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds is an a-frame wave that breaks just in front of Coconut Beach over a live reef. This wave works best on the mid to low tide as the high tide generally creates a strong current that pulls outwards towards the sea. Trust me, you’ll be spending your whole session paddling if you go out at high tide!
Playgrounds is a great wave for beginners if the swell stays below 3 feet. Anything bigger and this wave lights up with barrels and rippable sections on the lower tide. But be alert – this wave has a gnarly inside section with several coral heads hiding just below the surface. Don’t let the name fool you – Playgrounds may sound harmless, but this wave has a wild side.
Lacerations
Unlike Playgrounds, this wave is named for exactly what it can do.
Located on the other side of the channel from Playgrounds, Lacerations is a very technical, powerful, and fast right-hand wave that breaks over a sharp coral reef. When it’s small, it can be the perfect spot for beginners and intermediates to practice trimming and turning as the wave still carries a lot of power. However, when it’s big, it is no place for the faint-hearted.
Holding best the biggest swells of the year, Lacerations is the wave to go to when it is pumping. Though, you will most likely be sitting with the largest crowd as it is also the most popular wave on the island.
Razors
Also breaking over a sharp reef is Razors – a fast left-hander. This is generally where surf schools take their beginners as the wave is so fast that it usually closes out, creating fun whitewash for learners!
On the rare occasion that it does not close out, it will most likely be double overhead and barrelling. Whether you can get out of the tube, is another question.
Shipwrecks
Finally, we have Shipwrecks. A wave that is fun when it’s small and big, Shipwrecks is a right-hand wave perfect for practicing turns, short tube riding, and carves.
Just like the other breaks mentioned, the reef here is very sharp and very alive. If you’re planning on staying out through the dead low tide, wearing booties is a good shout as you’ll probably have to walk over the reef to get back to shore – something I’ve done many times, and have cut my feet doing it many times as well!
Living on a Budget as a Digital Nomad Surfer
Accommodation on the Island
If you’re in search of affordable living, then Indonesia is the way to go. On Nusa Lembongan, long-term stays for digital nomads include monthly rentals at local homestays beginning at $US 150, with all-inclusive utilities, a basic room, a private bathroom, and possibly air conditioning. If you’re after amenities such as hot water, Wi-Fi, and a shared kitchen, this price can go up to about $US 220. Some locally owned places in Jungutbatu that would be worth checking out first include Lala Guesthouse, Jiva Bungalow, and Pandan Wangi Homestay.
Transport
The most practical way to get around the island is by scooter. Tons of rentals go for approximately $US 50 to $US 90 per month depending on the scooter. However, if you are planning to be around long term, purchasing a second-hand scooter is the way to go. These will generally cost you about $US 240 to $US 430 to buy, depending on the age and state of the scooter.
Online Work – The Internet Situation
When it comes to Wi-Fi at any accommodation, it is best to ask directly and check on the speed yourself before making any commitments. As a backup, your own portable hotspot is always a more reliable choice when traveling as a digital nomad in Indonesia.
There is one co-working space on Nusa Lembongan, at Mad Monkey Hostels. However, the internet can be inconsistent due to their remote location on the island, so it’s best to check when you arrive.
Luckily, there is no shortage of cafes on the island that offer high-speed internet with great views and comfortable atmospheres. This is why Nusa Lembongan is a top destination for digital nomad surfers.
These are my go-to cafes for a productive work session:
Bali Eco Deli – The Wi-Fi here is the most consistent and reliable, the chairs are comfortable for long work hours, and the food is healthy and extremely yummy! Not to mention, they have the cheapest coffees with plant-based milk!
Ombak Zero Waste Cafe – This is where I would go to work whilst waiting for the swell to arrive at Shipwrecks! Located right on the beach, Ombak is an ideal place to get work done as a remote worker frothing for waves.
Kayu Lembongan – This is a comfortable, tranquil, spacious, and well-ventilated cafe just off the main road. It is the best place to go on hot and humid days when other places are packed with people!
Food – Sustenance for the Remote Worker
This part is for the foodies.
La Kaban – A French Mediterranean fusion restaurant, and the best quality food on Nusa Lembongan.
Dapur Kecil Lembongan – The best healthy local food joint.
Warung Ayu – The tastiest Javanese food on Nusa Lembongan.
Nida’s Place and Wahyu Homestay 1 – The best budget-friendly Asian and Western food.
Nyoman’s Warung and Warung Bambu – The finest fresh seafood dinner on Nusa Lembongan.
Safety on Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is one of the safest places I have ever lived. For example, I always left the keys in my scooter ignition wherever I parked. If that doesn’t show trust and safety, then I don’t know what will.
I always found it safe to lock money and phones in my scooter when going surfing, however, if you’re wary you can also leave bags at restaurants and local beach warungs. They will generally be happy to store your things for you while you surf, and in return, you can buy a coconut from them afterward to say thanks and build a trusting relationship.
Other Activities
Nusa Lembongan is also well known for its scuba diving and snorkeling. With some of the most pristine reefs in the whole of Indonesia and a residential reef manta ray population, these ocean activities should not be missed out on during your time on the island!Aside from having the best waves for digital nomads, Nusa Lembongan also offers a variety of yoga classes by the beach, kayaking tours in the mangrove forests, as well as some nightlife with a full moon and new moon party every month at Jibaku Bar and Restaurant (pretty much the only parties on the island).
Conclusion
I have always highly recommended Nusa Lembongan as a home for remote workers looking for epic waves and a laid-back lifestyle. With options for world-class surf, day-to-day convenience, a safe environment, and affordable living costs, why not make Nusa Lembongan your next stop as a digital nomad surfer?
Want the full Indo surf adventure? Check out our article on the top spots in Indonesia to surf and work remotely.
