Nomad Watch

Essentials

City
Nusa Lembongan, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Population
Approximately 5,000
Internet Speed
Starlink is arriving in many villas; average speeds 30-60 Mbps via fiber optics (Indihome)
Currency & Banking
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 1 USD ≈ 15,700 IDR. ATMs are limited; use BNI or Mandiri near Jungut Batu
Tap Water
Not drinkable; use bottled or refillable 'Galon' water (approx. 20,000 IDR)
Power
230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. Power outages occur; many high-end villas have generators
SIM Card
Telkomsel has the best coverage on the island. Buy at local kiosks for approx. 150,000 IDR (15GB)
Banking for Expats
Wise and Revolut cards accepted at most upscale restaurants; cash is king at warungs
Accommodation
Boutique hotels, eco-villas, and guest houses (Homestays)
Cashless Friendly
Partial; major dive shops and beach clubs use QRIS or Cards; local markets require cash
Short Term Rentals
Airbnb and local Facebook groups (Nusa Lembongan Community); prices range $400-$1,200/month
Budget Accommodation
Bunga Hostel or many homestays on Jungut Batu main road (approx. 200,000 IDR/night)
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Jungut Batu (sunset side, restaurants) or Mushroom Bay (swimming beaches)
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Lembongan Village (quieter, cheaper long-term villas) or the hill between Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
Lembongan Coworking (in Mushroom Bay area) - Day pass approx. 150,000 IDR
Best Cafe for Work
Ginger & Jamu (Jungut Batu beach) - Great WiFi, beach views, and healthy food
Networking Events
Weekly expat meetups at The Deck Cafe & Bar; Digital Nomad Bali Facebook groups
Social Events for Expats
Beach cleanup events organized by Trash Hero Lembongan; Dive community gatherings at Blue Corner

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
Gojek/Grab do not operate here. Use local 'truck taxis' ($5-$10 per trip)
Bike/Scooter Rental
Local rentals available everywhere (approx. 75,000 - 100,000 IDR/day)
Best Beach Nearby
Dream Beach or Jungut Batu Beach for sunset
Top Regional Airline
Garuda Indonesia or Citilink (flying into Denpasar Ngurah Rai - DPS)
Top International Airline
Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas
Highway Access
No highways; all roads are narrow paved or dirt tracks
Main Train/Transit Hub
Sanur Harbour (Bali mainland) is the primary boat transit hub
Public Transport Passes
None; transportation is individual via boat or scooter
Regional Travel
Fast boat to Sanur (400,000 IDR return) or local boat to Nusa Penida (50,000 IDR)

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
East Bali Medical Center (Lembongan Clinic) for basics; BIMC Hospital in Bali for emergencies
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Yoga Bliss Lembongan (Jungut Batu) - Single class approx. 120,000 IDR
Gyms & Fitness Centers
The Gym Lembongan (small community gym near the yellow bridge)
Laundry Services
Local 'Laundry Kiloan' services everywhere (approx. 15,000 IDR per kg)

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
None; call restaurants directly for delivery (WhatsApp is standard)
Best Local Dish to Try
Sate Lilit (balinese minced fish satay) or Nasi Campur
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Bali Eco Deli (Great salads and sustainable practices)
Best Dessert Spots
Pisang Goreng (fried bananas) from street stalls or cakes at Muntigs
Affordable Shopping Spots
Night Market (Pasar Malam) near the main village clinic
E-commerce/Online Store
Shopee or Tokopedia (deliveries arrive via boat from Bali/Java)
Grocery Delivery
No apps; local shops like Sari Nadi for bulk items
Bar/Nightlife Area
Blue Corner Dive (Friday nights) or Sanghyang Bay
Local Brewery
No local brewery; Bintang beer is found everywhere for approx 30,000 IDR
Wine Bars
The Deck Cafe & Bar (extensive imported wine list)
Street Food Stalls
Warung Bu Triska or stalls near the Yellow Bridge
Popular International Cuisine
Mama Mia (Italian) or Thai Pantry

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
Devil’s Tear (rock formation with crashing waves)
Museums & Art Venues
None significant; the island is an open-air museum of seaweed farming
Historical Sites
Gala-Gala Underground House (cultural 15-room dwelling carved into rock)
Religious Sites
Pura Segara (Sea Temple) in Jungut Batu
Annual Events
Nyepi (Day of Silence) - no travel/lights allowed (March/April); Galungan
Cultural Districts
Lembongan Village (traditional heart of the island)
Theater Venues
N/A - traditional Kecak dance performances are occasional
Local Markets
Lembongan Morning Market (starts 5:00 AM)
Music Scene
Acoustic live music at Ohana's Beach Club
Street Art
Mural at Blue Corner Terrace and local boat carvings
Cooking Classes
Lembongan Bali Cooking Class (near Jungut Batu)
Art Galleries
Small local craft shops near Mushroom Bay
Historic Buildings
Traditional Balinese compound gates throughout the village
Local Heritage
Seaweed farming – observe the drying process on the shores

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Mangrove Forest (northern tip) - Kayak or SUP through the trees
National Parks Nearby
Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (snorkeling with Manta Rays)
Cycling/Walking Paths
The walk between Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay via the cliff path
Scenic Viewpoints
Panorama Point (view over the whole island and Mount Agung)
Birdwatching Locations
Mangrove forest areas
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
Quiet beaches on the north side; ask locals first

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
J&T Express or JNE (Pickup at local agents)
Tech Repair Services
Very limited; usually requires a trip to Denpasar/Kuta (Bali mainland)
Table Tennis Spots
Available at some dive resorts like Big Fish Diving
Language Classes
Informal lessons via staff; no formal schools on island
Libraries & Study Spots
Bali Eco Deli's library corner
Community Centers
New Horizon School (community project)
Gaming Lounges
N/A
Casino & Gaming Halls
Strictly illegal in Indonesia

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Freehold not available to foreigners. Leasehold approx. $150,000 for 25 years
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Leasehold approx. $100,000 for 25 years in peaceful interior
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. $180,000 (Leasehold 25+ years)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. $140,000 (Leasehold options available)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. $250,000 - $350,000 (Leasehold villa 100m²)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. $200,000 (Leasehold villas)
Corporate Tax
22% standard rate in Indonesia
Dividend Withholding Tax
20% for non-residents, 10% for residents
Tax System
Worldwide income for tax residents (183+ days)
Highest Income Tax Bracket
35% for income over 5 Billion IDR
VAT
11% on most goods/services
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes, applicable to Indonesian tax residents
Property Tax
PBB (Land and Building Tax) - approx. 0.1% to 0.2% annually
Property Transaction Tax
5% for buyer (BPHTB), 2.5% for seller
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
E33G Remote Worker Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) - 0% on foreign-sourced income

Continue exploring Nusa Lembongan