Nusa Islands With Kids (2026): Best Island to Stay + Family Tips for Penida, Lembongan & Ceningan

For most families traveling with young kids, Nusa Lembongan is the easiest and most comfortable island to stay on. However, each of the Nusa Islands offers something different for families — from calm beaches to wild adventures. If you’re short on time, check out the comparison table below for a quick overview.

• Nusa Lembongan is usually the best pick for families with babies or toddlers. It’s compact, calm, and easy to get around, with plenty of family-friendly stays. Many families use it as a base and take day trips to the other islands.
• Nusa Penida is the most dramatic and adventurous of the three. With high cliffs and scenic viewpoints, it’s best visited on a day trip — especially if you’re traveling with younger kids. Older children and teens will love the wow factor.
• Nusa Ceningan is the most peaceful and walkable. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet escape, with laid-back beach cafés and scenic coastal paths.

The easiest way to reach the Nusa Islands is by fast boat from Sanur or Padang Bai. Most families leave from Sanur, with regular boats heading to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. The Nusa Islands are also featured in our 2-week Bali itinerary for families, making it a convenient stop if you’re following our suggested route. Not sure what to pack for Bali? Our Bali packing list for families covers all the essentials.

🚤 Fast Boats to Lembongan & Penida

From Sanur, it takes around 30 to 45 minutes. In Nusa Lembongan, you’ll usually arrive right on the beach (yes, your feet might get wet 😅), while in Nusa Penida, most boats dock at a small harbor.

The sea between Bali and the Nusas can get very rough—especially in the afternoon or on windy days. We’ve had some bumpy crossings ourselves, and our daughter once got really seasick during the ride. If you’re traveling with little ones, it’s a good idea to bring motion sickness pills, just in case.

Also, not all fast boat companies are created equal. Make sure to do a bit of research before booking—safety standards and reliability can vary. We personally always go with Ekajaya, and they’ve been solid so far.

Because the Nusa Islands are often one of the highlights of a Bali trip, we use a simple Bali travel journal to help our kids keep track of their favorite island memories.

🌉 Getting to Nusa Ceningan

To reach Nusa Ceningan, first take a boat to Nusa Lembongan. From there, it’s an easy walk or scooter ride across the iconic Yellow Bridge that connects the two islands. A fun little adventure before you even arrive!

Nusa Lembongan is the most family-friendly of the Nusa Islands. It combines stunning natural beauty with just enough comfort and convenience to make traveling with little ones easy and enjoyable. We’ve visited several times—both with and without kids—and it remains one of our favorite places in Bali.

Traveling with a baby or toddler? Be sure to check out our complete guide to 👉 Bali with a Baby or Toddler for more tips and must-haves—it’ll make your island adventure a whole lot smoother.

Getting to Nusa Lembongan is quick and easy (more on that earlier). Once on the island:

• Golf carts are a fun and practical way to get around—they’re shaded, safe, and easy to drive.
• Baby carriers work better than strollers due to sandy paths and uneven roads. Tula carriers are our favorite!
• Scooters are an option if you’re traveling with older kids, but we’ve personally skipped it with our little ones.
• There are no taxis, but many restaurants and resorts offer free pick-up/drop-off—just message them ahead of time.

🏖️ Family-Friendly Beaches & Beach Clubs

• Jungut Batu Beach – Calm water, soft sand, and gentle waves—perfect for toddlers.
• Mushroom Bay – A scenic and sheltered beach with family-friendly facilities.
• Dream Beach – Gorgeous white sand and turquoise water. A cliffside beach club nearby offers great views.
• Sandy Bay Beach Club – A laid-back spot with a playground, good food, and a relaxed family vibe.
• Ohana’s Beach Club – A top favorite with a shaded playground, beachfront seating, and a kid-friendly menu.

If your kids love beach days as much as ours, don’t miss our guide to the best family-friendly beaches in Bali, with calm water and easy access.

🛏️ Accommodation & Family Facilities

Lembongan has plenty of great places to stay for families, from budget to boutique:

• Ohana’s Boutique Resort – Beachfront, stylish, and very family-focused.
• 🤩 Kakiang Guesthouse – Affordable stay with super friendly hosts — one of our favorite hidden gems!

You’ll also find:

• High chairs and baby cots at many stays
• Kid-friendly menus at most restaurants
• Mini-markets and small pharmacies for essentials

🤩 Fun Things To Do (For Kids & Parents)

There’s no shortage of fun for the whole family:

• Snorkeling in calm lagoons with colorful fish (life jackets available)
• Mangrove boat tours – peaceful, slow-paced, and great for young kids
• Golf cart island tours – explore beaches, viewpoints, and smoothie cafés
• Scenic walks to spots like Devil’s Tear or Panorama Point
• Yellow Bridge walk – cross to Nusa Ceningan for even more adventure
• Scuba diving – While not exactly a kid activity, Lembongan is a top diving spot (hello manta rays!). Many dive shops are family-friendly.
  Want to know more? We cover diving (and snorkeling!) in detail further down this guide.

✅ A Great Base to Explore the Other Nusa Islands

Lembongan is the ideal home base: Ceningan is just across the Yellow Bridge, and Penida is a short boat ride away. Whether you choose to explore all three islands or settle in here, Lembongan gives you the best mix of comfort, calm, and easy access.

Not sure where to base yourself before or after the Nusa Islands? See our full where to stay in Bali with kids guide for the easiest family locations.

Nusa Ceningan with kids is full of small surprises—perfect for a half-day trip or peaceful overnight stay. It’s the smallest of the three Nusa Islands and connected to Nusa Lembongan by the iconic Yellow Bridge.

We’ve explored it several times—usually as a day trip from Lembongan—but if you love peace and don’t mind a quieter vibe, Ceningan can also be a great spot to stay a night or two.

Planning a longer trip? Our 3-week Bali and Lombok family itinerary shows how to combine both islands into one smooth route.

You can cross the Yellow Bridge on foot or by scooter. Golf carts don’t fit on the bridge, so you’ll need to arrange scooter rental or other transport if you want to explore independently. Many homestays can help with that.
The roads are mostly paved but narrow—go slow with kids, and bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller.

There are no taxis, but the island is small. Most places are 10–15 minutes away.

🏖️ Kid-Friendly Beaches & Chill Spots

• Secret Beach – A tiny cove with turquoise water. Beautiful, but the waves can be rough. Great for a short visit or picnic.
• Le Pirate Beach Club – A pool, ocean views, and good food in a relaxed setting. Very family-friendly.
• Ceningan Cliffs – Epic views and a pool café where parents can relax while kids splash.
• Blue Lagoon – A dramatic viewpoint with deep-blue water. Beautiful, but there are no fences—keep little ones close.
• The Sand – Hammocks, swings, cold drinks… a relaxed spot right on the beach.

Note: Most beaches are small and a bit wild here—Ceningan is more about views and chill vibes than sandcastle-building.

🛏️ Accommodation & Family Facilities

Options are more limited than on Lembongan, but there are a few gems:

• Secret Point Huts – Hidden huts along the cliffs offer quiet moments with turquoise sea views.
• Tenang Villas – A peaceful villa retreat with stunning views over Nusa Ceningan.

Ceningan is a nice option for a short, peaceful stay—especially if you have older kids or just want to unwind between busier spots

🤩 Fun Things To Do (For Kids & Parents)

• Chill at cliff cafés and pool clubs (many welcome families)
• Explore tidal pools—great for curious little ones
• Visit Blue Lagoon (hold hands—no railings)
• Watch the sunset from Ceningan Cliffs or The Sand

Looking for more family adventures? Don’t miss our list of the best things to do in Bali with kids, from beaches to cultural highlights.

For families with toddlers or babies, most highlights on Nusa Penida are best enjoyed from viewpoints rather than beach descents. Nusa Penida is the largest and most rugged of the Nusa Islands. It’s famous for dramatic cliffs, Instagram-famous beaches like Kelingking and Diamond, and the chance to snorkel with manta rays. But unlike the smaller Nusas, exploring Penida requires more time, planning, and patience—especially with young kids.

We’ve visited Penida both with and without kids, and while it offers unforgettable views and wild beauty, it’s not the easiest island for families. Still, with the right expectations and a smart plan, it can be a great addition to your Nusa adventure. Therefore, we have also included it in our free day-by-day itinerary — perfect for stress-free planning and fun family adventure. You can download it here!

If you’re thinking of adding Lombok to your trip, check out our complete Lombok with kids travel guide for easy family planning.

Penida is about 35–45 minutes by fast boat from Bali, or just 15 minutes from Nusa Lembongan. Boats arrive at Toyapakeh Harbor or Sampalan on the north coast.

Once on land, things get a bit more intense. While road conditions have improved, expect narrow, winding roads with potholes and steep climbs—especially in the south and east. Popular sights are far apart, and traffic jams are surprisingly common around viewpoints.

• Private driver: Safest and most comfortable
• Scooter rental: Not ideal with young children
• Tour from Lembongan: Easy and family-friendly

📸 What to Expect on Nusa Penida (with Kids)

Penida’s natural beauty is next-level, but also wild and rugged. Not every highlight is safe or easy with little ones—so here’s what to know:

🌊 Crystal Bay

• One of the few swimmable beaches
• Calm water in the morning
• Great snorkeling spot
• Limited shade, basic facilities
• Not stroller-friendly, but fine with a carrier

📸 Kelingking Beach & Angel’s Billabong

• Iconic cliff views—best admired from the top
• The descent to Kelingking Beach is very steep and unsafe for kids
• Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach are nearby, stunning but hot and crowded by midday
• Best visited early morning or late afternoon

🏖️ Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach

• Located on the east coast
• Postcard-perfect, but involve steep stairs
• Best for families with older kids or teens
• You can enjoy the views without hiking all the way down

🌄 Thousand Island Viewpoint & Rumah Pohon

• Quieter and peaceful—great for a scenic photo stop
• Panoramic cliffs and a charming treehouse
• Stairs, but more manageable than Diamond or Kelingking

🛏️ Where to Stay on Nusa Penida (with Kids)

While there are accommodations on Nusa Penida, we personally chose not to stay overnight and instead did a day trip from Lembongan. If you’re traveling with small kids, we recommend doing the same—Penida is beautiful, but can be challenging with little ones, and travel times are long.

The Nusa Islands aren’t just beautiful above the surface—they’re also home to some of the best underwater experiences in Bali. From colorful coral gardens to majestic manta rays, there’s a whole world waiting below. While many ocean activities are best suited for older kids or adults, there are also safe and fun options for younger children, especially in the calm lagoons around Lembongan and Ceningan.

We’ve often seen dolphins while boating between the islands—and even while snorkeling! It’s always a magical surprise and a highlight for kids and adults alike.

Snorkel with Manta Rays (From Any Island)

This area is one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel with manta rays year-round. Their favorite spot is Manta Point, off the southwest coast of Nusa Penida, but you can join tours from Lembongan, Penida, or even Bali.

Before you go, always check the ocean conditions—local dive schools usually have the most accurate info on wave height and visibility.

Snorkeling at Manta Point can be unforgettable, but it’s not for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:

• The sea can be rough, especially during windy months
• Cold water is common – wear a rashguard
• Jellyfish may be present (rashguards help here, too!)
• Some days can be very crowded with boats, which may affect safety
• ⚠️ Most importantly: only go if you or your kids are strong swimmers

If conditions are good and you get to snorkel with a manta ray, it’s an experience you won’t easily forget. For both kids and adults, it’s something truly special to witness up close. Check this snorkeling tour!

Scuba Diving & Mola Mola Encounters

If you’re a diver, the Nusa Islands are world-class. You’ll find dramatic reefs, drift dives, and an incredible variety of marine life. And if you’re visiting between July and October, you may even spot the elusive mola mola (sunfish)—a huge, otherworldly creature that looks like it swam straight out of a science fiction movie.

We’ve been lucky enough to dive here several times—and yes, we’ve seen multiple mola mola! Always an unforgettable experience.

From baby-friendly beaches on Lembongan to dramatic viewpoints on Penida, the Nusa Islands offer a unique side of Bali that’s absolutely worth exploring with your family — as long as you pick the right spots and pace.
We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable island adventure with your little ones!

Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss these family guides:
👉 Top 10 Things to Do in Bali with Kids
👉 Ultimate 2-Week Bali Itinerary for Families
👉 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Bali
👉 Bali With a Baby or Toddler

📌 Save your favorite island tips on Pinterest and follow us for more family travel ideas.
📸 And join us on Instagram — where we share weekly travel moments, real tips, and behind-the-scenes fun!

Happy island hopping! 🌴
— The Little Passport Crew

FAQ: Visiting Nusa Islands with Kids

Are the Nusa Islands safe for kids?

Yes — with some planning and care. Lembongan and Ceningan are relatively easy to explore with children. Penida is more rugged and less forgiving, so it’s best tackled with older kids or as a guided day trip.

Which Nusa Island is best for families with young children?

Nusa Lembongan is the most family-friendly. It has calm beaches, short travel distances, and a laid-back vibe that works well with young kids. Ceningan is also lovely for a short visit from Lembongan.a.

Can children snorkel around the Nusa Islands?

Yes, but only in calm waters and under close supervision. Crystal Bay and parts of Lembongan (like Jungut Batu or Mangrove Point) can be safe for confident swimmers, but always check conditions and go with a guide if in doubt.

Are the Nusa islands stroller-friendly?

Not really. Roads and paths are often uneven, sandy, or have steps. A good baby carrier is much more practical on all three islands.

How’s the boat ride from Bali to the Nusas with kids?

It takes around 30–45 minutes, but conditions can be choppy. Some boats are better than others — do your research and read reviews. We usually choose Ekajaya for their large boats and reliable service.

How do you get around with kids on the Nusa Islands?

On Nusa Penida, the best way is with a private driver who knows the roads. On Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan, golf buggies are a fun and easy way to explore. For island transfers, fast boats are reliable, and many hotels can help arrange pickups for a smooth ride with little ones.

Are the Nusa Islands suitable for babies

Absolutely! The islands (especially Lembongan) are family-friendly, with calm beaches, easy walks, and plenty of relaxing spots. Just plan for slower travel times and pack all baby essentials, as shops can be limited in quieter areas.