Place to see · Nusa Penida
Mushroom Bay: calm water and boat arrivals on Lembongan
Mushroom Bay is a sheltered bay on the west of Nusa Lembongan, 30 to 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur. Several boats land their passengers straight onto the beach. The water is calm, the sand pale, with warungs and hotels along the shore: it is the simplest beach on the island, especially with children.
- Updated on
- 3 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
You swim, paddle a kayak or snorkel a little in the bay, and have lunch with your feet in the sand. In the morning and late afternoon, fast boats come and go. The rest of the time the bay is quiet, with hotels and warungs along the beach.
Contents
Key points
- A sheltered bay: the water is usually calm, the easiest swimming on Lembongan.
- Some fast boats from Sanur land here, others at Jungutbatu: check your ticket.
- Warungs, hotels, and kayak and mask rental on the beach; prices announced on site.
- Watch out for incoming boats: swim away from the landing areas.
Nusa Lembongan is Nusa Penida’s small, quieter neighbour, grouped here in the same region. Mushroom Bay, called Tanjung Sanghyang by locals, is a crescent-shaped bay on the west coast, sheltered from the swell by its two headlands.
For the crossing from Bali, see Sanur to Nusa Lembongan; for a family stay, Bali with children.
What you do at Mushroom Bay
You swim, paddle a kayak or snorkel a little in the bay, and have lunch with your feet in the sand. In the morning and late afternoon, fast boats come and go. The rest of the time the bay is quiet, with hotels and warungs along the beach.
- Swimming: usually calm water, a gently sloping entry.
- Kayak and paddleboard: for hire on the beach, to follow the bay.
- Snorkelling: a few corals near the headlands, when the sea is calm.
- Warungs and hotels: meals, drinks, sun loungers.
Getting there
If your fast boat lands at Mushroom Bay, you are already there. Otherwise, from Jungutbatu, the bay is reached by scooter, by electric buggy or on foot, along the roads of the west of the island. Check the arrival point on your ticket before booking.
- From Sanur, book a boat that serves Mushroom Bay, or arrive at Jungutbatu.
- From Jungutbatu, follow the south-west road to Mushroom Bay.
- Reach the beach through the lanes between the hotels.
- Settle away from the boat area.
For the crossing: Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, 30 to 45 minutes by fast boat, plus check-in.
When to go
The bay is good for swimming almost all day. In the morning the water is clearest; at boat arrival times, the beach gets busy. In late afternoon, the sun sets towards Bali. Just avoid the hours when the bay fills with boats.
| Time slot | Activity | Sea | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Boat arrivals | Calm, clear | The best time to swim |
| Middle of the day | Quiet | Calm | Little shade on the sand |
| Late afternoon | Boat departures | Calm | Sunset towards Bali |
Sea and seasons: see when to go to Bali.
What to pair it with
Mushroom Bay works as a base for the south-west of the island: Dream Beach and Devil’s Tear are a short distance away. You then come back here to swim in calm water. With children, that is the right order: the waves in the morning, the sheltered bay in the afternoon.
- Dream Beach: the postcard beach, more exposed to the swell.
- Devil’s Tear: waves thrown against the rock.
Frequently asked questions
Do boats from Sanur arrive at Mushroom Bay?
Some do; others arrive at Jungutbatu. Check the arrival point on your ticket, especially if your hotel is at Mushroom Bay.
Is Mushroom Bay suitable for children?
Yes: it is the most sheltered bay on the island. Still watch children near the boat area.
Can you snorkel at Mushroom Bay?
A little, near the headlands and when the sea is calm. For real snorkelling sites, take a boat trip.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
