Quick answer: Lembongan's breaks sit over shallow reef off the north-west coast, reached by boat from Jungutbatu. Playgrounds is the friendliest, Shipwrecks and Lacerations are for experienced surfers, and Ceningan Point is intermediate and up. Best April to October.
Lembongan's waves break over shallow reef off the north-west coast, a short boat ride from Jungutbatu beach. In the dry season the south-east trade winds blow offshore here, grooming the swell into clean lines. Local boatmen run surfers out and wait.
The breaks
Season, wind and tide
The dry season, roughly April to October, is surf season: offshore winds and the strongest swells from the Indian Ocean. Mornings usually have the lightest wind. The reef gets very shallow at low tide, so most sessions are timed for mid to high tide. Ask the boatmen which break is working.
Lessons
There are surf schools on the island. A good one will pick the break, tide and day to suit you, and keep you away from the shallow sections. Ask about group size and boards for your level.
The reef
These waves break over live coral. Booties help. Fall flat, not head first. Clean any reef cut the same day: coral cuts get infected fast in the tropics.
The line-up
Local surfers grew up on these waves. Wait your turn, don't drop in, and say hello. It goes a long way.
Questions
Is Nusa Lembongan good for beginner surfers?
Playgrounds is the most forgiving break, and some schools teach there on the right day. But all the breaks are over reef, so beginners should take lessons with a local instructor.
When is surf season on Nusa Lembongan?
The dry season, roughly April to October, when the south-east trade winds blow offshore on the north-west reefs.
How do you get to the surf breaks?
By boat. Local boatmen take surfers out from Jungutbatu beach and wait for them, for a fee.
Lembongan or Penida
How many days
Diving