Are you looking for one of the absolute best kid-friendly activities Nusa Lembongan has to offer? An activity that doesn’t cost a single rupiah, gets your kids away from screens, and creates memories of pure discovery?
And the best part? It’s 100% free!
It’s time to go beachcombing!
Nusa Lembongan is an island defined by the ocean and its tides. We are surrounded by a massive coral reef, and when the tide goes all the way out, it reveals a secret, magical world that’s normally hidden under the waves.
This is when the beach becomes a real-life treasure hunt. The retreating water leaves behind thousands of “tide pools,” which are like tiny, natural aquariums. This is one of the most unique things to do Lembongan Bali and is an absolute must-do for families with curious kids (and curious adults, too!).
What is Beachcombing, Lembongan-Style?
It’s simple! It’s the art of walking slowly along the beach, especially at low tide, and exploring the tide pools. It’s about seeing what the ocean left behind.
It’s an adventure. It’s a science lesson. And it’s a surprise every single time. You never know what you’ll find. This isn’t just a walk on the beach; it’s an exploration.
Why is This the Perfect Family Activity?
- It’s Free: You don’t need a ticket, a guide, or any special equipment.
- It’s a Natural Classroom: Your kids will learn more about marine biology in one hour here than in a week at school. They’ll see how crabs walk, how starfish eat, and how different sea creatures live together.
- It’s for All Ages: Toddlers will be perfectly happy just splashing in a small, safe, sandy pool. Older kids will love the “challenge” of carefully climbing over rocks to find the next, bigger pool.
- It’s a Screen-Free Adventure: This is pure, old-fashioned fun that sparks creativity and a love for nature.
Where Are the Best Spots for Tide Pools?
While all the best beaches Nusa Lembongan are beautiful, some are much better for beachcombing than others. Here are our top picks.
1. Jungutbatu Beach (Especially Near the Mangroves)
This is our favorite spot, and it’s right on the doorstep of Gecko Bungalows. When the tide goes all the way out, it goes way out. You can walk for hundreds of meters.
What you’ll see: This is the heart of Lembongan’s seaweed farming area. You can walk right up to the farms and see how they are grown. The main “treasures” here are the starfish. You will see dozens of them, including the famous bright blue Linckia starfish. You’ll also see sea slugs, tiny crabs, and all sorts of interesting seaweed.
Best for: All ages. It’s very flat, not rocky, and you have amazing views of Mount Agung.
2. Mushroom Bay
This is one of the safe beaches for kids Nusa Lembongan has because it’s a very protected, calm cove. The waves are almost always small.
What you’ll see: The beachcombing here is best on the rocky sides of the bay. The tide pools that form here are often very clear and sandy. This is a great place to find small, fast-moving fish that have been trapped by the tide, as well as beautiful, swirly shells.
Best for: Toddlers and younger children, as the bay is so calm and protected.
3. Sandy Bay (next to Devil’s Tears)
This spot is for adventure! Sandy Bay and its neighbor, Dream Beach, are wild and beautiful. This is not a swimming beach. But the beachcombing is spectacular.
What you’ll see: On the rocky platforms on either side of the beach, the low tide reveals deep, dramatic rock pools. These are like deep, miniature aquariums, often filled with larger crabs and colorful fish.
Best for: Older kids and adults. Safety is #1 here. Never turn your back on the ocean, as big “rogue waves” can crash onto the rocks even on a calm day. This is not for toddlers, but it’s a real thrill for explorers.
Your Treasure Guide: What Can You Find?
- Tiny Crabs: You’ll see hundreds of them! There are fast, pale “ghost crabs” that run sideways on the sand, and tiny “hermit crabs” that have made their homes in old shells.
- Starfish (Sea Stars): The most common find is the bright blue Linckia sea star. You may also find bumpy, orange, or brown ones.
- Sea Slugs (Nudibranchs): These are the jewels of the tide pool. They are squishy, incredibly colorful “slugs” that look like they were designed by an artist.
- Beautiful Shells: Look for shiny cowrie shells, pointy cone shells, and shells with perfect spiral patterns.
- Brittle Stars: They look like starfish but with very thin, spidery arms. They move surprisingly fast!
The Most Important Rule: “Look, Don’t Take”
This is the golden rule of beachcombing and the heart of sustainable tourism Lembongan. Please teach it to your family.
It’s okay to gently pick up a crab to see it walk. It’s okay to gently touch a starfish’s tough skin. It’s NOT okay to take anything home.
- Living creatures must be left alone to live.
- Empty shells must be left on the beach. Why? Because those “empty” shells are the future homes for hermit crabs. No shells = no hermit crabs.
- Coral (even “dead” pieces) is part of the ecosystem and is illegal to take.
The rule is: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Put every creature and every shell back gently where you found it.
What to Bring
- Reef Shoes or Old Sneakers: This is a must! The rocks and broken coral can be sharp.
- Hat & Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The sun is strong, and you’ll lose track of time.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated!
- A Camera: You’ll want to take pictures of your finds.
Gecko Tip: The key to this entire adventure is the tide. You must go at low tide. The best time is one hour before and one hour after the lowest tide of the day.
How do you know when low tide is? Just ask our friendly staff at the Gecko Bungalows reception. We can check the daily tide chart for you and tell you the perfect time to go on your family’s tide pool adventure.