Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan – Yellow Bridge: The Bridge of Love

Painted in bright yellow, the Yellow Bridge, is an iconic landmark for both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, as it connects the two neighbouring islands. With the bridge being the only route connecting the two islands, you certainly wou'dn’t be able to miss this iconic bridge. But do you know that the Yellow Bridge you see today isn’t the same bridge it was there two years ago?

Yellow Bridge

In October 2016, the original Yellow Bridge collapsed, killing 8 people and injuring 42 others. For several months, local Balinese and visitors had to cross over via boat, until the recent bridge was rebuilt in February 2017. This new Yellow Bridge is even renamed “The Bridge of Love”, though I’m still trying to figure the reason behind such romantic name. The bridge however, is still only wide enough for motorcycles and pedestrians.

Only wide enough for pedestrians

You can only cross by walking or scooter

Scooter Rental Service

There are a couple of warungs before the bridge, at Nusa Lembongan side, with one of it having scooters for rent. If you are dropped off here after arriving on Mushroom Beach, you can rent a scooter here to travel around. Alternatively, there are plenty of other choices around the two islands. 

Boat to Nusa Penida

Boat to Nusa Penida

The Yellow Bridge is the only place to charter a boat to Nusa Penida. The boat usually departs every 30 minutes and there are so far two boat operators on the beach. After asking about the price, the operator company which is located right on the beach charged at a cheaper price (which is also fixed and non-negotiable) of RP 60,000 per person as opposed to the operator at the Yellow Bridge (I was quoted RP 75,000). The boat ride is only about 15 minutes away and you will be dropped off at Toya Pakeh beach.

On the boat to Nusa Penida

Tip: You may consider booking a hotel near the Yellow Bridge, so that hiring and returning scooter can be done somewhere within walking distance from the Yellow Bridge. Alternatively, you may request the boat operator to drop you at the Yellow Bridge upon your arrival instead of dropping you to your hotel. This way, you can rent the scooter at the Yellow Bridge. However, this is only applicable to those who are going to Nusa Penida next as the boarding harbour for boat heading back to Sanur would either be at Jungut Batu beach or Mushroom Beach. Alternatively, if you join a snorkelling tour, you may also ask to be dropped at Nusa Penida after the trip as 2 out of 3 snorkelling points are off the coast of Nusa Penida – Manta Point and Crystal Bay. There are also ojek (motor taxi) service around the island and you should be able to get one to the Yellow Bridge for RP 50,000 per person.

Passed by Mangrove Forest

As we rented our scooter at Jungut Batu, Terry dropped me at the Yellow Bridge after we checked out from our hotel. He then rode back to Jungut Batu to return the scooter, and paid RP 50,000 for a ride to the Yellow Bridge. Not the most cost efficient, but I believe learning from our mistake, you can do better.

Toya Pakeh Beach

We made it in time for the 12.30pm boat to Nusa Penida and reached Toya Pakeh beach around 12.45pm. There is no need to book or purchase your ticket beforehand. Tickets can be purchase on the spot for a fixed price of RP 60,000 one way.

Reached Toya Pakeh

Scooters for rental

Cost

Crossing the bridge is free, and so is the parking. A fast boat from the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Penida costs RP 60,000 per person one way.

A selfie with the bridge

How to get there

The Yellow Bridge is only 2 minutes away from Ceningan beach, and about 9 minutes from Blue Lagoon. From Nusa Lembongan, it is only 10 minutes from Devil’s Tear and 8 minutes from Mushroom Beach. The boat ride from the Yellow Bridge to Toya Pakeh, Nusa Penida takes only about 15 minutes.

If you’re travelling over from Bali, you’ll most likely arrive at Mushroom Beach ferry port in Nusa Lembongan. From here you can grab a scooter for around RP 70,000 per day. Nusa Ceningan is just across the Yellow Bridge which connects both islands. If you’re coming from Nusa Penida, you will also alight at the Yellow Bridge. There are scooters available for rent at the Yellow Bridge as well. 

If riding a scooter isn’t your thing, you can barter with local motor taxi (or ojek as the Balinese called it) to take you around the two islands. Coming in a big group? You can also hire a driver to drive you around for about RP 500,000 to RP 600,000. Staying in Bali but still want to do a day trip to Nusa Lembongan? Fret not, as there are also tour package available which includes return speedboat to Lembongan, driver and guide as well as hotel pick up and drop off. This can be easily arranged through your hotel in Bali. 

As everywhere on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan is reachable within a 30-minute drive, exploring the island with a scooter would be the most recommended option.

Epilogue

Being a place which connects all three islands, whether by crossing over between Lembongan and Ceningan or with a boat towards Nusa Penida, every visitors to Nusa Lembongan or Ceningan would be sure to pay a visit. The bridge may be small in size but huge in the role it plays, making it an important landmark here. While you are here, why not stop for a photo or two?