Can you cross the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan?
The Yellow Bridge (Jembatan Kuning) is the symbol of Lembongan: a suspension bridge about 140 m (460 ft) long and very narrow (around 1.8 m, or 6 ft), painted bright yellow, linking Lembongan to Ceningan. It is open only to pedestrians and two-wheelers, it is free and you can cross it at any hour.
One thing worth knowing: this bridge has collapsed before. The first version gave way in October 2016, during a religious ceremony, when more than a hundred people were crossing: eight people died. It was rebuilt with stronger materials and reopened in 2017. Today it is safe, but very busy.
How to cross it:
- On foot: the easiest way. Pedestrians have priority if there is a queue.
- By scooter: the bridge is very narrow. Riders wait at each end for oncoming traffic to pass. If you aren't confident, get off and walk across.
On the other side, you'll see:
- Bars and restaurants along the bay, right after the bridge.
- Mahana Point, for the waves and, on some days, dolphins. There is a café just above the break.
- Blue Lagoon, deep blue water at the foot of a cliff where waves explode. You admire it; you don't swim in it.
- Secret Beach, a quieter cove that few people visit.
Be warned: on Ceningan the sights are far apart (around 30 minutes' walk between the bridge and the viewpoints). Rent a scooter on Lembongan, or negotiate a tour on a truck with a local.
Tip: come early in the morning or late in the day for a photo without the crowds, and go beyond the bridge: that is where Ceningan is worth the trip.
Distances and times are approximate.