Islands in Bali

Located southeast of Bali, Indonesia, Nusa Penida is often called the most exotic of the three Nusa Islands. Lacking in tourist infrastructure, Nusa Penida is abounded with picturesque lagoons and cliffs, making it ideal for scuba-diving to explore coral reefs, manta rays and even whale sharks. Home to the endangered Balinese starling as well as several Hindu temples, this island in Bali is a must-visit for tourists.

Gili Trawangan is a part of the Gili Island archipelago comprising Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air and more than 20 other smaller islands. It is also the most developed and tourist-friendly among them. The largest of the Gili Islands, because of its tourism-centric infrastructure and fantastic marine biology, it has blossomed into the ideal place to go freediving, scuba diving, and snorkelling.

Known For : Selong Belanak Beach Kuta Lombok Pink Beach

Lombok is an island in the Indian Ocean which is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Promoted as "an unspoiled Bali", Lombok is what people expected Bali to be before it became crowded and a mainstream travel destination. This island in Bali is in itself getting some attention in recent times for its beaches and as a surfing destination.

Best Time: Dry season (May to Septembert)

33 Lombok Attractions

Nusa Menjangan is an island in Bali, known for its crystal clear and calm waters, making it an excellent spot for diving and snorkelling. Visitors who have dived here in the past have appraised this island for its rich biodiversity comprising of colourful fishes and corals. One can also spot here the rare Javan rusa deer, also called as ‘Mengajan’; hence the name of the island. People can cross over to this island by taking a boat from Labuhan Lalang port in North Bali. Though, a permit and park guide is required if one wishes to visit this island. The Segara Giri Dharma Kencana Temple with the towering Ganesh statue, facing the sea, also provides a taste of Balinese culture to the people visiting this island.

Known For : Dream Beach Devil's Tear Blue Lagoon

The Nusa Islands are a group of islands in Bali that lie off the southeast coast of province. Nusa Lembongan is the largest and most famous of the Nusa Islands and is a hot-bed for watersports because of its crystal clear waters and teeming marine life. Nusa Lembongan is also a haven for surfers and the waves on the island attract surfers from across the world. Nusa Lembongan is a popular stopover for visitors from Bali and Lombok and the island is well-facilitated and is very tourist-friendly.

Best Time: March to November

20 Nusa Lembongan Attractions

Known For : Scuba Diving in Gili Air Swings in Gili Air Live Music in Gili Air

Gili Air, which is among the three Gili Islands in Indonesia, is the island closest to Lombok and offers the best of both worlds - be it peaceful travelling or party hopping. From temples to waterfalls, to beachside shacks, to secluded surf spots, along with cosy cafes and nightlife hubs, the youngest of the Gili islands in Bali cater to everyone's needs. Besides these, you can go fishing, horse-riding, water skiing, and wakeboarding, and there is also a surf break to the south of the island for the experienced surfer. For golfers, there is an 18-hole course just 10 minutes away if you choose to travel by the speed boat.

Best Time: June to September

15 Gili Air Attractions

Gili Gede lies on the southwest coast of Lombok and is small, rugged, and isolated from the other parts of Indonesia. While Gili Gede's name translates loosely to 'Large Island', measuring 4 km by 1.6 km at its widest point, Gili Gede packs a substantial punch for its relatively small size. Desert Point is renowned for being one of the best surf spots in the world, with one of the longest left-handed surf breaks being found here. Gili Gede is also a snorkeller's paradise and with its crystal clear waters and teeming marine life, it is sure to be a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Best Time: May to September

Gili Islands is a trio of small islands just off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia. Gili Meno happens to be the centrally placed island of the three and is exceedingly small in size measuring just two kilometres in length with a width of one kilometre. The natural locale has not been developed fully as yet and attracts hordes of tourists seeking solitude amongst natural surroundings. Gili Meno is a top draw for honeymooners as well as tourists aspiring for adventure.

Famous as one of the most popular holiday destinations of Bali, the Nusa Ceningan Island also forms part of the Nusa Islands trio. Standing amidst the sea waters, the Island is blessed with hoards of attractive places comprising of beaches, resorts, cliffs and the famous ‘Blue Lagoon’.