Islands near Bali

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How to reach each one, and how long it is worth staying

Bali is an island, so this is really about what lies off it: the three Nusa islands to the south-east, the Gilis towards Lombok, and Menjangan in the north-west.

Here is the list of 9 Islands near Bali

1. Nusa Penida Island

Nusa Penida Island

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 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 worth visiting for tourists.

2. Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan
4.3 /5

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.

3. Lombok

Lombok
4.3 /5 View 33+ photos

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: April - October

33 Lombok Attractions

4. Nusa Menjangan

Nusa Menjangan

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.

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5. Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan
4.2 /5

Known For : Devil's Tear Blue Lagoon Jungutbatu Beach

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.

Best Time: March to November

20 Nusa Lembongan Attractions

6. Gili Air Island

Gili Air Island
4.3 /5

Known For : Scuba Diving in Gili Air Swings in Gili Air Sunset 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.

Best Time: April - October

15 Gili Air Attractions

7. Gili Gede

Gili Gede
4.4 /5

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.

Best Time: May to September

8. Gili Meno

Gili Meno

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.

9. Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan

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’.

Most Bali trips end up including at least one boat. Islands of Indonesia widens the picture, and beaches in Lombok covers the mainland the Gilis belong to.

This post was published by Joysurjya Hagjer

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FAQs on Islands near Bali

Which island near Bali should I visit?

Nusa Penida for the cliffs and viewpoints, Nusa Lembongan for an easy overnight, and Gili Trawangan if you want a beach-bar island with no cars. Penida is a long day; the other two are better with a night.

How do I get to Nusa Penida?

Fast boats from Sanur take about forty-five minutes and run frequently through the morning. Book the return in advance in high season, and expect a wet landing on the beach rather than a pier.

What is the difference between the three Gilis?

Trawangan is the busiest with the nightlife, Air is the middle ground with a good balance of quiet and food, and Meno is close to empty. None has motor vehicles, so it is bicycles and horse carts.

Is Menjangan worth it?

For snorkelling and diving, yes. It sits inside West Bali National Park, roughly three hours from the south, and the wall dive is the best easy-access reef on the island. It is a day trip, not a stay.

When are boat crossings unreliable?

During the wet season, roughly November to March, when swell can cancel the Gili and Nusa crossings at short notice. Morning departures are more reliable than afternoon ones year-round.

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