Islands near Bali

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. The island is in itself getting some attention in recent times for its beaches and as a surfing destination.

Distance from Bali: 227 km

Best Time: Dry season (May to Septembert)

33 Lombok Attractions

The Gili Islands are three islands close to Lombok which are a popular tourist destination for those coming to Lombok. Gili Trawangan is a small island which is part of this group and has no cars on it. You can spend your day bicycling around the island.

Gili Meno is exceedingly small in size measuring just two kilometers in length with a width of one kilometer. 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.

Nusa Lembongan is one of the three islands located to the south east of Bali. It is a picturesque locale untouched by commercialism and remains a top draw for visitors aspiring for a bit of solitude amidst the hectic pace of life. The area around Nusa Lembongan has an abundance of marine life including colorful corals that are a photographer’s delight. The tourists find it easy to take part in a number of water sports with swimming, snorkeling and diving finding many enthusiastic participants.

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’. While the scenic beauties popping of the Nusa Ceningan Island makes it an ideal place for nature photographers, the place is also famous for various activities such as Underwater Scootering, Ziplining, Snorkelling, and Scuba Diving.

Are you someone who loves water sports? If the answer is yes, you should head off to this place. The sea around the Komodo and its neighboring islands provide some of the world’s best diving spots. It has a spectacular coral reef and fishes of all shapes and sizes, bursting with colors. Though the coral here is still unharmed, according to environmentalists, the growing acidification, and rising temperature may eventually kill the reef. This would lead to immense loss of beauty and natural diversity.

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

Gili Air is the island closest to Lombok and offers travellers, the option to choose teh best of both worlds - be it peaceful travelling or party hopping. There are many temples and waterfalls to go to along with cozy cafes and nightlife hubs. There are the usual beach activities like sunbathing, snorkelling, and Scuba Diving. Besides these, you can go fishing, horse-riding, water skiing, wakeboarding, and there is also a surf break to the south of the island for the experienced surfer.

Best Time: June to September

15 Gili Air Attractions

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 is a must-visit for tourists.

Nusa Lembongan is one of the three islands located in the south-east of Bali. This picturesque beach paradise untouched by commercialism and remains a top draw for visitors aspiring for a bit of solitude. The area around Nusa Lembongan has an abundance of marine life, including colourful corals that are perfect for diving and snorkelling.

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’. While the scenic beauties popping of the Nusa Ceningan Island makes it an ideal place for nature photographers, the place is also famous for various activities such as Underwater Scootering, Ziplining, Snorkelling, and Scuba Diving.
 
 

Komodo Island has been named as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. Komodo Island, along with Rinca and the other islands that comprise Komodo National Park, is one of the only few places in the world where one finds Komodo dragons out of captivity. Apart from this, the island is also home to 25 different endangered species of the animal kingdom. However, ridden by the theft of these exotic creatures, it is reported that the island may also be closed for tourists for a period of one year. It is highly advised that you do not go looking for these exotic creatures on your own as they can be lethal and is illegal. 

Best Time: September to November

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.

Gili Gede lies to 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.

Distance from Bali: 203 km

Best Time: May to September