Bali is a very famous island in Indonesia, but there are also many other small and beautiful islands nearby. These islands are great places to visit if you want more adventure, peace, or fun on the beach. Some of these islands are just a short boat ride away from Bali and are easy to reach. They have clear blue water, soft sand, and amazing nature.
The most popular islands near Bali are Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida. These three islands are close to each other and offer great spots for snorkeling, diving, and exploring. You can also take beautiful pictures and enjoy quiet beaches there.
Another nearby island is Lombok, which is bigger than the Nusa islands. It has lovely beaches, waterfalls, and even a big volcano! People go to Lombok when they want to relax or hike.
The Gili Islands are also close to Bali and are very peaceful. There are three Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. These islands don’t have cars or motorbikes, so they are very calm and clean. You can walk or ride a bicycle there.
Visiting these islands is a fun way to see more of Indonesia. Each island is special and has something different to offer. So, if you go to Bali, try to visit at least one of these amazing islands too!
The islands near Bali are very special. Many people go to Bali, so sometimes it gets crowded. But the nearby islands are quieter and peaceful. If you want a calm place to relax, these islands are perfect. These islands have beautiful beaches with soft white sand. The water is clear and blue. You can swim, snorkel, or dive and see colorful fish and coral under the sea. Some islands are very good for diving, like Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands.
Each island has its own culture and traditions. People are friendly, and you can learn new things. You can also enjoy local food that is different from Bali. If you love nature, you will enjoy waterfalls, green hills, and clean beaches on these islands. There are fewer cars and noise. On some islands, like the Gili Islands, there are no cars at all! You can walk or ride a bicycle everywhere.
Visiting these islands helps you explore more of Indonesia. They are easy to reach from Bali by boat. Whether you want adventure, quiet time, or fun in the water, the islands near Bali are great places to visit.
Nusa Penida is one of the beautiful islands near Bali. You can take a boat ride to reach it. The beaches are very pretty, and the water is blue and clear. One of the best beaches is Kelingking Beach, which looks like a dinosaur from the top. You can go swimming, take nice photos, or go snorkeling to see fish and coral.
You can also visit a place called Angel’s Billabong, where the water forms a natural pool. Another fun spot is Crystal Bay, a great place to watch the sunset. The roads are a little bumpy, but the views are amazing.
Unique Thing: Kelingking Beach looks like a T-Rex from above!
Nusa Lembongan is a small island close to Bali. It is quiet and perfect for relaxing. You can go surfing, swimming, or take a boat to see colorful fish under the sea. There’s also a fun place called Devil’s Tear, where big waves crash into rocks and splash very high.
You can walk or ride a scooter around the island easily. There are also nice cafes where you can enjoy food near the beach. You can visit the mangrove forest and take a boat ride there, too.
Unique Thing: Devil’s Tear has huge waves crashing on the rocks—it's fun to watch!
Gili Trawangan, Lombok
Gili Trawangan is a fun island near Lombok. It is the biggest of the three Gili Islands. There are no cars here, so people ride bicycles or horse carts. You can snorkel and see turtles in the water! The beaches have soft sand and the sea is blue and clean.
At night, the island has music, food, and fun beach parties. You can also take a glass-bottom boat to see fish. It is a good place to make new friends and enjoy the sun.
Unique Thing: You can swim with turtles right near the beach!
Nusa Ceningan is a small island between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. It is quiet and not crowded. You can cross a yellow bridge from Nusa Lembongan to reach here. The island is great for relaxing, walking, and exploring.
One cool spot is Blue Lagoon, where the water is super blue. It’s nice to take photos there. You can also try cliff jumping if you are brave. People enjoy paddleboarding and watching sunsets here.
Unique Thing: The Yellow Bridge connects Nusa Ceningan to Nusa Lembongan!
Gili Air Islands
Gili Air is among the calm and peaceful islands near Bali. It is perfect if you want to rest and enjoy the beach. You can ride a bike, snorkel, or watch the sunrise and sunset. The water is clean and clear. You may see starfish or turtles while snorkeling!
There are small shops and cafes near the beach. It is great for couples and solo travelers. People are friendly, and the island is not very big, so you can explore it in one day.
Unique Thing: Gili Air is peaceful with beautiful sunrises and snorkeling spots!
Gili Meno Island
Gili Meno is the quietest of the three Gili Islands. It’s a great place if you want peace and nature. The beach is very clean, and the sea is calm. You can swim, relax under the sun, or walk around the island. Many people come here for a romantic holiday.
You can go snorkeling and see fish, turtles, and coral. One special place is the underwater statue park - it has statues under the sea! It looks magical when you snorkel around them.
There are no cars here, only bicycles and horse carts. The island is small, so you can walk around it in one hour.
Unique Thing: Gili Meno has a beautiful underwater statue garden!
Gili Gede, Lombo
Gili Gede is a quiet and lesser-known island near Lombok. It is great for people who want a peaceful holiday with no noise. The beaches are nice and not crowded. You can swim, snorkel, or go boating.
The island is also good for fishing or kayaking. There are only a few hotels, so it feels like your own private island. The local people are kind and happy to help visitors.
You can enjoy fresh seafood here and watch beautiful sunsets every evening. It’s not a party island, but perfect for relaxing and spending time in nature.
Unique Thing: Gili Gede is very calm and feels like a private island!
Lombok Island
Lombok is one of the best Islands near Bali and has tall mountains, green rice fields, and long beaches. One of the tallest mountains in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani, is here. People come to Lombok to hike, surf, and explore villages.
You can visit beautiful beaches like Selong Belanak or Tanjung Aan. The waves are good for surfing, and the sand is very soft. You can also learn about the Sasak people and their traditions.
Lombok is not as crowded as Bali, so it’s perfect if you want nature and quiet places. You can take a boat from Bali or a short flight to reach it.
Unique Thing: Mount Rinjani, a big volcano, is great for trekking!
Menjangan Island
Menjangan Island is on the northwest side of Bali. It is part of Bali Barat National Park. This island is very famous for diving and snorkeling. The sea is very clear, and you can see coral reefs, fish, and even deer walking near the beach!
Only a few people live here, and it is very clean and quiet. You can visit ancient temples and go on nature walks. The park protects animals and nature, so it is very safe and beautiful.
You must take a boat to get there, and it's a great day trip for people who love nature.
Unique Thing: Wild deer can be seen walking near the sea!
Serangan Island
Serangan Island is also called Turtle Island. It is very close to Bali and easy to reach by car or motorbike. People visit this island to learn about turtles. There is a turtle conservation center where you can see baby turtles and learn how they are saved.
The beaches are calm, and you can try surfing or eat seafood at small cafes. It is not crowded, so you can relax. Local people also visit the big temple called Pura Sakenan.
It’s a short trip from Bali and a good place to see turtles and enjoy a quiet beach.
Unique Thing: You can visit baby turtles at the turtle conservation center!
Who Should Visit What Island?
There are many islands near Bali, and each one is good for different types of people. If you are a backpacker, you will like Gili Trawangan. It has fun parties, cheap places to stay, and many other travelers. Nusa Penida is also great if you love adventure and taking cool photos of cliffs and beaches.
If you are a couple, you will enjoy Gili Meno or Nusa Lembongan. These islands are peaceful, quiet, and very romantic. You can walk on the beach, watch the sunset, and enjoy the calm sea together. Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula is also nice for couples who love ocean views.
For families, places like Sanur or Nusa Dua are perfect. They are safe, clean, and have soft beaches with calm water. Kids can play easily, and parents can relax. Lombok and Amed are also good if your family likes nature and exploring.
So, choose your island based on what you love - fun and friends, peace and romance, or family time and nature. There’s something for everyone near Bali!
The best time to visit the islands near Bali is from April to October. This is the dry season, which means the weather is sunny and there is very little rain. The sea is calm, so it's great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
You can enjoy clean beaches and clear skies during this time. The months of July and August are the most popular, so more people visit then. If you want fewer crowds, visit in April, May, or September.
From November to March, it is the rainy season. It rains often, and the sea can be rough. Some boat trips may be canceled. So, it’s better to visit during the dry season.
How to Reach These Islands from Bali
Reaching the islands near Bali is easy and fun. You can go by boat or plane, depending on where you want to go. To visit Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan, you can take a speedboat from Sanur Beach. The ride takes only 30 to 45 minutes. The boats go every day.
To go to the Gili Islands or Lombok, you can take a fast boat from Padang Bai port in Bali. It takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Some boats also stop at Nusa Penida along the way.
If you want to go faster or are traveling with kids, you can take a flight from Bali’s airport to Lombok. The flight takes only 30 minutes. Always book your tickets in advance and check the weather. The sea can be rough during the rainy season, and boats might get canceled.
Tips for Island Hopping in Bali
Pack light: Bring only what you need - clothes, swimwear, flip-flops, sunscreen, and a hat.
Waterproof bag: Keep your phone, money, and important things in a waterproof bag for boat rides.
Book in advance: Ferries and boats can get full. It’s better to book your tickets early.
Check boat times: Ask about the boat schedule before you travel, especially if it's raining or windy.
Wear easy clothes: It’s easier to wear shorts and slippers when getting on and off boats.
Carry snacks and water: You might get hungry or thirsty while waiting or traveling.
Keep cash: Some islands don’t have many ATMs. Carry enough cash for small things.
Follow safety rules: Always wear a life jacket on the boat and listen to the crew.
Respect nature: Don’t throw trash in the sea. Keep the islands clean and beautiful.
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