After writing about the best beaches in Bali by region and popularity, it’s time to talk about the islands to the east of Bali. These are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and the 3 Gili Islands.
These islands are often included in a Bali travel itinerary to combine turquoise sea and dream beaches with the culture and spirituality of the Island of the Gods.
BEST ISLANDS AROUND BALI
In fact, Bali alone, although it has many equipped beaches for tourists, doesn’t offer crystal clear sea and those beaches with spectacular views that can be found on its nearby islands.
If you’re looking for a nice beach holiday in Bali and its surroundings, we strongly recommend visiting Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands.
The Gili Islands and Nusa Penida are quite far from each other, the ferry takes about 2 hours from Gili Air to Nusa Penida. However, it makes sense to combine the visit to group the days of sea in Bali in the same period and reduce travel.
For example, you can travel counterclockwise from the Bali port of Sanur to Nusa Penida, from Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands, and from the Gili Islands to Padang Bai to return to the east of Bali. All in 4-8 days, depending on how much time you want to spend on the islands.
WHERE IS NUSA PENIDA?
About 45 minutes by ferry or fast-boat from Sanur, Nusa Penida and the “Nusa” islands showcase a different side of Bali, as it was a few decades ago. Remote, mostly undeveloped and wild, with breathtaking views of cliffs and white sand beaches.
Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are effectively under the jurisdiction of Bali, with the same spirituality, temples and beliefs of the Hindu religion. While Nusa Penida can be very chaotic with day-trippers from Bali chasing “Instagrammable” spots, the other two smaller islands have a much slower pace compared to the frenzy of Bali.
The Nusa Islands are also known for their world-class diving spots, to see sea turtles, dolphins, giant manta rays. Due to their location southeast to Bali, Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan are the most convenient islands to reach once you land at Denpasar Airport in Bali.
Remember to apply for your visa before travelling to Indonesia! You can apply for your Indonesian visa online and skip the lines at Bali Denpasar Airport.
WHERE ARE THE GILI ISLANDS?
Further north and closer to the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands (pronounced with a hard G “ghili”), are truly small and unique.
There are no paved roads or cars here, motor vehicles are prohibited by law. You can feel an alternative vibe, a bit hippie a bit bohemian depending on the island. Back in the 80s the first backpackers used to reach the Gili Islands to enjoy their remote tropical paradise.
Unlike Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands are under the jurisdiction of Lombok, therefore Muslim like the rest of Indonesia. Here you’ll find mosques and no Babi Guling (a famous Balinese pork dish). Be aware of Ramadan period, which is very busy on the islands.
The closest port in Bali to the Gili Islands is Padang Bai, from which fast ferries to the Gili Islands depart regularly. The crossing takes about two hours, and may be longer in case of rough seas. We recommend the Ekajaya speedboats, info and prices here.
ALSO READ: What to eat in Bali, 10 typical Indonesian dishes
NUSA PENIDA ISLAND, BALI
Let’s start with the most famous of the islands near Bali, Nusa Penida. Unmissable in order to admire breathtaking panoramic points, beaches along the sheer cliffs, surrounded by turquoise water and coconut palm forests.
Speedboats leave daily from Bali, to reach Nusa Penida from Sanur in about 45 minutes. Book in advance in high season, we suggest crossings in the morning. Info and prices for Nusa Penida ferries here.
Nusa Penida has a very local community, there are many guesthouses but only a few large hotels, so many visitors prefer to come here on day tours like this one from Bali.
WHAT TO SEE IN NUSA PENIDA, BALI
There are many warungs and small bars at the attractions and ports. Tourism is mostly hit-and-run in Nusa Penida, but staying a couple of nights will allow you to reach the various viewpoints and beaches in the early morning or late afternoon, when the island empties out.
In addition to the scenic views along the coast, there are also nature reserves and interesting temples such as Goa Giri Putri Temple, carved into a cave.
Most of the famous views are on the west side, such as Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. The beaches of Crystal Bay or Pandan Beach are remote and fringed with palm trees. Be careful when driving on the internal roads of Nusa Penida, which can be busy, as well as full of potholes or unpaved.
To the south and east you can venture into even wilder and less developed places. The most popular (and crowded) spots in the east are Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach, true tropical heavens. On the south coast we recommend Tembeling Beach and Forest, which can be reached by scooter and then on foot, for the more adventurous.
Hotels – Where to stay in Nusa Penida:
- The Palms Penida: Nice resort on the north coast of Nusa Penida, not far from the port and excursion area.
- Ruji Ananta Cottage: Balinese-style bungalows in the west of Penida, near Pandan Beach.
- More hotels with free cancellation in Nusa Penida here.
NUSA LEMBONGAN ISLAND
Let’s move on to the second largest island, Nusa Lembongan, which is the closest to Bali. In optimal conditions, it takes just 30 minutes by fast-boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan.
The island immediately appears less crowded than Nusa Penida, a few metres after the port you are already immersed in the quiet island life.
The white sand beaches make it ideal for a couple of days’ getaway, combined with its sister island Nusa Ceningan.
A few decades ago this area was a simple base for fishing villages and seaweed farmers, which can still be seen in the shallow stretch of sea between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
Today, Lembongan is developing into a mid-to-high-end destination, with a mix of resorts and guesthouses, which so far seem to have a lower environmental impact than the aggressive developments in southern Bali. Surfing and yoga communities are also popular on Lembongan.
Similar to Nusa Penida and Uluwatu, southern Nusa Lembongan has rugged, rocky coastlines where you can watch the ocean crashing into the rocks at Devil’s Tears, alternating with beautiful turquoise beaches like Dream Beach (pictured top) and Mushroom Bay Beach (pictured below).
Hotels – Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan:
- Naradas Mushroom Beach: Cottages with shared swimming pool, perfect location in Mushroom Beach.
- The Jingga Villas: Bungalows on the opposite side of Lembongan, facing towards Nusa Ceningan.
- More hotels with free cancellation in Lembongan here.
NUSA CENINGAN ISLAND
Tiny Nusa Ceningan sits nestled between the shores of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. It’s literally a stone’s throw from Lembongan, as the two islands are connected by the narrow yellow bridge that has become a key and iconic feature of Ceningan over the years. In fact, there is no commercial port on Nusa Ceningan, you have to travel from Sanur to Lembongan by sea, and then continue by land.
It takes about 20-30 minutes by scooter or car from the port of Lembongan to the laid-back shores of Nusa Ceningan. This short transfer keeps away a good portion of the tourists, making Ceningan a little gem for those seeking peace in Bali.
Attractions include snorkelling and diving, or simply admiring the photogenic seaweed farms and surfers in the beautiful lagoons of the south, especially at Secret Point Beach and Blue Lagoon. On the east side you can appreciate the Ceningan Cliffs overlooking Nusa Penida, from some improvised local bars and viewpoints.
In addition to the simple warungs and bamboo bungalows, there are already restaurants and hotels perched on the cliffs in Ceningan, in some cases invasive here too, unfortunately. However, the pace is slower here, and construction is also delayed. Visit it before it’s too late!
Hotels – Where to stay in Nusa Ceningan:
- Secret Point Huts: bungalows and rooms, two pools and access to Secret Point Beach (pictured below).
- Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas: great beachfront option for sunsets in Nusa Ceningan, with on-site restaurant.
- More hotels with free cancellation in Nusa Ceningan here.
GILI ISLANDS, INDONESIA
Let’s move on to the Gili Islands in the north of the Bali Sea, between Bali and Lombok.
Each of the Gili Islands has developed its own character to appeal to different types of travellers. Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is the largest, known as the “party Gili” for its festive spirit that attracts a younger crowd.
Gili Meno (Gili M) is the smallest, measuring a couple of kilometres in length and less than one in width. Known as the “romantic Gili”, it’s recommended for couples and absolute relaxation.
Finally, Gili Air (Gili A), the closest to Lombok and therefore best served. Gili Air, sometimes called the “family Gili”, is a great compromise with bars and restaurants, neither too quiet nor too loud.
The crossing from Bali to the Gili Islands takes about two hours from the port of Padang Bai, in the east of Bali. The journey between Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands is also a couple of hours long. We recommend Ekajaya company, info and prices for ferries Padang Bai-Gili Islands and Nusa Penida-Gili Islands.
ALSO READ: North East Bali, guide to the real and authentic Bali
GETTING AROUND AT THE GILI ISLANDS
All supplies to the Gilis arrive by boat from Lombok, as there is no fresh water. Once on the islands, they are transported by horse-drawn or mule-drawn carriages. The same way of transport also serves tourists on the short journeys between the pier and the hotels. Alternatively, it’s easy to walk around the beaches and dirt paths of the island, but not with a trolley suitcase!
Being so small and close by, it takes just 10 minutes by boat from one Gili to the other. You can both stay on different islands over a few days, or join a day tour in search of turtles and coral in the crystal clear water, touching all 3 Gilis.
GILI AIR ISLAND
Let’s start with Gili Air, the closest island to Lombok.
Despite being the furthest of the 3 from Bali, it’s usually the first one you reach. Ferries from Padang Bai tend to stop first in Lombok, then in succession at Gili Air, M and T, to manage the continuous loading and unloading of tourists and supplies in a handy manner. However, some new routes connect Bali directly to each of the Gilis, more info here.
“Family Gili” has a wide range of solutions for all types of travellers.
You’ll find many accommodations, from simple guesthouses to resorts and restaurants along the beach. It’s possible to move on foot, by bicycle or horse-drawn carriages through the streets of Gili Air.
The most popular tour is the one by glass-bottom boat, which allows to see the marine fauna of Indonesia, including seahorses and sea turtles. Alternatively, classic excursions for snorkelling and diving are available too.
Resorts and restaurants populate the beaches with sunbeds, beanbags, deckchairs, and the iconic Bali swings with a sea view.
Hotels – Where to stay in Gili Air:
- Island View Bar & Bungalow: on the western side of Gili Air, seafront and beach access.
- Living Asia Sunset Resort: Quality beach resort, close to the best restaurants and clubs on the south side of Gili Air.
- More hotels with free cancellation in Gili Islands here.
GILI MENO ISLAND
Let’s move on to the central island of Gili Meno. As the smallest and quietest island, Gili Meno is known for being a place to completely disconnect from the outside world, where to enjoy an offline stay.
With no traffic and few bars, Gili Meno can be really quiet, probably boring if you happen to be here by mistake, but a true paradise for everyone else.
Romantic Gili is the ideal destination for couples, also famous as a honeymoon destination. Its isolated resorts give the chance of having your own villa with private pool without breaking the bank, like ours at Les Villas Ottalia (pictured below).
Despite its small size (you can walk around the entire perimeter of Gili Meno in just over an hour), the island offers attractions such as a small salt lake and some mangrove forests, as well as uncrowded beaches to relax on.
Just a few metres off the west coast of Gili Meno lies the most famous marine attraction of the Gili Islands: the underwater “Nest” statues. Nest is a stunning architectural project that represents the cycle of life, and will facilitate the development of marine flora and fauna for years to come. You can reach the statues by swimming a few minutes from the shore (opt for low tide for an easy dive), or joining one of these underwater statue tours for those staying in Gili T or Gili A.
Hotels – Where to stay in Gili Meno:
- Les Villas Ottalia: villas with private pool, yoga and diving equipment on site.
- Seri Resort Gili Meno: on the north beach of Gili Meno, excellent resort for couples, adults only.
- More hotels with free cancellation in the Gili Islands here.
GILI TRAWANGAN ISLAND
We end with Gili Trawangan, the largest of the Gili Islands with even a small hill! Gili T is known as a party island and attracts mostly young people. Trawangan was the first real destination for hippie backpackers from Bali, who in the 80s and 90s took advantage of the lack of police to party with alcohol and drugs of all kinds.
Today the atmosphere is more commercial, however the hippie soul is still alive. There are plenty of hostels and guesthouses, but also resorts of various kinds, as well as many themed bars, and even a night market. Among the many events for Indonesians and neighbouring Australians who come even just for a weekend, the Full Moon Parties are the most iconic, taking place once a month under the full moon.
As mentioned, Gili T is not that small, so don’t underestimate the walking distances. On one side of the hill lies a bunker-cave, dating back to World War II, when the Japanese used the island as an outpost and prison, complete with cells in the cave. The name Trawangan in fact comes from the Indonesian word for “tunnel”.
There’s also a few diving sites around Gili T, including the wreck of a Japanese patrol ship, and even some real scooters placed on the seabed for fun souvenir photos (pictured above).
Hotels – Where to stay in Gili Trawangan:
- Jambuluwuk Oceano Gili Trawangan: on the north side of Gili T, perfect for a comfortable stay by the sea.
- Manta Dive Gili Trawangan Resort: for diving enthusiasts, this beachfront resort in the party area of the island is the ideal place in Gili T.
- More hotels with free cancellation in Gili T here.
CONCLUSIONS AND USEFUL LINKS
Our guide to Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands to the east of Bali ends here. We recommend checking the influx and availability of hotels in high season. In the summer months and in December-January the islands can be very busy, especially Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan. Choose the smaller Nusa Ceningan and Gili Meno if you want to avoid the crowds.
As a possible alternative we mention Labuan Bajo, Flores. From there you can take day tours to amazing Padar Island and see the Komodo Dragons in their National Park.
Also consider the Secret Gilis, another group of less touristy islands in the south of Lombok. We haven’t been there yet but we’ve heard a lot of good things about them, we’ll have to check them out on our next trip!
Keep an eye on the weather during the days you’ll be on the islands, in case of bad weather ferries can be postponed or cancelled. It’s better not to book the ferry too close to an international flight, leave 1-2 days in between to be safe.
Have a nice trip to the islands around Bali!
ALSO READ:
Bali, what to see in Ubud in 5 days
North East Bali: guide to the real and authentic Bali
Best beaches in Bali by region
Bali seasons and best months to visit
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