10 best islands near Bali

While Bali is one of the most famous islands in Indonesia, it’s actually just one of 975 islands (!) that make up the Lesser Sunda Islands (also known as Nusa Tenggara). Unsurprisingly, many of those islands are just as worth visiting – whether for a day trip from Bali, as the next stop on your holiday adventure, or for a unique holiday experience instead of Bali.  

The list of options is big, so to keep things simple, the best islands to visit around Bali for most travellers are the Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan), the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air) Komodo, Lombok, Flores and Menjangan.

Each of these island destinations boasts tropical beaches and island life, but each offers something unique and different. For example, Menjangan, Nusa Penida and Komodo are considered some of the best islands near Bali (and in Indonesia) for diving, and Komodo is the only island for tourists to easily spot the Komodo Dragon at the Komodo National Park. For those who prefer a quiet and secluded experience, the peaceful Nusa Ceningan or laid-back Gili Meno are an excellent choice. For partying, Gili Trawangan (aka "Gili T") is your best bet.

Whether you’re travelling as a family, in a group or on your honeymoon, let us help you choose the island that best suits your travel style and preferences.

Top 10 islands to visit near Bali

1. Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is one of the most popular islands to visit from Bali – in fact, a day trip to Nusa Penida is often considered one of the best things to do in Bali! One of three Nusa Islands, the beautiful, undeveloped island sits off the southeast coast of Bali across the Badung Strait and is famous for its high cliffs, white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.

The dramatic landscapes and natural beauty of the island make Nusa Penida a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, especially when it comes to outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, snorkelling and diving.  

For divers, Nusa Penida is world-renowned for its dive spots that boast excellent conditions year-round and rich marine life that includes Oceanic Sunfish (Mola Mola), reef fish, colourful coral, stringrays, clownfish, turtles, barracuda and more.  

Hikers wanting to work up a sweat will love the challenge of the trek to Kelingking Beach or the journey down the famous blue stairs to Peguyangan Waterfall.  

Other popular spots in Nusa Penida include Angel’s Billabong, Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach and Crystal Bay.  
 
Best things to do in Nusa Penida

1. Dive with Manta Rays and Mola Mola at Manta Point
2. Explore the secluded Diamond Beach
3. Swim and sunbathe at Atuh Beach and Pasih Uug Beach
4. Take a refreshing dip at Angel’s Billabong, nature’s infinity pool
5. Snorkel offshore in the turquoise waters of Crystal Bay
6. Hike to the stunning viewpoint of Kelingking Beach.

Getting to Nusa Penida

You can only access Nusa Penida by boat, which you can do from Sanur Beach, Serangan Harbor or Padangbai Harbour. Make sure to book your fast boat tickets in advance if you’re travelling in the high season (July and August)! 

2. Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is the second largest of the Nusa Islands, located just a stone’s throw from Nusa Penida. Despite its small area size (8km²), Nusa Lembongan has plenty to offer visitors, from stunning beaches with crystal clear water for swimming and snorkelling to excellent surf breaks and scenic views.  
Nusa Lembongan is the perfect island getaway from Bali for those looking to escape the crowds and relax in a tranquil setting, while still having easy acces to beach clubs, nightlife, and local cuisine.  

Best things to do in Nusa Lembongan

1. Enjoy the soft sand and crystal water of Dream Beach
2. Snorkel in the calm waters of Mushroom Beach
3. Visit the Gala-Gala Underground House for a little slice of history 
4. Take a surfing lesson or simply watch the pros at Playgrounds surf break
5. See the dramatic scenes at Devil’s Tears, where waves crash powerfully into the w2limestone cliffs.

Getting to Nusa Lembongan

Get a fast boat to Nusa Lembongan from Bali in about 30-45 minutes from Sanur. You can also depart from Benoa Harbour and Serangan Harbour, but the travel time will vary.

3. Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the three Nusa Islands and is the most peaceful. Connected to Nusa Lembongan by a bright yellow suspension bridge, Nusa Ceningan is only 3km long and 1km wide and is one of the best islands to visit near Bali for its stunning natural scenery, quiet seclusion and laid-back vibe. While the island is small enough to walk around, one of the best ways to explore the entire island is by scooter. If you’re not confident to drive yourself, you can rent a scooter and driver.

Best things to do in Nusa Ceningan:

1. Swim at Secret Beach
2. Cliff jump into the Blue Lagoon
3. Relax at Sea Breeze Beach Bar with its infinity pool and suspended hammocks
4. Have a cocktail after zip-lining at Driftwood bar
5. Explore the wildlife of the mangroves between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan, including various bird species, lizards, crabs, turtles and the unique crab-eating frog 

Getting to Nusa Ceningan

There are no direct boats to Nusa Ceningan – you'll need to first get a fast boat to Nusa Lembongan, and then make your way across the famous yellow bridge on foot or scooter. Alternatively, you can organise a private boat tour to the island.  

4. Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan (or “Gili T”) is the largest of the three Gili Islands and considered one of the best tropical island getaways from Bali thanks to its soft white sand, clear blue waters, and the fact that the only ways to get around the island are by foot, bicycle or horse and cart!  

Located off Bali’s east coast, Gili T is often mistaken for being one of Bali’s islands, but it actually belongs to West Nusa Tenggara province and is technically part of Lombok.

A tiny island sitting at 6km² , Gili Trawangan is completely car and scooter-free, making for a serene island escape complete with excellent offshore snorkelling spots, plenty of beachside cocktail bars, and amazing fresh seafood.  

Although it has a reputation for being a big party island with a vibrant nightlife, it still offers travellers the opportunity for a tranquil and quiet island escape – so don’t rule it out for your family holiday or romantic retreat. If the bar and club scene isn’t for you, make sure to stay on the west side of the island where it’s a bit more peaceful and relaxing.  

Best things to do in Gili Trawangan:

1. Snorkel with turtles at Turtle Point
2. Scuba dive at Halik Reef for the beautiful and colourful marine life
3. Cycle around the island
4. Watch the sunset from the famous Sunset Swing
5. Party at the clubs and watch a live gig
6. Take a horse cart around the island
7. Rent a kayak or paddleboard
8. Take a day trip to Gili Meno or Gili Air.

Getting to Gili Trawangan

Take a fast boat from Padangbai on Bali’s eastern coast, which takes around two hours.

5. Gili Air

Gili Air is the quieter sister island of Gili Trawangan, offering relaxation and a laid-back atmosphere that’s completely different to the bustling island life and party scene of Gili T.  

With its beautiful beaches and spots for swimming, snorkelling and diving, Gili Air is the perfect island near Bali for those looking to unplug and unwind, while still having access to convenient amenities like tourist-friendly hotels and restaurants. Be sure to bring cash, as there are only a few ATMs on the island. 
 
Best things to do in Gili Air

1. Swim and sunbathe at Gili Air Beach
2. Snorkel with the sea turtles at the Turtle Sanctuary
3. Dive at Air Wall, a unique macro dive site
4. Spend a day cycling around the island (there are no cars)
5. Stretch out at a calming yoga class
6. Book in for a massage

Getting to Gili Air

Take a fast boat from Padangbai, Sanur, or Serangan. The journey can take between two and three hours depending on your departure port and water conditions. You can also get to Gili Air from Bangsal in Lombok.

6. Gili Meno

Gili Meno is the smallest and most serene of the three Gili Islands and is considered one of the most peaceful and secluded islands near Bali. The remote tropical paradise is only 1.5km² and is perfect for those looking to disconnect and take a break from the bustle and crowds of Bali. Gili Menos’ serene atmosphere is also exactly why it’s considered the best island in Bali for couples and honeymooners (and has earned the nickname ‘The Honeymoon Island’). 

Expect to take things slow at Gili Meno, but make sure to spend some time snorkelling, especially to see the famous Nest, an underwater sculpture of 48 life-size human sculptures.

Best things to do in Gili Meno

1. Snorkel at Turtle Point or dive to get up close and personal with the sea turtles
2. Explore the mangrove forest, especially for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers
3. Book a tour on a glass-bottom boat to see the underwater world without getting wet.

 Getting to Gili Meno

Take a fast boat from Padangbai or Serangan in Bali. You can also get to Gili Meno from Bangsal in Lombok.

7. Lombok

Lombok is a volcanic island located east of Bali in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia and is often called Bali’s sister island, offering many of Bali’s best features – like stunning natural scenery, adventurous activities, and a rich cultural experience – without overdevelopment and crowds.

Slightly larger than Bali, Lombok offers off-the-beaten track experiences and boasts untouched landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, excellent surf spots, and the famous Mt Rinjani - the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. It’s also home to the warm and hospitable Sasak people, which gives the island its rich culture and offers visitors something a bit different to their time in Bali.  

Of all the islands near Bali, Lombok is the best for adventure seekers and nature lovers, and it’s one of the top islands in the area for surfers of all skill levels. Despite the fact that Lombok isn’t as developed as Bali, it still offers plenty of luxury accomodation options and convenient amenities for tourists, especially in the main tourist hubs of Senggigi and Kuta, Lombok (not to be confused with Kuta, Bali!)

Best things to do in Lombok

1. Hike to the summit of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano
2. Tour the traditional Sasak Village of Sade
3. Take a day trip to the neighbouring Gili islands
4. Swim and sunbake at beaches like Senngigi, Kuta (Lombok) and Pink Beach
5. Visit the waterfalls at Tiu Kelep, Benang Stokel, and Benang Kelambu.

Getting to Lombok 

The quickest way to get from Bali to Lombok is by flight from Denpasar (30-40 minutes). The next best option is too take a fast ferry from either Padangbai, Sanur or Serangan, which can take between 1.5 and 3.5 hours depending on your departure port and the weather and water conditions.

8. Komodo

Komodo sits east of Bali and is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of islands. As one of the islands that form part of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo is famous for its incredible landscapes and being home to Komodo Dragons, the world’s largest living lizard species.

Given its raw, natural beauty, Komodo is one of Indonesia’s top island destinations and one of the best islands near Bali for adventure seekers, nature lovers, wildlife fanatics, hikers, and divers looking for a unique and remote experience in the untouched outdoors.

Unlike the other islands around Bali, Komodo Island offers more of an off-grid experience in the wild than a tropical beach escape.

Best things to do on Komodo Island

1. See Komodo Dragons – Komodo is the only place to see them!
2. Take a guided trek through the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for incredible coastal views, to see Komodo Dragons in the wild and explore the unique landscapes, flora and fauna
3. Snorkel or dive around Pink Beach or Manta Point
4. Venture to Padar Island to hike to the panoramic viewpoint to see the three famous crescent bays - one with a white sand, one with a black sand, and one with pink sand.

Getting to Komodo Island

Catch a flight from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo in Flores and take a boat tour to Komodo Island. For those who prefer a more scenic route by sea, take a boat from Bali to Lombok, and then a 3-4 liveaboard tour from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, which usually stops at Komodo Island, Moyo Island, Satonda and Padar.

9. Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is a tiny, virtually-deserted island that sits just 10km off the northwest coast of Bali that forms part of the West Bali National Park. A hidden gem and one of the best islands near Bali for serious snorkellers and divers, Menjangan Island itself is uninhabited (except for a few caretakers of the temples), so expect pristine beaches and untouched landscapes. Between the island and the national park on the mainland, there's plenty to see and do for nature lovers and those craving an adventure in the wild.

Many travellers make their way to Menjangan Island for their world-famous dive sites, including The Coral Garden and Underwater Cave, to explore the diverse marine life and colourful coral reefs.

Beyond snorkelling and diving, the island is famous for its wild deer inhabitants, and is a great destination for hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and exploring the island’s temples.

Best things to do on Menjangan Island

1. Discover the rich marine life, including whalesharks and reefsharks
2. Visit the heritage Taman Pingit Klenting Sari Temple with its famous carved tigers
3. Explore the temple Pura Gili Kencana, with a statue of Ganesha that is believed to be protecting the neighbouring island
4. Head onto the mainland to the national park on a guided tour of the island to see its unique flora and fauna, including the famous (and rare) Rusa Deer
5. Kayak through mangroves and visit the Banyuwedang Hot Springs
6. Spot wild deer on the beach
7. Go birdwatching in the West Bali National Park and try spot the Bali Starling

Getting to Menjangan Island

Take a boat from Labuhan Lalang port in Northern Bali. The boat across takes roughly 30 minutes, but make sure to factor in a few extra hours if travelling from other areas in Bali. It can take 3-5 hours to reach Labuhan Lalang Port, depending on your departure area and traffic. The port is 3.5-4.5 hours by car from Ubud, 4.5-5 hours from Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian, and more than 5 hours frmo Ulutwatu. The closest major town to Labuhan Lalang port is Lovina in North Bali, which is about 1.5 hours away by car.  

It’s important to know you’ll need a permit and a guide to enter the island and independent access isn’t allowed. This can be organised with most tour operators and hotels in the Pemuteran Beach area, or even at the park office in Labuhan Lalang. Expect the permit to cost around IDR 200,000 (~AUD$20) on weekdays and IDR 300,000 (~AUD$30) on weekends. 

10. Flores

Flores Island, located east of Bali in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, is the perfect island to visit from Bali for adventurous travellers and nature lovers looking for undiscovered beauty that’s not on the itinerary of most tourists to Indonesia.

While the fishing town of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island is the main gateway to Komodo National Park and the famous Komodo Dragons, set aside a few days to explore the island’s dramatic landscapes, beautiful scenery and rich culture. From traditional villages like Wae Rebo and Bena to the colour-changing crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu, and remote beaches and waterfalls scattered across the island, Flores offers the ultimate experience in nature.

Best things to do in Flores

1. Visit Kelimutu National Park, home to three crater lakes that shift colours depending on volcanic minerals and seasons!)
2. Explore traditional villages — Bena is especially renowned for its ancient megalithic structures
3. Visit the unique spider rice fields near Ruteng, where the paddies are shaped like a spider’s web
4. Discover remote waterfalls, like Cunca Rami
5. Snorkel around Maumere and the 17 Islands Marine Park in Riung

Getting to Flores

Take a direct flight from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo, roughly a one hour and 10-minute flight. Alternatively, book a multi-day boat trip from Bali. These usually take 3-4 days and include stops at different islands and attractions along the way. Food, accommodation, snorkelling gear and guides are typically included, but check ahead.  

Other islands near Bali to visit

Looking for something even more off-the-beaten-track? Here are some islands near Bali that are a bit more niche and less visited

1. Pulau Seraya (Seraya Island): A small, relaxed island near Labuan Bajo in Flores known for its beach bungalows and great snorkelling and diving spots. 
2. Kanawa Island: A private island near Komodo National Park where you can explore the coral reefs offshore. Perfect for a day trip from Flores.
3. Rinca Island: Less crowded than neighbouring Komodo Island, where you can spot the famous Komodo Dragons. 
4.  Sumbawa: An island east of Lombok that’s perfect for adventure seekers and surfers. 
5. Savu and Rote Islands: A remote island east of Flores with world-class waves and uncrowded breaks for serious surfers. Not for the faint-hearted adventure travellers as there aren’t many amenities for tourists.