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When you think about islands in Bali, you imagine stunning escapes that blend adventure, culture, and tranquility. Beyond Bali’s famous beaches and nightlife, its surrounding islands offer peaceful retreats where you can reconnect with nature. From diving in crystal-clear waters to strolling along untouched shores, these islands in Bali provide a perfect break from the crowds. Each island has its own unique charm, inviting you to explore vibrant marine life, traditional villages, and serene landscapes. Discovering these islands adds a new dimension to your Bali experience, making your trip truly unforgettable.
Top 10 Islands In Bali You Must Visit
Bali has some of the most beautiful islands. Every beach here is unique and has all kinds of cultures to explore. So, if you are looking to get away from the mainland and explore the surrounding islands, then here are the top islands in Bali you should see.
1. Nusa Penida
Photo: Aaron Rentfrew / Wikimedia Commons
Nusa Penida sits just southeast of Bali and feels very different from the busy mainland. The island is rugged, with high cliffs and stretches of white sand that are harder to reach but worth the effort. Many visitors head straight for Kelingking Beach, which has a cliff shaped like a dinosaur’s back, or to Broken Beach, where the sea has carved a natural arch. Angel’s Billabong, a rock pool that fills with tidal water, is another stop. Snorkeling and diving are big draws here, especially in the south, where manta rays are often seen.
Location: Southeast of Bali, Indonesia
Top Highlights: Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Manta ray snorkeling, rugged cliffs, white sandy beaches..
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Lovina That Let You Experience Bali’s Calmer Coastal Side
2. Nusa Lembongan
Photo: Danny de Groot / Unsplash
If you’re into water activities, then Nusa Lembongan should be on your list. This tiny island is located next to Bali, and it is surrounded by beautiful, crystal clear water, which is great for snorkelling, diving, and surfing. Chill out on Dream Beach, and it is worth making the journey to Devil’s Tear, where you can see the waves crashing onto rocks. There are mangroves on the island which you can navigate through on a boat or kayak. The pace is much slower and calmer than Bali’s fast-paced, vibrant mainland, and you can feel the relaxation click into place.
Location: Just southeast of Bali, near Nusa Penida
Top Highlights: Dream Beach, Devil’s Tear, mangrove forest kayaking, snorkeling, diving, surfing, laid-back atmosphere.
3. Nusa Ceningan
Photo: Jean-Marie Hullot / Wikimedia Commons
Nusa Ceningan is a tiny island in Bali, Indonesia. It is between the two larger islands, Nusa Penida and Lembongan. The place is calm and very good for visiting. Many farmers grow seaweed here, which is used for food and other products. It is interesting to sit and watch the farmers work and get a feel for local life and practices. The island has small beaches with clear water. Very few tourists visit here, which allows you to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Nusa Ceningan shows both the calm side of Bali and its local culture. This is one of the best islands in Bali for being an escape place for peace-loving people.
Location: Between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
Top Highlights: Seaweed farming observation, peaceful beaches, clear waters, local culture experience, quiet island retreat.
Suggested Read: Angseri Hot Spring
4. Gili Trawangan
Trawangan is bigger compared to the other islands in the Gili. It is famous for its white sand, blue water, and nightlife. Many travellers visit the island for snorkelling and diving because the sea has colourful coral reefs and many kinds of fish. The island has no cars or motorbikes, so people move around by bicycle or horse cart, which makes it peaceful and different from busy cities. You can enjoy beachside cafes, fresh seafood, and sunset views that are very popular. It is a good place for adventure seekers. Gili Trawangan has it all: fun, adventure, and relaxation, which is why it is a favourite for the younger crowd and groups of friends.
Location: Off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia
Top Highlights: White sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, snorkeling and diving, no motorized vehicles, beach cafes, sunset views.
5. Gili Air
Photo: Lopez Robin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Gili Air is one of the three Gili Islands in Indonesia, known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Gili Air is a solid place for people looking for fun but also desiring to relax. The sea looks bright with blue water covered with white sand, and the colourful coral, which makes it an amazing place for snorkelling and diving. There aren’t a lot of cars or motorbikes on the island. You can only roam around by walking or by bicycle. Gili Air is a nice place to celebrate nature, with beachside restaurants and cafes, yoga centers, and happy locals.
Location: Near Lombok, between Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno
Top Highlights: Peaceful atmosphere, snorkeling and diving, white sand beaches, yoga centers, beachside restaurants, bicycle-friendly.
Suggested Read: New Year In Bali For Fun And Unmatchable Celebrations
6. Gili Meno
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Gili Meno is the smallest of the three Gili Islands in Indonesia, and it has the least going on compared to its neighbours. Because of that, it feels quieter and is often picked by travellers who just want to slow down. Many couples also choose it since the island has very little nightlife. The beaches here have soft sand, and the water close to shore stays clear. Swimming is easy, and snorkelling is popular too, with reefs not far from the beach. Close to the shore, reefs make it easy to see marine life without needing a long boat ride. Turtles are often spotted, and for many visitors, that becomes the highlight of their trip.
Location: Between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, near Lombok
Top Highlights: Quiet beaches, ideal for honeymooners, snorkeling with turtles, clear shallow waters, soft sand beaches, and a romantic vibe.
7. Menjangan Island
Photo: Chafidwahyu / Wikimedia Commons
Menjangan Island is a calm and pretty place in the northwest of Bali, inside Bali Barat National Park. The waters around Menjangan Island have a lovely, clear blue colour. There are plenty of colourful coral, fish, and sea life, really good for snorkelling and diving. There are also ancient temples and places of quiet serenity, away from the hustle and bustle of Bali. Because Menjangan Island is not so busy, it’s a perfect spot to get back to nature, contemplate, and find some calm. Menjangan Island is ideal if you want to see some marine life and you also want to be in a quiet natural space.
Location: Northwest Bali, Bali Barat National Park
Top Highlights: Snorkeling and diving with vibrant coral reefs, ancient temples, serene natural surroundings, calm atmosphere.
Suggested Read: Campuhan Ridge Walk
8. Serangan Island
Photo: Rifqi PP / Shutterstock
Serangan Island lies just south of Denpasar and is joined to the mainland by a narrow road. Locals often call it Turtle Island because of the conservation project there, where sea turtles are kept and released back into the ocean. Visitors sometimes get to see hatchlings before they are set free. The island stays fairly quiet, and not many tourists spend time here, which is why people looking for a slower day out often choose it. Surfing and fishing are possible here, and several local temples add a cultural side to the visit. The mangrove forest surrounding parts of the island also makes it interesting for short walks and photography.
Location: South of Denpasar, Bali, connected by road
Top Highlights: Turtle conservation center, surfing and fishing, mangrove forests, local temples, quiet island experience.
9. Komodo Island
Photo: Thritoth / Shutterstock
In eastern Indonesia, Komodo Island sits in a protected area called Komodo National Park. Most visitors travel here to see the Komodo dragon, a species found only on a few islands in this area. The island itself is dry and hilly, with stretches of sandy beach and clear water around it. Visitors spend time hiking across the terrain, joining snorkelling or diving trips, and watching marine life close to the reefs. Alongside the wildlife, the island has several viewpoints that show wide views of the park’s rugged landscape. Pink Beach, with its unusual sand colour, is another highlight for visitors.
Location: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Top Highlights: Komodo dragons, hiking trails, snorkeling and diving with rich marine life, Pink Beach, rugged natural landscapes.
Suggested Read: Ubud Art Market
10. Lombok Island
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Lombok is an island in Indonesia that is close to Bali. The beaches in Lombok are calm, filled with greenery, and you can also explore the local culture. This place is quieter than other islands in Bali. Lombok has a large volcano called Mount Rinjani, which attracts adventurous tourists. Lombok has some great white beaches, like Kuta and Senggigi, where you can swim, surf, or simply lounge around. The Gili Islands are really close to Lombok, and are known for their clear water suitable for diving and snorkelling. The island also has a rich culture and friendly local life.
Location: East of Bali, Indonesia
Top Highlights: Mount Rinjani volcano trekking, calm white sand beaches (Kuta, Senggigi), rich local culture, proximity to Gili Islands, surfing.
Bali is more than beaches and temples! The islands in Bali offer quiet beaches, vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and endless activities. Nature lovers seeking peace must include these islands in their itinerary. From Nusa Penida’s towering cliffs to the stunning Gili Islands, each destination creates lasting memories. With TripXL, exploring these islands is about discovering Bali’s true beauty and having an unforgettable, well-planned adventure.
Cover Photo: Tarryn Grignet / Unsplash
