Indonesia has 17000 islands , with Bali being one of the most famous. Islands in Bali are known for their stunning sunrises and sunsets , majestic temples, lush greenery, and unique beaches. If you’re exploring Bali tour packages for a romantic getaway or adventurous excursion, these Bali islands offer something for everyone!
From the stunning beaches with tranquil waters and healthy coral reefs with excellent visibility to the best party spots and seclusion, these islands have got you covered! Let’s explore the top 12 islands in Bali that are worth visiting for an unforgettable Bali vacation below!
Reasons To Explore 12 Top Islands In Bali
- Cater to all the travellers seeking the best islands in Bali.
- If you’re desiring seclusion from touristy islands in Bali.
- Families looking for the best island in Bali for family-friendly adventures.
- Party-goers searching for vibrant party islands in Bali.
Nusa Penida, one of the 3 Nusa Islands, tops the list of the best islands in Bali to visit. Situated in southeast Bali, Nusa Penida is renowned for being exotic.
Although it lacks tourist infrastructure, it offers stunning lagoons and cliffs, making it an ideal spot for scuba diving to explore coral reefs, manta rays, whale sharks, and the endangered Balinese starling. It is the best island in Bali to visit.
- Famous For: Kelingking Beach, Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach
- Best Things To Do In Nusa Penida: Birdwatching, exploring the famous Giri Putri Caves in Pakraman village, and trying adventure activities like Scuba diving with your special someone.
- Location: Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 66 km
- How To Reach:
- By ferry from Bali via Sanur
- By public boats from Nusa Lembongan
- Best Time To Visit: May to September
If you are looking for a laid-back island near Bali, with no traffic or hawkers, Nusa Lembongan is the perfect choice. The locals walk or cycle, and the visitors can also do the same.
It’s popular for romantic getaways with the best accommodations available. This makes Nusa Lembongan one of the islands in Bali for honeymoon. Its calm waters and family-friendly activities also make it the best island in Bali for family vacations.
You can reach Lembongan by a 45-minute boat ride from Sanur or Benoa Harbour in Bali. It’s a favourite among travellers for day trips. Various activities like snorkelling make this island one of the most popular islands in Bali.
- Famous For: Vibrant marine life and diving, Dream Beach
- Best Things To Do In Nusa Lembongan: Try the best spots to surf with three surf breaks nearby. Enjoy a reef cruise. You can also go diving, paddleboarding, snorkelling, cliff-jumping, and take romantic walks along the pristine beaches.
- Location: Jungutbatu, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 55 km
- How To Reach: Via Sanur Beach or Benoa Harbour
- Best Time To Visit: March to November
Nusa Ceningan is also among the list of popular islands to explore in Bali. It is an easily accessible island from Lembongan.
This is one of the top islands in Bali for honeymoon, which has an underwater garden with sunken temples and statues, and sweeping seascapes dotted with traditional fishing boats and seaweed farms, making it the best island in Bali for honeymoon.
Boats depart from Sanur, Serangan Island, and Tanjung Benoa to Nusa Lembongan, and from there, you can reach Nusa Ceningan via a connecting bridge.
- Famous For: Blue Lagoon, Secret Beach
- Best Things To Do In Nusa Ceningan: Boating, cliff diving from Blue Lagoon, and understanding seaweed farming
- Location: Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 57 km
- How To Reach: By crossing the bridge from Nusa Lembongan
- Best Time To Visit: May to September
Lombok is also counted as one of the best islands in Bali to visit. This famous island in Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is promoted as an “unspoiled Bali” with fantastic beaches and great surfing.
The island has a spectacular active volcano and Mount Rinjani, which houses stunning waterfalls, making it one of the best islands to explore in Bali.
Kuta Lombok, situated in southern Lombok, is less crowded than Bali’s version and has some of the most impressive beaches in Indonesia.
- Famous For: Selong Belanak Beach, Kuta Lombok, Pink Beach
- Best Things To Do In Lombok Island: Hiking, sightseeing, exploring the best waterfalls, photography tours, and scuba diving
- Location: West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 212 km
- How To Reach:
- Via Lembar by road
- Via Padang Bai by boat
- Best Time To Visit: July to August
A good 6-Day Beaches & Beyond Bali Trip Package includes Nusa Menjangan Island, one of the popular islands in Bali to visit for water activities due to its crystal clear and calm waters.
It has a rich marine life with diverse and colourful fish and corals. The island is also home to the rare Javan rusa deer. Visitors can reach the island by boat from Labuhan Lalang port.
A permit and park guide are required to visit this island. The Segara Giri Dharma Kencana Temple, with a towering Ganesh statue, is a must-visit to experience Balinese culture.
- Famous For: Diving sites, cultural significance
- Best Things To Do In Nusa Menjangan: Snorkelling, visiting the famous Lord Ganesha Temple, exploring the corals, and treasure hunting at the shipwreck.
- Location: WG38+M8F, Babahan, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 8 km
- How To Reach:
- Via Labuhan Lalang port
- From Terima Bay
- Best Time To Visit: All year round
Gili Trawangan is a great island close to Bali, Indonesia. It's popular with young, trendy people, but also perfect for couples. You can go snorkelling to see turtles and colourful corals underwater.
There's a swing on the beach where you can watch beautiful sunsets, which is really romantic. The island also has fun parties at night, making it a top choice for people visiting Bali.
- Famous For: Vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities
- Best Things To Do In Gili Trawangan: Snorkelling with sea turtles, island hopping, beach horse riding, sunbathing
- Location: Gili Indah, Pemenang, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 104 km
- How To Reach: On a boat via Padang Bai
- Best Time To Visit: September to November
Gili Gede, a small and rugged island located on the southwest coast of Lombok, is one of the party islands in Bali. Despite its name meaning “Large Island”, it is only 4 km by 1.6 km at its widest point.
Desert Point is a famous surf spot. This island is 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.
There are 24 other islands in the Gili Islands. Gili Gede has walkable paths that connect its five small villages. With a population of fewer than 1,000 people, it offers a slower pace than neighbouring islands.
Its calm waters are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and boat cruising — The best island in Bali for honeymoon.
- Famous For: Pristine beaches and vibrant marine life
- Best Things To Do In Gili Gede: Explore Gili Gede’s white-sand beaches with mangroves, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, diving, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing on beaches like Gili Layar, Bangko Bangko, Gili Rengit, and Desert Point
- Location: West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 103 km
- How To Reach: Via Menjangan Island
- Best Time To Visit: May to September
Gili Meno, one of the Gili islands near Bali, is an ideal honeymoon destination. Gili Meno is the central island of the three Gili Islands, located just off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. The island offers various romantic spots, including an aviary, turtle sanctuary, and secluded restaurants.
It is the most famous island in Bali that is home to the world’s largest lizards — the Komodo Dragons.
Although the dragons attract a lot of attention, the surrounding waters also offer fantastic scuba diving opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and couples. One of the best places to visit in Bali.
The underwater world of Komodo Island is home to manta rays, sharks, and some of Indonesia’s most spectacular reefs. The Komodo National Park is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site located on the Komodo.
So, if you and your beloved are looking for some adventure activities in Bali, the Land of Dragons is the perfect destination.
Java, located to the west of Bali, is the cultural centre of Indonesia. It is home to numerous temples, architectural marvels, and volcanoes, making it a mini Indonesia.
Jakarta, Bandung, Jogja, Malang, and Bogor are some of the renowned cities on this traditional island located near Bali.
You can’t miss the ancient Hindu temples of Borobudur and the Sultan’s palace, which are a beautiful representation of the royal Indonesian culture and heritage.
- Famous For: Extensive rice production and as a cultural and historical center
- Best Things To Do In Java: Sightseeing, checking out the monuments and temples, catching some cultural performances, and going for a nice hike.
- Location: Pulau Jawa, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 613 km
- How To reach: By a ferry from Bali
- Best Time To Visit: May to September
Gili Air is a beautiful island close to Bali, near Lombok. It has many nice cafes right on the beach and places where you can do yoga.
These are the best islands in Bali to stay at romantic resorts. The island is especially great for people who like to dive or snorkel, as you can see beautiful coral and often spot sea turtles swimming around.
Serangan Island, also known as Turtle Island, is a great place for couples looking for romance and adventure.
It is the best island in Bali to visit that helps protect sea turtles. You can enjoy water activities like jet skiing and banana boat rides. There are temples to visit, like Pura Dalem Sakenan, which adds some spiritual elements to your trip.
- Famous For: Turtle conservation efforts and Sakenan Temple
- Best Things To Do In Serangan Island: Enjoy banana boat rides, swimming, jet skiing, and scuba diving, and visit the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre
- Location: Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia
- Distance From Bali: 45.5 km
- How To Reach: By ferry from the Gili Islands
- Best Time To Visit: April to October
What Is The Best Island In Bali?
The best islands to visit in Bali offer diverse experiences for every traveller. From Nusa Penida's dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters to Gili Trawangan's vibrant nightlife, each island has unique charm.
For couples seeking romance, Nusa Lembongan stands out as the best island in Bali for honeymoon with its peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
Adventure seekers love Komodo Island's wildlife, while families prefer Serangan Island's turtle conservation activities.
Whether you want secluded beaches, underwater adventures, cultural experiences, or party scenes, these 12 amazing islands near Bali guarantee unforgettable memories for your Indonesian vacation.
