🌴Top islands near Bali for a dreamy getaway
Next stop: beach vibes and zero stress
Looking to elevate your trip to Bali with an excursion to a nearby island? Lucky for you, there are plenty of amazing islands near Bali to choose from, each one with a distinct personality and a wealth of natural beauty.
Ready to spend the day exploring? Check out the list of the best islands near Bali, compare ticket prices and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper hassle-free!
Nusa Lembongan
If you are dreaming of an island escape, where time slows down and stress just vanishes, then Nusa Lembongan is just a 30-minute ferry ride away from the port of Sanur in Bali. Hop on board, and you will quickly discover that this island paradise is all about chilled-out vibes, salty air, and scooter rides down winding roads.
You can snorkel, surf, explore seaweed farms (yep, that’s a thing), or just park yourself at a beach bar with a coconut. Need a quick adventure? Cross the bright yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan. It’s tiny, easy to explore, and perfect for anyone who’s tired of traffic and looking for a soft reset.
Bali - Nusa Lembongan from €9.50
Nusa Lembongan's beaches are calling!
Nusa Penida
Let’s be real, Nusa Penida is a little wild. But that’s what makes it incredible. Must-sees? Kelingking Beach (aka the T-Rex cliff), Angel’s Billabong, Atuh Beach, and if you’re lucky, manta rays at Crystal Bay. It’s not polished, but that’s kind of the point. Penida’s for travelers who want raw nature, big views, and zero gloss. Just bring solid shoes and a sense of adventure.
The fast boat from Sanur, Padang Bai, Kusamba and Serangan gets you there in about 30 minutes to 1 hour, and then it’s on. This island’s huge by local standards, so unless you love battling potholes on two wheels, maybe hire a driver.
Tip: check out our Nusa Penida day trip for more inspiration and ideas.
Bali - Nusa Penida from €10.50
The world beneath the waves at Crystal Bay will amaze you
Gili Gede
Gili Gede is where you go to vanish for a bit, in the best possible way. All you need to do is take a ferry from Serangan, and you’ll be enjoying the natural beauty of Gili Gede is about 2 hours. The island is part of the lesser-known “Secret Gilis,” and it more than lives up to the name. This place is quiet. No crowds, no clubs, no rush.
You’ll find a handful of lovely eco-lodges, glassy snorkel spots, maybe a cow or two wandering the beach. It’s not for party people, it’s for hammock people. Bring cash, reef-safe sunscreen, and a good playlist. Gili Gede’s all about slow travel and salty air.
Gili Gede is all about the good vibes
Lombok
Bali’s chill cousin, Lombok, is bigger, bolder, and blissfully less crowded. Fast ferries from Padang Bai take 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach Bangsal or Senggigi, while ferries from Serangan and Sanur take 3 to 4 hours.
Once you reach the shores of Lombok, the world is your oyster. You can surf the south (Kuta is a major hotspot), trek to the waterfalls in the north, or if you’re feeling up for the task, you can climb Mount Rinjani for a stunning view! It might not be the easiest of treks, but it’s worth it.
Unlike Bali, things are a bit more local here, with less traffic, more space. If you’re after adventure, culture, and spice-laden sambal dishes that bring the heat, Lombok’s where it’s at. Just don’t expect Bali 2.0, this island marches to its own beat.
The view from Mount Rinjani is stunning
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan’s got a rep and it owns it. It’s the biggest of the Gilis, and it knows how to party. But there’s more to it than beach bars and sunset swings. The ferry ride from Padang Bai takes just under 1.5 hours, while the ferry rides from Serangan and Sanur are more scenic, taking 2 to 2.5 hours.
As soon as you’re off the boat, it’s all bikes, horse carts, and bare feet. Snorkel with turtles, dive with reef sharks, or cycle the island in under an hour! There’s always something going on, especially on the southeast side, but head north if you want a quieter vibe. Great for sociable solo travelers, fun-loving couples, and anyone allergic to boredom.
Bali - Gili Trawangan from €18
Sunset at Gili Trawangan is out of this world
Gili Meno
If you are after a bit of a quieter adventure, Gili Meno is the soft-spoken sibling. It’s tiny, slow, and ridiculously pretty. Meno is all about barefoot vibes and doing absolutely nothing without feeling guilty. Snorkeling here is top-tier (especially at the underwater statues) and you’ll probably spot turtles even if you’re just bobbing around.
While not particularly known for its nightlife, the island puts on quite the show after sunset with stars, stillness, and swaying palms. You can easily travel directly to Gili Meno from Bali’s Padang Bai and be there in about 2 hours.
Enjoy the beach life at Gili Meno
Gili Air
Gili Air hits that sweet spot, peaceful but not sleepy. It’s got a laid-back energy with just enough buzz to keep things interesting. Ferries from Padang Bai in Bali take around 2 hours, but if you can also set sail from Serangan or Sanur and be there in 3 to 4 hours.
The island’s small enough to walk or bike around, but packed with charm: beach cafés, live music, morning yoga, and easy-access snorkeling straight off the sand. You’ll find a bit of everything: budget hostels, boutique bungalows, and sunset bars without the rowdy crowd. It’s ideal for creative souls, low-key couples, and anyone who likes their beaches with a side of good vibes.
Gili Air packs quite the tropical punch in under 2 square km
Book your ferry tickets online
Are you ready to plan your island escape from Bali? Check out our Map of ferries for the ferry schedules from Bali to nearby islands and book your ferry tickets without hidden fees!
