The 5 Best Small Islands Near Bali

Picturesque hidden beaches, flourishing endemic wildlife and brand new experiences – these small islands are so much more than just miniatures of Bali.

Bali needs no introduction; you may already know your way to the main temples and beaches by now. Just when you thought it’s maybe time to move along to other destinations, you came across the hype about the surrounding small islands near the mainland. Offering pristine natural magnetism and daring adventures, these small islands near Bali are worth every extra mile you travel to reach them.

1. Nusa Penida

Natural Feature

This small island is best represented by the glorious Kelingking Beach viewpoint. Over the years, photos of this majestic T-Rex shaped slope hugging the blissful bay below have become ubiquitous with Nusa Penida, courtesy of avid travellers bewitched by its natural beauty. But that’s not all there is: the island is also home to exquisite cave temples and even more coastal beauty – hidden lagoons, beaches, diving spots and more. Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa Islands on the southeast of Bali. With the unspoiled nature and a lot of uncharted territory, Culture Trip believes the best destinations haven’t even been discovered yet.

2. Nusa Lembongan

Forest, Natural Feature

Restaurant overlooking Mushroom Bay, Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia

Nusa Lembongan is a bite-sized tropical heaven. A convenient day trip should be enough to get the best out of this small island: surf at Playgrounds point, explore the mangrove forest before snorkeling in the adjacent coast, and beach-hop to your heart’s content. Aside from the exciting adventures, Nusa Lembongan is the place to go if you want peace and quiet near (but away) from Bali – no hawkers, no traffic, just scenic beaches and ocean breeze.

4. Menjangan Island

Park

A fire coral colony surrounded by small fish, off Menjangan Island, Bali

Far away from what one may expect on the cover of a postcard from Bali, Menjangan is a wildlife paradise like nowhere else in the archipelago. This unexploited island is part of the West Bali National Park, accessible only from the park’s main pier. From there, glorious Javan deer stroll the pristine beaches and Bali Starling sing from deep in the jungle. Divers in particular love this small island for its coral-covered walls and sunken shipwrecks, all enjoyed with great visibility and relatively calm waters.

5. Gili Trawangan

Natural Feature

Beautiful beach at Gili Trawangan, or simply Gili T, is the largest of the three Gili Islands off Lombok. The island is one of the diving paradise.

Once a renowned backpacking destination, this island has perfected its flair in catering to every taste, party animals to zen-seekers alike. Aided by its sister islands Gili Meno and Gili Air, this slice of tropical paradise offers more than anyone would ever expect from such small islands, boasting Instagram-famous ocean swings, thriving marine biodiversity and more. Gili Trawangan is known for its versatility in accommodating both peace and quiet and loud and wild in one place – the vibe is whatever you want it to be.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.