10 Must-Visit Islands in Bali, Indonesia for 2025

Bali’s Indonesian islands give travelers an experience that goes beyond the popular mainland. These scattered tropical gems blend dramatic landscapes with pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage. Each island shows its own charm and character that appeals to different types of travelers.

Travelers can explore countless adventures between the towering cliffs of Nusa Penida and the peaceful shores of the Gili Islands. The islands feature world-class diving spots, excellent surfing locations, traditional villages and scenic hiking trails. These ten must-visit islands give every traveler amazing experiences, ranging from vibrant nightlife to peaceful seclusion.

Nusa Penida: Dramatic Cliffs and Pristine Beaches

Nestled off Bali’s southeastern coast, Nusa Penida engages visitors with its dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine beaches. What’s more, this island paradise showcases some of Indonesia’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.

Kelingking Beach and T-Rex Shaped cliff

The iconic Kelingking Beach attracts countless visitors because of its distinctive T-Rex-shaped cliff formation. Breathtaking views of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches await at the viewpoint. The beach access demands a challenging descent that requires you to traverse rocky terrain and climb vertical sections, but the spectacular views make every step worthwhile. The beach showcases stunning scenery, but swimmers must be careful because of strong waves.

Crystal Bay for Snorkeling

Crystal Bay shines as one of the best snorkeling spots along Nusa Penida’s western coast. This beautiful location features:

Colorful coral reefs thriving at 9-16 feet depth
Crystal-clear waters that provide excellent visibility
Rich marine life with surgeonfish and butterflyfish swimming freely

The beach’s western orientation creates perfect conditions for watching sunsets. Visitors can reach this peaceful spot within 30 minutes from the main port. Moreover, and the swimming conditions here remain calmer than other beaches around the island.

Angel’s Billabong Natural Infinity Pool

Angel’s Billabong is a remarkable natural infinity pool formed by volcanic rock erosion. The best time to visit this stunning formation is during low tide, between sunrise and 10:00 AM. The crystal-clear waters create perfect photo opportunities. Swimming is not allowed here because of safety risks. Several accidents have happened when unexpected waves surged into the pool. Visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking views where the pool naturally blends with the ocean, but they must follow the posted safety rules.

Spiritual retreats in Bali.

Gili Islands: Car-Free Paradise

Gili Islands are different from Bali’s other destinations in Indonesia because they form a car-free archipelago where people move around only by bicycles and traditional horse-drawn carriages. These three Bali Islands Indonesia provide something special for each type of traveler.

Gili Trawangan for Nightlife and Diving

Gili Trawangan, lovingly called Gili T, stands out as the archipelago’s ultimate party hub. The island hosts vibrant nightlife with all bars except one closing at midnight. Visitors can experience:

Exciting pub crawls that kick off at 6:30 PM every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday
Unlimited drink specials between 8:30 PM and 11:30 PM
World-class spots to explore with over 25 dive sites in the vicinity

Gili Meno for Tranquility and Beaches

Gili Meno stands out as the most peaceful of the three islands and provides a serene escape for visitors. This intimate paradise earned its nickname “honeymoon island” due to its cozy size – just two kilometers in length and one kilometer wide. Pristine white-sand beaches line the shores while crystal-clear waters lap at the edges. A unique salt lake sits at the heart of the island, wrapped in lush mangrove forest. Families and couples will find the calm, safe waters particularly appealing and the unspoiled beaches remain among Asia’s most untouched coastal treasures.

Gili Air for Relaxed Vibes

Gili Air perfectly balances the energy between its livelier and quieter neighboring islands. The island’s close-knit community atmosphere offers something for everyone. You can bike around the entire island in under an hour and catch majestic views of Mt. Rinjani for half your ride. The east coast comes alive with bars and restaurants, while the west coast treats you to spectacular sunsets. Water enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, wakeboarding and stand-up paddle boarding. The party scene quiets down during Ramadan, but the island’s welcoming spirit stays strong throughout the year.

Read about Christmas in Bali.

Nusa Lembongan: Surf and Seaweed Farms

Nusa Lembongan stands proudly south of mainland Bali Islands Indonesia. This unique island blends traditional seaweed farming with some of the best surfing spots worldwide. Visitors experience a perfect harmony between rich cultural heritage and modern tourist attractions.

Devil’s Tear Cliff Jumping Spot

Devil’s Tear is one of the island’s most dramatic attractions. Powerful waves crash against rugged cliffs and create spectacular water displays. The spot earned its name from the sea spray that shoots upward through a natural arch and creates a “crying” effect. Visitors can enjoy:

Magical rainbows that appear on sunny days
Breathtaking sunset views across the Indian Ocean
Photography from secure viewing platforms
Beautiful natural tide pools with mirror-like reflections

Mushroom Bay for Swimming

Mushroom Bay welcomes visitors with pristine white sand and crystal-blue waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. Gentle waves roll into shallow waters, creating perfect conditions for swimming and water activities. Local operators run snorkeling tours at 200,000 IDR per person and beachside cafes and bars serve refreshments all day long.

Seaweed Farms and Local Culture

Seaweed farming has become an essential part of the island’s heritage since its introduction in the 1980s. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a remarkable surge in seaweed farmers from 15 to approximately 850. Local farmers now develop both green and brown seaweed varieties through monthly harvest cycles. Japan, China and Singapore import this seaweed to produce cosmetics and food additives.

Nature’s rhythm guides the farming process as farmers align their work with tidal patterns instead of conventional working hours. Farmers use narrow waterways to reach their fields and continue their traditional harvesting practices. The coastline showcases a mixture of dried seaweed that displays vibrant shades of green, purple and blue.

Lombok: Bali’s Less Crowded Neighbor

Lombok stands apart from its famous neighbor Bali in Indonesia’s archipelago. Travelers can enjoy a unique experience with fewer crowds and genuine cultural interactions. The island’s dramatic landscapes blend perfectly with pristine beaches that showcase its traditional charm.

Mount Rinjani Trekking

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, stands magnificently at 3,726 meters (12,224 feet) and offers an extraordinary trekking experience. The trip takes at least two days and one night, though many adventurers choose a three-day expedition. Trekkers can explore a variety of landscapes that include:

Savannah and dry grasslands at lower elevations
Volcanic ash grounds in middle sections
Rocky volcanic terrain near the summit
Dense tropical jungle during descent

Adventurers reach the summit to witness breathtaking views of distant volcanoes wrapped in clouds. Additionally, the magnificent turquoise Segara Anak lake nestled inside the crater rim.

Pristine Beaches like Selong Belanak

Selong Belanak Beach is one of South Lombok’s most picturesque coastal destinations. This beautiful bay showcases powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is a chance to experience:

Gentle surf conditions perfect for beginners with slow beach breaks near the shore
Water buffalos crossing the beach daily at 5:00 PM
Local delicacies from beachside warungs that serve Mie Goreng and Nasi Campur

Sasak Tribal Villages

The Sasak people make up 85% of Lombok’s population and keep their rich cultural heritage alive through traditional villages like Sade and Ende. These communities show visitors real indigenous life with their distinctive building techniques. Local builders use wooden pillars, frames, bamboo walls and alang-alang (woven grass) roofs to construct homes without any metal tools.

Sade Village’s 700 residents still follow their ancestors’ ways of life. The village has 150 households living in thatched houses with a unique feature – walls coated with cow dung each month. This natural treatment keeps mosquitoes away and helps maintain cool temperatures inside. The village’s women are vital to keeping cultural traditions alive. Before marriage, they must become skilled at weaving and create detailed Ikat textiles through a process that takes several months.

The Sasak’s cultural identity stands out from other Indonesian destinations. While they practice Islam, they have preserved their ethnic traditions, which creates a mixture of beliefs different from their Balinese neighbors.

Read about Balangan Beach, Bali.

Enjoy Bali Islands Indonesia

Bali’s neighboring islands showcase Indonesia’s natural and cultural diversity beautifully. These destinations range from Nusa Penida’s dramatic cliffs and Crystal Bay’s marine wonders to the Gili Islands’ peaceful car-free environment and Lombok’s genuine village life. The region knows how to balance traditional practices with responsible tourism. Indeed, which you can see in Nusa Lembongan’s seaweed farming heritage and Lombok’s vibrant Sasak communities.

These island paradises offer unforgettable moments for every traveler in 2024. Thrill-seekers will love Mount Rinjani’s challenging trails and Devil’s Tear’s powerful seascapes. Those looking for peace can unwind on Gili Meno’s untouched beaches or explore Lombok’s traditional villages. The perfect mix of natural beauty, rich culture and modern comforts makes Bali’s islands perfect for anyone wanting to experience real Indonesian life.

FAQs

What are the top islands to visit around Bali? The best islands to explore around Bali include Gili Trawangan. Ultimately, known for its vibrant nightlife and diving opportunities. In addition, Gili Meno, which offers peace and minimal development. Other notable mentions are Moyo Island, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida.
Which Indonesian island is a must-visit? Some of the top Indonesian islands to consider visiting are Nusa Penida, Gili Trawangan Island, Padar Island, Menjangan Island, Thousand Islands, Gili Islands, Gili Air Island and the Mentawai Islands. Each offers unique attractions and experiences.
Where is the most picturesque area in Bali? Uluwatu, located on Bali’s southwestern tip, is renowned for its stunning and secluded beaches. This area provides a tranquil escape from the more crowded tourist locations, making it one of the most beautiful parts of Bali.
Which island should I choose for my stay in Bali? For a memorable stay, consider the Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan), the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air), and other islands like Komodo, Lombok, Flores and Menjangan. Each offers unique landscapes and activities.

Next, read about Sumatra.