Best Islands Near Bali You Shouldn’t Miss

Best Islands Near Bali You Shouldn’t Miss: Escape the Mainstream, Embrace the Magic

If you’re anything like me—a curious soul with a backpack bigger than my common sense and a passion for wandering off the map—Bali is more than a destination. It’s a mood, a melody, a swirling dance of incense, gamelan, and grumpy monkeys plotting your snack’s demise. But here’s a secret: the magic doesn’t stop at Bali’s bustling shores. Just a splash away, a constellation of islands awaits, each with a personality as bold and inviting as a Balinese smile.

Let me be your guide on this island-hopping quest: part storyteller, part compass, and—thanks to my Croatian roots—always ready to compare a sunset to those over the Adriatic. Here are the best islands near Bali you shouldn’t miss, each promising adventure, serenity, and a taste of Indonesia’s lesser-known delights.

1. Nusa Penida: The Wild Beauty

If Bali is a well-loved novel, Nusa Penida is that mysterious sequel you discover in a dusty secondhand shop. A 45-minute ferry ride from Sanur, Penida’s jagged cliffs and turquoise coves will leave your jaw somewhere near your flip-flops.

Don’t Miss:
– Kelingking Beach: Instagram may have spoiled the surprise, but nothing prepares you for that T-Rex shaped cliff. Descend if you dare (and have knees of steel).
– Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach: Nature’s own infinity pool and a sea arch that makes you wonder if Poseidon moonlights as an architect.
– Local Life: Swap the crowds for warungs (local eateries) serving nasi campur with sea views and the sound of roosters instead of traffic.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Rent a scooter and embrace the pothole ballet. It’s bumpy, but so is life—and the views are worth every jolt.

2. Nusa Lembongan: Laid-Back Vibes and Secret Mangroves

Just ten kilometers from Bali, Nusa Lembongan feels like stepping back in time—before beach clubs and infinity pools multiplied like rabbits. Think sleepy villages, seaweed farmers, and sunsets that paint the sky in Adriatic blues and fiery golds.

Must-Do:
– Devil’s Tear: Watch waves explode in a spray worthy of a Dalmatian bora.
– Mangrove Forest: Glide through emerald tunnels by kayak or paddleboard. It’s tranquil, mystical, and occasionally interrupted by a cheeky crab.
– Sandy Bay: For those who enjoy toes-in-the-sand dining with coconut in hand.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Try the grilled fish at a local warung. Reminds me of my uncle’s catch-of-the-day back in Croatia, only with sambal instead of olive oil.

3. Nusa Ceningan: Bali’s Secret Little Sister

Blink and you might miss her, but Nusa Ceningan—tucked between Penida and Lembongan—is all about understated charm. Cross the iconic yellow bridge (it wobbles, but so did the bridges of Dubrovnik in my youth) and discover an island made for slow exploration.

Explore:
– Blue Lagoon: A swimming spot so vivid, you’ll wonder if someone snuck in a can of turquoise paint.
– Cliff Jumps: For adrenaline junkies, leap into the sea at Mahana Point. Don’t worry, the warung serves cold Bintang for courage.
– Secret Beaches: Walk the coastal paths to find your private patch of sand—perfect for a quiet picnic or a well-deserved nap.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Stay for sunset. The horizon here could rival any on the Dalmatian coast—just swap pine trees for swaying palms.

4. Gili Islands: The Lombok Triad of Paradise

A touch farther east, a trio of islets—Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno—waits like pearls off Lombok’s coast, accessible by fast boat from Bali. Each offers a different flavor, from party to peace.

Highlights:
– Gili Trawangan: The “party island,” where beach bars thrum until dawn. But wake early and cycle the car-free lanes for a peaceful sunrise.
– Gili Air: My personal favorite for “just right” vibes—yoga at dawn, live music at dusk, and snorkeling with turtles in-between.
– Gili Meno: Honeymooners and hermits rejoice—this is the place to unplug, with beaches so quiet you’ll hear only your own heartbeat (and maybe a wandering goat).

Zvjezdan’s Tip: No motorized vehicles here—rent a bicycle or horse cart. It’s delightfully old-school, like cycling through a Croatian village, but with more coconuts.

5. Menjangan Island: Bali’s Untamed North

For those with a taste for the wild, Menjangan is Bali’s best-kept secret, nestled within the West Bali National Park. Famed for its world-class diving and untouched reefs, it’s a sanctuary for deer (menjangan means “deer” in Indonesian) and those seeking solitude.

Dive In:
– Underwater Marvels: Coral walls teeming with life, from turtles to technicolor fish. It’s as if the Adriatic’s clear blue met Nemo’s house party.
– Serene Temples: Visit the island’s sacred shrines, where silence is golden and monkeys the only congregation.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Bring your own snacks and plenty of water—there are no warungs here, just nature and the sound of your own awe.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Own Island Rhythm

Bali is beautiful, but its neighbors are where you find stories worth telling. Whether you crave adventure, tranquility, or a taste of Indonesia’s vibrant culture, these islands invite you to step off Bali’s well-trodden path. As you sail from one to the next, you’ll realize—as I have—that sometimes paradise is just a boat ride away.

So pack your sense of wonder (and maybe a rain poncho), charge your camera, and let the islands near Bali surprise you. Who knows, you might find your second home—just as I did, balancing between two coasts, two cultures, and an endless horizon of adventure.

Selamat jalan! Sretan put! Happy journey!