10 Secret Islands Around Bali You Must Visit
Bali may be the Island of the Gods, but the real adventure starts when you venture to its lesser-known neighbors. Scattered off Bali’s coast are hidden gems – tiny islands where you can escape the crowds and find untouched beaches, vibrant reefs, and authentic local charm. Getting there is half the fun: hop on local ferries or 30-minute speedboats from Sanur or Padang Bai (fast boat rides vary from about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the island). For more remote isles, consider short flights to Lombok or chartering a boat. The best time to go island-hopping is the April–October dry season, when seas are calm and skies clear. And don’t forget to pack smart – bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral, a waterproof dry bag for boat rides, and your own snorkel gear so you can plunge into crystal waters at a moment’s notice. Below, we reveal ten secret islands around Bali that reward intrepid travelers with off-the-beaten-path beauty and adventure.
1. Nusa Penida
The iconic Kelingking “T-Rex” cliff on Nusa Penida’s coast. Nusa Penida is a wild slice of paradise just a short boat ride from Bali’s mainland. As the largest of the Nusa islands, it remains relatively untamed – a place of pristine beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs that feel a world away from crowded Kuta. A 30–45 minute fast boat from Sanur drops you on Penida’s shores, where winding roads lead to jaw-dropping viewpoints like Kelingking Beach (with its T-Rex-shaped headland) and Angel’s Billabong tidal pool. Many visitors come on day tours, but the real magic is revealed if you stay overnight and explore beyond the day-tripper spots. Rent a scooter (the roads are bumpy – drive cautiously) or hire a local driver to seek out hidden waterfalls, clifftop temples, and secluded coves. Don’t miss snorkeling with manta rays at Manta Point or diving at Crystal Bay’s reefs. Nusa Penida’s vibe is rustic and adventurous – it offers a tranquil, untouched atmosphere compared to Bali’s tourist hubs, making it a must-see for off-the-beaten-path adventure seekers.
2. Nusa Lembongan
Waves crashing into the cliffs at Devil’s Tear on Nusa Lembongan. If you’re looking for a peaceful island escape that’s still close to Bali, Nusa Lembongan is ideal. This small island (just 30 minutes by fast boat from Sanur) welcomes you with white-sand beaches, calm turquoise bays, and a laid-back village vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the day kayaking through mangrove forests, snorkeling with reef fish, or simply swinging in a hammock by the water. Don’t miss Devil’s Tear, a dramatic rocky outcrop where geysers of ocean spray burst from the cliffs at high tide – it’s one of Lembongan’s most awe-inspiring sights, especially at sunset. The island also has a fun side: you’ll find a handful of beach bars and cafes (try a sunset cocktail at the famous Ohana’s or Sandy Bay Beach Club) where you can unwind with toes in the sand. Getting around is easy by scooter or golf buggy – visit the underground house (a quirky local attraction hand-dug from rock) and Panorama Point for a stunning overview of the island. Lembongan’s mellow charm and scenic beauty make it perfect for travelers who want Bali’s beauty without Bali’s crowds.
3. Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is the teeny sister island to Lembongan, linked by a bright yellow suspension bridge that itself has become an icon. Though small in size, Ceningan is big on adventure and scenery. Think blue lagoons, clifftop swings, and secret beaches all packed into an island you can cross in 20 minutes. Adrenaline junkies can head to Mahana Point to cliff-jump 12 meters into the clear sea or zipline over the water for a rush of excitement. If relaxing is more your style, Ceningan has dreamy beachfront bars – the Sea Breeze Cafe even features hammocks suspended over the tide for the ultimate chill-out. Exploring is straightforward: most visitors simply walk or ride a scooter over the Yellow Bridge from Nusa Lembongan (it’s a 5-minute ride). Once there, you can scoot along Ceningan’s single road through coconut groves to find gems like Secret Beach, a small cove that often feels like your own private paradise. The viewpoints on Ceningan’s cliffs offer panoramic vistas of the ocean and distant Bali. Come midday, cool off in the Blue Lagoon – a sheltered bay of unreal aquamarine water – or visit the rustic Le Pirate Beach Club for a dip in their pool. Frequently overlooked by tourists rushing to Penida, Nusa Ceningan offers an off-the-beaten-path island experience with all the Bali vibes (minus the crowds).
4. Menjangan Island
Aerial view of tiny Menjangan Island, part of West Bali National Park. Tucked away in the far northwest of Bali, Menjangan Island is a hidden gem for nature lovers and snorkelers. This uninhabited speck of land – whose name means “Deer Island” – is home to friendly Javan rusa deer that occasionally swim over from the mainland, as well as some of the most vibrant coral reefs in Bali’s waters. The island lies about 8 miles off Bali’s coast within the protected West Bali National Park, so its marine life is thriving and the atmosphere is pristine and uncrowded. To reach Menjangan, travelers make their way to Labuhan Lalang harbor in Pemuteran (a 4-hour drive from South Bali) and then take a 30-minute boat across calm bay waters. Once you arrive, it’s all about the underwater world – snorkel or dive in crystal-clear water and you’ll find steep drop-offs and gardens of hard coral teeming with reef fish, sea turtles, and even an occasional reef shark. A top dive site is the famous Anker Wreck, where an old wooden ship now hosts colorful corals and marine critters. If you’re not a diver, you can still enjoy Menjangan’s powdery white beaches and a tranquil hike to a small hilltop temple with sea views. Remember that Menjangan is part of a national park – you’ll need a permit and a guide, which are usually arranged by tour operators. The extra effort is worth it: Menjangan Island is a secluded paradise of wildlife and reef treasures that feels far removed from Bali’s usual tourist trail.
5. Gili Air
Gili Air is a tiny tropical haven that offers the perfect blend of the other Gili Islands’ personalities. Sitting just off the coast of Lombok (and reachable from Bali in about 2 hours by fast boat or via a ferry to Lombok and short hop), Gili Air has a laid-back, bohemian vibe that’s peaceful but not too isolated. There are no cars or motorbikes here – getting around is by bicycle or foot on sandy paths, under waving palm trees. Days on Gili Air are blissfully lazy: snorkel straight from the beach and you’re likely to spot turtles grazing in the shallow reefs, or dive with one of the island’s friendly dive shops to explore deeper coral walls. On land, you’ll find rustic beach cafes, reggae bars, and yoga classes that give Air a mellow social scene without the party chaos of Gili Trawangan. Accommodation ranges from simple homestays to chic boutique bungalows, and by night the island is quiet enough to hear waves lapping under starry skies. Don’t miss the sunrise on the east coast, when Lombok’s volcanic Mt. Rinjani is silhouetted in the dawn light – and for sunset, head to the west side for a view of the sun sinking behind Bali’s Mount Agung in the distance. Gili Air remains “peaceful and not too touristy,” with enough cafes and beach bars to be comfortable, yet retaining an uncrowded local charm. It’s the ideal spot to experience island life at your own pace, minus the crowds.
6. Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the quietest of the famed “Gili” trio, a castaway idyll beloved by honeymooners and anyone seeking total relaxation. Often called the honeymoon island, Meno boasts secluded beaches and a serene atmosphere – it feels like a little paradise frozen in time. There’s not much nightlife or development; instead, you get salt-wind in your hair, shallow turquoise waters, and maybe a lone coconut vendor on the shore. Snorkeling off Meno’s west coast can reward you with sightings of colorful fish and sea turtles gliding by. But the island’s most famous attraction lies under the water: the Nest underwater sculpture garden, a surreal ring of 48 life-size statues standing in only about 4 meters of water. Created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, these eerie yet beautiful statues have become an artificial reef, now swarmed by schools of tropical fish. Most visitors come to Meno specifically to swim among this Instagram-famous site, and it’s truly a unique experience to snorkel through art. Travel Tip: Go early in the morning to have the underwater statues to yourself before the snorkeling tour boats arrive. Getting to Gili Meno from Bali is an adventure in itself – many take a fast boat to Gili Trawangan (about 2 hours) then a 15-minute local ferry to Meno, or you can charter a direct boat. Once on Meno, you’ll find just a handful of beach cottage resorts and local warungs. Even activities are simple: beach walks, a small turtle sanctuary hatchery to visit, and nights stargazing on an empty beach. Gili Meno offers an authentic desert-island vibe – a true unplugged escape where the days move slowly and the natural beauty takes center stage.
7. Gili Gede
A tranquil beach on Gili Gede, where development is minimal and serenity is guaranteed. If your idea of paradise is a remote island with no crowds at all, set your compass for Gili Gede. Part of a cluster of “secret Gilis” off Lombok’s southwest coast, Gili Gede is often cited as the quietest of the 26 Gili isles – a place so sleepy and unspoiled, it makes Lembongan look busy. A 1.5 to 2-hour speedboat ride from Bali’s Serangan harbor brings you to this long, sparsely populated island. There are no cars, no scooters, and in fact barely any roads at all on Gede. Instead, you’ll wander or bicycle between a few fishing villages where life moves at a gentle pace. The local community here fishes and even farms pearls in the clear bays – you might spot floating pearl farms offshore, a signature sight of Gili Gede. For travelers, facilities are low-key: a handful of backpacker-friendly bungalows and a couple of upscale eco-resorts hide among the palm trees. Days on Gede are blissfully uncomplicated. You can sunbathe on deserted white-sand beaches, go stand-up paddleboarding over glassy shallows, or snorkel among reefs that see few visitors (meaning coral and fish are plentiful). Hiking inland offers panoramic views of the Lombok mainland and neighboring islets dotting the sea. At night, with virtually no light pollution, the stars are incredible. Gili Gede truly feels like a detox from civilization – an “Eat, Pray, Love” style escape where you can hear yourself think and reconnect with nature. Bring a good book, plenty of sunscreen, and cash (no ATMs here), and get ready to savor the simple island life.
8. Gili Nanggu
Pristine Gili Nanggu as seen from above – a tiny island oasis off Lombok’s coast. Gili Nanggu is one of Lombok’s best-kept secrets – a minuscule private island that embodies tropical bliss. Tucked in the southwest, Nanggu is reached by a 15-minute boat ride from the Sekotong area of Lombok (which itself is about a 1-hour drive from the Lombok ferry port or airport). Increasingly popular as a day trip, Nanggu still feels untouched: there’s one small resort and a few simple huts, but otherwise it’s just powdery white sands, swaying palms, and crystal-clear waters. The surrounding sea is calm and brilliantly blue, making this island perfect for snorkeling – just off the beach you’ll find vibrant coral gardens and an abundance of reef fish. (Many say Nanggu offers some of the best snorkeling in the “Secret Gilis” cluster, with clownfish and neon wrasses flitting about.) What makes Gili Nanggu truly special is its serene, castaway vibe. There are no vendors, no traffic, no noise – only the sound of gentle waves. You can walk the entire island in about 30 minutes, discovering hidden coves and a small turtle conservation pond where baby sea turtles are raised for release. Spend your day lounging under casuarina trees, having a beach picnic, and floating in turquoise shallows without another soul in sight. If you’re up for adventure, hire your boat captain to hop to the even smaller nearby islets like Gili Kedis and Gili Sudak, which are little more than sand spits with a few trees. Visiting Gili Nanggu is like stepping back in time to an unspoiled Indonesia – “no crowds, no vendors. Only unexploited nature and plenty of marine life,” as one travel report praises. It’s a true Robinson Crusoe experience, so remember to pack whatever you need for the day (water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen) and be prepared to leave nothing behind but footprints.
9. Gili Putih
Sunset at Gili Putih – a temporary island of white sand that emerges at low tide in North Bali. Gili Putih isn’t your typical island – it’s essentially a vanishing sandbar in the middle of the Bali Sea, and visiting it feels like finding a secret oasis that few others know about. Located off the coast of Sumberkima village in North Bali’s Buleleng Regency, Gili Putih is reached by hiring a local jukung (outrigger fishing boat) for a brief 10-minute ride over calm waters. (Insider tip: when the tide is extremely low, locals say you can even walk across shallow water and sand flats from the mainland to reach it!) What you find is a small stretch of dazzling white sand – only about 600 square meters of land – surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water on all sides. The sandbar’s shape and size change with the tides, sometimes broad and sometimes narrowing to a conch shell shape. It’s uninhabited and untouched, save for a couple of makeshift bamboo gazebos and a wooden swing planted in the sand for that perfect photo-op. Gili Putih has no facilities (no shade except those gazebos, and no stalls unless locals set up temporary coconut stands), so bring your sun protection and water. Most people visit in the mid-afternoon when the sandbar is fully revealed and the lighting is gorgeous. Here you can wade in warm, calm shallows spotting starfish, beachcomb for shells, and enjoy a 360° panorama of Bali’s northern mountains and the Java coastline in the distance. Stay for sunset if you can – the sky often turns brilliant oranges and purples, making the surrounding sea and sand glow. Gili Putih is a photographer’s dream and a true hidden gem for those exploring North Bali. Just remember, this little island is a community-managed spot: be respectful, take your trash with you, and revel in the rare experience of standing on a tiny sand island that almost seems to float in the ocean.
10. Moyo Island
Moyo Island is a remote tropical oasis that rewards the adventurous traveler with raw natural beauty and solitude. Located just north of Sumbawa (east of Bali and Lombok), Moyo is far off the typical tourist path – and that’s exactly its appeal. This rugged island, about 350 square kilometers, is mostly a nature reserve: think lush jungles, untamed waterfalls, and untouched coral reefs. To get here, you’ll likely take a short flight from Bali to Sumbawa, then a boat to Moyo’s shore (some travelers join liveaboard cruises that include Moyo on their route). What awaits is an island where development barely exists – aside from one exclusive resort and a few homestays in the main village, Moyo remains blissfully wild and tranquil. Why go? If you love nature, Moyo is a paradise. Trek through dense forest to find Mata Jitu waterfall, a cascading pool system so enchanting that Princess Diana once visited it. Listen for the calls of rare birds and the rustle of deer or wild boar in the undergrowth. Off the coast, Moyo’s marine park offers phenomenal diving and snorkeling with healthy reefs, sea turtles, and reef sharks in clear waters (and virtually no other divers around). You can also kayak through mangrove swamps or visit a bat cave by the sea. In the evenings, without urban lights, the stars come out in full glory. Moyo Island is often described as “one of Indonesia’s most secluded and untouched islands” – a place that feels like your own secret discovery. It’s perfect for those seeking an authentic island adventure far from any crowds. Whether you’re watching the sunset from an empty beach or spotting monkeys in the wild, Moyo offers a sense of connection with nature that’s hard to find elsewhere. This hidden oasis proves that there’s so much more to explore beyond Bali – if you’re willing to go the extra mile.
Where To Go From Here
From sandbar paradises to jungle-clad isles, these secret islands around Bali deliver the kind of adventure and tranquility every traveler dreams about. Why stick to the beaten path when you can snorkel a coral garden with nobody else in sight, or watch a fiery sunset from a deserted beach? If you’re eager to uncover more of Indonesia’s hidden gems and get expert tips for exploring them, join our Indonesia guide waiting list. You’ll be first to receive our ultimate Indonesia travel guide – your ticket to even more off-the-beaten-path islands, cultural insights, and epic adventures beyond Bali’s shores. Don’t miss the boat on discovering Indonesia’s best-kept secrets – sign up now and get ready to island-hop your way to paradise!
