For a first-time visitor, there are a lot of things to do in Bali. Take a dip in jewel blue ocean water, get a fancy tattoo which you always wanted but never got a chance, visit some of the ancient temples, enjoy the nightlife, go for surfing or scuba diving, dine in fine restaurants near the beachfront, watch traditional dance shows, blend in the culture and tradition of Bali, watch the rich flora and fauna, go on trekking, skip to another island for peace and alone time and so much more!

When it comes to island hopping, Bali is surrounded by some real beauties that will make even the Caribbean fade. Bali might not be known for its beautiful beaches, but these islands surrounding it will totally take your breath away.

Even though many tourists coming to Bali choose to go to the Gili islands (Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan) for the white sand and turquoise water, there are a few more spots that are not as known and are a much cheaper option, being closer than the Gili Islands).

Here’s a few of the most beautiful and hidden islands surrounding Bali:

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a small island situated half an hour from Bali by speedboat. The traffic hustle doesn’t get here, so nothing spoils the magnificent scenery. The main activities on this small yet beautiful island include surfing, diving and snorkeling, where you will be able to see Manta Rays, abundant marine life and healthy coral. The water is crystal blue and the sand is white, the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, and the bars are by the beach, so this is as close to heaven as it gets.

The beach here makes the best spot to enjoy a morning coffee by the beach or to drink a cold beer on the hammock as the sun sets. You will see just a few people sitting on their porch, sipping on a coffee or a cup of tea, and a few tourists here and there. The locals are welcoming and friendly, and they will most likely invite you to come by their place and hear some stories in a broken yet lovely English, while giving you all the good they have to offer.

To get here, all you have to do is find a tour agency that would help you with the transport. There are several agencies that take care of all the transport needed for less than $50.

$5 Dinner in Nusa Lembongan

Sunset by the beach, Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Ceningan

Once you get to Nusa Lembongan, if you rent a scooter you will be able to reach easily to Nusa Ceningan. This is even a tinier island separated just by a nice yellow bridge from Nusa Lembongan. Picture a water that is clearer than anything you’ve seen before, swings by the oceans and bars and restaurants with hammocks right by the water. It all makes the scenery captured from one of your most beautiful exotic dreams.

Blue Lagoon Cliff, Nusa Ceningan

Mangroves in Nusa Lembongan

Swings at Sea Breeze Ceningan

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is much larger than Nusa Lembongan. In order to get here, you can catch the daily public ferry at 11:00 am and can also catch a smaller private speed boat service that typically carries up to 20 people. You might need to buy tickets in advance for this adventure, just to make sure you won’t have any hurdles in finding a last-minute spot on the boat.

Here you’ll have more options to visit in terms of tourist spots, since the island is bigger than Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Needless to say, we suggest renting a car or booking a guide for the trips, since the scooter rides can be really bumpy due to bad infrastructure.

Best places to visit in Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach and Viewpoint

Kelingking Beach is a hidden beach in the village of Bunga Mekar, on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida island and this viewpoint is one of the trademarks of Nusa Penida and Bali. You can admire the beautiful beach from the viewpoint, or you can go down by doing a trail to the Secret Point Beach. The trail is quite hard to access (some may say quite dangerous) and it takes around one hour to reach the beach. If you plan to be adventurous and take the way down, you need to trek through a steep but safe path to get down to the beach, somewhat tiring, but totally worth it. Just make sure you have the right shoes and enough water with you, since the sun and physical effort can drain all your energy.

Viewpoint in Nusa Penida - Kelingking Beach

Pasih Uug Beach

Angel's Billabong Beach

Crystal Bay Beach

If you want to enjoy all the beautiful spots Nusa Penida has to offer, booking an all-day guide might be the most carefree option. The guides will take you to the most famous spots this island has to offer Broken Bay, Angels Billabong, Klingkling beach, Crystal Bay and might know the best ways to reach to these spots. They will also provide fresh drinks and snacks during the way, so there will be nothing you will need to worry about. It’s always good to count on the local guides as they always know the best spots and the safest way to get there.

When it comes to snorkeling, this place will leave you speechless. From amazing colors to stunning Manta Rays, make sure you include this on your to do list while visiting Nusa Penida as the marine life here is colorful and abundant.

Bali is a magical place where dreams do come true, and these small islands surrounding it look better than anything you’ve seen before. The kindness and warmth of locals, the small family restaurants with four-course meal for less than 5$ and the peace you will find here will definitely make you consider coming back.