10 Best Islands Near Bali: Complete Guide to Top Paradise Destinations

Islands near Bali include exclusive diving spots, indulging in pristine beaches, and experiencing authentic Indonesian culture away from crowds.

Java is one of the best islands near Bali to experience culture. This island has old temples and real Indonesian history, which makes it the right place to visit to have a taste of history and culture. Java is the cultural bastion of Indonesia, boasting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Borobudur Buddhist temple. In the evening, you can enjoy the traditional performances and local markets that transform into dining and cultural hubs. 

• Activities: Temple exploration, cultural performances, volcano trekking
• Best Time to Visit: May to October

Situated east of Bali, along with West Nusa Tenggara, Lombok provides more local experiences as compared to the touristy attractions of Bali. It is one of the most perfect islands to participate in Mount Rinjani trekking, traditional villages and clear beaches. You can visit the small warungs (local eateries) that serve fresh seafood and traditional Indonesian dishes at reasonable prices. In Lombok’s Sasak villages, visitors are welcomed with cupak gerantang, a traditional song-and-dance performance. 

• Activities: Mountain trekking, cultural villages, surfing
• Best Time to Visit: April to October

This award-winning island is the best of backpacker spots in Indonesia, and all this is done in beach bars, diving schools and car-free exploration. The island itself is known for its world-class nightlife and sustainable transportation via bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy the live music and sunset cocktails in the beach bars of Gili.

• Activities: Nightlife, diving courses, bicycle tours
• Best Time to Visit: May to October

Treat yourself to the perfect blend of party atmosphere and peaceful relaxation. This iconic island destination offers internationally acclaimed food options. Gili Air operates as both a community centre and a respite to serenity. This island provides modern facilities that support the traditional fishing culture and can attract couples and single travellers across the world.

• Activities: Water sports, cultural exploration, sunset celebrations
• Best Time to Visit: May to October

Tips: Make Reservations in advance, mostly during the season.

Find peace in this remote tropical haven of exquisite beaches, which suit honeymooners. This small island is one of the most isolated islands near Bali, with only 2 kilometres long and natural areas that are undeveloped. It has a collection of traditional fishing boats and high-end eco-resorts that offer both authentic and comfortable experiences.

• Activities: Romantic dinners, turtle conservation, nature photography
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Tips: Reserve eco-resorts well in advance, with few on this tiny island.

It is one of the top treasures of Indonesia, boasting dramatic sceneries, cliff-top opulence, and romantic showpieces. The island is a 30-minute drive southeast of Bali, and allows good day-trip or longer visits. Here, you can take pleasure in the conventional seaweed cultivation and go on mangrove passages by kayak to see wildlife and experience waves colliding with Devil Tear.

• Activities: Cliff exploration, mangrove tours, luxury dining
• Best Time to Visit: April to October

It is one of the best adventure destinations near Bali. Kelingking Beach with its T-Rex cliff formation, Angel's Billabong natural pools, and Broken Beach circular lagoons are the best places to visit in Nusa Penida. This island features challenging terrain, crystal-clear waters, and manta ray diving that create unforgettable experiences among the top islands near Bali. Manta ray dives are led by PADI-certified instructors, ensuring safety and reef protection.

• Activities: Adventure photography, manta ray diving, cliff jumping
• Best Time to Visit: April to October

Tips: Hire experienced local guides for safe cliff exploration.

This island is one of the most phenomenal wildlife destinations in Indonesia as the sun sets. There are endangered Komodo dragons, naturally preserved reefs, and unique diving sites. The safety is ensured by professional park rangers and expert dive guides when one has an encounter with wildlife. Try underwater photography and traditional cultural experiences from local communities.

• Activities: Komodo dragon encounters, world-class diving, wildlife photography
• Best Time to Visit: April to October

Tips: Book guided tours well in advance, as access is strictly controlled.

Nusa Menjangan is one of the finest diving sites near Bali. This sheltered island is known to have crystal clear water with greater than 30 measurable meters of visibility. You could also attempt the temple visits as well as deer spotting, with natural coral reefs.

• Activities: Clear-water diving, temple visits, wildlife spotting
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Located in East Nusa Tenggara, it is an island that provides a variety of sceneries far away from the tourist centres. Flores is the perfect entry point to adventures in Komodo National Park, experience traditional villages and climb volcanoes. You will have an opportunity to go to the nearby restaurants and buy authentic Indonesian food at a cheaper rate than in the central Bali tourism locations.

• Activities: Cultural trekking, Komodo access, traditional villages
• Best Time to Visit: April to October

Tips: Book Komodo National Park tours with Local Guide Flore

Budget Considerations

• The high-end travellers spend between $150-300 per day, which consists of fine restaurants, luxury diving, luxury resorts, and all-inclusive high-end travellers.
• The mid-range tourists spend $40-100 a day to get comfortable accommodations, good restaurants and standard activities in the islands.
• Low-end travellers get by with $15-40/day by staying in guesthouses, eating locally and wandering on beaches at no cost.

Transportation Between Islands

Fast Boats: Connect most islands with regular schedules

• Sanur-Nusa Islands: 30-45 mins
• Bali to Gili Islands- 1.5-2 hours
• Pricing: 200,000-400,000 IDR per person

Local Island Hopping: Traditional boats for authentic experiences

• Between Gili Islands: 15-30 minutes
• Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan: 10 minutes

From party-central Gili Trawangan, to themore romantic hideaways of Gili Meno. Thrill-seekers may have good chances of having world-class experiences in islands near Bali that offer different experiences, which enhance your itinerary in the best possible way. Include these islands in your Bali honeymoon packages with Pickyourtrail to have the best tropical island holiday.