Best Day Trips from Bali: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida & Beyond

While Bali is filled with incredible sights and experiences, some of the island’s most unforgettable adventures lie just beyond its shores. A short boat ride away are tropical escapes like Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan, each offering their own unique blend of pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, vibrant marine life, and local culture.

Whether you’re craving an adrenaline-pumping cliff jump, a tranquil beach day, or a chance to snorkel with manta rays, these off-shore gems make for perfect day trips or quick overnight getaways. Here’s your complete guide to the best island-hopping adventures just beyond Bali’s coastline. 🛥️🌴

🌊 1. Nusa Lembongan – Laid-Back Paradise with Ocean Vibes

Just 30 minutes by fast boat from Sanur, Nusa Lembongan is the most accessible of the Nusa Islands—and one of the most beloved for its chilled atmosphere, surf breaks, and clear waters. Despite its popularity, the island maintains a relaxed, small-town vibe, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from mainland hustle.

Explore Dream Beach, a stunning crescent of white sand ideal for sunbathing and photography, or head to Mushroom Bay, where the calm waters are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Don’t miss the spectacular Devil’s Tears, a coastal blowhole where waves crash dramatically into cliff walls, sending ocean spray high into the air.

Rent a scooter and cruise across the Yellow Bridge into Nusa Ceningan for more exploration. Or, take a mangrove tour in the north to learn about the island’s delicate ecosystems. It’s a fantastic destination for couples, solo travelers, or families looking to spend the day in barefoot luxury.

🛥️ How to Get There: 30-minute boat from Sanur (multiple operators daily)
🥂 Best For: Beach lovers, casual adventurers, and surfers

🐠 2. Nusa Penida – Bali’s Wild Side Unleashed

The largest of the three Nusa Islands, Nusa Penida is famed for its jaw-dropping cliffs, otherworldly viewpoints, and thrilling adventures. It’s also a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise, with chances to spot manta rays, turtles, and colorful coral gardens.

Start your journey at Kelingking Beach, where the T-Rex-shaped cliff formation and turquoise waters create one of the most iconic vistas in Indonesia. Descend the steep trail for a rewarding swim if you’re up for the challenge—or simply take in the view from the top. Nearby, Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong offer stunning natural arches and tidal pools carved by the sea.

For snorkeling, visit Crystal Bay or Manta Point, where you can glide beside majestic mantas in their natural habitat. The island’s infrastructure is still developing, so expect bumpy roads but massive rewards. Nusa Penida is best for adventurous souls who don’t mind trading comfort for jaw-dropping nature.

🛥️ How to Get There: 40-minute boat from Sanur or Padangbai
🎯 Best For: Adventure seekers, nature photographers, and snorkelers

🌉 3. Nusa Ceningan – The Underrated Island Gem

Connected to Nusa Lembongan by the iconic Yellow Bridge, Nusa Ceningan is often skipped by travelers rushing to Penida—but those who stop here are rewarded with vibrant coastal views, cliff-jumping thrills, and peaceful seclusion.

Highlights include Blue Lagoon, a surreal turquoise inlet where you can relax or take daring cliff dives from nearby platforms (at your own risk). Secret Beach lives up to its name, tucked away and rarely crowded—ideal for reading, meditation, or a quiet swim. The entire island can be explored in under an hour by scooter, with breathtaking views around every turn.

Ceningan also offers laid-back beachfront cafés, seaweed farms, and hidden hammock spots that feel worlds away from Bali’s tourist zones. It’s a wonderful extension to a Lembongan trip or a peaceful place to spend a night off the grid.

🛥️ How to Get There: Cross the Yellow Bridge by scooter or foot from Nusa Lembongan
🌅 Best For: Peaceful escapes, cliff-jumpers, and Instagram-worthy views

🌿 4. Menjangan Island – Bali’s Best Kept Diving Secret

Located off the coast of West Bali National Park, Menjangan Island is one of the most pristine spots in the region for diving, snorkeling, and marine conservation. Known for its crystal-clear waters, rich biodiversity, and vibrant coral reefs, Menjangan is ideal for travelers who love eco-adventures and untouched nature.

This small, uninhabited island features dramatic underwater drop-offs, and you can often spot schools of reef fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks. It’s also a spiritual site, home to a large Ganesha statue and ancient temples that add a sacred element to your visit. The snorkeling here is gentle and shallow—perfect for beginners and families.

As it lies within a protected national park, Menjangan has remained peaceful, clean, and unspoiled, far from Bali’s more touristic zones. The best way to explore is by joining a guided boat tour from Pemuteran or nearby accommodations.

🛥️ How to Get There: 30-minute boat from Pemuteran or Labuan Lalang, North Bali
🐢 Best For: Divers, snorkelers, and eco-conscious travelers

🏖️ 5. Gili Islands – A Tropical Archipelago Escape

Though technically part of Lombok, the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Air, and Meno) are popular day and overnight trips for those wanting white sands, coral reefs, and a no-car lifestyle. These islands offer something for everyone:

• Gili Trawangan is known for its vibrant nightlife and social atmosphere.
• Gili Air is a peaceful haven with beach yoga, snorkel spots, and romantic cafés.
• Gili Meno, the quietest of the three, is perfect for total relaxation and underwater statues.

Explore the reefs by glass-bottom kayak or snorkel, dine at beachside BBQs, and enjoy the island’s serene pace. While day trips are possible, many opt to spend a night or two for the full tropical escape.

🛥️ How to Get There: 1.5 to 2.5 hour fast boat from Padangbai (Bali’s east coast)
🏝️ Best For: Island hoppers, honeymooners, and laid-back luxury travelers

🏨 Where to Stay (If You Stay Overnight)

✔️ The Tamarind Resort – Nusa Lembongan
Luxury hillside villas with panoramic views, a serene spa, and direct access to the island’s top spots.

✔️ Adiwana Warnakali Resort – Nusa Penida
Cliffside boutique hotel near dive spots and Crystal Bay, with unbeatable views and peaceful surroundings.

✔️ Le Pirate Beach Club – Nusa Ceningan
Stylish beachfront huts, perfect for sunset drinks, ocean dips, and minimalist island vibes.

✔️ Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa – Menjangan Island
A luxury eco-resort inside the West Bali National Park, ideal for exploring both land and sea.

✔️ Karma Reef – Gili Meno
Boho-chic beachfront glamping with dreamy views, wellness sessions, and total privacy.

Bali’s neighboring islands offer a stunning variety of experiences—from thrilling cliff dives and manta ray snorkeling to peaceful mangroves and coral sanctuaries. These day trips go beyond the typical itinerary, inviting you to explore the richness of the region’s marine and cultural life while enjoying island-hopping freedom.

Whether you go for a day or spend the night, you’ll return with memories of untouched beaches, brilliant underwater worlds, and quiet moments in places where nature still leads the way.

📸 Want more island-hopping inspiration? Follow us for tips, photos, and travel hacks: @baliexpertguide