Island hopping from Bali: explore the best nearby islands

Dreaming of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and island adventures beyond the Bali crowds? Island hopping from Bali is your ticket to paradise! From the dramatic cliffs of Nusa Penida to the laid-back charm of the Gili Islands and the wild beauty of Lombok, there’s a whole world to discover just a short boat ride away.

Discover our top picks for island hopping destinations from Bali, plus useful travel tips to help you plan your ferry trips smoothly and start exploring Indonesia’s hidden gems, one island at a time!

The laid-back charm of Sanur beach in Bali

Top island hopping destinations from Bali

From hidden coves to cliffside views, these are the must-visit islands for an unforgettable Bali island-hopping journey:

The Nusa Islands: Penida, Lembongan & Ceningan

Just off the southeast coast of Bali, the Nusa Islands - Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan - are the perfect start to your island hopping Bali adventure. All 3 Nusa Islands are part of a protected marine area, which means healthier reefs, clearer waters and an abundance of marine life, ideal for snorkeling and diving

Nusa Penida

Rugged and wild, Nusa Penida is Bali’s adventurous sibling. It’s the largest of the three and famous for its jaw-dropping cliffs, secret beaches and dramatic coastlines. Highlights include Kelingking beach and Crystal bay, a snorkeler’s paradise.

Despite its growing popularity, Penida still feels remote and untamed. Cliff hikes, hidden temples and untouched landscapes make it ideal for explorers. Just keep in mind that the roads can be rough, so bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some motion sickness tablets).

The ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida takes between 20 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the itinerary, with tickets starting at around €10.

The jaw-dropping cliffs of Kelingking beach on Nusa Penida

Nusa Lembongan

If Penida is the wild child, Nusa Lembongan is the chill one. Think pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and slow island vibes. You won’t find cars here, just scooters and pick-up taxis trundling along the narrow roads. It’s a perfect spot to unwind or dive straight into some of the island’s underwater magic.

Top things to do? Snorkel with manta rays and sunfish, wander through the lush Lembongan Mangroves, or feel the spray at the dramatic Devil’s Tear cliffs. Dream beach and Mushroom bay are exactly what their names promise - dreamy and utterly relaxing.

Getting from Bali to Nusa Lembongan takes around 30-40 minutes and prices start from €9.50.

Tip: Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the three, connected to Lembongan by the iconic Yellow Bridge. This peaceful little island is perfect for a slow-paced escape. Cliff jumpers can test their nerves at Blue Lagoon, while others can simply enjoy the postcard-worthy views from Secret Point or relax in boutique beach retreats.

Encounter with a manta ray while snorkeling near Nusa Lembongan

The Gili Islands: Trawangan, Air & Meno

If your idea of island hopping from Bali includes turquoise waters and barefoot luxury - the Gili Islands are calling. This charming cluster of 3 islands off the northwest coast of Lombok is free from motorized vehicles, making it the perfect place to slow down, unplug and soak in the island life.

Each island has its own distinct rhythm, so whether you're in the mood to party, chill or completely disappear, there's a Gili for you.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan (or just “Gili T”) is the largest of the tree and the life of the party. But don’t let its reputation fool you: beyond the clubs, pubs and beach bars lies a stunning underwater world, perfect for diving and snorkeling. Swim with turtles, explore colorful coral gardens or hop on a paddleboard and take in the epic sunset views.

By day, Gili T is all about beach lounging and water adventures. By night, the east coast lights up with beach parties and an energy that’s hard to resist. It’s the ultimate island for mixing laid-back days with lively nights.

Tip: you can even go horse riding along the beach at sunset - talk about holiday goals.

Beautiful view of Gili Trawangan's crystal-clear waters

Gili Air

Perfectly balanced between laid-back charm and low-key energy lies Gili Air. This island is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed vibe but still enjoy a bit of buzz. It has the soul of a fishing village, the charm of boutique cafés and some excellent snorkeling just off the shore.

Take a cooking class, sip coconuts under swaying palms or explore the coastline on foot (you can walk around the whole island in under 2 hours). Gili Air offers a bit of everything, without the crowds.

Useful info: since all Gili islands are completely car- and scooter-free, your ride will be a bicycle or a traditional horse cart (cidomo).

Gili Meno

Looking for peace, quiet and postcard-perfect beaches? Gili Meno is your match. It’s the smallest and most serene of the three islands, spanning a mere 2 km in length and just over 1 km in width, often chosen by honeymooners or anyone craving a proper escape.

Here, time slows down. Stroll the soft white sands, visit the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary, or dive into the magical underwater sculpture garden. You’ll also find a saltwater lake and mangroves to explore. Finally, we recommend taking a sunset walk around the island. You’ll catch views of all 3 Gilis, plus Lombok and even Bali’s majestic Mount Agung in the distance.

Tip: the best time to visit the Gili Islands is during the dry season (April to September) when the sea is calm and the skies are blue. Keep in mind that the busiest months are July, August and December. You can explore all available Bali to Gili Islands ferry routes on Ferryhopper and book your trip with ease.

The iconic Bask Nest underwater sculpture in Gili Meno

Lombok

Looking for a slice of Indonesia that feels a little wilder, a little quieter and a lot less touristy? Lombok is the perfect place for you. With its soaring volcanoes, lush rainforests, remote beaches, and rich Sasak tribal culture, this island is a dream for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and a favorite among hikers, dominates the skyline. Not into trekking? No worries. You can chase hidden waterfalls in the jungle, discover coastal villages or just relax on breathtaking beaches.

While Senggigi is the main hub (great for easy access and quality resorts), head south to really feel the vibe: Kuta is growing fast but still laid-back, while Selong Belanak and Belongas Bay are known for soft sands, surf spots and those picture-perfect views.

The Bali - Lombok trip lasts between around 1 hour and 5.5 hours and ticket prices start at €18.

Lombok is just a short boat ride from Bali, making it an easy and rewarding island hopping stop - especially if you're looking to escape the crowds.

Tip: combine Lombok with a trip to the nearby Gili Islands for the best of both worlds.

The stunning crater lake Segara Anak as seen from the majestic peak of Mount Rinjanι

Gili Gede

Tucked away off the southwest coast of Lombok, Gili Gede is the largest of the so-called “Secret Gilis”. Stretching just 4 km, this peaceful island is a world away from the party buzz of the northern Gilis.

With only a handful of small resorts and almost no tourism infrastructure, Gili Gede offers that rare, unspoiled island experience that’s getting harder to find. Here, you will spend your day walking barefoot, snorkelling and watching the sunset.

Thanks to its close proximity to the Lombok mainland, Gede is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the south coast. Take a day trip to Selong Belanak’s wide crescent beach, venture into the wild beauty of Belongas Bay or hop between nearby islets for a private snorkel adventure.

You can reach Gili Gede from the port of Serangan in Bali in 2 hours. Tickets cost around €58.

Useful tips about island hopping from Bali

Here are some useful travel tips about island hopping from Bali:

• Choose lightweight clothing and don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle. If you’re planning hikes, diving or visiting temples, pack accordingly (and throw in something modest to wear for sacred sites). 
• It’s tempting to cram as many islands into your itinerary as possible, but slow travel wins here. Spend at least a night or two on each island to really take it in.
• Most islands have multiple departure and arrival ports, so try to book accommodation nearby to avoid unnecessary transfers, especially if you’re catching an early boat.
• While Bali and the bigger islands are well-connected, ATMs can be scarce or unreliable on the smaller ones. It’s a good idea to bring some cash, especially for local restaurants, rentals or small shops.
• If you’re island hopping around August 17th, you’re in for a treat. That’s Indonesia’s Independence Day and local villages come alive with games, parades and traditional celebrations. It’s a fun and meaningful way to connect with local culture.

A peaceful beach scene on Gili Gede island

Book island hopping Bali tickets online

On Ferryhopper, you can easily book island-hopping tickets from Bali. Find all the information you need about available ferry routes on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, compare ferry companies and itineraries, and plan your trip to Lombok, and the Nusa and Gili Islands with confidence!

Useful info: find out all about ferry schedules from/to Bali in our dedicated ferry guide.