Long-haul
Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands: cliffs, mantas and car-free islands
From the clifftop you look down on a strip of white sand between turquoise water and a headland shaped like a dinosaur. How to see Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands, and where to stay.
From the clifftop you look down on a strip of white sand, surrounded by turquoise water and a headland that looks like a dinosaur. It takes half an hour down the steep path and just as long back up. Nusa Penida is Bali with sharper edges, and only a short boat ride away.
Further east lie the Gili Islands, three small car-free islands where you can cycle round a whole island in an hour and snorkel with turtles. Here is how to combine them, and where to stay.
The links to the hotels and experiences are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nusa Penida
Kelingking: the famous cliff and the beach below. The path down is steep, so wear good shoes.
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong: a natural arch in the cliff and a rock pool by the sea.
Manta Point: snorkel or dive with manta rays.
Crystal Bay and Diamond Beach: swimming and sunsets.
The fast boat from Sanur takes under an hour. The roads on the island are narrow and bumpy, so a driver is worth it.
Book the experience: See tours and snorkelling on Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida
The Sankara sits on the beach on the north coast.
Nusa Penida: The Sankara Beach Penida
Most people visit Nusa Penida on a day trip, but with a night or two on the island you reach the cliffs before the day visitors arrive. The Sankara sits on the beach on the north coast, with a pool and views towards Bali and Mount Agung.
Guests praise the staff, and breakfast is included.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Sankara Beach Penida
The Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan: the largest and liveliest, with bars, restaurants and sunsets on the west side.
Gili Meno: the quietest, with turtles and the underwater sculptures.
Gili Air: somewhere in between, with cafés and a relaxed feel.
There are no cars on the islands. You walk, cycle or take a horse cart. Fast boats from Bali take about two hours, and from Lombok it is a short hop.
Book the experience: See snorkelling and tours on the Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan
Pondok Santi sits in an old coconut plantation on Gili Trawangan.
Gili Trawangan: Pondok Santi Estate
Pondok Santi sits in an old coconut plantation by the beach on the south side of Gili Trawangan, away from the party strip. The villas are scattered among the palms, and the sea is right outside.
You get both peace and walking distance to the restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Pondok Santi Estate
Gili Meno
BASK sits on the beach on Gili Meno.
Gili Meno: BASK Gili Meno
BASK sits on the beach on Gili Meno, close to the underwater sculptures. The villas are modern with pools, and the beach is one of the finest on the islands.
Book your stay: See rooms at BASK Gili Meno
Gili Meno
Meno House sits close to the reef on Gili Meno.
Gili Meno: Meno House
Meno House is a smaller hotel with a pool and restaurant, close to one of the best snorkelling spots. A more affordable option if you want peace and quiet.
Book your stay: See rooms at Meno House
Lombok: The Lombok Lodge
For more space, The Lombok Lodge sits on the north coast of Lombok, looking out towards the Gili Islands. From here you take a boat to the islands on a day trip.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Lombok Lodge
When is the best time to go?
The dry season from April to October is best for both Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands, with calmer seas and clearer water. In the rainy season boat crossings can be rougher, and some departures are cancelled in bad weather.
When should you book?
Fast boats: book a couple of days ahead, with a reputable operator.
Hotels in July and August: book three to four months ahead.
Order: start in Ubud, take Nusa Penida from Sanur and finish on the Gili Islands.
Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands FAQ
Can you do Nusa Penida as a day trip?
Yes, the fast boat from Sanur takes under an hour and many go for the day. With a night on the island you can see more and avoid the queues at Kelingking.
Which Gili Island should you choose?
Gili Trawangan is the liveliest, Gili Meno the quietest and Gili Air somewhere in between. Many people stay on one and take boats to the others.
How do you get to the Gili Islands from Bali?
By fast boat from Bali, which takes about two hours, or from Lombok with a short boat ride from Bangsal.
Can you see manta rays on Nusa Penida?
Yes, at Manta Point and Manta Bay you can snorkel or dive with manta rays for much of the year.
Where should I stay on Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands?
Stay at The Sankara Beach Penida on Nusa Penida, and at Pondok Santi Estate on Gili Trawangan or BASK on Gili Meno.