Bali is a fabulous destination, so much colour, a must see for any travel fan. If you’re craving a slower-paced Bali, without the crowds, traffic, and tourist touts, the Nusa Islands are where you’ll find it. The most popular of the three islands is Nusa Lembongan, about 20 kilometers offshore from Sanur and easily accessible by speedboat. Surfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddle boarding are the main activities here, and the top attractions include beautiful Dream Beach; Mushroom Bay; and the Devil’s Tears rock outcrop, with views of crashing surf erupting over the rocks. Many locals still make their living from seaweed farming, and you can watch them harvesting it by the shore. The neighboring island, Nusa Ceningan, lies just over a bridge from Nusa Lembongan, with a beautiful blue lagoon, and the largest of the island trio, Nusa Penida, is a quick boat ride away. Rock formations, caves, and a bird sanctuary are Nusa Penida’s top draws, and diving is one of the most popular things to do here, with the chance to see manta rays, sunfish, and turtles. Accommodation on the islands ranges from rustic huts to luxury villas.
Nusa Lembongan is a good place to visit if you’re looking for a quick island getaway from Bali. The beaches aren’t as nice as those on the Gili Islands but there are more exploration options, including trips to surreal coastal features. The two beaches most people stay near are kind of average though, so if all you want is a lazy beach holiday I’d recommend the Gilis. This small island is joined to Nusa Lembongan by a bridge and can easily be visited in a few hours (I walked there from my guesthouse at Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan). You can stay there too obviously and there are some nice little beaches scattered around the island. The real highlight though is the Blue Lagoon – such a nice shade of blue! See more info at Boat to Nusa Penida.
Tanah Lot Temple sits on a craggy rock in the sea. Tanah Lot means Land in the Sea in the local language, and the temple is an interesting site with the waves crashing around it and the deep blues of the ocean stretching far into the distance behind. Dating back to the 16th century, it is said that a shrine was built on the rocks to honour the gods of the sea. The site grew into the temple that stands there today. There are both elements from Hinduism and from local Balinese mythology within the site, and poisonous sea snakes are said to protect the temple from malevolent spirits and trespassers.
Nusa Dua is known for being one of the most expensive parts of the island but if your budget allows for a little luxury then make your way to this upscale enclave. Here you will find a dedicated tourist area with manicured lawns and private beaches and all of the big name resorts like the Marriott are located here. It’s a great place to relax for a few days away from the crowds and you can spend time sunbathing or enjoying a spa treatment.
Gili Ferries is a ‘hassle free’ online booking system for fast boat tickets from Bali to Gili, Bali to Nusa Penida and Bali to Nusa Lembongan. Because we work directly with the fast boat companies we can offer the best price and issue instant e-tickets. All our prices are inclusive of free hotel transfer in Bali (terms apply). Source: https://giliferries.com/.