Bali neighboring islands how to get there. The specifics of the Gili Islands

Bali is called the Island of the Gods as one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia. The island combines an incredible history with an exotic spiritual culture, offering something for absolutely everyone. The island is truly beautiful, and its varied nature ranges from lush green forests to mountains and white sandy beaches. When choosing Bali as your holiday destination, don't forget the many lesser known islands around that are just as breathtaking and picturesque.

moyo island

Approximately 280 km from Bali, north of Sumbawa, is Moyo Island. The island is relatively remote and practically undeveloped, which did not prevent the creation of a luxury resort here. As a result, Moyo Island is the epitome of the perfect getaway for those who want to see the hidden side of Indonesia while making the most of upscale amenities. Much of the island is covered by the Moyo Game Park, a unique wildlife sanctuary. The entire coastline of the island is part of a marine reserve where you can enjoy relaxing on the beach and diving.

Nusa Chaningan

One of the islands immediately south of Bali is the small but very interesting Nusa Cheningan. A bridge leads to it from two neighboring islands. Local residents here are engaged in agriculture and collect seaweed, and tourists are happy to watch this process. Want to see breathtaking scenery? Head to the Blue Lagoon of Cheningan Island. For adrenaline seekers, Mahana Point is a must-see. The viewpoint at the top of the cliff offers exceptional views, and some visitors venture off the cliff into the clear blue sea.

Java

The large island to the west of Bali is called Java. Here you will find the largest cities including Jakarta. If you want to experience the rich cultural history and heritage of Indonesia, Java is one of the top destinations. Many excursions from Bali will allow you to explore all the delights of Java in a few days, including the ancient Hindu temples of Borobudur and the stunning Sultan's Palace - the residence of the rulers of Indonesia. Volcanoes, temples and beaches are just a few of the attractions that Java has to offer.

Komodo Island

To the west of Bali lies the unique island of Komodo. As you might have guessed from its name, the island is home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. Most of the island is part of the Komodo National Park, which also includes the islands of Rinca and Padar. This is a protected reserve for local wildlife, where the natural habitat of rare species is preserved. You can get to Komodo Island by ferry. Most visitors come on the tour from Lombok, although a tour from Bali is also possible. In addition to the unique wildlife and majestic lizards, the surrounding sea is also ideal for snorkeling. In particular, the reefs near the shore of the chest are home to sharks and rays.

Nusa Penida

The largest of the Nusa Islands off the south coast of Bali is Nusa Penida. Daily ferries and private speed boats will happily take you to its shores. Most visitors come here for Bali's secluded beaches and lack of tourist crowds compared to the rest of Bali. Crystal Bay Beach is especially popular with clean white sand, clear water and a diverse underwater world. This makes it one of the busiest beaches on Nusa Penida. If you're looking for more secluded spots, head to Goa's limestone caves of Giri Putri, or watch rare birds in the lush Tembeling Forest. Like most other resorts in Indonesia, Nusa Penida's scuba diving options are extremely diverse.

Nusa Lembongan

The third of the Nusa Islands off the coast of Bali is Nusa Lembongan. This place is quickly gaining popularity due to the breathtaking scenery and the relatively small flow of tourists. Jungut Batu is the busiest beach - a favorite of surfers and budget travelers. More secluded places can be found in the south of the island. The "Devil's Tear" is located here, where low cliffs provide stunning sea views. In addition to the abundance of beaches, Nusa Lembongan is famous for its seaweed farms, mangrove forests, and the impressive Punchak Sari Hindu temple, considered one of Bali's popular attractions.

Gili Air

There are a number of Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok. The closest island to Lombok is Gili Air, with the most relaxed atmosphere for relaxation and many options for spending time. Scuba diving, snorkelling and freediving allow you to explore the island's rich underwater life and beautiful coral reefs. The local culinary scene is based entirely on fresh fried seafood, while the nightlife is almost non-existent. However, the local bar with live music is always open to visitors. Here you can relax and have a great rest from the bustling life of Bali.

Gili Meno

Meno is the middle of the Gili Islands and also one of the most romantic places in Indonesia. Newlywed couples often come here during their honeymoon. In addition to sunset cocktails and romantic walks on the beach, Gili Meno is ideal for animal lovers. Natural attractions include the Taman Burung Bird Park and the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary, where you can watch turtles in their natural environment. For everyone, several schools are open for certified scuba diving, where you can also rent all the necessary equipment.

Gili Trawangan

If Gili Meno is for romantics, and Gili Air is for intrepid travelers, then Gili Trawangan is for nightlife lovers and noisy parties. Trawangan is the largest and most popular of the Gili Islands, with something interesting going on at any time of the day. During the day, you can take yoga classes, practice scuba diving, go boating, or sign up for surf lessons. But the island really comes to life at sunset, when bars and nightclubs open en masse, where life is in full swing until dawn.

Lombok

Lombok is a large island to the east of Bali. This diverse and picturesque place is literally made for your dream vacation. In the south of the island you will find the beach town of Kuta where surfers gather. This is the exact opposite of the beach town of the same name in Bali. Kuta on the island of Lombok offers breathtaking beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. On the less visited northern part of the island, you can take a hiking tour to the top of Mount Rinjani, admire the many waterfalls, or take a ferry tour of the Gili Islands. A livelier urban atmosphere reigns in Mataram, the island's largest city. Attractions in Matarami include the 18th-century palace at the Mayur Garden, or go on a culinary tour along Yalan Udayan.

The islands near Bali attract tourists with their beauty and pristine nature. Each of them is interesting in its own way. Somewhere there are good beaches, somewhere you can take a break from the bustle of the resort and take a walk among the tropical jungle. However, there are also places that are not inferior to the Balinese resorts in terms of level - there are hotels, restaurants, and a lot of entertainment. About what islands are near Bali and why they are interesting, I will tell you in this article.

For your convenience, all attractions on the site are divided into several groups. You are currently in the Islands category. To go to another, click on its name in the "Places by category" block. To see all the attractions, go to the "All places" section

The small island of Nusa Penida, with a total area of just over 200 km2, is located 12 kilometers southeast of Bali. Administratively, it is part of the Bali district of Klungkung. About 50 thousand people live here; the island is poorly developed in terms of tourist infrastructure, which creates a special specificity of travel here.

Biaha Island (Gi li Biaha) is located in Amuk Bay, off the southeast coast of Bali. This is a small piece of land, surrounded on all sides by a coral reef. Among the polyps, there are many tropical fish and shellfish, including quite rare species. Therefore, the place is popular among divers.

Nusa Ceningan is a small island in the Badung Strait, which is located about 15 kilometers southeast of Bali. It is part of a conditional group of three islands, along with Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Cheningan is the smallest of them in terms of area, just over 3.5 kilometers long and one and a half kilometers wide. In terms of administrative division, the island is part of Bali. It is territorially owned by Klungkung County.

Description of the islands

Bali is located between Java (in the west) and Lombok (in the east). These are two large islands that are part of Indonesia. But I will not talk about them in detail, because they require a separate large description. Here we will talk about the smaller islands that are around

In Balinese, the island is "nusa" (nusa). In Malay (which is also common in this region) - "pul au" (pulau). There is also a third option - in the language of the Sasaki people inhabiting Lombok; their island means "g ili" (gili). All three names are equally common, sometimes used simultaneously. For example, the island of Menjangan is called both "nusa" and "pulau". So that tourists do not get confused in the options, for them the island is usually designated in English - “i sland”.

Dimensions and location

Now about everything in order

Dimensions and location

The two largest islands are Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. All others are much smaller. There are also very tiny areas of land, which also have their own names.

Tourists often ask how many islands are in Bali. This question is both correct and wrong. The fact is that Bali is an island in itself. However, most of the islands listed in this article administratively belong to the province of Bali. Only three of them are included in the territory of Lombok and one belongs to Java. If you do not take them into account, then it turns out 1 4 - that's the answer to the question.

Below are the names and sizes of each island, distance from Bali and the number of people living on them.

Southeast of Bali:

Area – 0.5 km²
Distance - less than a kilometer (south of Denpasar, connected by a bridge)
The population is over 3,700 people.

Area - 202.84 km²
Distance - 15 kilometers
The population is over 50,000 people.

Area – 8 km²
Distance - 15 kilometers
Population - 5,000 people

Area – 3 km²
Distance - 20 kilometers
Population - 1,500 people

Uninhabited islands less than 0.5 km²:

Pulau Batulumbung
Nusa Batumategan (Nusa Batumateg an)
Nusa Batupadasan
Nusa Batuabah
Nusa Banah

East of Bali:

1. Gili Trawangan

Area – 3 km²
Distance - 35 kilometers
Population - 1 5 00 people

2. Gili Air

Distance - 40 kilometers
Population - 1 800 people

3 Gili Meno

Area - approximately 1.5 km²
Distance - 37 kilometers
Population - 500 people

Northwest of Bali

Area - approximately 2 km²
Distance - 1 kilometer (next to the West Bali National Park)

Area – 0.05 km²
Distance - 7 kilometers (north of the West Bali National Park)
Population - absent (there are no permanent residents here)

People live on many islands. Their main occupation is growing algae and serving tourists. The locals hardly speak English, so there may be problems in understanding. There are also uninhabited places where only tourists and fishermen come.

Islands on the map

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Nature and attractions

On the islands you can see:

mangroves
limestone rocks
Karst caves
Coral reefs
Wild animals
palm groves
white sand beaches
temples

Vegetation on many islands is rather sparse, as the climate there is arid, there is not enough fresh water. Only a few islands are covered with forest. In some places you can see large mangroves. They are formed by tropical trees that are capable of releasing aerial roots. Reaching the surface of the earth, such a root grows into the soil, an additional trunk appears. Thus, one plant turns into a whole grove, with many trunks and a single crown.

Limestone cliffs are found on the coasts. Since limestone dissolves easily in water, karst caves often form at the base of rocks. These are cavities of different sizes, which appeared as a result of erosion of rock by water.

Almost all the islands are surrounded by coral reefs, in which many colored fish, mollusks live, and rare species are also found. There are also many interesting birds and animals here. Serangan, for example, is famous for its turtle farm. And Menjang an is a nature reserve where you can see deer. Pula u Paus is called the "whale island". But there are no whales near this small island. It got its name from its shape, which resembles the head and body of a whale emerging from the water.

On some islands you can see small temples. For example, on Nusa Penida they are made of white limestone, which is how they differ from traditional Balinese ones. But in most places there are few historical and architectural monuments.

Tourist attraction and popularity

The following activities are available on the islands:

Surfing
Diving
snorkeling
Swimming
sunbathing
Hiking
Fishing
Cliff jumping
Horseback riding
Turtle farm visit

Many of the islands have calm seas and low waves, making them perfect for swimming. For the sake of surfing, it is worth coming to Lembong an. There are places for both beginners and experienced surfers. There are several surf spots near Gili Trawangan. Diving and snorkeling are available almost everywhere. Gili and Nusa Penida are the best places for a relaxing secluded holiday. Fishing, as a rule, takes place near the islands. Jumping into the water from a cliff is offered on Nusa Cheningan. Na Gili Meno, Gili T R

Separately, it should be said about Nusa Menjangan and Pulau Paus. There is no infrastructure as such. Tourists come to Menjangan to look at deer, beautiful rocks and grottoes, go diving in the coral reef. Whale Island is rarely visited, most often admired from the coast of Chandidasa, it is almost completely covered with forest. Small uninhabited islands are interesting only for their beautiful and untouched nature. It is worth going there for those who love secluded and deserted places.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are completely different islands near Bali. A trip to one of them will be a great way to diversify your vacation. You can read about how to get to a particular island in a specific article about it (the list of articles is at the beginning of this page). I recommend devoting 2-3 days to such a trip. This time is quite enough to see everything that interests you, relax and unwind away from civilization, without getting bored at the same time.

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15.10.2016

Gili Air Island is the nearest island from the largest island. Lombok, it is located 50 kilometers, in the east, from about. Bali.

Gili Air Island can be walked around in 2.5 hours - it is so small. It is the smallest of all three Gili islands.

As on neighboring island Gili Meno, the pace of life here happens honey lazy and suitable for thosewho really wantsescape the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The weather here is always warm - an average of +30.

You do not need a visa to visit this island.

You can fly into Indonesia without a visa for 30 days free of charge through the airports of Denpasar Bali and Lombok Mataram, which are located closest to the island of Gili Air.

Cheap flights

There is no airport on the island. It will be more profitable and closest to get to Gili Air by sea from the island of Lombok or Bali.

The cheapest way to look for tickets is on this site (form below).

Search and buy tickets in incognito browser mode.
Do not travel with items over 10 kg in order not to overpay several thousand rubles for luggage when flying low-cost airlines - inside Asian countries.
Flights from low-cost airlines(low cost airlines, short haul) is always cheaper to buy on their official website.
If you plan to buy tickets on Tuesday, be sure to check the IATA course for Wednesday. If the IATA rate drops on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, then the price of air tickets for international flights will also decrease from Wednesday, and then it is better to buy tickets not on Tuesday, but on Wednesday and vice versa.
After research by the largest company Expedia prices for air tickets, it was concluded that the best days to buy air tickets are Sunday evening and Tuesday. Therefore, I recommend to take a closer look at these days of the week.
Long-haul flights are cheaper to purchase in both directions at once with one airline. For example: Moscow - Denpasar Bali - Moscow.
All air tickets must be purchased at least 2 months before departure., but better for 2.5 or for a promotion or sale of the airline.

Island Feature

The uniqueness of the island can be guessed from its name - “Air”, which translates as air. Already guessed?

Answer: On the island, the transport we are used to, such as motorbikes, cars, etc., does not travel.

The only means of transportation on the island:

Bicycle for rent (from $2 per day);
Order a horse taxi (but it is very expensive).

The air on the island is perfectly clean, which is why you don’t want to leave here.

ATMs and cash

There are many ATMs on the island of Gili Air and you can certainly withdraw money from a bank card, as we did.

Cimb ATM dispenses 3 million in cash. This is the maximum for the island. I recommend withdrawing money from him. Coordinates: -8.364092 116.08487

When traveling, it is advisable to have 2 cards (in case one of the cards is unexpectedly blocked) and euros or dollars in cash.

What sights to see?

On Gili Air, the main attraction is the underwater world and the island itself, which can be walked around in a couple of hours or by bike in an hour with small stops.

Snorkeling tour and diving

You can go diving and snorkelling. Half day, with three to four stops for snorkeling (including turtle point), on a glass bottom boat will reach 1 person on average 700 - 1000 rubles .

From 10 people we have already been offered a price 400 rub. from a person.

It's worth it: you can swim with turtles, with dozens of fish species and even take pictures underwater on a bike, a favorite spot for snorkelers.

Just don't forget to buy or bring an underwater camera with you to capture unforgettable memories and capture or record on video.

Diving on Gili Air will cost more from 5000 rub for 2-3 dives.

Great chance to see manta rays, safe sharks, turtles in greater numbers than when snorkeling. And the diver does not need to say anything about it.

A real diver would never take a snorkeling tour.

A trip to the neighboring islands - Gili Meno and Gili Travagan

If you don't know yet, then I want to say that all the islands and even parts of the island are very different in energy and atmosphere. For example, an island Gili Meno is the quietest, sparsely populated and calm.

Gili Meno

In the evening, the lights are turned off in many places. This island has a lake. There are no ATMs. This is probably my favorite island.

Gili Travagan - party, youth, noisy.

If such a holiday is in your interests - active, young and always with music, then this island is for you.

Just be careful, according to reviews on the islands, there are frequent cases of poisoning by local draft drinks from alcohol. It is best to buy alcohol in closed bottles, such as beer, martinis, etc.

Get to the neighboring islands from about. Gili Air on a local boat costs mere pennies - about 60-100 rubles. with a return to the island.

Excursions on about. Lombok

There can be countless types of excursions to the neighboring largest island of Lombok, starting with learning to surf, because Lombok is a very popular island among Australian surfers, locals and Europeans.

Finishing with an excursion to numerous waterfalls, climbing to the top of the active Rinjani volcano (3726 m.)

I will list the most striking excursions to Lombok, to your arsenal:

waterfalls: Tiu Kelep, Sendang Gile, Benang Stokel
Lombok beaches:Selong Belanak and Mavi
Climbing Mount Rinjani

Of course it makes sense to stay on Lombok for a few days to explore it.

Selong Belanak on Lombok

This is a completely different world from Fr. Bali and the Gili Islands. Lombok has a lot of interesting, natural attractions. Monkeys are everywhere.

It's great to ride on transport around the island, examining the wide, deserted, beautiful beaches and settlements. When looking for a sightseeing tour, I recommend going around several offices to compare prices and feel free to bargain.

How to get to Gili Air Island?

The only way to get to Gili Air today is by sea boat. Passage from the port of Bangsal Lombok by boat to the Gili Islands takes 20 minutes and costs 1 dollar (one way) or 10,000 rupees.

Only buy tickets at the box office, and not from the hands or from intermediaries!

From Bali to the Gili Islands we sailed on a boat for 400,000 rupees per person or 2,000 rubles round trip.

From Russia, it will be cheapest to fly to about. Bali or Lombok, and from there by sea.

How to book accommodation?

The island has a huge number of bungalows, guesthouses, hotels and houses for rent.

On average, options will come across: from 800 rubles. up to 2000 rub. for two per night.

Personally, I chose the option to book accommodation in advance online, because I did not know the island and hundreds of Russians from the sunsurfers travel community should have sailed to it by that time.

http://www.agoda.com
http://www.asiahotels.com
http://www.asiarooms.com
http://www.airbnb.com

Remember: the longer the period for which you rent a house, the cheaper it will cost you.

Personally, I found a discount offer on one of the sites above and also personally called the host to negotiate a discount if I stay with him for a long time - 10 days.

As a result, not only was there a discount on the site itself, but also the owner threw off about 150-200 rubles. per night. ;)

By the way, a partial daily breakfast, which was included in the settlement fee.

Therefore, do not hesitate to bargain in Indonesia.

On the island of Gili Air, tourists often do not stay for long, and if you have a different case, then feel free to subtract 25-30% from the usual price for housing.

Food prices

Prices are both low (in warungs for locals), and medium and high for tourists. For every taste!

For example, to dine with vegetable soup, with a salad and drink it with freshly squeezed juice, an average cafe will need from 350 to 500 rubles for person.

Prices for fruits and vegetables on Gili Air:

watermelon - 50 rubles per 1 kg;
bananas - 8 rubles. a piece;
tomatoes - 70 rubles. for 1 kg;
mangosteen - 300 rubles. for 1 kg;
coconut water - 80 rubles. for 1 piece (coconut).

favorite cafe on Gili Air - Mowies

There are no problems with bottled water on the island and it is very inexpensive.

For example, in Inashop on about. Gili Air at: -8.359507 116.083956 sells water in bottles of 6 liters for 25,000 rupees or 125 rubles.

An excellent solution between 19 liter cans (fragile girls cannot be dragged away) and 1.5 liter cans (not environmentally friendly).Even in this place, sweet and inexpensive fruits and you can bargain.

If you are interested in the durian fruit, as I am, then it is better to eat them - get to Lombok or Bali. There they will cost 3-4 times cheaper.

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods and is the top tourist destination in Indonesia. Combining incredible history with an exotic, spiritual culture, Bali offers something special for every tourist. Best of all, the island is truly beautiful, with lush green forests, mountains and white sandy beaches. However, do not forget about the numerous islands near Bali, which are just as breathtaking and picturesque.

moyo island

At a distance of about 280 km from Bali is Moyo Island, which is located in the north of Sumbawa Island. Moyo Island is relatively remote from the main resorts. As a result, Moyo Island is the epitome of luxury for those who want to see fewer people and a more natural side of Indonesia. Most of the island is covered by a hunting park, where there are no buildings and a lot of wild animals. The entire coastline of the island is a protected marine area, which makes the island ideal for those who love diving or snorkeling.

Nusa Chaningan

One of the islands south of Bali is called Nusa Cheningan. Many of the locals here are engaged in the cultivation of algae.

The big island to the west of Bali is called Java, and there are fairly large cities like Jakarta. Here you can get acquainted with the rich cultural history and heritage of Indonesia. Tourists here like to visit ancient Hindu temples such as Borobudur or the Sultan's Palace, volcanoes, temples, and beaches.

Komodo Island

To the west of Bali is Komodo Island. As you would expect from the name, Komodo Island is home to many Komodo monitor lizards, the largest lizard in the world. Most of the island is part of the Komodo National Park, which also includes the islands of Rinca and Padar. Although the animals on the islands are very popular, the surrounding sea is also a wildly popular place for diving.

Nusa Penida

The largest of the Nusa Islands off the south coast of Bali is Nusa Penida. Daily ferries and private speedboats bring tourists here, and most visitors relax on the secluded beaches. Crystal Bay Beach boasts pristine white sand, clear waters and great snorkeling opportunities. You can also hike to Goa's Giri Putri limestone caves or go birdwatching in the lush Tembeling Forest.

Nusa Lembongan

The third island of Nusa, near Bali, is called Nusa Lembongan. It quickly gained a good reputation for its breathtaking scenery. There are many public beaches in Dzhungut Batu. Here is a paradise for vacationers and people with remote work. Working as an online editor will allow them to enjoy their time on the beach here and be able to work at the same time.

Gili Air

Off the coast of Lombok are several islands known as the Gili Islands. One of them, Gili Air, has a reputation for being the quietest of Gili and is a mecca for outdoor activities. Scuba diving, snorkeling and freediving are popular among tourists, while the rich underwater life and beautiful coral reefs provide many opportunities for divers.

Gili Meno

Gili Meno is the middle of the islands in Gilis and is largely known as the most romantic place in Indonesia. Aside from sunset cocktails and romantic walks on the beach, Gili Meno is a great place for animal lovers. In the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary, tourists can see turtles and their babies.

Gili Trawangan

If Gili Meno is for the romantics and Gili Air is for the adventurous, then Gili Trawangan is the place for the nightlife lovers. Trawangan is the largest and most popular of the Gili Islands and is always crowded and fun, day or night! During the day, tourists can do yoga or diving, surfing and walking. At sunset, however, the island really comes alive. Many bars and clubs, parties, will not let anyone get bored until dawn.

Lombok, an island near Bali

Lombok is a large island to the east of Bali and is a diverse and picturesque place to explore on vacation. On the southern part of the island you can see the beach of the city of Kuta, where surfers gather. North of Lombok is a less visited part of the island, where you can hike to the top of Mount Rinjani, admire the many waterfalls or take a ferry to the Gili Islands.

Bali is the first thing that comes to mind when we hear about Indonesia. The Island of the Gods - so it is not called by chance. Despite the fact that everyone relaxes in different ways, even the most sophisticated tourist will be happy in Bali. After all, there are not only wide beaches with fluffy sand, rocks that break into the sea, forests with dense emerald greenery.

Here you will see places associated with the rich history of the island, and ancient temples, as well as enjoy the unique exotic culture and feel the spirituality of Bali. Not everyone knows about the islands located around Bali. But for some they can be a real discovery.

moyo island

If you go north from Sumbawa Island, you will see paradise - this is Moyo Island. It is located 280 km from Bali. Due to its remoteness from the main routes, Moyo can offer the most memorable vacation: high-class hotels, the best service, privacy, communication with nature. You will see an Indonesia that is hidden from most tourists. Moyo Hunting Park - a wildlife sanctuary - is located here. Divers, the marine reserve is waiting for you: on Moyo Island you will discover the most interesting dive sites in Indonesia.